After Paris Saint-Germain was removed from the list, I led England to victory!

A new round of matches.

The highly anticipated match between Manchester City and Arsenal is about to kick off at the Etihad Stadium.

In the eyes of Premier League fans, the title race is more exciting than many Champions League matches.

Arsenal are in incredible form this season, undefeated so far, and are just a few games away from replicating their unbeaten run from years ago.

Manchester City are also in good form, having only lost two games.

The fans' singing was neat and loud.

Inside the tunnel, players from both teams lined up, ready to go on the field.

As the Arsenal players filed out, all eyes, whether on the tens of thousands of people in the stadium or on television, were focused on the figure at the very front of the team.

Yan Yuan.

Today, he still wears his iconic No. 7 jersey, his posture is as upright as a pine tree, and his face is handsome.

However, the most eye-catching one is...

It was the bright red captain's armband on his left arm.

The red background and white lettering stood out prominently under the dazzling lights of the Etihad Stadium.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the Etihad Stadium! The Premier League's 34th round highlight match: Manchester City hosts Arsenal!" the commentator announced with exclamation.

"We see! Arsenal's captain's armband is now being worn on a very young arm!"

Yan Yuan! This talented player, who will turn 19 in a week, has been officially appointed Arsenal's first captain by Professor Wenger after Ramsey confirmed that he will leave the team this season!

Yes, you read that right, the captain is not even 19 years old!

This is an extremely rare, even remarkable, achievement in the history of the Premier League and in the history of any top club!

This is not only a recognition of his extraordinary abilities, but also an absolute trust in his leadership, sense of responsibility, and prestige in the locker room!

Yan has already made a name for himself in the Premier League and the Champions League. His captain's armband is a testament to the recognition he has received from his teammates and Professor Wenger!

This will be Yan Yuan's first official match as captain, and the opponent is the formidable defending champions, Manchester City! The pressure and challenges Yan Yuan faces are immense!

Today, the captain's armband on Yan Yuan's body is even more eye-catching than his handsome face.

The camera focused on Yan Yuan for an extended period of time in close-up.

He raised his head slightly, his gaze calmly sweeping over the noisy Manchester City fans in the stands, his face showing no stage fright or nervousness, but his usual focus and composure.

He gently adjusted the armband on his left arm, the movement natural; the red and white strip of cloth had become an integral part of his body.

His teammates behind him—Aubameyang, Odegaard, Saka, Rodri, and Martin—looked at him with eyes full of trust and support.

This silent gaze speaks volumes more than any words.

"Captain Yan Yuan!" When his name was announced over the loudspeaker, the Arsenal fans in the stands who had traveled with the team erupted in enthusiastic applause and shouts.

"captain yan!!! captain yan!!"

Although there weren't many Arsenal fans, the roar of the Manchester City fans couldn't drown them out; some were chanting "Captain" and others "King."

The match began amidst deafening cheers.

As predicted before the match, this was a clash of titans.

Manchester City, with home advantage and strong control of the game, took the initiative from the start.

De Bruyne, David Silva, and Bernardo Silva orchestrated the attack in midfield, while Aguero and Sterling made constant runs into the attacking third, attempting to break down Arsenal's defense.

Arsenal played with great tenacity.

Wearing the captain's armband, Yan Yuan has a wide range of movement. He is not only the starting point of the attack, but also the first line of defense.

He frequently dropped back into his own half to assist Rodri and Xhaka in intercepting and distributing the ball; every touch of the ball and every command of the movement was incredibly precise.

Under his direction, Arsenal's defense was very well organized, with Pepe and Monreal forming a barrier in the middle, and Cancelo and Achraf holding off the attacks from Manchester City's wingers on the flanks.

Martin made several excellent saves, denying Manchester City several threatening shots.

The first half was exceptionally intense, with both sides engaging in fierce battles in midfield. Brilliant attacking plays were often thwarted by ruthless interceptions in their early stages.

Fast-paced, intense, and prone to fouls.

In an effort to halt the opponent's momentum, both teams' players pulled out all the stops.

Gundogan and Pepe engaged in a contest, while Yan Yuan and his counterpart Mendy engaged in a close battle for the ball.

