After the Whistle

The floodlights at the Emirates were still blazing when the final whistle blew, but inside the stadium, the real noise came from the fans.

Chants of “AR-SEN-IC! AR-SEN-IC!” echoed across North London, reverberating through every brick, every seat, every soul. Reporters were already scrambling for position. The tunnel buzzed with camera crews, producers yelling into headsets, and photographers snapping as the players exited the pitch.

Arsenic Phillip walked slowly, arms slightly raised to acknowledge the fans. When he stepped past the sideline, a broadcast official called out to him.

BT Sport – Live Post-Match Coverage
The camera cut to the Emirates’ tunnel area, where players walked off the pitch to thunderous applause echoing throughout North London.

The Host of BT sport, James Cross was speaking on the channel.

“What a night in North London, folks! Emirates Gunners 4, Bavarians München 3. One of the most thrilling comebacks we’ve seen in European football this season. A true spectacle.  Let's head pitchsid for the reaction from tonight's standout performers.”

[ The Camera cuts to Arsenic Phillip, jersey soaked, hair damp, sweat glistening under the floodlights. He’s flanked by the club’s media officer, standing in front of the Champions League backdrop. The interviewer is Emma Raleigh.]

Emma Raleigh (BT Sport):
“Arsenic, congratulations! On your first champions League in over a year. Two goals for you tonight and you've been named Man of the Match. What's going through your mind right now?”

Arsenic Phillip: (chuckles lightly)
“I’m… exhausted. But proud. It was a proper fight out there. Credit to the Bavarians—they pushed us to the edge. But we dug deep. We believed. And yeah, it feels good to be back on this stage.”

Emma nodded. 

“You say ‘we,’ but let's talk about you. Two moments of magic, including the stoppage-time winner. Talk us through that final goal.”

Arsenic exhaled, pausing.

“I saw the space, and I knew it was now or never. Hakim’s run dragged one of the defenders away, and I just trusted my instincts. I didn’t even look at the goal when I struck it — I just… felt it.”

Emma: (smiling) 
“However you did, we all agree it was amazing. You’re being hailed as the hero tonight, but tell us about Sverre. He ran the midfield, created chances, scored a cracker. You two seemed in perfect sync.”

Arsenic:
“Honestly? He should’ve been Man of the Match. He was unbelievable. We wouldn't have won without him. He has this ability of finding space better than anyone else. That goal he scored turned the tide for us. I’m just lucky to be on the end of his passes.”

Emma:
“People are calling this one of the greatest comebacks in Emirates history. How much does this mean for you, especially considering everything you’ve been through to return to this level?”

Arsenic: (pauses for a breath)
“It means everything. After the injury, the rehab, the doubts... nights I didn’t even want to look at a ball. To come back like this, in front of these fans, wearing this shirt—it’s special. Football’s been my life. To lose it even briefly—it changes you.  But I kept going—for my mum, my sister and the fans who believed in me when I didn’t. Love you all so much.”

Emma:
“And to do it all in style…”

Arsenic: (smirks)
“That’s the dream, isn’t it?”

[The Camera Cut to Kane Porter being interviewed by Sky Sports’ Gary Neville. His kit still muddy. He’s visibly disappointed but composed.]

On the touchline Kane Porter had just finished untying his boots when a microphone was thrust toward him. 

Gary Neville:
“Kane, hard luck tonight. A stunning game of football, but ultimately a narrow defeat. Your thoughts on the performance?”

Kane Porter:
“Yeah, tough one to take. We played well. I honestly think we were the better team for large stretches, especially in the first half. But football’s cruel sometimes. You switch off for a second and players like Arsenic punish you.”

Gary:
“You mentioned Arsenic. What did you make of his performance tonight? A brace, including that last-minute winner.”

Kane: (smiles faintly)
“He was brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. I’ve always been a fan of his, even when we were kids coming up in the academies. Seeing him back at this level, after everything he’s been through… it’s inspiring. I know how tough an ACL can be. Had one myself two years ago. That journey back—only few understand it. He deserves this night.”

