After Paris Saint-Germain was removed from the list, I led England to victory!
Chapter 297 A Caddie Named Doman
Four days later, Wembley Stadium, London.
On a slightly gloomy yet vibrant afternoon in early August, this temple of English football welcomed the first championship battle of the new season – the Community Shield.
Today also happens to be the opening match of the Premier League.
In the stands, the red and blue oceans were clearly distinct, yet they both erupted with deafening roars.
Arsenal fans chanted "We are the Champions!" with overwhelming momentum;
Manchester City fans responded with "Blue Moon," equally determined not to be outdone.
The previous round of the competition was a red vs. blue match, and this round will also be a red vs. blue match.
Before the match, the English media touted the clash as a "battle between a behemoth and a challenger."
Arsenal, who won four titles last season with an unbeaten record, are undoubtedly a formidable "beast".
This is a team that has just established a new dynasty.
Their rivals, Manchester City, after a disappointing season ending without a trophy, have been very active in the summer transfer window, aiming to revive their fortunes.
Due to the subtle butterfly effect.
This Manchester City squad is slightly different.
This Manchester City team has neither Rodri nor Cancelo.
They were replaced by two other people.
This season, Manchester City signed defensive stalwart Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Manchester United for €5500 million to strengthen their right flank defense;
They also brought in Saul, a midfield stalwart from Atletico Madrid, for €5700 million to enhance the midfield's toughness and creativity.
In addition, there's Phil Foden, the talented young player who was officially promoted from the youth academy to the first team.
This "new Manchester City" is seen by many as the team with the best chance of challenging Arsenal's dominance this season.
Inside the players' tunnel, the striking visual impact of the red and blue jerseys created a somber yet tense atmosphere.
Arsenal players, dressed in their traditional red and white home jerseys, looked confident and focused.
Captain Yan Yuan stood at the front of the group, his armband standing out prominently under the corridor lights.
Beside him was a small, slightly dark-skinned boy wearing a caddie uniform.
The little boy looked unusually excited and nervous.
He kept turning back to steal glances at Yan Yuan beside him, his eyes filled with admiration and disbelief.
Yan Yuan noticed the little guy's unease. He lowered his head slightly, revealed a gentle smile, rubbed his shoulder, and asked softly.
"Hey, little one, relax. What's your name? How old are you?"
The little boy was flattered and stammered his reply.
"I...I'm Doman, I'm 10 years old, sir. I...I'm an Arsenal U12 player." He mustered his courage, raising his voice slightly, "Captain, you're my idol! I dream of becoming a player like you!"
Yan Yuan was unaware that his name was famous not only in the world of football.
He has become a legend in Arsenal's youth academy.
In Arsenal's youth academy.
Yan Yuan's name was sung by young players from all levels, making him their absolute, even their only, idol; he was their role model.
After winning four titles last season, Yan Yuan set an astonishing Premier League record of 49 goals.
Arsenal's youth academy kids all aspire to wear the number 7 jersey.
Especially younger players.
These kids don't talk about Fabregas, and seem to have forgotten about Van Persie as well. The "Four Gentlemen" are gradually being forgotten in Arsenal's youth academy.
The children didn't have time to discuss these former traitors; they talked almost exclusively about Yan Yuan.
Moreover, they mostly share the same goal.
That is to become a player like Yan Yuan.
This is the "power of role models" that Yan Yuan brought to Arsenal's youth academy.
Ten-year-old Doman was no exception.
Hearing what Daoman had just said, Yan Yuan's smile became even warmer. He reached out and gently ruffled Daoman's hair, just like an older brother would treat his younger brother.
"Not bad, Doman. What position do you play in the youth academy?"
"Like you, I can play in midfield or as a right winger."
Hearing this, Yan Yuan couldn't help but rub Dao Man's shoulder again and said with a smile.
"Dauman, you must train hard in the youth academy and listen to the coach. Talent and hard work will get you into the first team faster."
"Yes, Captain! I will definitely train hard, just like you!"
Yan Yuan paused, looked into the child's pure and ardent eyes, and made a promise.
