Chapter 859 - 21: Tough Manchester City! An Assist Already? No Explanation Needed! (2)

As the Manchester City players couldn’t close in quickly, he encountered only Klich’s defense.

"Bang...!"

Bell decisively chose to take the ball to the bottom line, using his speed to overpower Klich.

Klich had no means of resistance, and in a mere turning move, he was left behind. It was as if he and Bell were running at two different paces, like an adult racing a child.

Overwhelming!

He’s past him!

"Ohhh...!!"

Arsenal fans began to shout passionately, witnessing Bell’s performance on the flank, they felt immensely satisfied and fortunate.

Zuomae’el on the left, Bell on the right, both well-known sprinters in today’s football world, plus Van Persie’s powerful finishing ability in the center - this frontline is beautiful from any angle!

Countless people have exclaimed time and again, but still can’t help but shake their heads and marvel to those beside them.

"Bang!"

After Bell reached the endline, he glanced at the center and immediately swept the ball across the front of the goal, aiming for Van Persie who was closing in.

Unfortunately, just as Van Persie was about to touch the ball, England international Lescott intercepted and cleared it for a corner.

Corner!

"Clap clap clap...!" Applause resounded throughout the stadium, Arsenal fans did not blame the team; instead, more hopeful light shone in their eyes. They increasingly felt this season the team could make an impact in the Champions League.

Let time move quickly forward, they want to see Arsenal finish first in the group and fight through the knockout rounds!

They want to rid themselves of the perennial label of last sixteen in the Champions League and strive for their first championship in club history!

"Bang!"

The corner was taken, but failed to pose a threat, the football was cleared from the near post position, and both sides were again locked in a tug-of-war.

As expected, Manchester City, being a strong team, did not fall significantly behind in terms of performance; both sides had similar possession rates.

They could also launch a fluid attack, causing some trouble for Arsenal; the only difference was their attacking threat was slightly less than Arsenal’s.

In the 34th minute of the match, Manchester City won a corner, and David Silva signaled with a wave before delivering a curling ball.

In the central area, due to Manchester City’s players crossing their runs, Arsenal’s penalty area descended into some chaos as the football fell towards Manchester City center-back Lescott’s head.

"Bang!!"

"Lescott!! A powerful header! The ball is in! Lori couldn’t stop such a close-range football! One-nil! Manchester City takes the lead!"

"..."

"Yeahhh.....!!" At the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City fans cheered wildly for the somewhat surprising goal, taking the lead against the current Arsenal is definitely a noteworthy achievement.

On the sidelines, Mancini also threw several punches in excitement, seeing some hope for victory.

Nearby the penalty area, Manchester City players arm-in-arm roared as they charged towards the corner flag area, leaving the Arsenal players staring at each other.

Ma’el and several frontline players didn’t say much, simply turned and headed towards the forward line, waiting to restart play.

Looking at their backs, many defenders who were somewhat affected felt instantly steadied as if conceding a goal was no big deal.

If Manchester City can score, can’t they score against Manchester City?

How’s that possible?

Keep going, just come back and score, a goal for the likes of Ma’el, who effortlessly scores in successive games, is straightforward!

"Beep!"

After the match restarted, Arsenal intensified their offensive but each attack fell short by a bit of luck, unable to equalize before halftime.

"Beep! Beep——!" As the halftime whistle blew, players from both sides entered the locker room, waiting for the coach’s word.

"No rush."

In the Arsenal locker room, Ma’el calmly said while adjusting his socks, "We’ll get back; we always do." Seeing Wenger yet to arrive, his calm helped ease the nerves of many.

Indeed, it’s not always about shouting or motivation; sometimes, there’s something to be gained from the subtle actions of the captain and coach.

Not long after Wenger entered, he showed no signs of urgency, speaking to the players as if engaged in casual conversation.

"I’ve said countless times, the Premier League is a difficult league with many excellent opponents, we need to understand this deeply."

He wrapped his arms and paced back and forth, "The team did well in various aspects in the first half, we must maintain this in the second half and grasp opportunities more focusedly when they arise.

"Goals will come."

After this, he said nothing else, not believing in the need for adjustments, just leaving it to the players, and to time.

"Beep!!"

Shortly after, players returned to the field, and the referee blew the whistle for the game to start again.

"Bang!" Van Persie took the kick-off from the center circle, and Arsenal began their ground control, drawing Manchester City’s players forward.

The trident quickly charged towards Manchester City’s backline, sticking close to Manchester City’s defenders, waiting for possible threatening passes.

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

No one wanted to fall just short of legendary status, they all wanted to go further and have their names reach the pinnacle!

However, clearly, compared to the past, Arsenal players have grown much stronger mentally.

They were not constrained by pressure to give rise to nervous emotions but were united with absolute belief in themselves, even when trailing!