Capítulo 26: 26. Debut Day PT.2
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As the match resumed, Arsenal continued their relentless attack. The midfielders worked tirelessly to control the game, with Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin linking up well to maintain possession and create chances. The crowd roared as they pressed forward again, the sound of their excitement resonating through the stadium.
The game pressed on, and Francesco watched the ebb and flow of play with the keen eye of someone deeply invested in every movement on the field. Both sides were determined, the contest a true display of Premier League intensity. Southampton, determined not to be overshadowed, fought hard to break Arsenal's momentum. They pressed high and defended with grit, frustrating Arsenal's forwards by clogging up the spaces and cutting off passing lanes. Yet, Arsenal's commitment to their style and rhythm remained unwavering.
Mesut Özil, in his usual effortless way, was orchestrating from midfield, probing Southampton's lines with clever passes and feints. His vision was impeccable, always a few steps ahead, waiting for the perfect opportunity to exploit a gap. Francesco watched Özil intently, fascinated by the German's playmaking. He aspired to achieve that same level of control and foresight in his own game one day.
In the 34th minute, the breakthrough finally arrived. Özil, who had been biding his time, spotted a rare opening in Southampton's defense. With a deft touch, he slipped past a defender and threaded a beautifully weighted through ball straight down the left side. The Emirates crowd erupted, seeing what was about to unfold.
Alexis Sánchez, ever-alert, sprang into action. He darted down the left wing with blistering pace, the ball glued to his feet as he surged forward, leaving his defender trailing in his wake. Francesco leaned forward, eyes wide with anticipation, as he watched Alexis gain ground. The Chilean glanced up, calculating his options, and saw Olivier Giroud in the box, positioned between two defenders and ready to pounce.
The fans around the stadium were on their feet, the air crackling with anticipation. Alexis took a breath, steadied himself, and delivered a pinpoint cross into the heart of the penalty area. The ball curved perfectly, arcing just beyond the outstretched hands of the Southampton defenders, landing precisely where Giroud had positioned himself.
Giroud didn't hesitate. He timed his jump flawlessly, rising high above the defenders with all the power and grace of a true target man. He twisted his body, angling his head to meet the ball and guide it toward the net. With a resounding thud, the ball was sent hurtling towards goal, the momentum unmistakable. Francesco felt his heart pound, watching every millisecond, his breath caught in his throat.
As the ball sailed past Artur Boruc, who could do nothing but watch, the stadium erupted in celebration. The roar of the crowd was deafening, a tidal wave of elation that rippled through every corner of the Emirates. Red and white scarves waved frenetically in the stands, and the Arsenal faithful chanted Giroud's name with an infectious fervor. Francesco felt a thrill run through him, a surge of pride and excitement that reminded him of why he had dreamed of this moment for so long.
Giroud, with a grin of satisfaction, was quickly surrounded by his teammates as they celebrated the lead. High-fives and embraces ensued, the team radiating energy and unity as they huddled together in triumph. Francesco watched, his heart swelling with admiration for his teammates. He longed to be out there with them, contributing to this moment of glory. But he knew his time would come; for now, he took in every detail, every nuance, storing it away for the day he would get his own chance.
Mikel Arteta clapped him on the back, smiling. "That's what hard work and patience get you. The right moment, and you take it."
Francesco nodded, his eyes bright. "I can't wait to be out there and make that kind of impact."
"Keep watching, keep learning. You're getting closer every day," Mikel replied, his words filled with the wisdom of a seasoned player who knew the value of patience and preparation.
As the game restarted, Arsenal looked emboldened by their goal. They controlled the tempo, keeping possession and testing Southampton's resolve. Francesco marveled at the skill and confidence on display, the synergy between the players almost poetic in its flow. Every touch, every pass felt purposeful, as if each player knew exactly what role they had to play to protect their lead.
Southampton, however, was far from defeated. They responded with renewed determination, pressing forward with an urgency that kept Arsenal's defense on high alert. Francesco watched closely as Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker organized the backline, their communication and discipline vital in holding off Southampton's advances.
In the 38th minute, Southampton managed to break through Arsenal's defense with a quick counterattack. Francesco's heart jumped as Southampton's striker found himself in a one-on-one situation with Szczęsny, Arsenal's goalkeeper. The striker unleashed a powerful shot aimed at the bottom corner, but Szczęsny reacted with lightning reflexes, diving to his left and making a crucial save. The crowd roared in appreciation, their cheers mixing with sighs of relief. Francesco let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, grateful for the keeper's composure.
