Becoming a football god from Arsenal

Chapter 254: Manchester City is a tough opponent! This is an assist? No explanation needed!
"Beep!"

At 7: pm, the kick-off whistle for the sixth round of the Premier League was blown, and Manchester City center forward Dzeko sent the ball from the center circle for the team.

"Clap clap clap!"

"Aaahhhh!!"

Amid the cheers of the away Arsenal expeditionary force, the luxurious new Arsenal trident rushed across the half court and began to press Manchester City's defenders.

Looking at the strong bodies and handsome backs of these three people, the fans seemed to see three mountains of running money, which added up to nearly 2.5 million euros.

"Mael! Van Persie! Bale!!"

The names of these three people kept ringing out at the Etihad Stadium. Arsenal fans, who had not seen such a lavish lineup in a long time, were very enthusiastic, even outshining the home team fans.

On the sidelines, Wenger looked at the three people and a smile appeared on his face.

Having such a forward line is what he had always dreamed of, and it is what makes him live in happiness every day.

"Mr. Mancini is waiting for you over there." A voice came from the side. It was Hans who came over and pointed at the extension line of the center circle to remind him.

"Oh."

Wenger patted his head and smiled apologetically. He was so focused on admiring the three of them wearing the Arsenal jersey and fighting together that he forgot to go to the center circle to shake hands.

He walked hurriedly towards that direction, but as he walked he couldn't help but feel a bit arrogant.

Obviously, when he faced the head coach of a top team this season, he had a different mentality than last season.

As he approached, Mancini had a teasing smile on his face and asked, "Feeling different?"

"Everything is indeed different now." Wenger smiled and stretched out his hand to shake hands with Mancini.

In the middle and late stages of last season, the two of them were the biggest rivals for the Premier League title. When they meet again in the new season, it is inevitable that they have a feeling of mutual admiration and reminiscing about the past.

"I admire you."

Mancini patted Wenger on the shoulder, then turned around with a smile, and as soon as Wenger's gaze was avoided, a melancholy look appeared on his face.

He really envied Wenger, envied his ability and energy, envied that he could fall in love with a club and stay there for more than ten years to become a legend.

But most of all, he envied Wenger's luck.

Arsenal turned everything around last season, and it was almost all due to the emergence of Maher.

Sometimes Mancini would wonder why he couldn't promote such a figure from the youth training camp and work with him to compete for all the honors in European football.

It’s not that he hasn’t tried. He has paid close attention to Manchester City’s youth training camp in recent years and has also set his sights on a young man named Foden.

But the other party is too young, and by the time he grows up, he will probably have left the club.

After all, it is very difficult to stick to a club like Wenger did.

"Ugh"

Looking at the lineup on the field which had not been enhanced at all compared to last season, Mancini sighed helplessly and looked a little depressed.

Manchester City invested less than 4000 million pounds in the summer transfer window, and only bought players who were not considered first-line players such as Xavi Garcia, Scott Sinclair and Rodwell.

Jokingly speaking, their investment this summer window is at the 'Arsenal' level, while Arsenal's summer window investment is more like the 'Manchester City' level.

I don’t know if the Middle Eastern consortium has lost confidence in the champion, or rather, has lost confidence in him.

Perhaps if he hadn't played well in the first few games, he would have left long ago, and a new coach would have come in with a large transfer fee to adjust the team.

Without thinking any more, Mancini began to pay serious attention to the game.

Sometimes one should not be too self-deprecating. He should have confidence in his team. Compared with the opponents Arsenal met in the first five rounds, Manchester City is definitely capable of inflicting damage on them.

"Arsenal have faced a big challenge since the start of the season. I think there are not many teams that can make them feel threatened this season, and Manchester City is one of them."

In the broadcast room, Zhan Jun and Zhang Lu, the old partners, chatted about the game again, "Besides that, there are Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur who have the added bonus of a derby!
“It seems like the rest of the teams are quite far behind them.”

After hearing what Zhan Jun said, Zhang Lu nodded and continued the topic: "But while striving to win the strong dialogue, we must also pay attention to other teams.

"A team that you feel is not a big threat to you may take advantage of your underestimation and stab you in the back."

"Yes." Zhan Jun turned the topic to the two teams themselves. "Before the game, Arsenal's expected goals were 2.9, and Manchester City's expected goals were 2.1. Does Zhang Zhi think this reflects the gap between the two teams?"

"more or less."