"How about this, Doman, come find me after this game, and I'll give you today's jersey, okay?"
Little Doman's eyes widened instantly, and he was so excited he almost jumped up. He nodded vigorously, unable to speak, and just tightly gripped the hem of his clothes.
He got the chance to be a caddie today because of his hard training the past two days. He thought he was lucky enough to be a caddie for his idol.
I never expected to have the chance to get his jersey.
"That's what little Doman answered with sparkling eyes."
"Thank you, thank you so much, Captain!!"
At this point, the referee signaled for the players to enter the field.
Yan Yuan straightened up, patted Xiao Daoman on the shoulder, his gaze instantly shifting from gentle to sharp, and strode forward with firm steps.
He led the team out of the tunnel to a thunderous roar of cheers.
"Good afternoon, everyone! Welcome to Wembley Stadium! The 2019 Community Shield match is about to begin! The two teams facing off are last season's unbeaten quadruple champions Arsenal and the Citizens Manchester City!" Martin Tyler's voice resonated around the world through the broadcast signal.
"This is destined to be a thrilling match! Arsenal hope to start the new season with another trophy, while a revitalized Manchester City are eager to prove they can dethrone their rivals!"
After the two captains, Yan Yuan and Fernandinho, exchanged greetings.
The two leaders' eyes met in mid-air, their calm masking a surging fighting spirit.
"Beep—!"
With the referee's whistle, the Community Shield final officially began!
Manchester City kicked off first, attempting to control the early game with their familiar passing and possession style.
However, Arsenal were clearly well-prepared, launching a high-intensity pressing attack from the very first minute, especially putting immense pressure on the right flank where Manchester City's new signing Wan-Bissaka was positioned.
The accident happened just four minutes into the game.
Manchester City passed the ball around in their own half, and after a few passes, it reached right-back Wan-Bissaka.
This new signing, known for his strong one-on-one defense, is clearly still in the process of integrating with the team. He seemed hesitant when handling the ball when facing the combined pressing from Lacazette and Theo on Arsenal's left flank.
He intended to pass the ball back to center-back Stones, but the pass was too weak and lacked concealment.
The quick-witted Lacazette, like a cheetah smelling blood, sprang into action instantly.
He darted forward and precisely intercepted the dangerous pass.
After the ball was intercepted, Lacazette had a wide-open space in front of him. Without hesitation, he dribbled the ball directly into the penalty area!
"New signing Wan-Bissaka made a mistake; he seemed a bit nervous. Lacazette successfully intercepted the ball! He quickly created a one-on-one opportunity!" the commentator exclaimed.
Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson immediately rushed out to try and block the angle.
But Lacazette remained incredibly calm.
He used a tiny change in rhythm to deftly evade Ederson's save, then tapped the ball into the empty net with the outside of his right foot.
"Goooooooooooal!!! Alexandre Lacazette! Just 4 minutes into the game! Arsenal are leading Manchester City 1-0!" The commentator's roar ignited the Arsenal fans' stands.
"A fatal tackle! A composed finish! Wan-Bissaka paid the price for his hesitation. Arsenal have had a dream start, and Guardiola should give Wan-Bissaka a good lesson after today's match."
After scoring, Lacazette celebrated with an excited knee slide, and his teammates rushed over to hug him.
On the sidelines, Nagelsmann pumped his fist, his tactical deployment having proven remarkably effective.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola stood on the sidelines with his hands outstretched, his expression grim, clearly dissatisfied with this basic defensive error.
Wan-Bissaka lowered his head in frustration, his start to his Manchester City career overshadowed by disappointment.
After conceding a goal, Manchester City tried to regain their composure and intensify their attack.
De Bruyne and Saul are finding their rhythm in midfield, and Foden's breakthroughs on the left wing are also quite threatening.
However, Arsenal's defensive system, under the command of captain Yan Yuan, appeared exceptionally solid.
The defensive midfield pairing of Rodri and Rice effectively protected the area in front of the penalty box.
In defense, Pepe and Saliba partnered up today.
Upa has already passed the test in the last match, and Saliba will be the one to take the test this round.
