Against the Odds Part 1

After the wild celebrations, the Ajax players quickly returned to the task at hand, knowing the match was far from over. 

Arsenal, a battle-hardened and seasoned team with countless matches under their belt, did not show any signs of panic despite being a goal down. The players remained composed, as if they had complete confidence in their ability to overturn the deficit. Their expressions remained calm, almost indifferent, while the youthful Ajax squad, still buzzing from their goal, tried to maintain their focus. 

On the sidelines, head coach Ronald Koeman was quick to issue instructions, urging his players to stay alert and composed. He knew all too well that the moments following a goal are often the most precarious. Statistical analysis in football has long shown that the ten minutes immediately after scoring are when teams are most vulnerable to conceding. Koeman's voice echoed across the pitch, reminding his players of this crucial fact. 

Ajax, having taken Koeman's words to heart, adjusted their mindset as the game resumed. Yet, despite their best efforts, it became evident that Arsenal had seized the initiative. The London club began to impose their will on the match, demonstrating the kind of control and poise that comes with experience and quality. 

As the game progressed, it was clear that when Arsenal operated at full throttle, Ajax struggled to keep pace. The young Dutch side found themselves increasingly on the back foot, forced to defend as the Gunners began to dominate possession. 

Arsène Wenger, Arsenal's shrewd and experienced manager, recognized the challenge of playing away in Amsterdam, particularly after conceding an early goal. He was a constant presence on the touchline, urging his players forward, demanding that they capitalize on every opportunity to level the score. Yet, there was no sense of desperation in Arsenal's play. They attacked methodically, with the confidence of a team that knew they could turn the game around. 

Yang Yang, Ajax's rising star, ran tirelessly across the pitch, applying pressure on Arsenal's backline whenever possible. His energy was boundless, and he was committed to contributing both offensively and defensively. Whenever the situation called for it, he would drop deep into the midfield or even retreat to the defensive line, determined to protect the slender lead his team had worked so hard to secure. However, while exerting himself, Yang Yang also took the opportunity to study Arsenal's style of play. 

Contrary to the high-tempo, physical image often associated with Premier League teams, Arsenal's approach was surprisingly measured and controlled. They favored possession and rhythm over brute force. When in control of the ball, their lines remained compact and well-organized. Each player maintained a close connection with their teammates, ensuring that support was always nearby. Their passing was precise and deliberate, often limited to short distances of around ten meters, allowing them to maintain a high success rate even under pressure. 

Even physically imposing players like Patrick Vieira and Sol Campbell displayed remarkable finesse in their passing, consistently finding their teammates with ease. For Ajax, trying to disrupt this kind of play was like chasing shadows. The more they pressed, the more elusive Arsenal became, deftly moving the ball into open spaces. The relentless effort required to chase the ball across the pitch took its toll, both physically and mentally, on the young Ajax side. 

The frustration of continually failing to regain possession began to weigh heavily on the Ajax players. In football, there is nothing more disheartening than putting in maximum effort without seeing any tangible results. The desire for immediate reward can be overwhelming, and when that reward is consistently denied, it begins to erode a player's resolve. One failed attempt to win the ball may be shrugged off, but after several more, doubt begins to creep in, and frustration mounts. 

This was the psychological battle that Arsenal was winning. By controlling the game so thoroughly, they were sapping Ajax's energy and willpower, reducing their chances of launching a counterattack. Arsenal's relentless passing and movement kept the home team on the back foot, and although Ajax's defense was well-drilled, the strain was beginning to show. 

Ronald Koeman, a former defender himself, had instilled a strong defensive mentality in his team, and they held firm despite the pressure. Arsenal probed and prodded, but Ajax managed to keep them at bay, preventing them from finding an equalizer in the critical ten minutes following the opening goal. 

However, Arsenal's persistence finally paid off in the twenty-third minute. A well-coordinated attack saw the ball played into the feet of Edu, the Brazilian midfielder who had come on as a substitute for Gilberto Silva. Positioned just outside the penalty area, Edu deftly turned away from the onrushing defenders, De Jong and Heitinga, leaving them both flat-footed. With a quick shift of his body, he dodged the challenge of Sneijder, who had rushed in to cover, only to be left grasping at air as Edu calmly curled a stunning shot with the inside of his right foot. 

The ball soared through the crowded penalty area, its trajectory precise and unerring, before nestling into the top left corner of the net. The Amsterdam Arena fell silent, the home crowd momentarily stunned by the brilliance of the goal. 

1-1! Arsenal had equalized. 

