Capítulo 20: The Magic Moment
"Arsenal's attack is building. The ball is with Cazorla on the wing. He crosses directly to find Giroud! Joe Hart with a beautiful save! The ball is out... and it's Louis! Louis!!!"
In the commentary box, Sky Sports commentator Andy Gray was visibly shocked. He stood up from his seat, unable to contain his excitement. He saw clearly that Louis was unmarked in the penalty area.
"Louis stops the ball with his left foot and shoots with his right! GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!!!!"
Andy Gray roared into the microphone. Arsenal legend Martin Keown leaped up and cheered, while Gary Neville looked stunned, mouth agape.
In North London, at Uncle Russell's house, neighbors who had gathered to watch the game erupted in celebration as Louis scored. They jumped up, raised their arms, and shouted in jubilation.
"Great job! I knew he could do it!"
"He's the hardest working guy I've ever met!"
"Yes! What a shot!"
Though Louis was just a young player who had recently joined the team, his dedication had not gone unnoticed. Fans saw his commitment to early morning and late-night practices. It was easy for fans to accept a player who worked hard and delivered on the field.
Louis not only helped Arsenal score their first league goal of the season, but his goal also validated the neighbors' high regard for him.
On the TV screen, Andy Gray's voice filled the room.
"This is Arsenal's first goal of the season! And it's Louis' first goal in the professional league! Welcome to the football world! Welcome to the Premier League! Welcome Arsenal's wonder boy!"
Wonder boy. This nickname, given by Andy Gray in his excitement, was destined to stick with Louis throughout the season.
"The Etihad Stadium has gone quiet after Louis' goal. Manchester City fans are stunned!"
"One to one! Arsenal, playing away, have equalized!"
Many Manchester City fans looked on in disbelief. They hadn't expected this young player to be the one to score. They were hoping for a quick counterattack but instead watched as Louis sent the ball into their net.
Mancini on the sidelines was equally baffled. He had planned for everything except for Louis, the "X factor." As he replayed the scene of Louis' goal in his mind, the ultra-high-definition cameras captured every angle, showing Mancini the entire scoring process.
Giroud was in the middle, Louis grabbed the back post, and Podolski was at the front. It was a standard setup for a cross and point grab. However, when Cazorla crossed, Louis paused and then quickly moved to the middle of the penalty area, finding a fleeting gap. Joe Hart's save sent the ball right to Louis, who calmly controlled it and pushed it into the net.
Everything seemed coincidental, but Mancini wasn't sure it was just luck. Louis had managed to outsmart Kompany, relying not on speed or physicality, but on his sense of positioning and game intelligence.
Louis, with a baby-faced appearance at seventeen, had fooled one of the best defenders. He retrieved the ball from the goal, ran back to the center circle, and placed it on the kickoff point, urging the Manchester City players to hurry up.
Inzaghi, watching from San Siro, clenched his fists in excitement. He saw a stronger version of himself in Louis. Louis' ability to stop, start, and outmaneuver Kompany showed that his speed could be regained.
In the media box, reporters who had ridiculed Arsenal for replacing Van Persie with Louis were stunned. However, they soon dismissed the goal as luck.
"Arsenal is lucky!"
"This kid is lucky too."
They saw Louis' movement but didn't care about the technicalities. Fans and media preferred the spectacle of dazzling passes and explosive shots over tactical brilliance.
With about three minutes left in the game, both teams had limited time to score again. Wenger applauded from the sidelines, then turned to his assistant Bould with a proud smile.
"Did you see that? My judgment was accurate!"
Bould, shouting, "We have another real genius! He is the future treasure of Arsenal!"
Wenger agreed, knowing that such a player was a gem. "Yes, he is our treasure!"
Suddenly, the stadium seemed to quiet down. Bould stared, and Wenger turned quickly. He saw Louis adjusting his pace and running to the right side as the ball crossed half the field.
One step, two steps, three steps. Louis, bowing and arrowing his left foot, met the falling football and struck it with immense power. The ball changed direction, resembling a shooting star, and found the back of the net again.
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