The remainder of the first half was a tense battle, with both sides vying for control. Southampton continued to push, refusing to allow Arsenal to settle comfortably into their lead. But Arsenal's defense held strong, showing resilience and unity as they repelled each attack.
As the halftime whistle blew, Francesco and his teammates on the bench rose to their feet, clapping for the starting eleven as they made their way back to the locker room. Arsenal held a slim but crucial 1-0 lead, and Francesco could feel the optimism radiating through the team. The Emirates buzzed with excitement, fans eagerly discussing the first half and anticipating the second.
In the locker room, Wenger addressed the team, his tone measured but encouraging. "You're doing well out there, but remember, this is only the beginning. Southampton is hungry, and they'll come at us hard in the second half. Stay disciplined, keep the ball moving, and don't let up."
The players nodded, absorbing the manager's words as they hydrated and caught their breath. Francesco listened intently, taking in the advice as he visualized himself executing similar plays on the field.
As the players prepared to return to the pitch, Francesco felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see Wenger smiling at him. "You're watching well, Francesco. Keep studying. You'll get your chance soon."
"Thank you, sir. I'm ready whenever you need me," Francesco replied, his voice filled with determination.
With a final rallying cheer, the team filed back out onto the field. Francesco remained on the bench, but his eyes were sharp, his mind focused. He knew that even though he wasn't playing, every moment was an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to prepare himself for the day he would be called upon.
The second half kicked off with Southampton showing renewed vigor, pushing forward with relentless intent. Their trailing position spurred them on, each of their players fighting to gain ground and close the gap on Arsenal. Francesco, still on the bench, felt the tension rise as the visitors applied pressure, determined to break through Arsenal's defense.
The Gunners held their ground, yet Southampton was persistent. Arsenal's defense was tested repeatedly, with Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker expertly intercepting Southampton's advances. But, just seven minutes into the half, Southampton's Adam Lallana spotted an opportunity and launched a long pass. The ball soared past Arsenal's midfield, and Francesco watched as Jay Rodriguez timed his run perfectly, slipping between Mertesacker and Koscielny to break free.
Suddenly, Rodriguez found himself one-on-one with Arsenal's keeper, Wojciech Szczęsny. Francesco held his breath as Rodriguez approached the goal with purpose. With a quick glance at Szczęsny, Rodriguez shot low and to the left. Szczęsny reacted, diving with outstretched arms, but the ball slipped past him, nestling into the net. The crowd went silent for a split second, and then a collective groan filled the air as Southampton's players celebrated their equalizer.
Francesco glanced at Szczęsny, who looked visibly deflated, his head hanging for a moment before he stood up. Mertesacker quickly approached him, clapping him on the shoulder, whispering words of encouragement. The German defender rallied his teammates, clenching his fists as he shouted to them, "Keep your heads up! We're still in this – plenty of time left."
Francesco admired Mertesacker's leadership, noting how he lifted the spirits of those around him, refusing to let their guard down. With their resolve restored, Arsenal responded with a renewed sense of purpose, determined to regain their lead. They pushed forward with intensity, Özil and Cazorla working in harmony, threading passes and keeping the tempo high.
The match grew fiercer as both sides battled to break the deadlock. In the 67th minute, Arsenal saw an opportunity as Giroud collected the ball near Southampton's box. He held off his defender, searching for a pass, but just as he turned, Dejan Lovren lunged in with a hard sliding tackle. The stadium collectively gasped as Giroud went down, clutching his ankle. Francesco stood up instinctively, concern flashing across his face as the Arsenal medical team rushed to Giroud's side.
The referee approached and issued Lovren a yellow card for the foul, a decision that didn't sit well with Arsène Wenger. Wenger argued passionately with the fourth official, convinced that Lovren's tackle warranted a red. The referee, however, stood firm in his decision, allowing Lovren to stay in the game with only a caution.
As the medical team examined Giroud, their expressions grew serious. One of the medics signaled to Wenger, conveying that Giroud's injury would prevent him from continuing. Wenger exchanged glances with Steve Bould, his assistant, and they quickly deliberated. After a moment, Wenger's gaze fell on Francesco.
