Chapter 858 - 21: Manchester City, a Tough Nut to Crack! An Assist Already? No Explanation Needed!

"Beep!"

At 7:30 PM, the whistle blew for this sixth round Premier League match, and Manchester City’s forward Dzeko kicked off in the center circle.

"Clap clap clap...!"

"Aaahhhh...!!"

Amidst the cheers from the visiting Arsenal fans, Arsenal’s luxurious new trio charged past the halfway line and began pressing Manchester City’s defenders.

Watching their strong figures and graceful backs, the fans seemed to see three money mountains ’running.’ Together, they were worth nearly 250 million Euros.

"Ma’el! Van Persie! Bell!!"

Their names echoed incessantly around Etihad Stadium, and Arsenal fans, long missing such an extravagant lineup, were enthusiastic, even overshadowing the home fans.

On the sidelines, Wenger looked at the trio and his lips showed a few smiles.

Having such a forward line was his previous dream, and it’s what keeps him living in happiness every day.

"Mr. Mancini is waiting for you there." A voice came from beside him; it was Hans pointing towards the center circle’s extension line to remind him.

"Oh."

Wenger tapped his head and smiled apologetically. Just focused on admiring the sight of the three in Arsenal jerseys, he had completely forgotten to go to the center circle to shake hands.

He hurriedly walked over, but as he walked, it inevitably became a somewhat proud stride.

Clearly, this season he had a different mindset when facing the managers of big clubs, compared to last season.

As he approached, Mancini’s face held a teasing smile, with a double-entendre remark: "Feel different?"

"Everything is indeed different," Wenger laughed, raising his head and extending his hand to shake Mancini’s.

In the latter half of last season, they were the biggest competitors for the Premier League title. Meeting again in the new season, there’s inevitably a sense of mutual admiration and nostalgia.

"I’m jealous of you."

Mancini patted Wenger’s shoulder and then turned with a smile, swapping his gaze for a melancholy expression once he turned away.

He was indeed envious of Wenger, envious of his ability and energy, envious of his love for one club and being there for over a decade, becoming a legend.

But most importantly, he envied Wenger’s luck.

Arsenal reversed everything last season, came back from hardships, almost all related to Ma’el’s appearance.

Sometimes Mancini wondered why he couldn’t promote such a figure from the academy, to cooperate with him and compete for all honors in European football.

It’s not that he hasn’t tried; he’s focused on Manchester City’s training academy in recent years and has set his sights on a young player named Foden.

But he’s too young; by the time he grows up, Mancini would likely have already left the club.

After all, persevering at one club like Wenger, how difficult is that?

"Alas..."

Looking at the lineup on the field, which compared to last season hasn’t strengthened at all, Mancini sighed helplessly and appeared somewhat melancholic.

Manchester City only spent less than 40 million pounds in the summer transfer window, only bringing in players like Javi Garcia, Scott Sinclair, and Rodwell who aren’t first-tier.

Jokingly, their summer window investment was at an ’Arsenal’ level, while Arsenal’s was more like a ’Manchester City’ level.

The Middle East Consortium possibly lost confidence in the championship or in him.

If not for their good performance in the first few matches, he might have packed up and left already, with a new coach coming in to adjust the team with a big transfer budget.

But he decided not to think more about it as Mancini started seriously focusing on the game.

Sometimes, one shouldn’t be too self-deprecating; he must have confidence in his team. Compared to opponents Arsenal faced in their first five rounds, Manchester City absolutely had the ability to harm them.

...

"Arsenal encountered their biggest challenge since the start of the season; I think there aren’t many teams this season that can threaten them, and Manchester City counts as one."

In the broadcast room, Zhan Jun and Zhang Lu, the old duo, chatted idly about the match, "Besides them, it’s Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur with the derby match boost!"

"The rest of the teams all seem to have quite a big gap with them."

Hearing Zhan Jun say this, Zhang Lu nodded and extended the topic: "But while fighting to win strong dialogues, also pay attention to other teams.

"These teams you feel aren’t much of a threat can also use your underestimation to stab you."

"Yes." Zhan Jun steered the topic back to the teams themselves, "Before the match, Arsenal’s expected goals were 2.9, while Manchester City’s were 2.1. Mr. Zhang, do you think this reflects the gap between the two teams?"

"More or less."

Zhang Lu chuckled, hesitant to make predictions for fear of being proven wrong, instead explaining: "Arsenal’s expected goals are high; it’s normal. Ma’el this season averages 2 goals per match, only scoring 1 would invite ’complaints.’

"As for Manchester City, perhaps considering their past matches’ high goal rate, many of their forwards are in good form."

"Look at this opportunity!" Zhan Jun suddenly became excited.

On the field, as Cazorla intercepted the ball from David Silva on the wing, Arsenal instantly went into a counterattack mode.

Manchester City’s defense line deliberately leaned towards Ma’el, preparing for strict marking.

"Boom!"

Cazorla noticed this, and without hesitation, made a large area switch, passing the ball to the vicinity of Bell who was advancing on the right.

"Tap tap tap...!"

Bell strode forward, speeding up with his distinctive running style, and gained possession.