Even the commentator couldn't help but sigh.

"This is the intensity of a top-level Premier League match! The title race is always like this, with both sides giving 100% and not giving an inch!"

Young captain Yan Yuan showed no fear in such high-intensity competition; his running coverage and physical strength have essentially overwhelmed most Premier League players this season!

However, the balance was broken in the 24th minute.

Manchester City controlled possession in their own half, with Aguero dropping back to receive the ball and attempting to pass it to Sterling on the wing.

But Arsenal's pressure was very effective, with Aubameyang and Saka pressing forward simultaneously.

Aguero's pass was slightly weak and slow under pressure!

Stones, near the center circle, astutely seized this fleeting opportunity!

The England center-back demonstrated his excellent anticipation and pressing ability, rushing forward and intercepting the ball with a clean and decisive sliding tackle before Odegaard could touch it!

"Stones! Beautiful tackle! Manchester City's chance!" The commentator's voice rose instantly.

After intercepting the ball, Stones quickly got up and, without any hesitation, passed the ball straight to De Bruyne, who had dropped back to receive it!

Stones' passing was very precise.

The Belgian midfield maestro received the ball with his back to goal, facing Rodri's close marking.

He first pretended to turn to the left, shifting his body weight, and then subtly flicked the ball with the outside of his right foot.

With a nimble turn, he instantly escaped Rodri's clutches!

De Bruyne, having shaken off the defense, found himself in front of an open field.

He looked up at the goal, which was about thirty meters away.

Arsenal's defense hadn't fully settled into position due to the pressure they had just faced!

Normally, De Bruyne would probably choose to continue dribbling and shoot from a safer position.

But today is different. Guardiola instructed them all to be constantly on guard against Yan Yuan, who is "never tired," and never give him a chance to get back on defense.

De Bruyne adjusted his position, placed his supporting foot on the grass, and unleashed a powerful shot like a whip!

The instep of my foot struck the lower middle part of the ball solidly!

This wasn't his signature curving cross.

Instead, it was a powerful, angled ground slash!

boom!

The ball, like a cannonball, skimmed the grass, spinning intensely and moving at incredible speed, hurtling straight towards the bottom right corner of the goal!

The ball was incredibly fast, its flight path was almost straight, and its downward trend was very obvious!

This goal was a surprise long-range shot from De Bruyne.

Even his teammates were somewhat surprised.

Martin made a save the instant De Bruyne took the shot!

He lunged to his left, his body fully extended, his fingertips reaching out as far as possible.

But De Bruyne's shot was of such high quality!

Those who can pass the ball also know how to shoot.

The ball barely grazed Martin's outstretched fingertips before slamming into the inside side netting of the goal.

"Goooooooooaallllll! De Bruyne! A world-class goal! A stunning long-range shot! In the 24th minute, Manchester City leads Arsenal 1-0 at home!" The commentator's voice was filled with awe.

"De Bruyne! He seized the fleeting opportunity! This powerful shot after shaking off Rodri was perfectly timed! Martin was helpless! The Etihad Stadium is in an uproar!"

The blue ocean erupted in deafening cheers.

De Bruyne opened his arms and rushed towards the corner flag to celebrate. Although the goal was world-class, his celebration was still very small-scale.

The Arsenal players looked somewhat frustrated; Rodri shook his hand in annoyance, and Martin slammed his fist on the turf.

The camera focused on Yan Yuan.

The young captain frowned, clapped his hands forcefully, and shouted to his teammates:

"It's okay! Stay calm! There's still plenty of time! Everyone, cheer up!!!" His voice cut through the noise and reached every teammate clearly.

Yan Yuan ran to the backfield, exchanged a few words with Pepe and Monreal, and then quickly returned to his position, his eyes even sharper.

The captain's armband appeared at this moment.

It gave him a greater responsibility and a firmer belief.

Arsenal did not panic after conceding the goal.

Encouraged and directed by Yan Yuan, they stabilized their position and even began to organize an effective counterattack.

Yan Yuan positioned himself further forward, using his excellent dribbling and passing to constantly attack Manchester City's defense, especially the area guarded by Manchester City's left-back Mendy.

Mendy is physically strong and has excellent attacking ability.