"Francesco," Wenger called, his tone carrying both urgency and encouragement. "It's your turn. Get ready to go in."
Francesco's heart skipped a beat as the realization set in. This was his chance, his debut moment. The anticipation that had been building within him surged, yet he felt a remarkable calm wash over him. He nodded, grabbing his jersey and pulling it on with practiced ease. Steve Bould patted his back as he prepared to enter the pitch.
"You've been watching; you know what to do," Bould said with a reassuring smile. "Play your game, and remember, you're here for a reason. Trust yourself."
Steve Bould leaned closer to Francesco, his expression firm yet encouraging. "You'll be taking Giroud's place up front as striker," he instructed. "Mesut and Santi have been controlling the midfield all game, so look for them to feed you. Find the spaces, make yourself available, and be ready. This is your moment to shine, Francesco."
Francesco nodded, absorbing every word. His mind raced with excitement, but he focused on the task ahead, knowing he needed to keep his composure to make an impact. He took a deep breath, the weight of the moment settling around him, yet he felt a strange calm – a readiness that had been building through every training session, every minute spent studying his teammates from the bench.
As Francesco approached the sideline, the crowd noticed the substitution. Murmurs of surprise rippled through the stands as the announcer's voice rang out: "Substitution for Arsenal. Replacing Olivier Giroud is number 35, Francesco Lee!"
The fans clapped politely, though some exchanged confused glances. Many expected Danny Welbeck, the seasoned forward, to take Giroud's place. But instead, Wenger had chosen Francesco, the 16-year-old prodigy from Arsenal's Hale End Academy. Fans murmured among themselves, questioning Wenger's decision to place such responsibility on a young player during such a crucial moment in the game.
Yet, as the applause grew louder, the murmurs shifted to words of support. They knew Hale End had produced some incredible talents over the years, and if Wenger trusted this young player enough to bring him on, they would get behind him. Francesco stepped onto the field, the magnitude of the moment settling on his shoulders as he glanced around the stadium. The sea of red-and-white-clad fans filled him with pride and purpose, reminding him of the dreams that had led him here.
He made his way toward the front line, meeting Mesut Özil's gaze as the German maestro nodded in silent encouragement. Santi Cazorla gave him a quick thumbs-up, flashing an approving smile. Francesco felt their trust and knew he couldn't let them down. He positioned himself, ready for the restart, his eyes sharp and focused as Southampton's players took their places for the kickoff.
As play resumed, Francesco quickly fell into the rhythm of the game. He moved with purpose, scanning the field for opportunities and making calculated runs to find space. Özil and Cazorla controlled the midfield with their usual elegance, weaving intricate patterns with the ball that left Southampton's defenders struggling to keep up.
Just a few minutes into his entry, Mesut spotted Francesco moving into space near the edge of the penalty box. With a subtle glance, he shifted his body and released a beautifully timed through ball, slicing through the Southampton defense. Francesco reacted instantly, sprinting onto the pass and controlling it with a delicate touch that brought him face-to-face with a defender.
Francesco didn't hesitate. He feinted to the left, drawing the defender off-balance, before swiftly cutting to the right. With one final touch, he created enough space to shoot. He took a deep breath, planting his left foot and striking the ball cleanly with his right. The shot sailed low and fast, angling toward the far corner of the net.
Artur Boruc, Southampton's goalkeeper, dived to his right, stretching his fingertips toward the ball. Time seemed to slow as Francesco watched the ball spin toward the goal. The Emirates held its breath, the crowd on the edge of their seats, waiting for the outcome. But Boruc's fingertips just managed to brush the ball, deflecting it inches past the post.
A collective sigh escaped the crowd as the chance slipped away. Francesco closed his eyes briefly, disappointment flickering through him, but he shook it off. He had been close – so close – and he knew he couldn't let a missed chance distract him. His teammates quickly offered him encouragement, patting him on the back as he reset his focus.
Southampton restarted play with a goal kick, but Arsenal's intensity never wavered. The Gunners continued pressing, and Francesco remained vigilant, his every movement a study in anticipation and discipline. He tracked the play, keeping his positioning sharp, waiting for another opening.
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Name : Francesco Lee
Age : 16 (2014)
Birthplace : London, England
Football Club : Arsenal First Team
Championship History : None
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