The Second Half: the call-up

The second half resumed with renewed intensity that had fans cheering at the top of their voices. The young talent Saka replaced Yuri Katsuki on the wing. In the 55th minute, Alucron received the ball in acres of space, 30 yards from goal. With two defenders closing in, he performed a mesmerizing double step-over, slipping between then with ease. The crowd behind the goalpost collectively held their breath as he unleashed a thunderous strike. The ball soared, spinning through the air, before smashing against the top of the crossbar with a thunderous clang. It ricocheted high and out of play.

“Oh, my word!” Rui Kamara roared. “what a shot! Unbelievable skill from Aveiro!”

“I have to agree with you there Kamara,” Gratzy chimed in. “Aveiro has been on top form and we are witnessing a masterclass performance from him. But as it stands, it’s still 0-0. The Gunners need to do something fast if they want to get something from this game.”

“Right now, the only one man can change this game and he is sitting at the bench. They have been quite poor today other than a few individual performances. I wonder what the coach is waiting on. I’m sure all the 105, 000 fans came to witness the battle between two geniuses and we have only one on the pitch.”

Saka got the ball from Resurreccion from the midfield and run with it. He nutmegged a midfielder and cut inside evading another tackle before he unleashed a shot that got deflected and landed safely on the Titans’ number one goalkeeper’s hands, Vargas.

In the 60th minute, Coach Rivera gave the signal. Arsenic got up from the bench and put on his jersey as the ball went out for a throw in. The fourth official raised the substitution board: Number 7, Philip Arsenic. The entire stadium erupted with cheers and claps as he stepped onto the field, replacing Kai Hevartz.

"And here he comes," Kamara said. "The moment we’ve all been waiting for. Arsenic Phillip is back on the pitch!"

Alucron noticed the substitution and smirked, casually adjusting his captain’s armband as the two gazed into each other’s eyes.

"Do you see that look?" Gratzy asked. "Aveiro knows this is personal now. This game has only began."

With Arsenic on the pitch, the Gunners' attack gained new life. His first touch was a cheeky flick to evade a tackle, followed by a driving run into the Titans’ half. The crowd roared with every movement, his presence lifting the Gunners’ entire attack.

"Arsenic looks sharp! He’s making an immediate impact! The Gunners formation has also changed to 4-4-1 with him on top."

In the 72nd minute, Saka bursting down the left flank at top speed, sent a low pass to Arsenic just outside the box. Surrounded by defenders, he feinted left, then cut right, leaving tow Titans’ players wrong-footed before firing a rocket toward the bottom left corner. His shot was low and hard, forcing Vargas into a full stretch, barely managing to tip the ball out wide.

"Arsenic finally tests the Titans keeper! The Gunners are finally finding their rhythym! Their first corner of the night."

The resulting corner kick was taken by Pryce but Vargas came in hot and picked up the loose ball in the air and dropped to one knee, holding the ball tightly.

"This game has been nothing short of sensational," said Kamara. "Both Aveiro and Arsenic proving why they’re the best in the business. It’s a clash of kings!"

The Gunners were defending deep as Valencia Titans piled on the pressure. Aveiro, orchestrating the play from midfield, sent a lofted through-ball over the defense, aiming for Moreno Gil. The striker controlled it with his chest and attempted a bicycle kick that seemed destined for the net.

"Oh my word! Gil goes for the spectacular! Reyes with another heroic save!"

The rebound fell to Titans’ left-back, Alvarez, who struck it first time from 25 yards. The ball whizzed past defenders for the bottom corner, but Reyes was equal to it, diving low to push it wide.

"Reyes again! What a game he’s having!" Gratzy shouted. “He’s single-handedly keeping the Gunners in this match!”

Gunners finally regained possession. Pryce intercepting a pass from Aveiro and quickly fed it to Arsenic. The crowd roared as he turned sharply, leaving his marker trailing.

“ Unlucky from Aveiro but here comes Arsenic! Look at that turn! He’s got space now!"

Arsenic sprinted down the left flank, his speed and ball control mesmerizing. He faced two defenders near the edge of the box, feinting left before nutmegging one and cutting inside.

"Brilliant footwork from Arsenic Phillip! He’s dancing through them!"

Spotting Saka making a run into the six-yard box, Arsenic whipped in a low cross. Saka connected with a diving header, but Vargas, made an incredible save, tipping the ball onto the post.

"Saka with the header! And Vargas says no! What a brilliant save!"

