From Arsenal to the Ball God

Chapter 421 - 119: A 70-Meter Solo Run! Puskas Award Nominee? An Undefeated Half-Season Finale!

"Ah....."

At the Sheffield United coaching bench, Garrispeed grimaced in frustration, surprised that it was Ma’el who turned this outright defeat into a crushing blow.

There’s a significant difference between losing 0-3 and 0-4; it brings about different feelings.

He shook his head as he returned to the substitute bench, grabbed a bottle of water, took a sip, and anxiously watched the field, afraid that Arsenal might pursue more goals in the final moments.

While drinking, he noticed Jorson biting his inner lip, trying to suppress a laugh, his body slightly shaking as if he was holding back his emotions.

"Uncomfortable, isn’t it?"

Seeing his friend like this, Garrispeed couldn’t help but tease: "Knowing today it would have been better to take a rest and let the new physical ability coach sit in your place this season.

"Watching such a stunning goal at home, you could have celebrated without restraint."

"Tsk." Jorson rolled his eyes disdainfully, countering, "Your face looks complicated too, doesn’t it? Why not say we both take a vacation and let the physical ability coach lead the team against Arsenal?

"Besides, I do have a sense of collective honor; conceding so many goals is surely distressing for me... it’s just seeing him, I can’t help it."

When Garrispeed said nothing, Jorson pointed at Ma’el to ease the tension, "It’s not just uncomfortable for me; he’s really uncomfortable too."

"Haha." Garrispeed forced a couple of laughs and felt somewhat balanced after seeing Ma’el’s expression.

He turned his gaze toward the box area of the field, wondering what the boss, McCabe, might be thinking at this moment... whether he also had mixed emotions.

...

"Garrispeed, you pig!"

Inside the box, McCabe was with his family, and seeing Garrispeed casting his glance here, he couldn’t help but angrily say: "What’s he doing? How could they let in four goals?"

His wife was beside him, comforting him, while his two sons were watching the field intently, fearing McCabe’s anger might spill over onto them.

Isabella’s reaction was different from theirs; she was now cheerfully nodding along to the music in the room, her mouth curled into a smile.

The familiar feeling is back... except Ma’el has transformed from Sheffield United’s god to Arsenal’s god.

Since staying in London, she seldom returned to watch matches; today was an exception.

Looking at her father’s expression, Isabella couldn’t help but say: "It’s already like this, forget about the score, just appreciate the football; Ma’el was once one of us."

McCabe glanced at Isabella, opened his mouth to speak but ultimately sighed: "This is my team, like my beloved child; how can I bear to see it hit for four goals?

"I can’t appreciate Arsenal’s picture-perfect offense, nor Ma’el’s world-class goals, I can only feel pain."

Isabella shrugged and stopped persuading, turning her head to focus on the field.

In some moments, one might think, how wonderful it would be if Ma’el were still one of them?

She could sit here every week, celebrating with her family, cheering for him.

Unfortunately, he departed swiftly, leaving Sheffield United behind in just a few moves... now, he’s beyond the reach of a club like Sheffield United.

In their dreams, they only dared to dream of stars like Arshavin, not Ma’el.

...

"Boom!"

On the field, Sheffield United gained a chance for a corner kick through a counterattack in the attacking third; this was their second corner kick of the match.

And the match time was nearing its end... they had to adjust their mindset to accept this crushing defeat and seek an opportunity to score and regain some dignity.

Janu took the corner kick for them; the ball was initially cleared by Mertesacker and then the second ball was taken by the approaching Luton.

Ma’el had leisurely strolled back to his own penalty area to see if there was any place he could assist.

Upon observing Luton about to send up the ball, he accelerated toward Luton, but unfortunately the opponent managed to pass the ball first.

He glanced inside the penalty area, feeling relieved to see Mertesacker’s positional advantage; the defensive abilities of the German iron-back weren’t a concern.

"Boom!"

Mertesacker headed the ball out of the penalty area, and the ball fell right near Ma’el’s position.

Ma’el’s gaze sharpened, and he quickly turned around for a look, finding himself encircled by four players.

He sought a passing avenue, only to find every path was blocked by the opponents... he had no choice but to control the ball and try to take it out of the danger zone first before seeking a pass.

"Boom boom boom...!"

His right foot’s outside edge touched the ball rapidly, gradually picking up speed as the opponent’s encirclement tightened.

Hmm?

Ma’el suddenly realized that despite the number of people in the encirclement, only a young midfielder ahead and a trailing Janu could effectively defend him.

The defense was weak!

Perhaps he could break through them!

"Boom boom...!!"

Ma’el started a powerful dash, exerting maximum effort with each step, taking full strides and using all his strength.

The trailing Janu was struggling to keep up; now, if Ma’el could get past the young midfielder ahead, the opponent’s midfield line would be breached!

Once the situation opens up, whether to continue the breakthrough or pass the ball, it could create significant threats!

"The counterattack begins now!"

In the broadcast room, Zhan Jun was analyzing the situation on the field, "There are many defenders around Ma’el’s position, yet he’s gained speed!

"Facing Tech’s defense! Shifting to the right... Tech tried to make a move but couldn’t match Ma’el’s speed; he shifted again! He’s going past them!"