From Arsenal to the Ball God

Chapter 39: Chapter 39: Thunderbolt Strike in the Box!

After this goal, the referee soon blew the whistle ending the first half.

Sheffield United entered halftime with a three-nil lead, their first of the season.

The players beamed with joy, chatting and laughing as they left the field.

”One goal and one assist, you’re undoubtedly the best player in this match.”

Gilbert walked next to Ma’el, full of envy, ”Tell me, how do you train to improve so quickly?”

Having known Ma’el for more than eight months, he watched as Ma’el progressed from not being able to play in the youth team, to suddenly having a breakthrough, being loaned to Sheffield United, and now dazzlingly creating two goals in a half!

Even though he trains with Ma’el every day, and his own improvement is quick... but compared to Ma’el, it’s like heaven and earth.

”Just practicing casually,” Ma’el chuckled, brushing it off.

”What do you mean no one else is better?”

A voice came from behind, it was the smiling Bolodanovich, pleased with his goal, full of confidence, ”I might even score two more for a hat trick.”

”Wouldn’t that depend on Ma’el’s passing?”

Gilbert put one arm around Ma’el and the other around Bolodanovich, ”His crossing is top-tier in the Championship.”

”Makes sense,” Bolodanovich nodded, being a tall striker, indeed relying on Ma’el.

He snugged up to Ma’el, flattering, ”Let me clean your boots, I’m an expert.”

”No need,” Ma’el smiled, shaking his head; he’d rather clean his boots himself.

The three chatted as they reached an enthusiastic Garrispeed, who seemed to have been waiting here.

”Two matches, one goal, three assists, you’re aiming for player of the month!”

Garrispeed approached and tightly shook Ma’el’s hand, then pulled him over for a hug, face beaming, ”Having talented youths like you is my fortune.”

”Still far from best,” Ma’el modestly waved off, but felt a surge of interest.

For a young player just starting out, earning player of the month would mark a milestone in his career.

He set this goal, determined to strive towards it.

Garrispeed greeted other players as Ma’el went into the locker room for a rest; the match wasn’t over yet, he aimed for greater achievements and performance.

........

”Ohle....OhleOhle....!”

With fans chanting, the second half began heatedly, both sides switched fields, diving into a new round of battle.

No one knew what Landes said to the Preston players, but they launched into a wave of attacking fervor at the start.

”Boom!”

First, their winger executed a classic inside cut, the shot was saved by goalkeeper Robert, only to fall to a Preston player’s feet.

Without hesitation, this player quickly crossed the ball.

The ball was barely slide-tackled out by Steven, only to land at the opposing player’s feet again.

”Boom...Boom!”

Preston exhibited brilliant one-two combination on the wing, tearing through Sheffield’s defense, followed by another high cross.

The ball was headed by Preston’s striker, hurtling towards the goal.

With a resounding smack, goalkeeper Robert heroically saved the ball, rescuing the team.

Preston gained a corner kick.

”Watch out!”

Garrispeed’s anxious voice came from the sidelines, gesturing to his brain, signaling players to stay focused, ”Second ball! Watch the second ball protection!”

The defenders silently nodded, indicating they remembered, but their minds remained dazed, a bit thrown off by the aggressive start of the second half.

Preston quickly executed the corner, the ball swiftly headed towards the far post.

Robert attempted to save the team again, choosing to leap for the ball, but it was too high and fast, slipping past his fingertips.

”Boom!”

Preston’s center-back lurking at the far post leaped and forcefully hammered a header, the ball soaring into the empty net without suspense.

The ball’s in!

Three to one!

Preston pulls one back!

”Oh.....!” Thousands of traveling Preston fans erupted in faint cheers, seeing a glimmer of hope.

The scoring Preston center-back raced to the goal, picked up the ball, tucked it under his arm, and sprinted back.

There’s still time, they can strive for victory!

”Ah....” Garrispeed by the pitch disappointedly sat back down, the opponent scored after all, he had hoped for a shutout victory.

It’s time to accept it, life’s imperfections are many, leading should be satisfying.

......

”Boom!”

Evans kicked off from the center circle, the match resumed, Sheffield United players charged into the opposing half.

This time, they opted for a change in rhythm...instead of blindly launching long balls, Janu suddenly pivoted, dribbling through the midfield.

They hoped to catch the opponent off guard with this approach.

This wasn’t practiced deliberately, but stemmed from their recent conversation.

Soccer is like this, you must try every possible way to find changes, even if it involves some risks.

Janu’s change worked, before the opponent could react, he dribbled past the midfield, maintaining rapid momentum.

”Boom!”

Upon reaching the attacking field, he passed the ball to Ward on the opposite flank, who gained a one-on-one chance against the opposing full-back.

”Come on, come on!”

”Cross it!”

Several Sheffield United players flooded into the box, awaiting his pass, including Ma’el.

Ward didn’t disappoint, successfully getting into position, and sent the ball towards the center.

Yet, Preston’s towering defender blocked the pass, booting it away with the instep.

By chance, the ball landed right next to Evans on the side, altering its path towards the box.

A player wearing red and white stripes appeared in the ball’s path, as if waiting for this opportunity when the Preston defender kicked.

”Boom!!”

He swung his stance, taking aim, and unleashed a heavy cannon strike at the goal.

Though close to the goal, he chose an unreasonable heavy cannon strike!

Instantly the ball lifted off the ground, meeting the net with a crisp, pleasant sound, ”Swish!”

The ball’s in again!

Four to one!

”Beep!” The referee raised his right hand, pointing to the center circle arc, signaling the goal is valid.

”Yeah...!” The home fans quickly emerged from the silence of just conceding a goal, diving back into ecstatic celebration.

On the sidelines, where Garrispeed had just slumped back to the bench, he hadn’t warmed his seat before jumping up again, pumping his fist, ”Ah!”

This time, his voice carried fervor.