Chapter 31: It’s a sunny noon
The TV broadcast gave Louis a long to close-up shot, emphasizing to viewers who the key players in this game were. In the stands of die-hard fans, an area with Louis's portrait held high stood out. These were Arsenal fans from the Victor community, showing their support for Louis.
This was Louis's first time playing at the Emirates Stadium in a formal competition. Though he had familiarized himself with the pitch during warm-ups, this was different. He looked around the stands, soaking in the atmosphere, before stepping onto the turf alongside Giroud.
They shook hands with the opponents, posed for photos, and then took their positions. Team captain Vermaelen and Southampton's captain Adam Lallana were choosing sides.
Southampton, though a newly promoted team, was strong. They had high-profile players like Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, free-kick expert James Ward-Prowse, Dutch international Morgan Schneiderlin, and Portuguese international José Fonte.
On Southampton's bench sat Japanese international Maya Yoshida.
"Hey, Yoshida, that kid is starting this game," one player remarked.
"The coach told us to keep an eye on him. This kid might be trouble," Yoshida responded.
"Seventeen and starting in the Premier League? He got lucky with a few goals," another teammate added.
Adkins, Southampton's head coach, had advised his players to be physical with Louis, believing his success was due to being an unknown quantity.
The game started, and Southampton's targeted strategy against Louis was evident. He was constantly squeezed, collided with, and knocked down. Ten minutes in, he had no room to maneuver, as Southampton was clearly defending with all they had.
"Louis, starting for the first time, is very active but facing a tight defense, he has little space to work with," commentator Andy Gray observed.
In the stands, Filippo Inzaghi and his brother Simone watched closely.
"You probably hated this kind of situation when you played," Simone said.
Filippo shook his head slightly. "Let's see how he handles it. He's better than I was at that age."
Wenger remained calm on the sidelines, unlike Southampton coach Adkins, who felt uneasy despite his pride in his team's arrangement.
Louis moved to the left rib to catch the ball, but Southampton's dense defense forced him close to the baseline. He tried to pass back to the center, but it was blocked by Fonte, leading to an Arsenal corner.
"There's just no room for him," Gray said. "His current weakness is clear. Without space, he has almost no tactical effect. It seems he's not ready for a starting role."
Reporters nodded in agreement, while the camera focused on Wenger, raising the question: Was Louis ready to start?
Louis looked disheveled, his hair covered in grass clippings. Southampton's strong central defenders and Schneiderlin's mobility and entangling ability left him at a disadvantage in the first ten minutes.
Taking a corner was a small victory. Cazorla ran to the corner flag, and Louis stood with Giroud, Vermaelen, and Koscielny—four players over 6ft 2in tall, creating an imposing presence in the penalty area. Schneiderlin kept a close eye on Louis, following Adkins's emphasis.
As Cazorla ran up, Louis and his teammates rushed the goal. Louis paused halfway, using a pick and roll tactic with his teammates to create a path to the near post. He met Cazorla's cross with a flicked header, sending the ball into the net.
"Cazorla takes the corner, Louis heads it in!!" Gray exclaimed. "The goal is in!! Louis again!! His fifth goal! His third league goal!!"
Wenger jumped up, fists clenched, cheering. He had anticipated the defensive strategy and designed set-piece tactics around Louis, using other players as cover to create scoring opportunities.
Louis's goal wasn't just an opening goal; it was a tactical victory and a boost of confidence for Wenger. Louis, despite his shortcomings, could deliver when it mattered.
Louis ran to the sidelines, pointing to his family in the stands, a smile spreading across his face. His family jumped up, cheering for him. The Emirates Stadium was alive with chants.
"Arsenal scored in the 13th minute, goal scorer, No. 19, Louis!"
The camera focused on Louis, his face still stained with mud and grass clippings, glowing under the midday sun. He grinned brilliantly, basking in the moment.
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