It was a goal born of individual brilliance, but it also highlighted the defensive frailties that Ajax had exposed under Arsenal's prolonged pressure. The lack of coordination between De Jong and Heitinga had left the area in front of the box unguarded, and Sneijder's overzealous attempt to recover had only compounded the error. In the end, it was a harsh lesson for the young Ajax side. 

The goal had come as a surprise, but in truth, it was a long time coming. Ajax's earlier strike had been sudden and exhilarating, but Arsenal's response was a calculated reminder of their quality and resilience. 

... 

... 

Watching as Edu sprinted past him, Yang Yang wiped his face with the back of his hand, feeling the cool sweat that had accumulated during the match. This was the most intense and pressure-filled game he had ever experienced, and it wasn't just because of the stakes—it was because of the weight of expectations resting on his young shoulders. 

Even more disheartening was that it had only taken twenty-four minutes for everything to change. 

The score was 1-1, with Arsenal having just equalized. The air was thick with tension, and Yang Yang felt the uncertainty gnawing at him. What were they supposed to do next? 

He scanned the pitch, searching for guidance from his teammates. His eyes lingered on Rafael van der Vaart, the team's captain and the player everyone looked to in moments like these. But the young Dutch prodigy, usually so confident and composed, wore an expression of frustration and bewilderment. The recent equalizer had clearly rattled him, and the rest of the team seemed equally dispirited, their heads bowed as though they had let down the thousands of Ajax fans who filled the Amsterdam Arena. 

But shouldn't they be rallying at this moment? Yang Yang thought to himself, a flicker of determination sparking within him. 

The voice of head coach Ronald Koeman soon echoed from the sidelines, cutting through the murmurs of the crowd. He was urging the players to lift their spirits, to refocus and push forward. 

"It's okay, it's okay," Koeman shouted, his voice filled with a mix of urgency and reassurance. "You're doing well, it was just an accident. Keep playing the way you have been." 

The coach's tone shifted to one of resolve as he continued, "Trust me, stay disciplined in defense, and seize the opportunities on the counter. They're tired, they can't keep this up. We just need to hold our ground and strike when the moment comes." 

The players turned their heads towards Koeman. Despite the stress of the situation, there was something comforting about his presence. Ronald Koeman, with his solid build and commanding presence, was more than just a coach; he was a leader, someone the players looked up to like an older brother. He had earned their respect both on and off the pitch, and when he spoke, they listened. 

Koeman's words made sense. Arsenal had exerted themselves heavily, especially considering they were playing away from home. They had just come off a grueling league match against Chelsea, while Ajax, in contrast, had been able to prepare and rest. Physically, Ajax should have the edge, provided they didn't allow Arsenal to dominate possession, which had proven dangerous. 

Koeman had also realized that after Ajax took the lead, they had retreated too much, allowing Arsenal too much space and time to dictate the game. Especially in the critical area between the 30-meter mark and the penalty box, Ajax had been far too passive, inviting pressure. 

Recognizing the need for a tactical shift, Koeman made immediate adjustments. He pulled Wesley Sneijder back to sit alongside Nigel de Jong, forming a double pivot in midfield. This move was meant to strengthen the defensive core, giving Ajax more stability in the middle of the park. Yang Yang and Wesley Sonck were also instructed to drop deeper, ensuring a more compact shape that would make it harder for Arsenal to exploit spaces. 

At the tip of the formation, Zlatan Ibrahimović, who had been a livewire throughout the match, remained the focal point of Ajax's attack. His physical prowess and remarkable individual skill made him a formidable opponent, even against the likes of Sol Campbell. The Swedish striker was tasked with leading the line, holding up play, and serving as the team's offensive spearhead. 

With these adjustments, Ajax's shape resembled a 4-2-3-1 formation, with two holding midfielders providing cover for the defense while the wide players offered support to the lone striker. The formation was designed to be both defensively solid and capable of springing quick counter-attacks, a necessity against a team as dangerous as Arsenal. 

As the players repositioned themselves on the pitch, the tension remained palpable, but there was a renewed sense of purpose. Yang Yang could feel the nerves, but also the resolve building within the team. 

... 

... 

As the game resumed, Arsenal continued to assert their desire to control possession and dictate the tempo, but Ajax responded by intensifying their press, especially in the midfield and the attacking third. 

Yang Yang and Wesley Sonck, playing as wingers, were given a dual responsibility. They needed to push forward aggressively to challenge Arsenal's backline, yet be equally prepared to drop back into midfield to support the defense as soon as Arsenal gained possession. The goal was to ensure numerical superiority in key areas, particularly along the flanks, where Arsenal's wide players were known to be dangerous. 