However, there are sometimes weaknesses in defensive positioning and turning speed.

Yan Yuan keenly grasped this point.

In the 37th minute, Manchester City's attack failed when Saka successfully disrupted Walker's cross on the left wing, and the ball was collected by Cancelo.

Instead of blindly launching a long ball, Cancelo calmly passed it back to Rodri in the middle.

Rodri received the ball with his back to goal, and despite Bernardo Silva's harassment, he shielded the ball and surveyed the attacking third.

He saw Yan Yuan starting his run on the right wing, and Mendy slightly ahead!

Rodri used a feint.

Then came a precise long pass over the top, aimed behind Manchester City's defense, targeting the space between Mendy and Otamendi!

Yan Yuan seized the opportunity with pinpoint accuracy and activated it instantly!

His explosiveness is something Mendy can't match.

In just a few steps, he accelerated to the maximum speed and penetrated directly behind Manchester City's defense!

Mendy was a beat too slow!

When he realized the danger and turned to chase back, Yan Yuan was already a body length ahead of him and had steadily controlled Rodri's long pass!

"Yan Yuan! He's got a one-on-one opportunity? No, Mendy is chasing back fast! He's desperately chasing!!" the commentator shouted.

Yan Yuan dribbles the ball towards the penalty area!

Although Mendy was slow to start, he used his strong body and speed to desperately chase back from the side and rear, trying to block Yan Yuan's shooting angle or push him away.

Mendy was about to catch up to him.

Yan Yuan suddenly made an extremely bold and brilliant choice on the right edge of the penalty area!

He did not choose to shoot directly or accelerate to break through.

Instead, he gently flicked the ball upwards with his right foot!

The ball obediently rose into the air, soaring over Yan Yuan's head and over Mendy, who was fiercely rushing in from the side and rear, trying to kick it away!

At the same time, Yan Yuan's body spun like a top, using his supporting foot as the axis, and made an incredibly swift 180-degree turn!

This turn was fluid, coordinated, and full of explosive power.

A Neymar-esque lob! Turn!

Mendy was completely thrown off balance by this unexpected move.

He missed his target, his body lurching forward due to inertia. He could only watch helplessly as Yan Yuan turned around and regained control of the falling ball!

"Beautiful! A lob and a turn! Yan Yuan has gotten past Mendy who was defending him! It's gorgeous and full of composure!" The commentator's voice was full of amazement.

This wasn't the first time Arsenal fans in the stands had cheered for Yan Yuan.

However, today was the first time they cheered for "Captain Yan Yuan".

After getting past Mendy, Yan Yuan was left with only Otamendi's cover and the goal in front of him.

The moment the ball hit the ground, he adjusted his position, firmly planted his foot on the ground, and slightly adjusted his body angle.

With his right leg in the shooting position, he used all his strength and precise control to powerfully strike the ball towards the lower-middle part!

boom!

Another dull yet powerful explosion rang out.

The ball shot like an arrow, whistling through the air, straight into the near corner of the goal!

This shot was also of high quality, with high speed and a tricky angle, responding to De Bruyne's sudden long-range shot!

Edson reacted quickly, leaping to the side.

His fingertips seemed to brush against the ball!

Another possible meaning is a failed attempt to save the ball.

The ball, in Ederson's desperate gaze, grazed his fingertips and slammed into the top left corner of the goal!

The net is shaking!

"Goal! Yan Yuan! Arsenal captain Yan Yuan! He stepped up! He turned and dribbled past Mendy with an incredibly beautiful chip, then unleashed a powerful shot that beat Ederson! 1-1! Arsenal have equalized! 37th minute!" The commentator's voice was incredibly excited.

"Look at this goal! From controlling the ball to chipping it over the defense, turning and getting past the defender, and finally unleashing a powerful shot! It was all done in one smooth motion! Calm! Brilliant! Deadly! This is the value of a 19-year-old captain!"

That's why Wenger dared to hand him the armband!

When the team was behind, Yan Yuan stepped up and solved the problem with his individual ability! The Arsenal fans at the Etihad Stadium erupted! I reckon it won't be long before Arsenal fans have forgotten all of their club's past captains.

The Arsenal fans who traveled with the team erupted in deafening cheers from the stands.

