章 27: 27. Debut Day PT.3
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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.
In the 71st minute, Arsenal's confidence took an unexpected hit. Francis Coquelin, usually solid in midfield, found himself under pressure from two Southampton players. Attempting a quick pass back to Nacho Monreal on the left flank, Coquelin misjudged the speed and placement of his pass. The ball slipped away, intercepting its intended path, and instead fell directly to Southampton's Adam Lallana, who was lurking nearby.
Francesco's heart sank as he watched the play unfold. Lallana, recognizing the opportunity, took a single touch to control the ball and set up his shot. Without hesitation, he unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box. The ball rocketed toward the top right corner, swerving mid-air as it homed in on the goal.
Szczęsny saw the danger too late. He lunged, his outstretched fingers grazing the ball, but it wasn't enough to alter its course. The ball slipped past him and into the net, sending the Southampton fans into a frenzy and leaving the Arsenal supporters in stunned silence.
Southampton now led 2-1, and Arsenal's players stood frozen for a moment, the weight of the setback hitting them hard. Coquelin's face registered a mix of frustration and disappointment as he ran his hands over his head. Mertesacker quickly approached him, clapping him on the back to offer reassurance, but the frustration was clear.
Francesco watched the reaction of his teammates, feeling the urgency rise within him. They still had time, but they would need to regroup quickly if they wanted to turn the game around. He saw Özil, Cazorla, and Mertesacker exchanging determined glances, ready to fight back and regain control. Arsenal had been in this position before, and Francesco knew this was his chance to make a difference.
The game resumed with Arsenal adopting an aggressive approach, pressing high up the field and working hard to regain control. Francesco stayed alert, moving strategically in sync with his teammates, each of them driven by a fierce determination to find an equalizer. Southampton, now protecting their lead, dropped deep, crowding their own half as they scrambled to shut down any space Arsenal might exploit.
Özil orchestrated Arsenal's attacks from midfield, his vision and composure helping to maintain a relentless tempo. He directed his teammates forward with calculated passes, drawing Southampton players out of position. Cazorla played close, aiding Özil in midfield as they moved the ball with urgency, looking for the perfect opening. Francesco, moving along the front line, kept positioning himself between defenders, ready for any chance that might come his way.
In the 77th minute, Arsenal finally saw a breakthrough. Özil received the ball near the halfway line and took a quick glance ahead, spotting Alexis Sánchez sprinting down the left wing. With impeccable timing, Özil struck a beautiful long pass, the ball soaring over the Southampton defenders and curving toward Sánchez, who was already accelerating with purpose.
Francesco watched in admiration as Sánchez expertly brought down the pass, his first touch setting him up perfectly as he drove forward along the left side. The Southampton full-back rushed to close him down, but Sánchez's speed and agility left his opponent trailing. With a quick burst, Sánchez cut inside, slicing through the edge of the penalty area as he positioned himself just outside the box.
Francesco felt his heart race, sensing the danger that Sánchez was about to unleash. Sánchez adjusted his footing, eyeing the far corner, and struck the ball with precision. It zipped low and fast, arcing past Southampton's diving goalkeeper and slicing into the net.
The Emirates Stadium erupted into wild cheers as Arsenal equalized, 2-2. The crowd roared, and Francesco joined his teammates in celebrating the goal. Sánchez pumped his fist, exuding a fierce determination that energized the entire team. Francesco could feel the electric energy in the air, the support from the fans fueling their drive.
Özil approached Sánchez, clapping him on the back with a wide grin, and Cazorla embraced him, their expressions of relief and excitement shared by the entire squad. Mertesacker shouted words of encouragement, gesturing for everyone to stay focused as they returned to their positions. Arsenal had pulled themselves level, and with just over ten minutes remaining, they were determined to push for the win.
As the game clock hit 90 minutes, tension gripped the Emirates Stadium. The fourth official raised his board, displaying four minutes of added time. A ripple of anticipation ran through the crowd; both Arsenal and Southampton knew these final moments could determine the outcome.
In the 90+2nd minute, Southampton earned a corner kick, heightening the pressure on Arsenal's defense. Francesco retreated to join his teammates in the box, all of them alert and focused as Southampton prepared to swing the ball in. Adam Lallana took the corner, sending a high, looping cross into Arsenal's penalty area. Players jostled for position, desperately attempting to gain the upper hand.
