40. Againts Newcastle United PT.1

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As evening settled, Francesco looked forward to Saturday with a heart full of determination. He was ready to give everything on the field, to make his family proud, and to show everyone that he belonged.

The morning sun cast a golden glow over London as the Arsenal team bus cruised through the city streets, bound for the Emirates Stadium. Inside, the players were abuzz with energy and excitement, each feeling the weight of game day but relishing the opportunity to bring Wenger's strategy to life.

Francesco sat beside Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and despite the butterflies of anticipation in his stomach, he felt an unbreakable sense of unity. Everyone was geared up, locked in for the challenge ahead. This wasn't just any game—this was Francesco's first chance to play a league match for Arsenal's first team, and he wanted to make the most of it.

"Excited?" Alex asked, grinning as he gave Francesco a playful nudge.

Francesco nodded, his eyes shining. "Definitely. It feels surreal, you know? To play at the Emirates, wearing this kit… it's everything I've dreamed about."

Alex chuckled. "Trust me, that feeling never really goes away. You're living the dream every day here. But just remember, it's still just football. Stick to what you know, play the way you've trained, and you'll be fine."

Francesco nodded, taking the advice to heart. Having Alex beside him, with his calm, seasoned demeanor, made him feel more grounded. They began to chat about Newcastle's strengths and weaknesses, recalling Wenger's analysis from the tactical session. Francesco couldn't stop replaying Wenger's advice in his mind: watch Cissce, press hard, and move quickly to create chances against a deep defense. Each tactic was a piece of a puzzle he couldn't wait to solve on the field.

"So, Cisse's got a strong left foot but struggles when you push him to his right. You'll have to keep him uncomfortable," Alex said, reinforcing Wenger's instructions from the session.

"I've got it," Francesco replied, picturing himself intercepting Cisse's runs, keeping him from finding his rhythm. "And I'm ready for Shelvey, too. If Mathieu and I keep the pressure on him, he won't be able to control the pace like he wants."

"Spoken like a true Gooner," Alex said, laughing as he patted Francesco on the shoulder. The camaraderie between them felt easy and natural, and it helped Francesco settle his nerves.

Finally, as they rounded a bend, the towering sight of the Emirates Stadium came into view, gleaming under the morning light. The sight of the stadium filled Francesco with awe. He'd been here countless times, but to arrive on the team bus, as part of the squad—this was different. This was the realization of a dream, and he was here to live it.

As the bus pulled into the stadium grounds, the coaching staff and Arsène Wenger stood first, leading the players off. Wenger's calm, reassuring presence had a grounding effect, and Francesco felt his nerves ease as he stepped out onto the grounds of the Emirates, breathing in the familiar scent of the field and the subtle hum of the stadium beginning to fill.

The players filed into the locker room, a ritual of preparation and focus settling over each of them as they took their seats. Francesco found his place, his kit neatly folded in front of him, and he took a moment to absorb the moment. The jersey felt heavy in his hands, not because of its weight, but because of what it represented—years of hard work, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in himself.

Around him, teammates laced up boots, wrapped ankles, and prepared mentally for the match. Francesco focused, blocking out everything but the game plan. His heart pounded with excitement, but his mind was clear. Today wasn't about proving himself—he'd already earned his place here. Today was about playing the game he loved and bringing Wenger's strategy to life.

After suiting up, Francesco joined his teammates as they made their way through the tunnel and out onto the field to start their warm-up. The stadium's seats were still filling, but the hum of energy was palpable. The cheers of the fans, even before kickoff, were a roar of support that reverberated across the field.

Francesco began his stretches, loosening up his muscles as he focused on each part of his body, preparing it for the physical demands of the game. Around him, his teammates moved through their drills with precision and focus, the familiarity of these routines bringing a sense of calm and readiness. Arsenal's fans began to cheer louder as the players completed their warm-ups, their chants creating an electric atmosphere that only fueled Francesco's determination.

Standing near the touchline, Wenger observed his players, his eyes assessing every movement, every pass, every shot. Francesco could feel his manager's watchful gaze as he moved through his paces. The sight of Wenger's calm, focused expression was reassuring, and Francesco felt a renewed sense of purpose. He knew Wenger trusted him to execute the role he'd been given, and that trust was something Francesco intended to repay with everything he had.