Red flags are waving wildly!

The shouts of "Yan! Captain Yan!" rang out even more fiercely in the Etihad Stadium.

Yan Yuan spread his arms wide, like an eagle spreading its wings, and rushed towards the corner flag area.

His face showed the ecstasy of scoring a goal, but even more so, the sense of responsibility and pride he felt as captain of the team.

He kissed the captain's armband on his left arm, greeting the gun fans who had traveled from afar.

His teammates rushed towards him and surrounded him! Aubameyang excitedly ruffled his hair.

"Captain! Well done!"

Odegaard shouted excitedly, "That dribble was so cool, Captain!"

Professor Wenger on the sidelines couldn't help but clench his fist and swing it forcefully.

Guardiola, meanwhile, shrugged helplessly on the sidelines, clearly dissatisfied with Mendy's mistake, which he had emphasized beforehand.

There was nothing we could do; that last goal was simply a matter of superior skill.

For the remainder of the first half, both sides had their chances, but neither was able to change the score.

When the referee blew the whistle to end the first half, the score was 1-1.

Yan Yuan wiped the sweat from his forehead and walked towards the players' tunnel with his teammates.

The whistle blew for the second half.

Manchester City were clearly unwilling to settle for just one point at home, and Guardiola kept waving his hands from the sidelines, signaling for the formation to push forward.

De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and David Silva displayed more refined passing and control in midfield, with a faster pace, attempting to break down Arsenal's defense with sustained pressure.

Arsenal played a more pragmatic and more difficult game.

Under Yan Yuan's command on the field, the formation retreated even deeper.

Xhaka and Rodri almost transformed into two moving walls, forming a barrier at the edge of the penalty area.

Pepe and Monreal were exceptionally tough in the midfield, while Cancelo and Achraf were under constant pressure from Sterling and Mahrez on the flanks.

In the 58th minute of the match, the situation suddenly changed.

Manchester City launched an attack from the left side of Arsenal's penalty area.

Sterling, with his explosive power, forcefully broke through Achraf's defense and cut inside with the ball!

After drawing Pepe's defensive cover, he flicked his ankle and passed the ball into the open space on the side of the penalty area!

Aguero appeared there like a ghost.

He turned his back to Monreal, who was tracking back, and tried to turn and face the goal directly.

Monreal, with his extensive experience, held his position firmly, preventing Aguero from turning around easily.

The two engaged in a fierce physical confrontation just inside the penalty area line.

Aguero displayed exquisite footwork, gently flicking the ball with his right foot in an attempt to slip past Monreal.

In that split second, Monreal acted hastily.

The outstretched left foot did not touch the ball.

But it tripped squarely on Aguero's supporting leg's calf!

With a muffled thud, Aguero collapsed to the ground!

He fell to the ground inside the penalty area!

"A penalty?! Monreal has fouled!" The commentator's voice rose instantly.

The referee's whistle blew sharply.

Without hesitation, he pointed to the penalty spot, and at the same time, reached into his pocket.

Monreal immediately realized that something was very wrong.

He rushed toward the referee, spread his hands, and loudly explained that he did not do it on purpose, it was just contact during physical confrontation.

But the referee's expression was stern; instead of a yellow card, he pulled out of his pocket...

Red card!

"Red card! Penalty! My God! Monreal! He tripped Aguero in the penalty area! The referee showed him a straight red card! Arsenal's situation is further compounded! In the 58th minute, they not only conceded a penalty but also have to play with ten men!"

The commentator's voice was filled with regret.

It looks like this game will be even more intense, with ten-man Arsenal facing Manchester City.

The away Arsenal fans fell into a deathly silence, followed by a huge chorus of boos and protests.

Monreal, a veteran who has served Arsenal for many years, had a face full of regret and disbelief.

After this season ends, he will basically have to say goodbye to Arsenal, but he doesn't want to say goodbye in this way.

Unfortunately, there's nothing that can be done about it.

Monreal covered his face with his hands and slowly walked to the sidelines, his back view showing utter desolation.

Yan Yuan and others surrounded the referee in an attempt to appeal, but the ruling could not be changed.

Penalty! Red card! One less player!

