Chapter 812: What? Goal Drought?! Opening Victory! Classic Celebration Recreated! Major Signing Officially Arrives!

Such conversations are happening not only inside the Emirates Stadium but also across various social media platforms.

Especially in the comment sections of globally renowned broadcasting platforms like Sky Sports, many new fans drawn by the hype are already feeling anxious.

“Why haven’t they scored yet?”

“What? Isn’t it 2-0? Where hasn’t there been a score?”

“Ma’el, I’ve been watching for ages, just one assist, what’s going on? A scoring drought?”

“Scoring drought?! Hahaha, no, it’s just half-time, and people call it a scoring drought? If other forwards knew, they’d probably bash their heads in!”

“Haha, new fans shouldn’t use professional terms wrongly; there are standards for this.”

“What standards?”

“For ordinary forwards, generally, not scoring in 10+ matches is a drought; top-tier forwards about 5 matches without a goal, Messi and Ronaldo’s level usually 1-2 matches.”

“These are more positive examples; there are many forwards who don’t score for an entire year.”

“So according to this standard, Ma’el’s ‘expected goal anticipation’ surpasses Messi and Ronaldo?”

“Not yet; sometimes half-time without scoring does make people doubt Messi and Ronaldo, but actually, 1-2 matches without scoring is okay, 3-4 matches would be criticized.”

“Haha… I don’t care, Ma’el’s in a scoring drought (grin)!”

Similar teasing comments appeared everywhere, and the news of ‘Ma’el’s scoring drought’ briefly trended in the top ten, causing quite a stir.

Many insiders were bewildered at first sight, quickly scrolling down their phone screens to check the date… thinking time had become muddled, as the Premier League had already started for a while.

This indeed reflects players’ current high goal expectations from their fans; many are watching him move forward eagerly.

…

“Beep!”

The second half kicks off at Emirates Stadium, noticeably Sunderland is still wary of that conceded goal at the end of the first half.

Even with the score behind, they don’t dare to press forward… losing to a team like Arsenal in the first match of the new season is acceptable, but a disaster scenario is not.

Compared to negative gameplay drawing the ire of fans, they are more worried about being permanently ridiculed.

“Boom boom boom…!”

Thus, a very strange scene unfolds on the field: leading Arsenal with a high-pressure attack, while trailing Sunderland is instead crouched in front of the penalty area defending.

If not looking at the score, one might think Sunderland stole a couple from Arsenal and is stabilizing their victory, with Arsenal trying to level it.

“Not easy to attack, if Sunderland blocks with everyone, apart from crossing or long shots, Arsenal doesn’t have many good ways to deal with Mignolet.

“Let’s see if Ma’el’s breakthrough can create some new opportunities, though after rushing most of the half, I think he may not have the mindset to score desperately, no need to exert too much against Sunderland.

“Ma’el cuts in! The rhythm is good! No one can keep up with him! Takes a shot!

“Whoa…! He still has the desire to score! But the curve of the ball wasn’t grasped well, it’s a bit off.”

“…..”

At the 67th minute, Ma’el suddenly moves forward amid two defenders’ pursuit and interception, then stops abruptly and spins back, returning to the midfield position to receive the ball.

After over half a year of special attention, he’s long accustomed to finding receiving opportunities in tight pressure, adapting to ensure his performance space amid weak teams’ dense defenses.

“Pop…”

Stopping the ball sent by Cazorla at his feet, he instinctively leads it towards the central danger area, continuously lifting his head to observe.

Initially, he intended to pass, but sensing he was slowly entering shooting range, the itch on the instep of his right foot began to mount.

Thinking of this, he no longer considered the teammates requesting the ball in the center… having focused on teamwork for quite a while, it’s time to indulge himself and enjoy the pleasure brought by a powerful shot!

No matter if it goes in or not, let’s test Mignolet first, take the shot!

“Boom… boom…!”

Leading the ball forward to the right, he takes two steps to run and kicks up, his right leg folding like a whip before bursting out, striking the bottom-middle of the football.

Shooting instantly, his body tilts sharply to the right, this is a technique he mastered after level 5 long shot to concentrate his whole body’s bursting power for maximum shooting force.

Some midfields lacking power often shoot far in this way, like Pirlo, who is an expert in this area.

And his shot power is already top-tier in football, now coupled with this technique, absolutely bestows the ball with its inherent maximum kinetic energy and maximum speed!

“Whoosh…!” The heavy projectile crashes toward the upper left corner of the goal, getting closer and closer, prompting more and more Arsenal fans to stand up in hope.

As it nears the goal within a meter distance, Ma’el confidently turns and runs towards the corner flag area, spreading his arms in an early celebration.

Finally arrived!

The new season’s first goal!!

“Whoosh!”

“Aaaahhhhh…!”

Then the sound of the ball hitting the net, accompanied by the frenzied celebratory cheers from the fans, reverberate like waves loaded with stimulants and high-temperature fuel, igniting Emirates Stadium and Ma’el’s passion.

“The ball is in! Heavy artillery king Ma’el!! Has brought his long shots to the Premier League stage this new season!! This is an unsolvable worldie!!

“Before the match, I mentioned Mignolet’s recent excellent form as one of the strong contenders against Belgium’s national gate Courtois, but he still couldn’t stop such a quality long shot!