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Chapter 96: Cracks At The Top
🕑 Added 2025-07-17 13:08:22 +0000 UTCIn round 32, away at West Brom, Arsenal had to dig deep to grind out a 2–1 victory.
West Brom put up a strong resistance, matching the Gunners stride for stride and holding them at 1–1 through the break.
Then, in the 65th minute, Kai produced a crucial interception high up the pitch, reading the play perfectly. His quick thinking and composure launched a counter-attack that ended with Arsenal netting the decisive goal.
It was their tenth consecutive league win—an incredible run that kept the heat firmly on Manchester United.
By this point, fans and pundits alike were marveling at the Gunners’ grit and determination, with even Sky Sports commentators Martin Taylor and Alan Smith remarking during the broadcast:
Martin Taylor: “That’s another massive moment from Kai. He just turned 19, and he’s playing with such maturity in a title race. You have to admire it.”
Alan Smith: “Absolutely, Martin. This team refuses to roll over. Ten wins on the bounce and you can see they believe they’re right back in it.”
...
In the 33rd round, Arsenal, riding a wave of fine form, dispatched Norwich 3–0 at the Emirates.
Unfortunately for the Gunners, Manchester United held firm and didn’t slip up. Not that anyone expected them to drop points away at Stoke—hardly an easy place to play, but United still got the job done.
Meanwhile, in the FA Cup, Arsenal comfortably saw off Wigan Athletic 2–0 at home to book their place in the final. It marked their first FA Cup final appearance in eight years, a moment that stirred memories and emotions among Arsenal supporters.
The last time Arsenal reached the final was back in 2004–05, when they edged past Manchester United on penalties to lift the trophy. That was nine long years ago, and to see the team back on the big stage brought tears of joy and pride to many fans.
But their opponents in the FA Cup final would be a daunting challenge: Manchester City at Wembley.
Before that, though, came an even bigger test in the league.
...
In the 34th round, Arsenal battled away to Fulham. The hosts, desperate to avoid relegation, fought tooth and nail, but Arsenal’s determination to keep their title hopes alive saw them grind out a narrow 1–0 win.
The four-point gap to United remained intact, with both sides continuing to match each other stride for stride.
United fans were beginning to feel the pressure. Arsenal was proving to be anything but easy to shake off, just as they’d learned the hard way back in the 2003–04 season.
Then, too, many thought Arsenal had lost their edge after big-name departures. But here they were again at the season’s climax, gunning for United’s crown.
United had started fast and were fading; Arsenal had started slow and were surging.
The stage was set for a titanic clash.
...
On the eve of the 35th round, Sir Alex Ferguson stood at a window, gazing south toward London.
The sky was low and dark, heavy with thunderclouds. The damp air carried a faint, sharp scent—like gunpowder before a battle.
Ferguson squinted into the distance. He knew.
That old rival, friend, foe, and equal was coming for him again.
Wenger, with his reborn Gunners.
“Send them to the Youth Coach,” Ferguson barked at an assistant as a few youth players sheepishly emerged from the corner of the room, nervous and fearful with the manager in the honor's lounge.
Ferguson shook his head and closed the window.
Once, he would have stormed in and rattled everyone without hesitation as punishment. Age, he thought, had mellowed him just a little.
But the storm was here.
And tomorrow, he’d meet it head-on.
...
The Tollington Arms, Holloway Road, North London – Arsenal Fans
The Tollington was buzzing, almost too packed for a Saturday evening. Pints were clinking, scarves were raised high, and a chant of “Kai, Kai, Super Kai!” erupted every few minutes from one corner. The mood was electric after Arsenal had clawed back what once looked like an impossible 9-point gap to just 4. They even have a chance tomorrow to make it only a one-point deficit if they win
At a table near the window, a group of Arsenal fans sat over half-empty glasses, their voices raised with a mix of nerves and excitement.
Tom (in his 40s, die-hard): “I’m telling you lads, no one saw this coming. Kai’s been a revelation. Proper Vieira energy in midfield. Snapping at heels, breaking play up. He’s the reason we’ve even got a sniff now.”
Leah (younger, scarf over her jacket): “Yeah, but we’ve still got to win on Sunday. United might be shaky, but you don’t just roll over Ferguson’s side, especially in the Theatre of Dreams. You’ve seen how they nick results even when they’re rubbish.”
Ahmed (grinning): “ Drew against West Ham. Lost to City. We beat them in the Emirates and have higher morale. Mark my words, the Theatre of Dreams is going to become the Theatre of Nightmares."
Tom: "Arteta and Cazorla are back from injury. With them and Kai, the midfield is ours."
Leah bit her lip, but even she couldn’t hide the emotions. “Imagine… just imagine we winning the game and the trophy. I’ve missed believing in this team. First time in years it feels like we’ve got a chance. Honestly, sometimes feels like a dream. A good dream.”
The then pub erupted into another round of “We love you Arsenal, we do!” and the nervous optimism was unmistakable. Everyone knew Sunday would be massive.
...
The Bishop Blaize, Stretford, Manchester – United Fans
Meanwhile, up north, The Bishop Blaize was far less jovial. There was tension in the air, and more than one pint was being nursed in silence. A group of United supporters stood in a huddle near the bar, talking in low, worried tones as Sky Sports played highlights of Kai snapping into tackles and Arsenal’s recent resurgence.
Mick (season ticket holder, frowning): “I don’t like this. Not one bit. Nine points clear and now it’s four? We’ve bottled it before, you know. Can’t believe we’ve let it come to this.”
Dave (trying to sound confident): “Oh, don’t be daft. It’s still in our hands. One game at a time. Fergie’ll get ‘em sorted. Arsenal haven’t got the stones to go all the way.”
Sarah (shaking her head): “Have you even watched us lately? We’ve been all over the place. No control in midfield. That Arsenal lad — what’s his name? Kai? — he’s been running games on his own. He’s the exact sort of player we’re crying out for.”
Mick: “Aye, he’s a nasty little bugger, isn’t he? But we’ve got experience. Arsenal’s just on a run. They’ll choke when it matters. And lastly, it's OLD TRAFFORD!!”
Sarah (with a wry smile): “I hope so.”
There was a long pause. Then Dave, a bit quieter this time, said:
“Still. We win at home, it’s done. Title wrapped. If not… well. Then we’re really in trouble.”
Nobody said much after that. The usual confidence wasn’t there, replaced by something far more unfamiliar to United fans: doubt.
Mick finally muttered into his pint: “We’d better show up Sunday. We can't have Arsenal make us look like mugs.”
