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Chapter 31: Arsenal Lead
🕑 Added 2025-05-14 15:18:07 +0000 UTC“Another stop!”
Zhan Jun could barely contain his excitement.
This was Kai’s first time marking Townsend one-on-one; he was from the EFL Championship, and he had completely neutralized Townsend.
The previously effective Townsend had become nearly invisible during this stretch of play.
Holding a sheet of notes, Zhang Lu remarked, “Since the beginning, he’s registered two interceptions, one clean tackle, and several coordinated pressures with teammates. We have to admit—Kai has significantly improved Arsenal’s defensive cohesion. No doubt about it.”
Zhang Lu didn’t continue further. It was still just his observation.
But there was something undeniable about the way the team moved since Kai entered the pitch.
He didn’t want to jump to conclusions, yet it was clear to anyone watching: Arsenal looked different.
Alexander Song, for all his qualities, often felt disconnected, leading to the midfield being fragmented.
But now?
It was like someone had greased the gears of an old engine. The whole machine ran smoothly.
The most obvious change? Everyone was running hard.
Kai landed after challenging for a header, took one quick look around, and without hesitation, sprinted.
Leeds United had committed numbers forward, crowding the midfield—a perfect moment for a counterattack.
Kai wasn’t focused on whether he’d receive the ball or not. His role now was to sit in the space vacated by the Arsenal players for the attack.
If the attack broke down, he will be able to slow down the counter attack from Leeds for his returning teammates to counter press or enter a defensive shape.
Arteta, Henry, Chamberlain, and Arshavin were leading the charge.
4 vs. 3.
But the attack fell apart. The 33-year-old Henry couldn’t hold off the defender and lost the ball.
Damn it.
Kai had to backtrack carefully with Aaron Ramsey and use his Foresight to cut off the passing lanes of the ball.
Arshavin stared for a second, then clenched his teeth and ran after him.
Arteta followed. So did Chamberlain.
Suddenly, three Arsenal players were charging back at full speed—heads down, mouths shut, pushing their limits with Henry left behind as an option for a long pass.
By the time Leeds reached the edge of Arsenal’s box, the red-and-white tide had surged back.
Just moments before, only three defenders were in position. Now, five more arrived, sealing the gaps.
Leeds United hesitated, thrown off by the sudden swell of defenders.
The crowd held its breath.
This was a full 80-meter sprint… from four players.
They didn’t just jog back—they raced.
They got there before the danger reached the penalty area.
It wasn’t just Leeds who were stunned. Even Arsenal fans were caught off guard.
They hadn’t seen this kind of tenacity in years.
Back when Arsenal were fierce, physical, and relentless.
Back in the days of Graham’s gritty English football. When Wenger arrived, he fused that with flair and technique.
In the early years, it worked beautifully.
You had artistry and grit.
Players like Vieira and Petit redefined midfield dominance, controlling transitions with power and intelligence.
They didn’t just chase long balls or wait for rebounds.
They dictated everything.
But as time passed and Wenger leaned more into finesse, Arsenal grew soft.
Beautiful football, yes.
But lacking that championship edge—that intangible quality champions must have.
Spirit.
You can’t measure it. You can’t touch it. But you know when it’s there.
And now, it was back.
The fans could feel it in their bones.
The English commentator, George Adams, spoke into the mic.
“Great defensive cover by Kai and Ramsey. That gave enough time for the sprinting Arsenal players to enter a defensive shape.”
The Emirates roared in response.
It was just a defensive play. But it had lit the place on fire.
This was a different Arsenal.
The match continued. Arsenal’s morale surged after that defensive stand, and they pressed harder.
Kai locked eyes with Townsend again.
You’re not getting a moment’s peace.
The two clashed near the edge of the box—both pushing limits, testing what they could get away with under the ref’s nose.
Finally, Kai slid in with a perfectly timed challenge and won the ball.
Leeds didn’t even get a shot off.
And just like that, the counterattack was on.
There was a minute left before halftime.
They wanted to goal now.
“Run!”
Kai’s shout echoed across the pitch as he took off again.
Arteta, Arshavin, Coquelin, Chamberlain, Ramsey—all joined him in the charge.
Arteta picked up the ball near the halfway line and passed it to Kai, who quickly redirected it to Chamberlain and cut wide again to draw the defense.
He knew his limits. His finishing wasn’t top-tier, and he wouldn’t help much in the final shot, but he could drag a defender and create space.
Arsenal entered the final third like a wave.
Leeds fell into disarray.
This was Arsenal’s bread and butter—quick, intricate passing around the box.
Chamberlain to Arshavin. A touch to Ramsey.
Ramsey threaded a perfect through ball, splitting the defense like a knife.
There.
Henry charged in, curved his run, and unleashed a clinical finish to the far post.
The ball curled past the outstretched keeper.
Goal!
The Emirates erupted.
Fans leapt to their feet.
Henry had done it again.
“Goooooooooooooooooooaaaaaaal!” The stadium speakers sounded.
The fans were in a frenzy.
“Henry! Forever our King!”
“Henry! Forever our King!”
Henry sprinted toward the bench and threw himself into Wenger’s arms.
Wenger beamed.
It wasn’t a flashy set-up, but it was the perfect moment.
And what a way to repay the fans.
After the celebration, Wenger's gaze drifted—not to Henry, but to Kai, who was celebrating with his teammates as they jogged over.
Although Kai wasn't responsible for the goal or assist, it all began from the well-placed tackle from him to launch the attack.
Wenger smiled and muttered under his breath.
“Well done, kid.”
Back in the Chinese commentary booth, the FA Cup commentary team was just as excited.
Zhan Jun exclaimed, “Arsenal lead! And it’s Henry—who gets the goal right before halftime!”
Zhang Lu nodded. “Henry handled that finish with real finesse.”
“But,” he added, “Chamberlain’s quick decision in transition was also key. Kai’s tackle was also crucial.”
Zhan Jun countered, “Yes, he has been very impressive. Since coming on three interceptions and two successful tackles. His press has also been impressive, cutting off Leeds' passing lanes and forcing more back passes from them. That’s not something you see every day.”
Zhang Lu agreed, “Absolutely. That kind of effort is rare.”
During halftime, online fans buzzed with excitement.
@LOL Legend: Commentators aren't giving Kai enough credit! He is everywhere.
@ChinaforWorldCup: Right? The guy has a tank for lungs.
@ArsenalforLife: Loving the signing from Arsenal. COYG
@Bald Majesty: Thierry, the GOAT. COYG.
Fans were buzzing.
Kai didn’t score. He didn’t assist.
But he shut down Townsend and changed the rhythm of the game.
They weren’t asking a teenager to work miracles.
He was only 17.
But his performance today?
Promising—very promising.
And the Chinese fans, maybe, just maybe, had found their first true iron midfield anchor.
A player who could finally fill that long-vacant role on the national stage.
