From Arsenal to the Ball God

"Tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles all have hidden issues."

Before the match, Ma’el’s private doctor, Lewis, examined him and communicated with Wenger: "He took some hits in the previous match, and the muscles near the shinbone have sustained contusions.

"Generally speaking, contusions aren’t a big deal and can recover with rest.

"But the player’s daily full-on training with the team, plus extra practices, puts too much pressure on the area, slowing recovery. Currently, the muscle is tight."

He kneaded around Ma’el’s calf a few times, finally advising: "My recommendation is to play him for only 45 minutes, though it’s just a suggestion.

"The player’s physical condition is excellent, and even playing a full match doesn’t carry a high injury risk.

"But it’s best not to gamble, let him finish this match as relaxed as possible."

Wenger looked gravely at Ma’el’s calf, paused, and asked, "If he rests well this match, there shouldn’t be such issues in the remaining five matches, right?"

"None," Lewis nodded firmly, "One reason for advising against intense activity is exactly that; as long as he doesn’t push full matches this week, he’ll be good as new."

"Alright," Wenger’s serious expression didn’t change, only agreeing verbally, "I’ll have Benayoun start on this side, and let him run in the second half."

Ma’el kept silent on the side; he trusted the professionals in this regard.

"Beep!"

The match officially started at 5 PM, and the fans at the Emirates Stadium saw Ma’el sitting on the bench, their hearts skipped a beat.

Could he be injured?

Didn’t seem like it during the pre-match warm-up... could it be a non-contact injury?

Before they could digest this, Wigan Athletic, pressing high, launched a threatening attack.

"Jordi Gomez! In the past 3 matches, he’s scored 4 goals and even led Wigan to a draw at Stanford Bridge! He’s dribbling towards Arsenal’s defense!

"A cross! Di Santo at the far post! A header, it’s beautiful!! One-nil! Wigan takes the lead!!"

"..."

"Yeah...!" Behind the Arsenal goal, thousands of traveling Wigan fans waved their hands in celebration.

The team has indeed been showing a different demeanor lately, often giving them surprises.

"Beep!"

"Boom!"

Arsenal then kicked off from the center circle, starting their possession play in the backfield.

But unexpectedly, Rosicky, starting today, suddenly slipped while receiving a pass, letting the ball roll behind him.

"Snap... Boom!!"

In-form Jordi Gomez seized the ball and pulled off a breathtaking lob, sending the ball towards Arsenal’s net.

Szczeny had just stepped out of the penalty area and had no time to turn back for defense, could only watch the ball bounce into the net.

Two-nil!

"Aha.....!!" Wigan fans, seeing victory in sight, clapped loudly, praising their attacking hero Jordi.

Two goals in two minutes!

Jordi and Di Santo ran shoulder to shoulder towards the sideline, sliding on their knees near the corner flag.

On the sidelines, Wenger frowned deeply, his face worried as he stood up and shoved his hands in his pockets near the touchline.

He intended to say something but held back seeing Rosicky about to cry, turning back to the coach’s seat.

There might be no need to rush before 10 minutes have passed; they could wait for the team to stabilize and attack... these two conceded goals somewhat involve individual mistakes.

Behind him, Ma’el also watched the field with some anxiety rising in his heart.

If he were on the field, the opponents might not dare press so aggressively, exploiting Rosicky’s forced error.

Arsenal’s players still aren’t quite adapted... he wanted to get on the field quickly, the team must not lose to Wigan at home.

"Beep!"

"Boom!"

Upon kickoff again, Wigan Athletic got smart, adopting a 5-4-1 iron wall formation in mid-backfield, only occasionally using counterattacks to harass Arsenal’s defense.

In the 20th minute, Van Persie’s shot created a corner opportunity.

Rosicky stood at the corner flag, curling the ball towards the near post.

There, Wigan’s defender Boys stood ready, extending his left foot intending to clear the ball out of the penalty area with the outside of his foot.

"Whoosh...!"

The result was the ball hit his toe, not cleared, but stopped on the small penalty area line.

What a mishit!

Van Persie darted from behind him, also using his left toe to poke the ball towards the near corner.

"Swish!" The ball slammed into the net, not with much power, but breaking through the goalkeeper’s ten fingers!

Goal!

One to two!

They pulled one back!

Van Persie was about to celebrate by running to the sideline before remembering the team was trailing, fetching the ball and jogging towards the center circle arc.

After this goal, Arsenal’s confidence soared, and they besieged Wigan for a while, but the final touch was still lacking.

"Beep! Beep—!"

Until the referee blew the half-time whistle, they still couldn’t equalize the score.

As they walked off, Arsenal’s players felt somewhat downcast, bowing their heads, saying nothing as they headed towards the locker room, each feeling immense pressure.

Wigan Athletic’s players were much the same, leading two-nil, only to concede one back, now just one goal ahead... the most unstable lead, Arsenal could equalize anytime.

"Aahhh.....!" At that moment, players from both teams suddenly heard a huge cheer erupt from the field.

What’s going on?

Many looked back puzzled, saw nothing but Ma’el running onto the field for warm-ups.