In the 85th minute, Titans quickly transitioned into attack. Aveiro, dropping deep to receive the ball, drove forward with purpose. His signature flick sent a defender to the shops, and he threaded a pinpoint pass to Gil.

"Aveiro is unstoppable right now! He finds Gil—this could be it!"

Gil struck the ball fiercely, but Pryce lunged in with a last-ditch block. The ball ricocheted back to Aveiro, who unleashed a curling effort from the edge of the box.

"Aveiro—GOAL? NO! Reyes punches it away again!"

The stadium gasped as the ball floated mid-air before being cleared by the Gunners’ defense.

The fourth official showed his board as it approached the 90 minute, signaling only two minutes of extra time on the clock. The Gunners launched one last attack. Pryce stole the ball from Gil Moreno and sent a diagonal ball to Arsenic, who was positioned on the right this time.

"Arsenic again, he’s been everywhere tonight! Can he create one more moment of magic?"

“a one-two pass with Saka and they get into the third half,” Kamara added.

Alucron Aveiro, sprinting back to cover, confronted Arsenic one-on-one. It was the moment everyone wanted to see, the two stars facing off.

The two rivals locked eyes as the crowd erupted in anticipation. Arsenic faked right, Aveiro lunged, but Arsenic spun left, leaving him flat-footed. Alucron quickly turned around and made a tackle with his left foot but Arsenic was two steps ahead. He stopped suddenly as Alucron flied passed him and kept going towards goal.

"He’s past Aveiro!” Gratzy screamed shaking Kamara. “This is incredible!"

Approaching the edge of the box, Arsenic executed a step-over before firing a powerful shot. Musa made a last ditch tackle and fouled him. The referee’s whistle rang out immediately, a free kick for the Gunners.

“A full minute has been played of the two minute extra time. Arsenic picks the ball and sets it down as the Titans wall gets into shape.”

In the dying seconds of the match, Arsenic stood over a free kick 26 yards out. The crowd fell silent as he lined up his shot. The entire stadium fell silent. Even the Titans’ wall seemed uneasy, shuffling as Vargas directed them to where he wanted them. Arsenic looked at the sky, then at goal and exhaled. He then struck the ball cleanly as pieces of grass floated from the pitch, sending it over the Titans’ wall, the ball swerved wickedly. Vargas leapt but the ball was unstoppable as it went into the top corner. It was in!

"GOOOOOAAAAALLLLL! ARSENIC PHILLIP HAS DONE IT! THE GUNNERS LEAD IN THE DYING SECONDS."

“He’s back gentlemen. He is back!” Kamara screamed.

The stadium exploded into pandemonium. The Gunners fans were in euphoria, chanting Arsenic’s name as he ran to the corner flag, sliding on his knees with arms oustretched in celebration. On the bench, Rivera punched the air in triumph as the Gunners' players ran towards Arsenic. They mobbed him, their joy uncontainable. Meanwhile, Alucron stood motionless, hands on his hips as he stared at the countdown in disbelief.

The final whistle blew moments later, sealing a 1-0 victory for the Emirates Gunners.As the players shook hands, Aveiro approached Arsenic. For a moment, the two locked eyes, the noise of the crowd fading into the background.

Aveiro extended his hand. Arsenic took it. A simple nod passed between them—two kings acknowledging each other’s brilliance.

"this might well be the best game i have ever had the pleasure of announcing Kamar," Gratzy remarked.

Gratzy: "This has been a game for the ages, Kamara. Easily one of the finest matches I’ve ever had the honor to call."

Kamara: "Absolutely, Gratzy. From start to finish, this was football at its very best. It’s hard to even pick a standout for Man of the Match with so many incredible performances on display tonight."

Gratzy: "No doubt about it. Pryce was phenomenal in midfield, Saka showed flashes of brilliance for such a young talent, and Alucron Aveiro—what a performance, even in defeat. But tonight, there’s only one name that truly stands out: Arsenic Phillip. The match-winner, and a man who showed he’s back at the very top of his game."

Kamara: "Agreed. A breathtaking display from Arsenic. That free-kick will be talked about for weeks, maybe longer. Congratulations to him and to the Gunners for a hard-fought victory."

Gratzy: "What a way to cap off the pre-season. As the curtain rises on the new campaign next week, the stage is set for a season full of drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments. From all of us here, thank you for joining us tonight. I’m Antoine Gratzy..."

Kamara: "...and I’m Rui Kamara. Goodnight, everyone. See you next week as the battle for glory begins!"