From Arsenal to the Ball God

At the same time, he deceives himself, giving him the fleeting feeling that he can thrive anywhere, a strange sense of achievement that Arsenal fans will continue to feel angry and regretful about his departure.

”You traitor!”

”Go to hell!”

”.....”

But to his disappointment, only a few Arsenal fans stood up to curse him; there wasn’t any large-scale booing, and everyone seemed indifferent to him.

Feeling somewhat defeated, he turned to glance at Wenger by the sidelines, and this time he found some solace, as Wenger’s eyes were fixed on him with disgust and confusion.

”Vamos.....!”

After finishing his sliding kneel, Fabregas arrogantly waved towards the Arsenal fans, and then embraced Ribery.

Of course, they both knew when to push and when to pull, and quickly ran back after expressing themselves.

And Wenger’s emotional changes were felt not only by Fabregas.

Arsenal’s players, paired with Xiaofa’s sliding kneel, clearly sensed Wenger’s current heartbreak and complexity, especially those who had experienced last year’s departure turmoil.

Gilbert and the defensive players looked at Xiaofa’s back with ferocity, blaming themselves; they didn’t say much as they slowly walked back to their starting positions.

Ma’el also glared at Fabregas, then locked eyes with Gilbert.....they all wanted to make the incorrigible Fabregas pay in their own ways.

”Beep!”

With the game time continuing to tick away and Arsenal’s victory not so stable, the confrontation between both teams intensified and the pace on the field quickened.

”The long pass is taken by Ivanovic! That’s rare, he seldom intercepts and makes tackle stats on Ma’el!

”Now it’s a Chelsea counterattack, Brazilian midfielder Oscar’s figure is very agile, no one can touch him!

”This might also be a habit he developed from a young age because he knows that if he engages with those strong defensive players, he will surely fall and lose control of the ball!

”He sends a direct pass to the flank looking for Ribery.....ah! In pure speed, Ribery seems too powerless in front of Kyle Walker, with the ball being shielded out of bounds.”

”.....”

”Ma’el cuts inside again! There are many players in the central area for a cross, should he try one?

”He opts for a low diagonal shot instead! A beautiful change, this ball breaks through the defense, and Van Persie intercepts and follows up!

”Left-foot strike! Cech!! Blocks the ball again! Arsenal almost increased their lead!

”Peter Cech, if not for that accident, would have become the world’s best goalkeeper, but it’s a pity that after it, his name couldn’t be as long-lasting as Casillas and Buffon’s.”

”.....”

”For neutral fans, Chelsea equalizing may be what they want to see because that means a more exciting last 20 minutes of the match.

”But let’s first look at this attack, Fabregas is dribbling towards Gilbert!”

”.....”

On the field’s midfield position, Fabregas mocked Gilbert side by side, seemingly enticing him to commit a reckless foul to create a set-piece or even get a player sent off.

Gilbert initially wanted to directly trip him over, to show the detestable player a fierce slide tackle.

But upon reaching Xiaofa’s side, he suddenly realized this might fall into the other’s plan.

This led him to brake suddenly, stopping just before going down for a tackle, slowing down and focusing his attention.

This change caught Fabregas slightly off guard.

”Boom.....!”

He knocked the ball to the right, but his body wasn’t ready to follow up.....this move was merely to avoid Gilbert’s tackle on the ball, not to genuinely bypass or advance.

He was suddenly stuck in place, this change of direction made him the victim of a defensive feint.

”Pop...!”

Gilbert didn’t expect this calmness would lead to a successful interception. With a joyful expression, he sprinted forward, hooking the ball back into his control.

Fabregas didn’t give up, moving up and fiercely charging against Gilbert’s shoulder.

Unfortunately, Gilbert was no longer the Gilbert of old; he was now very strong, with an unusually stable lower body.

”Bang!” The thud of bone colliding and a slight stagger, Fabregas was knocked a meter away.

Taking advantage of the gap, Gilbert passed the ball to Arteta nearby, then adjusted his focus to evade Fabregas and sprinted forward at high speed.

”Boom...boom!”

Arteta immediately executed a one-two with Gilbert, who, upon receiving the ball, passed it to Cazorla.

The latter stopped the ball, turned to face the attack direction, then struck a quick mid-to-long distance switch pass to the left flank.

The series of one-touch passes and quick advancements gave the fans a feast, enthusiastically exclaiming. This beautiful football was also why many fell in love with Wenger and Arsenal.

”Boom...!”

On the left flank, Ma’el received the ball, knocked it to the better positioned Van Persie in the middle, and then headed towards the penalty area.

Handling the ball himself is only occasional within the 90 minutes of the match; he must trust the over a dozen other teammates.

Only this way can this collective become better, with hopes to maintain their momentum moving forward.

After taking the ball, Van Persie turned along with the incoming ball, seeking a Dipping Shot into the far corner, yet finding the route blocked, he returned the ball to Cazorla, then turned and plunged into the penalty area.

”Boom.” Cazorla, without stopping the ball, smoothly passed it to Ma’el inside the penalty area, facing David Luiz.