Zhang Lu was laughing and didn't dare to make a prediction for fear of being embarrassed. He just explained: "It's normal for Arsenal's expected goals to be high. Maher averaged 2 goals per game this season. He would be blamed for only scoring 1 goal.

"As for Manchester City, it may be because of their high scoring rate in the past games. Many forwards in the team are in good shape."

"Look at the opportunity this time!" Zhan Jun's tone suddenly became excited when he saw something.

On the field, as Cazorla intercepted David Silva's ball on the wing, all Arsenal players instantly entered a counterattack state.

Manchester City's defense line consciously moved towards Maher, ready to defend him closely.

"Oh!"

Cazorla also noticed this. Without any hesitation, he made a long pass to the right side where Bale was advancing.

"Boom!"

Bale took a big step forward, speeded up using his very personal running posture, and got the ball.

Since the Manchester City players were unable to get close in a short period of time, he only encountered the defense of Clichy.

"Oh!"

Bale decisively chose to take a long pass to the bottom line and use his speed to eat Clichy alive.

Clichy had no means of resistance and was left behind in the blink of an eye. He and Bale seemed to be running at two different paces, like an adult racing against a child.

Eat it by force!

Gone!
“Ohhh!!”

Arsenal fans cheered enthusiastically. Watching Bale's performance on the wing, they felt a feast for the eyes and a sense of extreme satisfaction.

Mahre on the left and Bale on the right, both of them are famous fast horses in the world football today. Add to that Van Persie who has superb finishing ability in the middle, this frontcourt is picturesque from any angle!

Countless people have expressed this sentiment many times, but still couldn't help shaking their heads and sighing with the people around them.

"Oh!"

After Bale went to the baseline, he glanced at the middle and swept directly across the goal, looking for Van Persie who was flanking the middle.

Unfortunately, just as Van Persie was about to touch the ball, England international Lescott kicked the ball out of the baseline.

Corner kick!

"Clap, clap!" The whole stadium burst into applause. Arsenal fans did not blame the team. Instead, more hope flashed in their eyes. They increasingly felt that the team had a chance to try in the Champions League this season.

Time moves forward quickly, they want to see Arsenal qualify as the first in the group and fight in the knockout stage!

They want to get rid of the title of the 16th place in the Champions League that they have held for many years and strive to win the first championship in team history!

"Oh!"

After the corner kick, no threat was created and the ball was cleared at the front point, and the two sides were once again caught in a tug-of-war.

As everyone expected, Manchester City, as a strong team, did not fall into a big disadvantage on the field, and the two sides had similar ball possession rates.

They can also launch a powerful attack, causing considerable trouble to Arsenal, but at most their offensive threat is slightly smaller than that of Arsenal.

In the 34th minute of the game, Manchester City got a corner kick. David Silva waved and then passed a curved ball.

In the middle, due to the crossing movements of Manchester City players, Arsenal's penalty area fell into a certain chaos, and the ball fell on the head of Manchester City center back Lescott.

"Bang!!"

"Lescott!! A powerful header! The ball goes in! Lori can't stop the ball from being so close! One to zero! Manchester City takes the lead!"

"."

"Yeahhh!!" At the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City fans cheered for this somewhat surprising goal. Facing the current Arsenal, scoring the first goal is definitely a good achievement.

Mancini on the sidelines also excitedly threw several punches in a row. He saw some hope of winning.

Near the penalty area, Manchester City players hugged each other and rushed towards the corner flag area, roaring, leaving the Arsenal players looking at each other in bewilderment.

Maher and several frontcourt players didn't say much, but turned and walked towards the front line, waiting for the next kick-off.

Looking at their backs, many defenders whose mentality was affected to a certain extent suddenly felt relieved, as if they felt that conceding a goal was no big deal.

If Manchester City can get them, why can't they get Manchester City?

How is that possible?

Keep coming, just fight back. A goal is easy for Maher and others who have scored in consecutive games!
"Beep!"

After the game resumed, Arsenal stepped up their offensive, but they always lacked a bit of luck at the end of each attack and failed to make a comeback until the end of the first half.

"Beep! Beep!" After the halftime whistle was blown, players from both teams entered the locker room and waited for the head coach to speak.

"Do not worry."

In the Arsenal dressing room, Maher saw that Wenger had not come in yet, and said calmly while adjusting his socks: "We will always fight back, we can do it every time."

His calmness also made many people who were feeling nervous become more calm.