Ronald Koeman hadn't spelled it out, but Yang Yang knew instinctively: if an opportunity to counterattack arose, he and Sonck had to act like twin blades, slicing through Arsenal's defense from the wings and creating openings for Ibrahimović and Van der Vaart through the center. 

The match was proving to be a tough contest. Ajax, though a formidable side, were facing an Arsenal team renowned not just for their possession play, but also for their physicality. The young Ajax players were under immense pressure, knowing that even a minor lapse could lead to a costly mistake. 

In the 29th minute, Van der Vaart tried to dribble past Patrick Vieira in the center of the pitch. The French midfielder, a towering presence, brought him down with a forceful challenge. Although the referee awarded Ajax a free-kick, a promising attack had been thwarted, leaving Van der Vaart visibly frustrated. 

As the clock ticked past the 30-minute mark, Ajax struggled to carve out clear-cut chances. They tried to break through on both flanks, but Arsenal's defense held firm. Yang Yang's best opportunity came in the 36th minute when Sneijder attempted a precise through ball, threading it into Yang Yang's path. He had timed his run perfectly, looking to spring the offside trap and get in behind the defense. 

But at the crucial moment, Sol Campbell read the play with impeccable timing. The veteran defender lunged and intercepted the pass with a powerful clearance, sending the ball out of play. Yang Yang, who had been sprinting full tilt, managed to avoid a collision but ended up skidding off the pitch. As he got up and jogged back, he caught Campbell's gaze. The Englishman's eyes were full of menace, silently warning Yang Yang that this was just the beginning. Next time, the consequences would be harsher. 

Yang Yang bent over, hands on his knees, gasping for air. The effort was taking its toll. Sweat dripped from his face, trickling down his cheeks and nose before finally falling onto the grass. He was exhausted, but there was no room for fear. Not now, not against such a fierce opponent. 

His mind raced with thoughts of how he could have done better. Campbell had been the last man back, and Yang Yang knew that if he had anticipated the play just a fraction of a second earlier, there was no way the defender could have caught him. 

"Are you okay?" Sneijder came running over, his concern evident as Ajax prepared to take a throw-in from the frontcourt. 

Yang Yang shook his head, flicking away the sweat as he did so. "Just a bit tired," he replied, trying to catch his breath. 

Sneijder chuckled, relieved by Yang Yang's nonchalant response. "If you're joking, you're fine. I was worried Campbell might have intimidated you." 

Yang Yang smirked. "I might not be the bravest, but I'm not about to be scared off by him." 

As Trabelsi approached to take the throw-in, Yang Yang suddenly had an idea. 

"What are you thinking?" Trabelsi asked, noticing the determined look in the young forward's eyes. 

Though he had only been with the first team for a few months, Yang Yang had already earned the respect of his teammates. His performances against Bruges and PSV Eindhoven had cemented his place in the squad, and even seasoned players like Ibrahimović and Maxwell considered him an equal. Sneijder and De Jong had also grown close to him, seeing him as more than just a promising rookie. 

Like all football clubs, Ajax had its cliques, but Yang Yang had managed to integrate himself well within the team. 

Trabelsi, a seasoned veteran, was willing to listen to the younger player's suggestion, especially in a situation where they were struggling to break down Arsenal's defense. 

"That Frenchman's been shadowing me all game," Yang Yang explained, referring to Campbell. "Let's try something different. When I give you the signal, throw the ball to where I'm pointing. I'll cut inside, pulling their defense towards me, and then I'll lay it off back to the flank. You'll have space to deliver a cross." 

Trabelsi raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "You think they'll fall for it?" 

"Let's give it a shot. Sneijder and I will draw their attention, and Ibrahimović can make his run. We might just catch them off guard." 

Trabelsi considered the plan for a moment. Arsenal's defense had been rock-solid, and even the inexperienced left-back, Gaël Clichy, had performed admirably, showing none of the nerves one might expect from a young player in such a high-stakes match. On the other hand, Lauren, Arsenal's right-back, had been under constant pressure from Ajax's attacks on the left and was showing signs of fatigue. 

"Alright, I'll go with it," Trabelsi agreed, nodding. It wasn't as if they had a better option. With Arsenal pressing their advantage, if Ajax didn't try something bold, it was only a matter of time before they conceded again. 

