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(A/N: Don't forget to give those power stones to Skyrim everyone!)
...
But on this unforgettable European night in North London, Arsenal had produced football of the highest quality and taken a giant step towards the Champions League semi-finals.
The noise inside the Emirates refused to fade.
Even after the final whistle had blown, thousands of Arsenal supporters remained in their seats, applauding the players as they completed a slow lap of appreciation around the pitch.
European nights like this were rare.
Victories like this were even rarer.
A four-goal advantage over one of the strongest teams in Europe deserved to be savoured.
Francesco applauded each stand, taking in the sea of red-and-white scarves that continued to sway beneath the floodlights.
Everywhere he looked, supporters were smiling.
Some sang until their voices cracked.
Others simply stood clapping, unwilling to let the evening end.
Eventually, the stadium announcer thanked the supporters over the speakers, encouraging everyone to travel home safely.
Only then did Arsenal's players begin making their way toward the tunnel.
As they approached the entrance, Walker caught up alongside Francesco.
"I've got bad news."
Francesco glanced sideways.
"What now?"
"I've officially retired."
"Again?"
"From emotional assists."
Francesco laughed.
"I've heard this before."
"No."
Walker shook his head dramatically.
"This time I'm serious."
"What changed?"
"You all kept getting proper assists."
Alexis, walking just ahead with a towel around his neck, overheard the conversation.
"It took you long enough."
Walker pointed at him.
"I was building a brand."
"It wasn't a good one."
"It had potential."
The laughter continued all the way down the tunnel.
Around them, UEFA officials congratulated players as they passed.
Ground staff hurried back onto the pitch behind them.
Television crews were already repositioning cameras for the post-match interviews.
The atmosphere backstage remained busy despite the match having ended.
Just before Francesco reached the dressing-room entrance, a UEFA media coordinator stepped into his path.
"Francesco?"
He stopped.
"Yes?"
"Would you mind coming with me for a flash interview?"
Before he could answer, the coordinator smiled again.
"And Mesut as well."
Özil, only a few steps behind, looked up.
"Me?"
"Yes."
"We'd like to speak to both of you."
The German exchanged a brief glance with Francesco before smiling.
"Of course."
Walker walked past them with a grin.
"Don't forget the little people."
Francesco smirked.
"We'll mention your emotional contribution."
"I knew I could count on you."
Alexis laughed as he disappeared into the dressing room.
"Please don't."
The flash interview area sat just outside the tunnel, surrounded by bright lights, sponsor boards and television cameras.
Microphones had already been adjusted.
A presenter stood waiting beside the UEFA Champions League backdrop.
As Francesco and Özil stepped into position, several photographers immediately began taking pictures.
The interviewer greeted them warmly.
"Gentlemen, thank you very much for joining us."
"Congratulations on a magnificent performance."
"Thank you," Francesco replied.
"Thank you," Özil echoed.
The interviewer smiled.
"I don't think many people expected a four-nil scoreline against Manchester City."
"What pleased both of you most about tonight's performance?"
Francesco answered first.
"I think it was the way we stayed true to ourselves."
"We knew Manchester City would have possession."
"We knew they'd create moments."
"But we never changed our approach."
"We trusted the work we'd done during the week."
"We kept playing our football."
"And I think everyone worked incredibly hard."
The interviewer nodded.
"There were times in the second half when many teams would have defended their lead."
"But Arsenal came out attacking."
Francesco smiled.
"That was the manager's message."
"He told us not to become passive."
"We're playing at home."
"We had to make the most of the first leg."
"So we kept trying to score."
"It paid off."
The interviewer turned towards Özil.
"Mesut…"
"One goal."
"Two assists."
"You seemed to find space everywhere tonight."
The German smiled modestly.
"Football becomes easier when everyone around you keeps moving."
He gestured lightly towards Francesco.
"When your striker makes runs like that…"
"…it's my job to find him."
"And when players like Alexis, Serge, Andy and Kyle keep stretching the pitch…"
"…space opens naturally."
"It wasn't only me."
"It was the whole team."
The interviewer laughed softly.
"That sounds like the answer I expected from you."
Özil shrugged.
"It's true."
The presenter looked back towards Francesco.
"As captain tonight…"
"…what did you say to the team before kick-off?"
Francesco thought for a moment.
"Nothing complicated."
"I just reminded everyone to be brave."
"We've played Manchester City several times already this season."
"But previous matches don't win the next one."
"We had to earn everything again."
"And I think we did."
The interviewer nodded thoughtfully.
"You're halfway to the semi-finals."
"Does a four-goal lead allow you to relax before the second leg?"
Francesco immediately shook his head.
"No."
"Not at all."
"It's Manchester City."
"They're one of the best teams in Europe."
"We know exactly how dangerous they are."
"The Etihad is one of the toughest places to play."
"So nothing changes."
"We prepare exactly the same way."
"The tie isn't finished."
Beside him, Özil agreed.
"He's right."
"We've won ninety minutes."
"That's all."
"We still have another ninety."
The interviewer smiled.
"Very professional answers."
"I expected nothing less."
He paused before reaching towards a nearby table.
"Before we finish…"
"I'd like to congratulate both of you once again."
"Outstanding performances."
"Thank you."
Then he picked up a small blue presentation box alongside the UEFA-branded glass trophy.
"And…"
"…tonight's UEFA Champions League Player of the Match award goes to Mesut Özil."
A ripple of applause came from the nearby production crew.
Özil blinked in mild surprise.
"Thank you."
