Build up: Lace up your boots

BT Sport – Midweek Coverage
Studio Segment: Preview – London Monarchs vs Emirates Gunners

James Cross (Host):
"This weekend, the match everyone’s been talking about is finally here. Emirates Gunners vs London Monarchs. A clash not just between clubs, but footballing ideologies. The flair and fire of Arsenic Phillip versus the poise and power of Jadon Keyes. Who will emerge the winner?"

Rio Ferdinand (Pundit):
"The Gunners showed heart against the Bavarians, no doubt. But Monarchs? They’re a machine. They press, they bully, and when they’ve got the ball—they don’t give it back.”

Owen Hargreaves (Pundit):
"Exactly. Monarchs can suffocate teams. Their midfield three —Zion Adeyemi, Maddox Reeves and Santacruz have been amazing so far. But now, add their captain Kevin Van Drake back in the mix after a year out? That’s as good as it gets. This midfield is one of the best, if not the best, in Europe.”

Cesc Fàbregas (Pundit):
"Yes, but don’t forget the Gunners’ own powerhouse midfield: Pryce, Mendes and Resurreccion. And their youth crop has lit up the league. Temidayo Saka, Miguel Diaz, Hakim Malik, and the most talked about talent in the world right now — Sverre Odegaard."

James Cross:
"But Monarchs have Jadon Keyes. Three goals and two assists in his last two matches. He’s the kind of player who can win a game on his own. And with service from Adeyemi and Van Drake, this could be their night."

Rio Ferdinand:

"And you can’t overlook the two-time Ballon d’Or winner, Arsenic Phillip. He’s back, he’s scoring, and he’s carrying that team’s energy. But tonight’s the true test. Can he do it against the Monarchs’ pressure and physicality? That’s the question."

James Cross:

"We’ll soon find out. This is the London derby at its fiercest. Matchday 7 kicks-off in a few hours, we hope you won’s miss it."

Two Hours Until Kickoff – LDN Stadium

London Monarchs Locker Room

Coach Meijer stood at the whiteboard, marker in hand, his voice carrying over the hum of the players lacing boots and taping ankles.

"Listen up!" he barked. “The Gunners are a formidable team. They rotate heavily and use multiple formations to confuse their opponents. Adding that with their use of academy kids we don’t have tape on, it’s no surprise they are on a hot streak right now. But we don’t rely on gambles or tricks, just some good old football. We are disciplined and ruthless. That’s how we finish teams.”

A few players chuckled lightly, but the sound died instantly as the door creaked open.

Kevin Van Drake stepped in, towel slung over his neck, hair still damp from the gym. His orange hair glinted under the fluorescent light.

"What’s funny?" he asked quietly, but his voice cut through the room like a blade. He pointed to a wiry youngster sitting near the back.
"Did coach say anything funny? What’s your name?"

The boy shot up. "Uh… Landon Jamie, sir."

Van Drake stalked closer, towering over him.

“From the youth teams right?”

“Yes, sir. Kensington before joining. Under-20s until a few months ago, I—"

"I didn’t ask for your résumé." Van Drake’s gaze didn’t waver. “You’re young but I reckon you’ve heard of Arsenic, yeah? I’ve played with him and faced him plenty of times, it’s why I know he’s the best player I’ve ever seen, past or present…”

Jadon Keyes grunted softly to that comment. Van Drake heard him but ignored.

“…And we’re about to go against him,” Van Drake continued throwing his towel on his locker. “You think Arsenic won’t score just because we’re more disciplined? Because we’ve got structure? No. He will score—because that’s what players like him do. They find a way. But the difference between winning and losing… is us. Our focus. Our shape. Our attitude. So stop the jokes. Listen to the gaffer. And treat this game like a final. Are we clear?”

Jamie nodded frantically. "Y-yes, sir. We’ll listen to the gaffer."

Van Drake’s stare swept the room before he took a seat. The silence was absolute now.

Meijer continued, the momentum firmly in his hands.

“Good. Tonight, we shift to a 4-5-1. Keyes is our spearhead. Gunners’ wingers switch every match, their fullbacks overlap constantly, but the danger man as our captain eloquently put it—is Arsenic. He can drop deep, pull wide, or ghost into the box. If we let him breathe, he’ll destroy us.”

He jabbed the marker at the board.
“Santacruz. Maddox. You’re his shadows. Stick to him like he’s planning on stealing your girlfriends. He shouldn’t turn or even touch the ball. Zion and Roku—you guys will be playing as traditional midfielders, pressing when we attack and collapsing when we defend. And Drake—"

Van Drake looked up, eyes blazing.

"—you dictate. You know what to do, with you controlling the game, we’ll win. The backline remains the same."

Van Drake nodded slowly then turned to the others.

“Copy that. We might make changes in game depending on the flow. Keyes, I’ll keep track of your movements and send you the passes you can handle. Don’t track back, don’t overthink. Just be where I need you. I’ll find you."

Jadon Keyes frowned. “You can send any kind of pass and I’ll do the rest.”

Adrian Coyle cracked his knuckles. "We’re not just winning this game. We’re sending a message tonight."

A chorus of fists hammered against lockers as the Monarchs roared their agreement.

Five Minutes Until Kickoff