Gary:
“Last question before we let you go. The big debate’s back on. You’ve played with and against both. Arsenic or Alucron—who’s the better player?”

Kane: (laughs, rubbing his forehead)
“You’re not catching me with that one, Gary. No comment.” (laughs again and walks off with a shake of the head)

[Back in the BT Sport studio, with pundits Rio Ferdinand, Owen Hargreaves, and Cesc Fabregas. James Cross was holding a rountable discussion.]

Rio Ferdinand:
“Kane said it best. Arsenic was electric tonight. Look, this guy’s a two-time Ballon d’Or winner. You don’t forget how to play football. What he showed tonight wasn’t just ability—it was leadership.”

Cesc Fabregas:
“And let's not forget Sverre. That boy is special. His awareness, control and passing. Perfection. I agree with Arsenic. He could’ve easily won Man of the Match.”

James Cross:

“Okay, okay. We can all agree that the Gunners were amazing today but we had Incredible matches this week. Remember, it’s only the first round – plenty of football to be played but we've already had upsets and statement wins. Let’s break it down match by match, gents. That 6-2 win by the London Monarchs against Bianconeri JFC was absolutely ruthless. Rio, your thoughts?”

Rio Ferdinand:
“Mate, they’re frightening. Jadon Keyes with four goals and Zion Adeyemi assisting all six goals. An utter domination by those two. But it was also the energy they brought in midfield and press that blew Bianconeri away. They’re my pick to top the league.”

Cesc Fabregas:
“Don’t forget the tactical shift they made in the second half. They moved to a 3-4-3, pushed their wingbacks high, and it overwhelmed Bianconeri. A masterclass from their gaffer. ”

James Cross:
“ Today we also had one of the best matches of the week in the Anfield Reds’ 6–5 win over Valencia Titans. Musa Sarim was incredible—four goals and two assists. He’s in Ballon d’Or form.”

Owen Hargreaves:
“Speaking of the Ballon d’Or. Do you think this result hurts Alucron’s chances at winning it.”

Rio Ferdinand:

“Not a chance Owen. Can’t fault him on one game. He had a spectacular season and even though his team lost today, he still managed to score five goals. I think the Titans problem lies with the interim manager whose tactics just aren't clicking.”

Cesc Fabregas:

“It’s a bit harsh but I agree with Rio there. Losing their head coach to the Bavarians has really hurt the Titans this season but like James said, there is still time for teams to find their footing.”

James Cross:

“Alright. That’s all the time we have at the studio. Let us know what you think at home. Up next for the Gunners? A tough fixture against the London Monarchs, the top team in England right now. That’s going to be a real test.”

Inside the locker room, the team was still buzzing. Miguel Diaz sat on the floor, phone in hand, smiling wide as he scrolled through social media filled with clips of his goal and comments like “17 and fearless!” and “The next big thing.”

Resurrección slapped Arsenic on the back.

That goal’s going on highlight reels for years, bro.”

Arsenic chuckled, towel draped around his neck.

“Yeah? Maybe I’ll finally go viral.”

Rivera stood by the doorway, arms crossed, watching his players. Then he clapped.

“Everyone listen up. Enjoy this. You earned it. But this isn’t our peak. This is the standard now. Next we’re facing what is said to be the best team in England. But we know this statement is false and we’re going to prove it.”

A roar of agreement followed.

Outside, the streets of North London still echoed with chants as fans returned to their homes. In pubs across England, televisions replayed that final goal. Commentators debated where this ranked in Champions League history.

But in the quiet corner of the dressing room, Arsenic Phillip sat alone, lacing up his boots, staring at the studs that carved history into turf.

He rose, draped them over his shoulder, and walked into the tunnel light.

PS; I wrote this chapter differently from normal, let me know if you like it. Thank you!!!

Next: The Weight of Expectation