In fact, you don’t always have to rely on yelling and motivation. Sometimes, small actions by the captain and coach can bring something positive to the team.

Wenger walked in shortly afterwards. He did not seem to be in a hurry and started talking to the players as if he was chatting with human beings.

"I have said countless times that the Premier League is a difficult league with many good opponents and we must be aware of this."

He paced back and forth with his arms folded, “The team did well in all aspects in the first half, we must keep it up in the second half and be more focused on seizing opportunities when they come.

“It’s going to score.”

After saying this, he didn't say anything else. He didn't think there was any need to make any adjustments. Just leave it to the players and time. "Beep!"

Soon after, players from both teams returned to the field and the referee blew the whistle again to start the game.

"Bang!" Van Persie kicked the ball out of the center circle, and Arsenal started to pass the ball on the ground and mobilized the formation of Manchester City players.

The trident quickly rushed to the Manchester City defense line, stuck to Manchester City's defender, waiting for possible threatening passes.

After the last round of the Premier League, their unbeaten streak across seasons has reached 43 games, 6 games away from the Premier League record.

No one wants to fall so close to becoming a legend, they all want to go one step further and have their name appear at the highest point!

But it is obvious that compared to the past, Arsenal players have become stronger inside.

They did not let the pressure cause them to become nervous, but were united and believed in themselves very much, even when they were behind!
This is a symbol of a team's maturity, and only such a team has the potential to win multiple championships.

"Oh!"

In the 68th minute of the game, Cazorla dribbled a few times and found that the opportunity was not good, so he passed the ball to Kyle Walker who was cutting in from the side.

Kyle Walker drove the ball straight into the area near Maher.

Unlike in the past, this time Maher did not give up the entire wing, nor did he go to the middle to grab the point, but stood next to Kyle Walker.

“Hit!”

While observing Manchester City's defense, he pointed at his feet and asked Kyle Walker for the ball.

Kyle Walker was a little bit uncomfortable. After coming to Arsenal, because he was staying on the side with the powerful winger Maher, he suppressed his offensive desire and concentrated on defense.

Therefore, every time he has the opportunity to display his offensive talent, everyone on the team will believe in him and give him room to display his talent.

He was a little surprised that Maher didn't want to give him the ball this time.

"Oh!"

Perhaps because they were behind and a little anxious, Kyle Walker kicked the ball to Mahel who was three meters away from him, and then stood there, watching Mahel's movements.

"Boom!"

After reacting to something, he suddenly accelerated towards the baseline, trying to take away a defensive player for Maher by running.

When he started, Maher had already rushed to the middle position with the ball, and he pushed the ball away, seemingly intending to pass it, but also seemingly intending to shoot.

"Get ready to find Bale at the back post! He can head the ball!"

In the broadcast room, Zhan Jun thought that Maher was going to pass the ball because the ball was too far from the goal and the angle was a bit small.

Maher's long shot can overcome the long distance, but the horror cannot overcome the small angle shot in this place. The goalkeeper only needs to guard a small area of ​​the goal.

"Bang!!"

But to everyone's surprise, Maher passed the ball inside and decisively chose to fire a heavy shot into the far corner.

Just when everyone was thinking "Why is he so confident?", they noticed that the football passed through the hands of Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart and flew into the net!
"Shh!"

"WowWowOhhh!!"

The Arsenal fans at the scene suddenly exploded, and everyone raised their hands and waved their arms excitedly.

Again!
Super heavy artillery world wave!
Nearly 1 per game!
One to one!

"Yes!!!" Wenger on the sidelines even flew up on the spot, throwing his tie into the air, which looked a bit indecent.

"Vamos!!"

As Maher rushed towards the corner flag area to celebrate, Kyle Walker, who had just started to run towards the baseline, stopped stupidly and stood there in a daze.

This is fucking an assist?

Isn't this too easy?
This ball is a good one!
"Mael! The magic lamp!" His expression immediately became excited, and he ran towards Mael with shaking arms.

"Nice goal! Arsenal equalised!
"Wow, no one would have thought that Maher could hit the ball into the net from that position!
"That's why he's worth 1.35 million euros, why he's the most expensive player in the world! He's different! He can often score goals that are beyond common sense!

"I don't know how lucky I am to have such a striker. After six Premier League games, he played in five and scored 6 goals!
"This data not only makes him the top scorer, but also makes him surpass 9 Premier League teams!
"Yes, his number of goals should no longer be compared with that of a certain player, but should be compared with the total of a certain team!"