Arsenal, playing away from home, were instantly pushed to the brink of elimination.

The cheers from the Manchester City fans were deafening.

Aguero personally carried the ball and walked towards the penalty spot.

His expression was calm, but his gaze was sharp as he looked at the goal.

Martin stood on the goal line, slapping his gloves hard, his eyes fixed on the ball at Aguero's feet like a hawk.

The atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium was extremely tense; the air seemed to freeze.

Yan Yuan, as the team leader, walked over to Martin.

He didn't say much, but patted Martin's shoulder hard, and their eyes met.

Big Martin also nodded to Yan Yuan.

After returning to his position, Yan Yuan reminded his teammates again: "Get into position! Concentrate! Trust Amy!"

Aguero's run-up was steady.

His gaze fell toward the bottom right corner of the goal, and his body weight shifted accordingly.

Martin was trying to figure out Aguero's intentions.

The body's center of gravity shifted slightly downwards.

Aguero was also speculating about the direction of Martin's save, eager to see just how deep his national team teammate's water was.

Just as Aguero raised his foot...

He used the instep of his right foot to push the ball.

The ball was shot towards the left side of the center of the goal! A half-high ball!

Big Martin!

I wasn't fooled by Aguero's eyes.

He lunged to his left, his body springing out like a spring, stretching out to its fullest extent.

His left hand, like an iron gate, precisely blocked the ball's flight path!

"Snap!"

The ball was deflected by Martin's left hand, changing its direction and bouncing high into the air, and then...

It grazed the crossbeam and flew out of bounds.

"He saved it! Emiliano Martinez! He saved Aguero's penalty! He saved Arsenal! In a desperate situation with one less player and a penalty conceded, he stepped up!" The commentator's voice was hoarse with excitement.

"Incredible save! He guessed right! He saved the team! Arsenal players rushed towards Martin! They hugged him! They thanked him!"

The penalty kick was missed.

The immense pressure from the red card was instantly relieved of some of it.

Big Martin leaped to his feet and roared to the sky!

His teammates rushed towards him, surrounding him completely! Yan Yuan was the first to charge forward, hugging Martin tightly and excitedly shouting in his ear, "Amy! Well done! Fantastic!"

Aubameyang, Xhaka, Rodri...

Everyone gathered around, patting Martin and expressing their elation and gratitude at surviving the ordeal.

The gloom of fighting with one less person was largely dispelled by this heroic leap.

The rest of the match became a contest between Arsenal's ironclad defense and Manchester City's relentless attack.

Professor Wenger quickly made adjustments, replacing striker Aubameyang with center-back Kolasinac to strengthen the defense.

Arsenal's formation changed to 5-3-1.

Yan Yuan was pushed to the front, and he tried playing center today, becoming the team's only counter-attacking point.

Saka and Odegaard dropped back to midfield to participate in the defense.

Manchester City almost completely pinned Arsenal in their own half and launched a siege.

De Bruyne's passes were like surgical interventions, Sterling's breakthroughs were incredibly sharp, and Sané, who came on as a substitute, also brought new attacking power.

Arsenal's defense is under immense pressure and on edge.

Pepe, Kolasinac, Cancelo, Achraf, and Xhaka, who temporarily filled in as a center-back, formed a human shield.

Every time a siege is lifted or a blockade is established, it is accompanied by enormous risks.

Martin made numerous crucial saves, defusing dangerous situations time and again, becoming Arsenal's most solid barrier in front of the goal.

Yan Yuan was isolated and helpless in the attacking third, but he did not give up.

He used his excellent running and receiving abilities to drop back to the center circle time and time again to receive clearances from his teammates, trying to slow down Manchester City's attacking rhythm or look for fleeting counter-attack opportunities.

Every touch of the ball, every shield he took, tugged at the nerves of Manchester City's defense.

For Guardiola, Yan Yuan's presence itself is a deterrent to Manchester City, forcing the Citizens to refrain from pushing their defense too high.

As long as Yan Yuan is on the field, Manchester City dares not attack recklessly.

Time passed by, second by second.

Manchester City's attack became increasingly fierce, but Arsenal's defense also became more resilient.

Every successful defensive play was accompanied by roars and encouragement from the Arsenal players.

