章節 30: VS Arsenal U21 II

The second half kicked off with a renewed sense of urgency from the Fulham U21s. They were determined to find an equalizer against Arsenal U21s, who held a slender 1-0 lead. The players moved the ball quickly, trying to unsettle the Arsenal defense. However, the Gunners' backline was disciplined, catching Fulham's attackers offside repeatedly.

Coach Anderson watched from the sidelines, his sharp eyes noticing a pattern. Arsenal was playing a high press and employing an offside trap effectively. When the ball went out for a throw-in near the Fulham bench, he seized the opportunity to call Marcus over.

"Marcus, come here!" Anderson shouted.

Marcus jogged over, his brow furrowed in concentration.

"They're playing an offside trap. You've got to be smarter with your runs and timing. I want you to think about how you can exploit that. We need to get in behind them," Anderson said, his voice firm but encouraging.

Marcus nodded, absorbing the information. He had noticed the offside trap but hadn't figured out the best way to counter it. As he jogged back onto the pitch, his mind raced with possibilities.

Returning to his position, Marcus scanned the field, thinking about how to break Arsenal's defensive line. He decided to share his thoughts with Harvey Elliott, who was playing on the right wing and had the pace to trouble any defense.

"Harvey!" Marcus called out as they lined up for the throw-in. Harvey jogged over, curiosity in his eyes.

"What's up?" Harvey asked.

"They're playing an offside trap. We need to be smarter with our runs. I'm thinking, instead of running onto the through balls, let's check our runs and stay onside. When I get the ball, I'll look to play it in behind them when they step up. You need to time your runs perfectly, alright?" Marcus explained quickly.

Harvey nodded, a determined look on his face. "Got it. Let's do this."

The throw-in was taken, and play resumed. Marcus received the ball in midfield, immediately feeling the pressure from Joe Willock. He turned sharply, evading the challenge and looking up to assess his options. He saw Harvey making a run down the right but held onto the ball a moment longer, waiting for the right time.

As expected, Arsenal's defenders stepped up to catch Harvey offside. Marcus saw the opportunity and chipped a perfectly weighted pass over the top. Harvey had anticipated the move, checked his run just in time, and sprinted forward, leaving the Arsenal defenders flat-footed.

"Elliott is through on goal! What a ball that is from Pearson!" the commentator's voice echoed.

Harvey controlled the ball expertly and raced towards the goal. Arthur Okonkwo rushed out to close him down, but Harvey remained composed, slotting the ball through the keeper's legs and into the net.

"GOAL! Fulham equalize! Harvey Elliott with a brilliant finish after a fantastic assist from Marcus Pearson!" the commentator exclaimed.

The Fulham players erupted in celebration, their teamwork paying off. Marcus felt a surge of pride and relief. The plan had worked perfectly. He and Harvey exchanged a triumphant high-five as their teammates gathered around them.

As play resumed, the momentum shifted in Fulham's favor. They pressed forward with renewed confidence, now aware of how to exploit Arsenal's offside trap. Marcus continued to orchestrate the play from midfield, always looking for the right moment to release a teammate.

In the 75th minute, Marcus received the ball near the center circle and saw Matt O'Riley making a late run from midfield. He waited for the right moment, then threaded a through ball between the Arsenal defenders. O'Riley timed his run perfectly, staying onside and breaking free.

"Another brilliant pass from Pearson! O'Riley is in!" the commentator shouted.

O'Riley bore down on goal, Okonkwo charging out again. But O'Riley was cool under pressure, chipping the ball over the keeper and into the back of the net.

"GOAL! Fulham takes the lead! O'Riley with a sublime finish after another assist from Pearson!" the commentator's voice was almost drowned out by the roaring crowd.

Fulham's bench exploded with joy, Coach Anderson pumping his fist in the air. The team had turned the game around, and Marcus was at the heart of it.

The final whistle blew, and Fulham U21s emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over Arsenal U21s. Marcus was mobbed by his teammates, their elation clear. As they walked off the pitch, Coach Anderson pulled Marcus aside.

"Fantastic job out there, Marcus. You showed great intelligence and composure. Keep it up," Anderson praised.

"Thanks, coach," Marcus replied, a broad smile on his face.

As they headed back to the locker room, Marcus couldn't help but feel proud. He had not only contributed to the win but had also proven his ability to adapt and lead.