Although there had been a whirlwind of transfer rumors last summer, Trabelsi was now focused on delivering top performances for Ajax. He knew that excelling on this stage would not only benefit the team but also increase his chances of catching the eye of wealthier clubs. At 26, he was acutely aware that his window of opportunity to secure a big move was narrowing. If he didn't seize the moment now, it might never come again. 

Yang Yang nodded in understanding and turned back towards the pitch. As he jogged into position, he caught Sneijder's eye, giving a subtle signal to indicate that their plan was in motion. He then made a series of gestures towards Ibrahimović, ensuring the Swedish striker was fully aware of the strategy they were about to execute. With one final glance over his shoulder, he checked in on Trabelsi, who was poised on the sideline, ready to take the throw-in. 

Trabelsi, the experienced right-back from Tunisia, stood at the touchline, ball in hand, raised above his head. His body was tense, ready to spring into action. Yang Yang, Sneijder, and De Jong all moved towards him, each prepared to receive the ball. Arsenal, sensing the danger, had crowded the area with defenders, each one tightly marking an Ajax player, determined not to let them gain possession easily. 

As Yang Yang moved slowly across the pitch, he activated his special ability, [God Vision], allowing him to see every player's position, movement, and even their subtle shifts in balance. He knew that in situations like this, the smallest details could determine the outcome. 

Patrick Vieira, Arsenal's formidable captain, was orchestrating the defense, directing his teammates to close down space. Gaël Clichy, the young left-back, was closely tracking Yang Yang's movements, determined not to allow him to receive the ball in a dangerous position or deliver a cross. 

Suddenly, without warning, Yang Yang accelerated. He pointed towards himself as he sprinted into space, signaling to Trabelsi. 

There was no hesitation from Trabelsi. He launched the ball towards Yang Yang, who was now in full stride. 

Clichy reacted instantly, chasing after Yang Yang, while Vieira, startled by the sudden burst of pace, surged forward to intercept. 

In that split second, everything seemed to slow down for Yang Yang. The ball floated towards him, and he could sense its trajectory with a precision honed from countless hours of training. His chest met the ball, cushioning it with just the right amount of force, sending it down towards his feet. The touch was delicate yet firm, perfectly controlling the ball's momentum. 

As the ball descended, Yang Yang lifted his right foot to meet it. His countless hours of ball control practice came to fruition in that moment. He could judge the ball's spin and speed with pinpoint accuracy, and his leg muscles responded instinctively. The ball landed gently on his instep, seemingly glued to his boot. 

The crowd gasped. It was a moment of pure skill, a display of technical mastery that left both sets of fans in awe. 

But there was no time to admire his own work. Vieira, a towering presence, was closing in fast, his imposing figure casting a shadow over Yang Yang. The Frenchman's intent was clear—he was coming to overpower Yang Yang, to crush him like an ant underfoot. 

Yang Yang's instincts kicked in. He shielded the ball with his body, using his left arm to fend off Clichy, who was desperately trying to win the ball back. With a quick movement, Yang Yang shifted the ball onto his left foot, ready to make his next move. 

Vieira lunged in, attempting to clear the ball with his right foot. But Yang Yang was quicker. He deftly slipped the ball past Vieira, though the Frenchman's foot made partial contact with Yang Yang. Despite the impact, which nearly knocked him off balance, Yang Yang managed to stay on his feet while Vieira, having overcommitted, lost his balance and crashed heavily onto the grass. The ball, however, remained under Yang Yang's control as he darted towards the byline. 

With Clichy closing in and Vieira down, Yang Yang knew he had to act fast. As he reached the byline, he glanced up and saw Trabelsi sprinting down the flank, anticipating the play. With a sharp turn, Yang Yang shifted his weight and used the outside of his right foot to flick the ball back towards the advancing Trabelsi, who had now arrived just outside the penalty area. 

The entire sequence had unfolded in the blink of an eye. Trabelsi, having caught up to the play, received Yang Yang's pass with a smooth first touch. Without hesitation, he whipped in a low cross towards the edge of the penalty area. 

The ball skidded across the turf, slicing through Arsenal's defensive line and heading towards the penalty spot. 

Campbell had anticipated the trajectory of the ball, tracking it carefully as it descended. But Ibrahimović, ever the opportunist, quickly made his move. He powered past Kolo Touré, using his strength and momentum to get ahead of the Ivorian defender, and then surged behind Campbell. With a well-timed leap, Ibrahimović rose high above the Arsenal defense, meeting the ball with a powerful header. 