Yan Yuan ran and pressed tirelessly in the attacking third, demonstrating his responsibility as captain even when the chances were slim.

never give up.

Finally, when the fourth official raised the electronic board indicating three minutes of added time, the air at the Etihad Stadium almost burst into flames.

Manchester City launched a final offensive.

De Bruyne's long-range shot from outside the box was blocked by Pepe! Corner kick!

This is Manchester City's last chance!

The corner kick was taken, and chaos ensued! In the midst of the commotion, Fernandinho got to the loose ball and headed it towards goal!

The ball flew towards the goal! Yan Yuan reacted with lightning speed, successfully jumping to intercept the ball just before it hit the crossbar!

The whistle finally blew, and the game ended.

1-1.

Despite playing with one less player and conceding a penalty, Arsenal, with their steely will and Martin's heroic saves, managed to snatch a point from the Etihad Stadium!

The moment the final whistle blew, Arsenal's players collapsed onto the grass as if they were completely exhausted.

That was incredibly dangerous.

After the match, Yan Yuan and several teammates quietly approached Martin from behind.

Then he suddenly hugged Martin's upper body.

"Hakimi, grab his leg!"

Ashraf grabbed Martin's leg.

Martin was simply carried on his shoulders by his teammates.

"Hey guys! You guys..."

"Hahahaha... Martinez, don't tell me you're afraid of heights."

As Martin was speaking, his teammates tossed him into the air again in celebration. He was undoubtedly the hero of the game!

On the sidelines, Wenger let out a long sigh of relief, while Guardiola looked somewhat helpless. He walked over to Wenger, and the two shook hands.

"How is it, Pep? How is my disciple?"

"Hahahaha... Don't brag to me, Mr. Wenger. You know I dream of having a disciple like you. Too bad he's already the king of Arsenal."

You have a young king, how wonderful…”

Guardiola watched the Arsenal players surrounding Yan Yuan and also expressed his feelings.

"Yes, Yan is our youngest king..." Wenger and Guardiola looked at the group of playful young men together.

Then, Yan Yuan led his teammates to the sidelines and applauded to thank the Arsenal fans who had traveled from afar.

The fans responded to their heroes with the loudest applause and songs.

He then walked towards the center circle.

There, De Bruyne was waiting for him.

Their eyes met, both showing respect for their opponent. Without exchanging many words, they simultaneously removed their jerseys and exchanged them.

De Bruyne patted Yan Yuan on the shoulder and said.

"Well played, Captain Yan, that was a beautiful goal."

Yan Yuan smiled, his sweat-dampened hair plastered to his forehead, and he responded.

"You too, Kevin, that long-range shot was world-class."

He pointed to De Bruyne's jersey.

"I've kept your jerseys very well, especially number 17. That number brings back so many memories for me."

"I'll also treasure your jersey, Yan, it's your first captain's jersey." De Bruyne pointed to Yan Yuan's jersey.

[Player De Bruyne's interaction level has reached 100%, unlocking the skill: low-angle curve shot, matching rate 85%, skill rating: S+]

De Bruyne is rather introverted and doesn't surf the internet often.

Even though he doesn't interact much while surfing, Yan Yuan hasn't had a chance to communicate with De Bruyne, so his interaction level is only now at its maximum.

After exchanging jerseys, Yan Yuan then walked over to several of his England national team teammates from Manchester City: Sterling, Kyle Walker, and Stones.

"Stones, you're really energetic today!" Yan Yuan said with a smile, giving Stones a hug.

"Hey Yan! I almost stopped you!" Stones replied with a laugh. "Congratulations, Captain Yan, you scored on your debut, and at our home stadium!"

"Kyle, don't run so fast next time, give me some face." Yan Yuan and Walker bumped fists.

"Hahahahaha..."

The brief exchange was filled with mutual respect among professional players and the warmth of national team teammates.

When the smoke clears, those on the field are opponents, but off the field they are colleagues, and even friends.

As Yan Yuan finally walked toward the players' tunnel, the lights of the Etihad Stadium cast a long shadow behind him.

That night, amidst the blue sea of ​​Manchester, Yan Yuan's era as captain officially began, honed through trials against formidable league opponents.