In the 28th minute, Manchester City's corner kick attack failed, and Arsenal goalkeeper Martinez quickly launched a counter-attack with a throw-in.
After several quick passes, the ball reached the feet of center-back Willian Saliba.
This 18-year-old French player is displaying composure and excellent footwork beyond his years.
Instead of blindly clearing the ball with a long kick, he calmly controlled the ball and observed the surroundings.
At that moment, Yan Yuan was near the center circle, and he keenly caught the moment when Manchester City's defense was left vulnerable due to the corner kick pushing forward.
He immediately started his run, making a high-speed forward run down the right flank, while simultaneously raising his hand to ask Saliba for the ball!
Saliba understood perfectly. Facing the challenge from Manchester City striker Aguero, he delivered a precise and penetrating through ball, sending it through the gap between two Manchester City defenders.
This pass was perfect in terms of power and angle, and it landed right in Yan Yuan's forward run lane!
"Young Saliba delivered a beautiful through ball! This through ball went straight through Manchester City, and Yan Yuan received the ball in time and successfully beat the offside trap!" the commentator shouted.
Yan Yuan, like a wild horse, used his absolute speed advantage to instantly leave all the Manchester City players who were chasing him behind, creating a one-on-one situation.
He dribbled the ball forward and charged into the penalty area.
Ederson once again abandons his goal and attacks!
Facing the onrushing goalkeeper, Yan Yuan displayed the composure and skill of a world-class striker.
He first made a feint to break to the left, which tricked Ederson into shifting his weight, and then deftly pushed the ball with the instep of his right foot.
The ball arced gracefully, bypassing the fallen Ederson and nestling into the far corner of the goal.
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!!! Yan Yuan! What a beautiful goal! Arsenal are leading 2-0!" the commentator shouted passionately.
"Arsenal's attack was fluid and seamless. Saliba passed Nagelsmann's test, and we could see Nagelsmann applauding both players on the broadcast!"
After scoring, Yan Yuan did not celebrate excessively. He smiled and ran towards Saliba, who had provided the assist, to celebrate with him and gesture to the stands.
This gesture greatly boosted Saliba's confidence and also demonstrated Yan Yuan's leadership as captain in mentoring newcomers.
Arsenal fans in the stands erupted in celebration.
Nash was also pleased for his protégé.
Manchester City, trailing by two goals, were thoroughly enraged.
Aside from Wan-Bissaka's early mistake, Foden, on whom Guardiola had pinned his hopes, didn't seem to make any significant impact in this match.
Guardiola was slightly agitated, shouting loudly from the sidelines, demanding that the team intensify their attack.
Manchester City players seemed to wake up from a dream and began to show their powerful attacking prowess.
In the 41st minute, Saul received the ball on the left side of midfield. Facing Rice's defense, he demonstrated the ability of an excellent midfielder to get past the defender with a beautiful turn, and then delivered a precise long diagonal pass, transferring the ball to the open space on the right side of the penalty area.
There, De Bruyne had already made a high-speed run.
He took a volley without stopping the ball.
The ball flew like a cannonball, heading straight for the top left corner of the goal!
Although Martinez made a save, the angle of the ball was too tricky, and he was powerless to turn the tide.
"Goal! It's De Bruyne again! Manchester City pull one back! 2-1! The suspense is back! De Bruyne always steps up when Manchester City is in danger!" The commentator's voice was filled with excitement! "Saul's pass was so precise! De Bruyne's shot was flawless! This is the ability of a world-class player!"
This goal greatly boosted Manchester City's morale.
For the remainder of the first half, they launched a fierce attack on Arsenal's goal, attempting to equalize before the end of the first half.
Arsenal retreated into a defensive posture, with Yan Yuan constantly shouting instructions to his teammates to maintain a compact formation and protect second balls.
After one minute of added time, the referee blew the whistle to end the first half.
"Beep! Beep!"
At halftime, Arsenal led Manchester City 2-1.
Yan Yuan walked in the group, his gaze sweeping across the stands. The caddie named Doman was waving and greeting Yan Yuan.
Yan Yuan returned the thumbs-up to him.
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