"Alright, lads, bring it in!" Wenger called out, signaling the team to gather around. They formed a tight circle, and Wenger looked at each of them, his calm demeanor balancing the intensity of the moment.

"We know what we're here to do," Wenger began, his voice steady and unwavering. "Newcastle will be tough—they've shown they can dig in and frustrate teams that try to break them down. But we're prepared. We've gone over their strengths, their weaknesses, and we've built a strategy that will let us play our game."

Wenger's gaze swept over the team, each player hanging onto his every word, feeling the weight and energy of the moment. With a subtle nod, Wenger began outlining the plan, his calm, composed voice filling the huddle with a sense of unity and focus.

"Our formation today is 4-3-3," Wenger announced, his tone steady and authoritative. "We're going to be disciplined, play our positions, and press hard. This is our chance to make Newcastle play at our pace. Let's get out there and control the game from the start."

Wenger started listing the starting eleven, and Francesco listened carefully, holding his breath as his name approached. "In goal, we have Wojciech Szczęsny. Our defense, from left to right—Kieran Gibbs, Per Mertesacker as captain, Mathieu Debuchy, and Hector Bellerin." Each name brought a nod and word of encouragement as Wenger acknowledged the individual strengths they would bring to the match.

"Midfielders, we'll have Mathieu Flamini as our defensive anchor, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Santi Cazorla in central roles. Keep the pressure, control possession, and feed our attack. Remember, Newcastle will be looking to shut down the middle, so you'll need to be smart with your passes."

As Wenger moved to the attacking players, Francesco's heartbeat quickened. "On the wings, we have Francesco Lee and Alexis Sanchez. Use your speed and vision to stretch their defense. Move quickly, stay wide, and be ready to cut inside when you see the chance. Francesco, stay sharp and look for those spaces Wenger detailed in our review."

Francesco gave a determined nod. The significance of starting alongside Alexis Sanchez, one of the Premier League's most electrifying players, fueled his excitement.

Wenger continued, "And up top, leading the attack, Olivier Giroud. Olivier, play your game—win the aerial duels, hold up the ball, and give our midfield and wingers the time they need to support."

With the lineup set, Wenger moved to the substitutes: "For today's bench, we have Emiliano Martínez, Semi Ajayi, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Francis Coquelin, Joel Campbell, Lukas Podolski, and Danny Welbeck. Be ready. We may need every one of you to see this through."

Wenger took a step back and looked around, meeting the eyes of each player, his expression resolute. "Now, gentlemen, this game is ours to win. Show Newcastle and our fans what Arsenal football is all about. Play for each other, trust the plan, and let's get the result we've worked for."

With that, the team broke their huddle, clapping each other on the back, their energy building as they headed back down the tunnel toward the pitch. The echo of the fans' chants filled the air, intensifying with every step they took. Francesco walked beside Alexis, the two exchanging a nod of mutual determination. He could feel the adrenaline humming beneath his skin, the excitement almost overwhelming. It was time.

Francesco took his place in line as the team assembled behind the referees in the tunnel, Arsenal on one side and Newcastle on the other. The quiet tension of pre-game filled the air as players adjusted their kits, exchanging nods and last glances of encouragement. Coaches and staff made their way to the benches, where they would watch and direct the action to come. Francesco could feel the anticipation building, not just within himself, but among every player around him. This was game day—Arsenal's home turf, the Emirates Stadium, a place where thousands of fans would soon be roaring.

The referee gave a brief nod to signal it was time, and in unison, both teams marched forward, stepping out from the tunnel. The bright lights of the stadium flooded over them, and the overwhelming sound of cheering fans hit them like a wave. Arsenal supporters were everywhere, filling the stadium with an electric atmosphere that thrummed with excitement. Francesco took in the sight of the red and white flags waving and the chants echoing, a display of loyalty that only boosted his determination.

The two teams lined up, Arsenal on the right and Newcastle on the left, with the referees standing in the center. Francesco stood next to his teammates, his heart pounding in his chest. He could see the Newcastle players lined up across from him, their expressions focused and serious. Despite the rivalry, there was a mutual respect in the air, an acknowledgment of the effort it had taken for both teams to get here.