The ball curved in the air, its path aimed directly at the top right corner of the goal. It was a moment of pure brilliance, and as the ball sailed into the net, the Amsterdam Arena erupted into thunderous cheers. 

Arsenal's players immediately protested, raising their hands in unison. Campbell, in particular, chased after the referee, gesturing frantically. He claimed that Ibrahimović had used his hands to push him down while jumping, preventing him from making a fair challenge. 

But the Swedish striker was already off on a jubilant run, his face lit with unbridled joy. He sprinted past the home team's coaching area, then past the visiting team's bench, before sliding to his knees in front of the television cameras at the sidelines. Thumping his chest with his fist, he roared with passion, his voice echoing through the stadium. 

"I am Ibrahimović!" 

Meanwhile, Yang Yang lay on the ground, pain radiating through his right foot. Despite wearing shin guards and attempting to dodge the tackle, Vieira's boot had connected with his leg. The impact had been brutal, and it felt as though his leg had nearly been shattered. Yet, even through the pain, as he heard the deafening cheers from the Ajax fans, a smile broke through on his face. 

They had finally scored! 

The referee's whistle pierced the air, signaling the validity of the goal. Despite the protests from the Arsenal players, the referee stood firm. He saw nothing illegal in Ibrahimović's jump, believing instead that Campbell had simply lost his position. In fact, the referee was more concerned with Vieira's earlier challenge on Yang Yang. He knew the French captain had deliberately targeted Yang Yang's leg when he realized he couldn't win the ball, a clear act of frustration. However, adhering to the advantage rule, he had let the play continue. 

Arsenal's players, though fuming, had no choice but to retreat to their half, their protests having fallen on deaf ears. 

It was only then that everyone noticed Yang Yang still lying on the pitch, with Trabelsi and Sneijder standing over him, their expressions filled with concern. The Ajax players, who had been celebrating moments before, quickly rushed back to check on their teammate. Even Ibrahimović, caught up in the excitement of his goal, immediately abandoned his celebrations and sprinted over to Yang Yang. 

The atmosphere in the Amsterdam Arena shifted from jubilation to unease. The fans, coaches, and players alike were all deeply worried. Vieira was known for his physicality, and it was clear to everyone that the challenge could have been much worse. 

"From the slow-motion replay, it's evident that Vieira's challenge on Yang Yang was not just reckless, it was dangerous," the commentator remarked. "This is the kind of violent play that has earned Arsenal a reputation for being one of the most fouling teams in the Premier League, despite their claim to play beautiful football. It's no wonder so many have questioned their so-called 'Invincible' record." 

"Of course, in the end, results speak for themselves. Years from now, people might remember Arsenal's unbeaten run, but they'll likely forget the rough and, at times, brutal tactics they employed to achieve it." 

"But for now, our concern is with Yang Yang. He's only 17, a rising star who has shown immense promise. His performance tonight has been outstanding, and it's his brilliant play that set up Ibrahimović's goal. It would be a tragedy if his progress were halted by such a vicious foul." 

The stadium fell into a tense silence as the team doctor attended to Yang Yang's right leg. The situation didn't look good; within moments, the medical staff signaled for a stretcher. 

"It seems like the injury is more serious than we hoped. We're not sure if Yang Yang will be able to continue," the commentator continued. 

In the stands, fans clasped their hands together in silent prayer. They couldn't imagine how the team would cope without Yang Yang on the right wing. His presence had been pivotal to Ajax's performance so far. 

On the sidelines, head coach Ronald Koeman paced anxiously, his concern evident. As soon as the stretcher was brought out, he rushed forward, desperate for news. It was 2-1 in Ajax's favor, but for Koeman, the game's result seemed secondary to the well-being of his young star. 

But then, Yang Yang spoke, his voice strained but determined. "He tried to take out my legs, but I managed to avoid most of it," Yang Yang said with a grimace as he lay on the stretcher. 

The relief on Koeman's face was palpable. "You gave me a heart attack, kid!" he said with a mix of exasperation and affection. 

Yang Yang smiled weakly, moved by the coach's concern. 

After a quick examination and treatment from the medical team, Yang Yang gingerly stood up. He tested his leg, hopping a few times and then sprinting a short distance. Satisfied that there was no serious injury, he jogged back towards the sidelines, signaling that he was ready to return to the game. The entire stadium erupted in applause, the tension dissolving into cheers of encouragement. 

Fifty thousand Ajax fans chanted his name in unison, their voices booming through the arena. 

They had witnessed his effort, his courage, and his contribution. Yang Yang had become their hero.