Chapter 42: A Show of Force
"I've got no problem!"
Wojciech Szczęsny answered first.
Jack Wilshere patted Xia Qi on the back and said, "For the win, for Arsenal, I can do anything."
This wasn't just talk—there are indeed many in England with deep feelings for their clubs—but under the onslaught of cash, few can truly hold out.
"I'm absolutely loyal to the club. This is my home, so... pay me more!" …
…
After the three trained for an hour, Xia Qi exited the automated mode.
When it comes to training, Xia Qi was serious. Looking at the AI's training suggestions, he earnestly said to Wilshere:
"Will, can I say how I feel and what I want?"
"Of course."
"I like when you play passes with a bit of lead time. What I mean is: you don't need to look for where I am; play into the spaces you should be playing into. Of course those spots can't be a million miles away from me…
"I don't have a weak foot, you don't need to worry about making me comfortable with the pass. I don't lack finishing—whether it's a low driven pass or a lofted ball, whatever you fancy, I'm fine with it…"
Wilshere's mouth opened so wide you could fit an egg in it. "I like how you talk big— I almost believed you."
After the three rested for ten minutes they continued…
An hour later, Wilshere was in his shell…
Over the next two days of training, the Wilshere–Xia connection became a feature on the training ground…
…
On October 4, Xia Qi's first Champions League match began.
To support their son, Xia Qi's parents specially came from Manchester.
They refused Wenger's complimentary tickets and used Xia Qi's family tickets.
Family tickets are, of course, not as valuable as Wenger's VIP tickets, but they're a favorite of die-hard fans.
This stand's seating is not sold to the public; it belongs to the club and the major supporters' associations.
This stand sits behind the goal and gives a clear view of players' movements; cheers or boos from here are what truly shake the players.
Also the stand is low—fans in the first row can vault the rail and the advertising hoardings to be face to face with players, though first you must get past the security steward.
Arsenal super-fan Mike and his family were in this stand with Xia Qi's parents.
During warmups, because he couldn't interact during the match, Xia Qi deliberately walked down to the stand to greet his mum and dad.
That revealed their presence, and the fans in the stand immediately applauded the two elders, leaving them embarrassed and blushing.
"Xia, how many tonight?"
Alice shouted to Xia Qi.
Xia Qi flashed the "6+1" gesture!
Arsenal fans already knew what that meant; the entire stand returned the "6+1" gesture in unison.
Not even Qin Shi Huang could have imagined that the unifier of the world would be the "6+1" hand sign.
On the live TV feed, eagle-eyed viewers also spotted a special guest—the England national team manager Roy Hodgson.
In 2012, aside from Rooney, England's forwards weren't exactly inspiring.
The fans grew excited and began cheering towards the old man's box…
Hodgson's appearance was unexpected.
He hadn't told the club or players in advance, nor tried to disguise himself.
Wenger was not pleased at this behavior.
"What rude, uncouth Englishman!"
Most club coaches don't warm to national team managers, especially when their squad is thin.
Tonight Schalke 04 had already taught Wenger a lesson.
For a Wenger intent on making progress in the Champions League, tonight required full commitment—a lion fighting even a rabbit with all its might!
Wilshere and Szczęsny had just recovered from injury and were named in the starting lineup, showing how much Wenger emphasized this match.
But Hodgson's presence made Wenger uneasy—he worried Hodgson might call up Wilshere.
Compared with Xia Qi, Wilshere was fragile.
Don't be fooled: although Xia Qi sometimes needed help off the pitch after matches, his body had always been robust.
Wenger comforted himself: don't scare yourself—nobody knew Wilshere would recover in time for tonight; Hodgson's here to see Xia Qi; the lad's tough as nails, he'll be fine!
This little episode, Xia Qi and the teammates didn't know about.
At this moment Xia Qi stood in the players' tunnel listening to that Champions League theme—such a dignified piece, which becomes almost comical with Chinese lyrics.
"If you have no ball to kick in this life, why bother coming, silly girl?
Play Barça, play Barça, play Bayern Munich, our factory collapses!
Seeing the universe again, nothing to do but fly now, silly pig!
Don't 'kill' Bayern, thanks Barça, I almost collapse!
Play Barça, play Barça, play Bayern Munich, our factory collapses!…"
When the song ended, Xia Qi still wanted more—he wanted to face Barça and Bayern right away!
…
"Viewers, welcome to Penguin Sports' live broadcast of the 2012–2013 Champions League Group B match: Arsenal at home to Olympiacos.
Both teams won their last match.
This match is a battle for first place in Group B.
In tonight's match, Arsenal's midfield core Jack Wilshere and starting goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny have recovered from injury and appear in the starting eleven.
Arsenal just won the London derby; morale is high and the team is in good shape—tonight they look likely to take the three points.
However, Olympiacos are not weak; they beat Schalke 04 in the last round…
Now let's look at the starting lineups…"
On the pitch,
"Ding-dong"
"Please choose mode: 'Training' or 'Match'."
"Match."
"Please select field position: A forward, B…"
"A."
"System detects host team's current situation; matching host with the [Phantom Tap‑in Knight] attribute."
"Offside phantom, elusive like a ghost! A knight of great stature, feasting on countless tap-ins."
"Please choose 'Autonomous Mode' or 'One‑click AFK Mode.'"
"Warm tip: while AFK, the system will automatically complete all actions for the host."
"One‑click AFK!"
"Relaxed AFK—automatic completion with one click, freeing the feet and bringing a joyful pitch experience! Match experience begins."
…
Xia Qi stood at the center circle waiting for kick-off, his eyes full of pity.
"Your Highness Dark Horse, if I bring out the [Phantom Tap‑in Knight], how will you respond?"
Olympiacos kicked off first.
In the Emirates they showed no fear—young and unafraid, three passes and two touches carried them to Arsenal's penalty area.
Paulo Machado slipped a straight pass into the left side of the box; Kostas Mitroglou held off Thomas Vermaelen and unleashed a thunderous shot.
The ball was too fast; Szczęsny couldn't hold it and could only parry it over the bar.
Less than a minute into the match, the home side were shown a warning blow.
Although the body was controlled by the AI, Xia Qi still felt a burning flush on his face.
The youngsters are fierce—these attackers mean business!
Olympiacos 5‑4‑1 lineup:
Goalkeeper: Roy Carroll
Defenders: Modesto, Vasilis Torosidis, José Holebas, Kostas Maniatis, Manolas
Midfield: Paulo Machado, Djamel Abdoun, Greco, Kostas Siovas
Forward: Kostas Mitroglou
Arsenal 4‑4‑2 lineup:
Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczęsny
Defenders: Kieran Gibbs, Per Mertesacker, Thomas Vermaelen, Carl Jenkinson
Midfield: Santi Cazorla, Mikel Arteta, Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain
Forwards: Xia Qi, Lukas Podolski
(END CHAPTER)
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