From Arsenal, Forge the Path to Football God

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Goal Scored!

1-1 Tie!

Maël's shot equalized the score for the Arsenal U17 Team, bringing both sides back to the same starting line.

"Yeah...!!"

"Oh wow! That kid's got some skills, who is he?"

"Great job!"

The Arsenal fans in the stands erupted into cheers, many rising to their feet to applaud Maël's goal celebration.

Though they were mere spectators, they could clearly feel the thrill of the ball forcefully piercing the goal net.

In their hearts, this team was not just the club's team, but also their team. These kids were their future.

Some even shouted out, hoping to see Maël in the first team.

In the technical area, Hans quickly stood up and clapped, a smile of joy on his face as he stared intently at Maël's back.

It was unclear whether he was more delighted by the team equalizing the score or by seeing Maël's recent rapid improvement.

"Very nice long shot."

A somewhat sudden voice sounded from behind him, belonging to Wenger, who had unexpectedly spoken up, "This all comes from his recent long shot practice, doesn't it?"

"I think so, Mr. Wenger."

Hans's expression clearly showed surprise; he hadn't known that Wenger was also paying attention to Maël. "I've reminded him multiple times to take care of his body and not overtrain, but he can't be stopped.

"He seems to have an obsession, not stopping until he achieves his goal. I wonder if it has something to do with his family environment."

Wenger nodded, subconsciously saying, "If possible, let him—"

Realizing that this might not be appropriate, he quickly changed his words, "Never mind, you're the U17 head coach, I shouldn't say these things."

Hans didn't respond, but he understood what Wenger meant.

To be honest, after this goal, his views were almost in line with Mr. Wenger's.

Near the Liverpool penalty box, the Arsenal players saw the ball go into the net and their faces lit up, rushing to Maël in excitement.

"Beautiful!!"

"I knew that shot would go in!"

"A 1-1 tie makes the game much easier to play."

Most of them were already convinced by Maël's improved skills, but a few stubborn ones like Ian remained in the back, neither coming over nor speaking.

Maël laughed heartily, feeling a surge of excitement and strength, prompting him to run to the corner flag area to celebrate.

He wasn't sure if he had learned this from watching TV stars or if it was a natural instinct when excited.

In any case, the feeling of scoring a goal was great!

"Even though it wasn't technically my assist."

Captain Gilbert was the first to run to his side, lifting him high, "But the corner kick that led to the goal was my assist, so I feel a bit involved."

"There will be more."

Maël smiled confidently, feeling that the game wouldn't end like this.

---

After a brief celebration, the game resumed.

As the match time passed the thirty-minute mark and both teams gradually adapted to each other's rhythms, the balance on the field began to tilt in Liverpool's favor.

After all, they had fielded their entire first team, while Arsenal had only four first-team players.

At the beginning, everyone might have played more conservatively and by the book, but once they opened up, some gaps began to show.

"Bang!!"

"Whoosh!!"

These gaps gradually became apparent on the field, with Liverpool constantly launching threatening attacks. The Arsenal goal area was under constant pressure, with balls flying in at high speed.

In the 44th minute of the match, Liverpool scored their second goal.

"Bang!"

They launched a wave of attacks in the attacking third, completing a header from a cross from the wing. After Arsenal's goalkeeper Hopkins saved the ball, Liverpool's number 9 followed up with a shot.

"Clang!" This shot was unlucky, hitting the goalpost and bouncing back into the penalty box.

Fortunately, another Liverpool midfielder followed up, completing the final shot with a straight-footed strike.

2-1 Lead!

The Liverpool players rushed to the sidelines, grinning from ear to ear. The goal scorer subtly turned to look at Wenger, hoping to catch his attention.

But Wenger had no time for them at that moment. He frowned, watching the team's midfield and defensive line, his eyes filled with disappointment.

Losing two second balls in the penalty box was a fatal mistake.

"Defensive retreat! There aren't enough players!"

In the stands, Ian spread his hands, his face showing frustration, "We've been pressing for a while, but no one's coming back to help."

"With the goalkeeper, there are eight players around the penalty box, which isn't few."

Captain Gilbert glared at him, feeling a growing dislike for this person. He was shouting after a goal was conceded, but it wasn't clear who he was trying to impress.

"If we had our full first team, we wouldn't have conceded that goal."

Ian persisted, flaunting his superiority, especially when he saw many trial players hanging their heads in self-blame. He became even more aggressive, "I really don't understand how some people play, how they even got to wear the Arsenal jersey?"

This time, not only Gilbert and Maël, but even Wenger on the sidelines turned to look at Hans, "This person—"

"I will deal with him after the match."

Hans clenched his teeth, wishing he could send Ian to hell.

The suffering Arsenal was enduring was far from over. After a fifteen-minute halftime break, the second half of the match resumed.

Liverpool continued their fierce attacks, their attacking players seemingly having figured out Arsenal's weaknesses. They pressed forward, aiming to keep the ball in Arsenal's half.

"Bang!!"

In the 51st minute of the match, Liverpool's number 6, the captain and defensive midfielder, suddenly unleashed a surprise shot, returning a long shot.

Ian rushed forward to slide tackle, but fate was against him. The ball deflected off his shin and caught goalkeeper Hopkins off guard.

Another goal!

3-1 Lead!

"Oh!" Ian was almost turning black with anger, standing still with his head down after getting up.

He temporarily put Maël and the others out of his mind, thinking about his own future. Given his performance today, it was unlikely that Wenger would take notice of him.

He felt regretful and remorseful, wishing he had been more focused on playing from the start.

"Pass the ball, there's still time, but don't waste it on regrets."

A voice from the front urged, it was Maël's, who seemed far from giving up.

Goalkeeper Hopkins picked up the ball and kicked it to Maël, giving him a thumbs up.

"Damn."

Ian's mood was low, and he was extremely jealous of Maël's goal. If he could have a standout performance, the number of goals conceded wouldn't matter.

"Beep!"

The match resumed, and Arsenal's fighting spirit was clearly dampened. Only a few players still had a fighting spirit in their eyes.

Their possession after the restart didn't last long before being taken back by Liverpool, who resumed their siege.

It seemed like Arsenal was trapped in a vicious cycle, unable to find any breakthrough, appearing helpless.

Until the 67th minute of the match, when team captain Gilbert, receiving a pass from Maël, began his performance.

"Bang, bang, bang…"

He dribbled directly towards Liverpool's backline, using high-frequency touches with the outside of his right foot, constantly shifting his center of gravity, and making deceptive moves.

One feint, another, and he dribbled forward!

Suddenly, he broke through the Liverpool trio's encirclement and charged into the penalty box.

"Bang!"

The final push shot was like the perfect finishing move of a grand waltz, light and graceful.

2-3 Deficit!

There's still a chance!

Captain Gilbert's highlight moment showcased why he was the Arsenal captain and why he was anchoring the central axis today.