From Arsenal, Forge the Path to Football God

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August 28th, Bramall Lane Stadium.

7:00 PM, an hour before the match, a large number of cars surrounded the area, and fans from all over the city kept pouring in, filling the place to the brim.

"Bang bang! Bang bang bang bang!!"

"Honk honk! Honk honk honk!!"

They beat war drums and blew horns, creating a lively atmosphere outside the stadium.

Many vendors selling beer and hot dogs were also hawking their goods, hoping to make a good profit from the massive crowd.

They caused many beer-loving fans to sit by the roadside, already flushed and dazed before the match even started.

"Gary Speed! Go for it!!"

"We need to win our first home game of the new season, charge!!"

"Let Preston North End lose everything at Bramall Lane!"

At 7:00 PM, the Blades Hardcore Fan Group arrived, shouting整齐的口号 and bringing along a dozen or so impressive red and white flags, like ancient military banners.

The gentle breeze made the flags flutter and dance, creating a fierce and solemn atmosphere.

"OhOhOh!!"

The other fans seemed to have found their group, following behind these team flags, raising their hands and roaring as they entered the stadium.

Fans are adorable; they will curse you with dirty words and mock you rationally when you lose.

But when you need them, they will still buy season tickets and wear the team jersey to cheer for you.

Today, the new manager's debut!

The starting lineup announced before the match clearly indicated that many new players would make their home debut!

Sheffield United fans were looking forward to a new team appearing before their eyes, taking on the responsibility of restoring the team's glory.

They lived for these moments, which were part of their football culture, an indispensable part of their lives.

"Beep beep!"

At 7:55 PM, in the player tunnel, three referees led both teams onto the field in an orderly manner.

Maël held the hand of a ball boy, following the team's steps, walking through the red-themed player tunnel and out onto the pitch.

Looking ahead, fourteen bright floodlights appeared in front of him, with many spotlights around them. Below them were the two-tier stands filled with people, most wearing red and white jerseys.

"You are a light in the dark, that there's only the road down the dark!!"

The fans were singing the team anthem loudly, the voices of over twenty thousand people combining into a deafening roar.

This was Sheffield's home ground, Bramall Lane Stadium! Maël's skin tingled, having experienced a starting lineup once before, but this was his first time at the pre-match ceremony at home.

This would surely be an unforgettable day, and he wanted to leave his mark here with the best possible performance.

Stepping onto the soft turf, he and his teammates completed the brief pre-match ceremony, determined the kick-off and choice of sides, and then took their positions.

He exchanged a glance with the opposing wing-back, then looked at Gary Speed, who was slightly excited and nervous on the sidelines, before closing his eyes to adjust his mindset.

"Beep!"

At 8:00 PM, the main referee blew the whistle to start the match.

Sheffield United's forward Evans kicked the ball from the center circle, and another forward, Bolodanovich, kicked it back. Gilbert received the ball and passed it back to the defense.

"Bang!"

Sheffield United's center-back Steven made a long pass, sending the ball to Maël's left midfield position.

Maël charged at high speed, facing the opposing wing-back, and tried to jump as high as possible to head the ball.

He didn't get the ball, but his strong body pushed the opposing defender off balance, preventing him from jumping high enough to head the ball either.

"Press! Press! Come on!"

Sheffield United quickly advanced, everyone moving towards the left side, and after the opposing team threw the ball in, they began a high-pressure press.

Seeing the situation, Preston North End's defender, after receiving the throw-in, immediately passed the ball to their midfielder, the ball bouncing unevenly.

"Mine!"

An excited voice rang out, and Gilbert, making his first start, slid in behind the opposing midfielder, dispossessing him before he could receive the ball.

The ball flew to the wing, a 50-50 ball between Maël and Preston North End's wing-back.

With the latter not having a significant speed advantage, a physical duel was inevitable.

"Bang!"

Maël's shoulder slammed into the opposing player's shoulder. This time, he didn't feel much of a jolt, and the opponent was sent flying as if hit by a hammer.

Most wing-backs are either speed-based or passing-based, and their physicality couldn't compare to Maël's.

Maël passed the ball to Evans, who had come back to receive it, and immediately felt a surge of adrenaline, his blood boiling.

Winning a pure physical battle was indeed exhilarating!

"Oh!!"

The Sheffield United fans erupted in cheers, seeing the team's new spirit from the start and a passionate, successful challenge, they felt elated.

In the center, Evans, enveloped in this fiery atmosphere, couldn't resist turning and unleashing a powerful shot.

The ball flew straight towards the near post, but was barely saved by the opposing goalkeeper.

So close!

"Ahh" A wave of regret swept through the stands, with many fans clutching their heads.

Evans covered his face, then shook his head, raising his hands to signal everyone to get excited, "Come on, come on!"

The team was indeed different, and even the commentators in the media area could see it.

"From the start, it's clear that Gary Speed's appointment has brought a completely different look to the team.

"This might be due to the previously reported conflicts between players and Kevin, as well as Gary Speed's personal charisma.

"Preston North End seems to be intimidated, with their manager, Landers, looking anxious and heavy.

"Let's look at Sheffield United's first corner kick of the first half, taken by Janu Hans, with the camera focusing on their tall striker, Bolodanovich, a high point.

"The corner kick is taken! A scramble in the penalty area, a clearance!

"The ball is controlled by Ward in the second area, he looks at the penalty area, is he going to cross? No, it's a surprise pass!!

"Maël! Young Maël is in the passing line!"

On the pitch, after Ward's dummy cross, Preston North End's defense quickly compressed into the penalty area, leaving the area in front of it open.

"Bang!"

But the real cross accurately found a vacuum, reaching Maël in an open space.

Maël remained calm at this moment, not rushing to take a shot.

He lowered his center of gravity, placing the ball in the most comfortable position, seemingly blocking out the fans' cheers, leaving only him and the ball in his world.

In this ultimate focus, he took two steps, firmly placing his support foot to the left of the ball, then swung his left arm and kicked with his right leg, powerfully.

"Whoosh" At this moment, the sounds around him returned.

One of them came from the technical area, Gary Speed's excited voice, he must have stood up from his seat, "Smash it in!"

"Bang!!" The muffled sound echoed throughout the stadium, the ball rose and flew straight towards the far post, smashing into the net with lightning speed, "Swish!!"

Goal!

1-0!

Maël's long shot, his first career goal!

A fire erupted in his heart and lungs, making him raise his hands and sprint towards the fans' section, sliding on his knees at high speed.

"Yeah!!" At this moment, he heard the cheers of over twenty thousand fans at Bramall Lane, the stands rising in unison.

All the pent-up frustration was released in this moment, he felt as if he had fallen into a blissful state, surrounded by people dancing for him.

The feeling of scoring a goal was indeed great!

"I knew you could do it, easy assist!"

Ward, who was already nearby, was the first to run over, jumping onto his back.

"Maël, My God!"

Gilbert, the second to run over with a smile, spread his arms wide, giving his best friend a big hug to celebrate the goal.