Following tradition, Newcastle players stepped forward to shake hands with the referees, then moved down the line to shake hands with the Arsenal players. Francesco extended his hand to each Newcastle player, offering them a nod of sportsmanship. This moment of respect, the calm before the storm, felt surreal and grounding, even with the noise and energy of the fans filling the air.

When it was Arsenal's turn, they returned the handshake to the referees, showing their respect for the officials who would be overseeing the match. Then, with the formalities done, the players walked to their respective sides of the pitch, ready to take their positions and await the start of the game.

Per Mertesacker, wearing the captain's armband for Arsenal, walked to the center circle where the referee and Newcastle's captain, Fabricio Coloccini, were waiting. Francesco watched as the two captains, experienced leaders of their teams, exchanged a respectful nod before turning their attention to the referee. The official held a coin in his hand, ready to determine which side would take the kickoff.

"Alright, gentlemen," the referee said, holding the coin aloft, "we'll flip to see who starts. Per, since we're at home, you call it."

Mertesacker called "heads" without hesitation, his voice steady and confident. The referee flipped the coin, sending it spinning into the air, then caught it and revealed the result. "Heads it is," the referee announced, giving Arsenal the first possession.

With the coin toss decided, both captains shook hands and turned back to their teams. Per's expression remained calm, his focus unshakable as he jogged back to his position, relaying a quick set of instructions to the midfielders on how they would begin the play. Francesco felt a surge of confidence watching his captain take charge; Mertesacker's leadership set a steady tone for the entire team.

The referee took his position in the middle of the field, and the players assumed their places, setting the stage for kickoff. Arsenal's starting eleven spread out, each man ready, waiting for that initial whistle that would send them surging forward into action. Across the field, Newcastle's players mirrored the same intensity, their stances low and ready, eyes locked on Arsenal's formation.

Francesco took a deep breath, standing wide on the right wing, his eyes scanning the layout of the opposition. He reminded himself of Wenger's words, the tactics they'd discussed, the moves he needed to execute. In front of him, he could see Newcastle's left-back eyeing him with focused determination, already bracing for the battles they would face during the match.

Finally, the referee glanced at his watch, lifted his whistle to his lips, and blew the shrill sound that cut through the noise of the crowd. The game had begun.

As the whistle echoed across the stadium, both Arsenal and Newcastle sprang into action, each side pressing with fierce determination. The game began at a blistering pace, with neither team holding back as they fought for control. Arsenal pushed forward, using their speed and technical prowess to pressure Newcastle's defense, while Newcastle responded with resilience, their defenders putting up a strong wall. Every time Arsenal found an opening, Newcastle's goalkeeper, Jak Alnwick, was there, diving and stretching to make impressive saves.

On the other side, Newcastle wasn't content to play defensively. They launched quick counter-attacks, catching Arsenal's defense off guard on several occasions. Their forwards pressed high, and one breakaway nearly resulted in a goal, forcing Arsenal's Wojciech Szczęsny into a spectacular save to deny the shot. The fans roared as the teams traded chances, the thrill of the match already evident.

For the first 15 minutes, it was an intense back-and-forth, with the ball shifting from one end of the pitch to the other. Both teams had come close, but the goalkeepers on each side were determined not to concede. Francesco felt the adrenaline pulsing through him as he sprinted up and down the field, pushing forward and retreating to defend as needed. Each missed opportunity only increased the team's resolve, urging them to find that crucial breakthrough.

Then, in the 15th minute, Arsenal found their moment. Alexis Sanchez, on the left flank, received the ball and quickly assessed the situation. Seeing Olivier Giroud in the box, he made a swift decision. With pinpoint accuracy, Sanchez delivered a perfect cross, sending the ball arcing into the penalty area. Francesco watched as the ball seemed to hover, tracing its path as it approached Giroud, who was already moving into position.

Giroud rose high, timing his jump perfectly. He met the ball with a powerful header, sending it straight toward goal. Alnwick lunged, his gloves reaching desperately to deflect the shot, but the placement and speed of the header were too much. The ball sailed past him and into the back of the net.

The Emirates Stadium erupted, fans leaping to their feet in celebration. Francesco felt a surge of pride and excitement as he joined his teammates, surrounding Giroud to celebrate the opening goal. Arsenal had taken the lead, and the momentum was firmly in their hands.

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Name : Francesco Lee

Age : 16 (2014)

Birthplace : London, England

Football Club : Arsenal First Team

Championship History : None