Mertesacker, Arsenal's towering center-back, rose to meet the cross, heading it powerfully away from the danger zone. The ball bounced clear of the box, and Francesco's sharp instincts kicked in. He saw the opportunity and immediately took off, chasing down the ball with a burst of speed. Catching it in stride, he turned, glancing upfield as he saw Southampton players scrambling back to defend. Arsenal fans leaped to their feet, sensing a breakaway.
Francesco sprinted forward, his every stride gaining ground on the Southampton defense. Arsenal players raced to support him, while Southampton's defenders furiously chased, desperate to prevent a last-minute heartbreak. Francesco's pace was unmatched, and he approached the final third with two Southampton defenders attempting to block his path.
In a flash of brilliance, Francesco executed a Marseille turn, spinning gracefully to glide past the first defender. The crowd gasped in awe as he maintained his momentum, instantly facing the second defender. With precision and control, he repeated the move, twisting his body in a blur of red and white to slip past the second defender as well. The Emirates erupted into a thunderous roar, the fans, coaches, and players on the bench all standing, utterly mesmerized by the young player's skill.
In the commentary box, voices rose in excitement.
"Look at Francesco go! Incredible pace—he's left the defenders behind!" one commentator exclaimed, barely containing his astonishment. "Did you see that? The Marseille turn, twice! This young man is putting on an absolute clinic!"
"He's only got the goalkeeper to beat!" another voice cut in, breathless with excitement. "This is remarkable. This is football at its finest!"
Francesco closed in on the goal, finding himself one-on-one with the Southampton goalkeeper, who edged forward, ready to dive at any shot. Francesco, with unshakable composure, feigned a shot, subtly shifting his body as if to strike. The goalkeeper took the bait, diving to his right, while Francesco shifted to his left, leaving an open net before him.
With an effortless touch, Francesco slotted the ball into the bottom corner, sealing the goal in spectacular fashion. The Emirates Stadium erupted, fans roaring with joy, the sound echoing across the field and reverberating in every corner. Francesco turned and sprinted toward the corner, slowing just as he reached the flag, where he stood tall and lifted his jersey slightly to reveal his name and the number "35" on his back.
The crowd was chanting his name, "Francesco! Francesco!" as his teammates rushed to embrace him, all of them grinning with pure exhilaration. Sanchez, Ramsey, and Rosicky hugged him, beaming with pride and admiration for his incredible solo effort. On the sidelines, Arsène Wenger clapped his hands, his face lit with a smile that mirrored the fans' joy.
The commentators couldn't contain their excitement.
"What a goal! Francesco has just produced a moment of magic—a true masterpiece!" shouted one commentator, his voice cracking with emotion. "That skill, that calmness in front of goal—it's world-class!"
"Absolutely phenomenal!" the other commentator added. "This young man has shown exactly why he's a player to watch. A goal in stoppage time, with the composure and finesse of a seasoned star—Francesco is a name that will be remembered!"
As Francesco soaked in the atmosphere, he could feel the passion and pride swelling within him. He knew he had just lived a moment that every player dreams of—a defining goal that cemented his place in the hearts of Arsenal fans. The clock ticked down, and moments later, the final whistle blew, sealing Arsenal's dramatic 3-2 victory over Southampton.
As the final whistle blew, the sound cut through the din of the crowd like a thunderclap. The Emirates Stadium erupted into a cacophony of cheers and applause, a tidal wave of euphoria that swept over every Arsenal fan in attendance. The air buzzed with the thrill of victory, the excitement palpable as supporters leaped from their seats, embracing strangers, and singing their team's praises.
Francesco stood momentarily still, soaking in the atmosphere. His heart raced in his chest, a mix of adrenaline and pure joy flooding through him. He had just scored a last-minute goal on his debut—an achievement that every player dreams of but few ever realize. The weight of the moment settled on him, and a grin broke across his face as he turned to see his teammates rushing toward him.
Before he could take a step, they engulfed him in a jubilant swarm. Sanchez, Ramsey, and Rosicky were at the forefront, their arms wrapping around him in hearty embraces. Laughter and shouts filled the air, each teammate expressing their congratulations, pride, and delight at Francesco's extraordinary performance.
"Unbelievable, Francesco!" Sanchez exclaimed, clapping him on the back. "What a goal! You just made your mark!"
"Yeah, mate! You turned those defenders inside out! You've got the whole stadium buzzing!" Ramsey added, his smile wide as he stepped back to give Francesco a moment to breathe.