"."

Behind the Arsenal fans’ carnival is the loneliness of Manchester City fans.

Mancini looked up at the sky helplessly on the sidelines. After adjusting his emotions, he ran closer to the players and comforted his lost and desperate disciples.

"Keep going! Keep going!!
"You guys defended well. You did a great job in the first hour! Believe in your potential!

“Keep your defense focused and don’t attack aggressively unless necessary!!
"Did you hear that? Defense!"

The last sentence is actually the theme he wants to talk about this time.

Playing at home, after Arsenal equalized the score, the players would definitely be anxious to attack, and it was highly likely that Arsenal would score the second goal at this time.

Rather than not getting any points, it's better to bet on a draw.

Although this seems a bit utilitarian and cowardly, he has to do it when facing such a comprehensive team.

Only in this way can we retain the hope of competing for the championship, only in this way can we lie in wait for Arsenal to have problems, and then catch up!
"Beep!"

After the next kick-off, Manchester City players seemed to have listened to Mancini's ideas and started to set up a bus defense.

"Uu uh uh!"

"Mancini, get out!"

"If you don't want to play, give up!"

This instantly aroused the fans' dissatisfaction, and the verbal abuse and boos from Manchester City fans surrounded the stadium and did not dissipate for a long time.

Manchester City players turned this pressure into motivation to spur them on to defend more attentively.

They believe that as long as they can defend and get points in the end, everything will be fine and the fans will understand them.

In this way, the remaining 20 minutes passed quickly amid the Arsenal players' discomfort and surprise.

"Beep! Beep! Beep--!"

Finally, after one minute of stoppage time, the referee blew three long whistles, and the sixth round of the Premier League ended in a draw.

"Huh" many Manchester City players breathed a sigh of relief and quickly ran off the field.

"I've never seen anything like this."

"Yes."

The Arsenal players spread their hands helplessly, somewhat puzzled by Manchester City's final behavior and also complaining about not being able to win.

“Not a bad result.”

Maher clapped his hands and consoled them: "Although we failed to get all three points and the winning streak was broken, we have achieved 44 games without losing."

"Yes." Robin van Persie and other veterans also said as they shook hands with Maher: "A draw with Manchester City away from home is not unacceptable."

“No one wins all the time.”

“Come on next week!”

"come on!!"

The Arsenal players left the field and headed towards the locker room.

Wenger and Mancini shook hands and talked with smiles on the sidelines, staying for a long time before leaving.

After the game, Maher was invited to a billboard to be interviewed by reporters.

With a smile on his face, he waited for reporters' questions.

"Are you dissatisfied with not being able to maintain your winning streak?" a reporter asked.

“Of course.” Maher nodded in confirmation. “We come here to play football to win. No one likes a draw, but since it has happened, let’s accept it.”

"Bale performed well today, but failed to score a goal. What's the reason?" someone asked.

"He's a fantastic player and has been amazing in training."

Maher answered in a roundabout way: "But I don't know the specific reason. I don't like to say it's bad luck. You can ask him when you have a chance."

"The fans must be disappointed that we didn't win this game. They were hoping that the team could continue to win and defeat their arch-rivals. Do you have any explanation for this?" a reporter asked a tricky question.

This is moral kidnapping. The smile on Maher's face faded a little. "What explanation? I don't think I need to explain, and the question you raised is not valid.

"With 6 points in six games, they are still at the top of the standings. How can they not be happy? This is just your imagination."

"I think"

"You think there is a problem, the fans are strong, he won't be as fragile as you."

"No need to explain?"

The smile on Maher's face disappeared completely. This kind of reporter is something he always runs into every three or five interviews. It's really uncomfortable.

"The interview is over, thank you."

He nodded to the other reporters and said to the reporter as he walked out of the interview room: "I don't need to explain! If a player scores 6 goals in 10 rounds and a team wins 6 and draws 5 in 1 rounds, then there is no need to explain.

"If you don't understand, it's because of you that I ended this press conference."

As soon as the words fell, the other reporters looked at the reporter with malicious expressions.

Not long after, Maher got on the bus back to London, where he leaned against the window and thought.

Regardless, the reporter's words had an impact on him.

He would subconsciously wonder whether his life in the following week would be affected if he failed to win, such as in terms of morale and mood.

We still need to focus more on the game and put our attention on all fronts!
(End of this chapter)