Rosicky, with a twinkle in his eye, leaned in and said, "You'll remember this day for the rest of your life. Welcome to the big leagues!" He ruffled Francesco's hair affectionately, prompting another wave of laughter from the surrounding players.
The atmosphere was electric, and Francesco felt the warmth of camaraderie enveloping him. It was a welcome embrace after a match that had seen so much tension and anticipation. The thrill of his goal was magnified by the support of his teammates, and he knew he was now part of something much larger than himself.
As the jubilations settled, Francesco and his teammates made their way to the center of the pitch, where the Southampton players were gathering. Respect was an unspoken rule in football, and they approached the opposition with a sense of sportsmanship and dignity. Francesco's heart raced again, but this time from a different kind of emotion. He recognized the effort Southampton had put into the match; they had fought hard and played valiantly, and it was essential to acknowledge that.
Francesco reached out his hand toward Lallana, who had taken the corner that led to the Arsenal breakaway. The Southampton captain met his gaze and smiled, the disappointment of the defeat evident in his eyes but overshadowed by respect for Francesco's performance. "Great goal, mate. You've got a bright future ahead of you," Lallana said, shaking Francesco's hand firmly.
"Thanks, Adam. You guys played well. It was a tough match," Francesco replied, appreciating the acknowledgment from a seasoned player.
One by one, he shook hands with the other Southampton players, exchanging nods and words of respect. The competition on the pitch melted away in these moments, replaced by mutual admiration that every player in that stadium understood—every one of them had sacrificed for the love of the game.
Next, Francesco turned his attention to the match officials. He shook hands with the referee, acknowledging the role they played in maintaining fairness throughout the game. The referee, who had closely monitored the proceedings, offered a nod of approval, impressed by Francesco's composure and skill. "Well done, young man. You've made an impact today," he said, his tone sincere.
As the formalities concluded, Francesco and his teammates began their walk back to the locker room. The tunnel felt alive with the echoes of cheers still ringing in his ears, the buzz of excitement spilling into every corner. The walls seemed to vibrate with the energy of victory, and the distant sound of chants from the stands blended into a comforting hum.
Inside the locker room, the atmosphere was buoyant. Music filled the air, punctuated by laughter and the excited chatter of players recounting the match. Francesco was swept into a whirlwind of celebration as teammates crowded around him, eager to relive the moment.
"Did you see that turn?" Mertesacker asked, a towering figure amidst the throng. "Incredible! You left those defenders wondering what just happened!"
Francesco laughed, shaking his head in disbelief at the sheer joy of the moment. "I just reacted! I didn't even think about it. It felt right!"
"Whatever you did, keep doing it!" Rosicky said, clapping him on the back. "You're a breath of fresh air for this team."
Arsène Wenger entered the room, and the chatter momentarily quieted as players turned their attention to their manager. He had a proud smile on his face, his eyes sparkling with delight. "Francesco, that was a brilliant performance. You not only scored the winning goal, but you also showed maturity beyond your years. Keep your feet on the ground and continue to work hard. Today is just the beginning."
"Thank you, boss. I'll do my best," Francesco replied, feeling a swell of gratitude. The confidence from Wenger's words was a testament to the support he felt from the entire club, and it motivated him to strive for even greater heights.
The team continued to celebrate, the sound of clinking water bottles and laughter mixing with the music as Francesco shared his moment with the squad. They recounted the thrilling second half, their goals, and Southampton's relentless pressure, but every conversation circled back to Francesco's sensational solo effort.
"Let's not forget," Sanchez chimed in, raising his voice to be heard over the laughter, "we have a young star among us now. We should celebrate that!"
The laughter erupted again, and they collectively agreed to gather for a post-match meal, ready to continue the celebration beyond the locker room walls. Francesco felt a profound sense of belonging wash over him.
As they made their way out of the locker room, Francesco couldn't help but reflect on the day's events. He had achieved more than he had ever dreamed, stepping onto the pitch, facing the challenges, and emerging victorious. The roar of the crowd and the joy of his teammates echoed in his mind, reinforcing his belief that he was exactly where he belonged.
Outside the stadium, the fans continued to celebrate, chanting Francesco's name long after the game had ended. With each cheer, he felt a deep connection to them, a promise that he would strive to give them more moments of magic. That day, he had not only written his name into Arsenal history but had also carved a place in the hearts of the fans and his teammates, a beginning that promised even greater adventures to come.
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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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