The interviewer smiled at Francesco.
"Captain…"
"I was wondering if you'd help me present the award."
Francesco looked towards Özil before breaking into a smile.
"It would be my pleasure."
He accepted the trophy from the interviewer before turning towards his teammate.
"You deserve this."
"One goal."
"Two assists."
"And you probably ran more than people realise."
Özil laughed quietly.
"I'll take that."
Francesco handed him the award before extending his hand.
"Congratulations."
Instead of shaking it, Özil pulled him into a quick embrace.
"Thank you."
The cameras immediately captured the moment.
The interviewer smiled.
"I think that says everything about this team."
One final round of photographs followed before the interview concluded.
"Thank you, gentlemen."
"Good luck in the second leg."
"Thank you."
As they walked away from the cameras, Özil glanced down at the trophy in his hands.
"I wasn't expecting this."
Francesco smiled.
"You earned it."
"I couldn't have those assists without someone finishing them."
"I'd say we helped each other."
"I think so too."
Back inside the dressing room, the atmosphere remained lively.
Music had started playing from somewhere near Walker's locker.
Players were already wrapping towels around their shoulders.
The smell of liniment mixed with shampoo and fresh coffee filled the room.
The moment Özil walked inside carrying the trophy, Walker spotted it immediately.
"There he is!"
"Our artist!"
Several teammates applauded.
Alexis whistled loudly.
Kanté smiled warmly from his seat.
Walker walked over dramatically.
"I'd like to thank everyone involved."
Özil looked confused.
"For what?"
"For finally giving one of our midfielders an award."
The room laughed.
"You've somehow made this about yourself," Robertson said.
Walker nodded proudly.
"It's a gift."
Francesco shook his head.
"I don't know how he does it."
"I work very hard."
"You really don't."
The jokes continued while players began collecting fresh towels.
One after another they headed towards the shower area.
The hot water washed away ninety exhausting minutes of football.
Conversation continued between rows of showers.
Alexis was discussing one of Robertson's crosses.
Van Dijk and Koscielny replayed City's attacking movements.
Walker somehow returned to discussing emotional assists.
Even the coaching staff, walking past outside, could hear the laughter.
Nearly twenty minutes later the players gradually returned to the dressing room.
Fresh.
Relaxed.
Hair still damp.
One by one they changed into Arsenal's dark club jumpsuits for the journey home.
Francesco had just zipped up his jacket when there was another knock.
"Francesco?"
He looked up.
One of Arsenal's media staff stood at the door.
"The boss would like to see you."
Francesco nodded.
"I'll be right there."
Walker raised an eyebrow.
"Press conference?"
"Looks like it."
"Try not to make us sound boring."
"I'll do my best."
Outside, Wenger was already waiting near the media theatre.
The Frenchman smiled as Francesco approached.
"Ready?"
"As ready as I'll ever be."
Wenger chuckled.
"They're usually kinder after a four-nil win."
"I hope so."
Together they entered the UEFA press conference room.
The room was almost full.
Journalists from England, France, Germany, Spain and Italy sat waiting behind rows of microphones and laptops.
Television cameras pointed towards the stage.
As Wenger and Francesco took their seats behind the long table, camera shutters immediately filled the room.
The UEFA moderator welcomed everyone before inviting questions.
The first journalist stood.
"Arsène…"
"Many expected a close match."
"Did you expect to win by four goals?"
Wenger smiled calmly.
"I expected a very difficult match."
"And that's exactly what it was."
"The score perhaps suggests something more comfortable."
"It wasn't."
"My players were extremely disciplined."
"They showed courage."
"And they were clinical when opportunities arrived."
Another journalist looked towards Francesco.
"Congratulations."
"As captain tonight, did you feel extra responsibility leading such a young side in a Champions League quarter-final?"
Francesco nodded.
"Of course."
"When you wear the captain's armband, you represent everyone."
"But leadership isn't only one person."
"Virgil led."
"Koscielny led."
"Kanté led through his work."
"Mesut controlled the game."
"Everyone contributed."
A Spanish journalist asked the question many had been waiting for.
"Is the tie already over?"
Both Wenger and Francesco smiled almost at the same time.
Wenger answered first.
"No."
"Absolutely not."
"I've coached football for too many years to believe that."
"We've earned an excellent result."
"Nothing more."
"The second leg will be completely different."
Francesco agreed.
"Manchester City don't become a bad team because of one result."
"We respect them too much to think like that."
"We'll prepare exactly the same way."
Another reporter asked about Özil's performance.
Wenger didn't hesitate.
"Mesut was exceptional."
"But I was equally pleased with his work without the ball."
"He sacrificed for the team."
"That pleased me just as much as his goal and assists."
The press conference lasted around twenty minutes before the moderator thanked everyone.
Wenger stood.
"So…"
"Back to work."
Francesco smiled.
"Already?"
"The schedule never waits."
Outside, the Arsenal team bus was already waiting beneath the stadium.
Most of the squad had boarded.
Walker waved from the doorway.
"There you are!"
"We thought you'd signed another contract."
Francesco climbed aboard.
"Sorry."
"The journalists had questions."
Walker looked offended.
"They never ask me anything."
Robertson looked up from his seat.
"They're protecting themselves."
The bus erupted with laughter once again.
Francesco dropped into his usual seat beside the window.
A few moments later Wenger climbed aboard.
He glanced around to make sure everyone was present before giving a small nod to the driver.
The engine rumbled into life.
Slowly, the bus rolled away from the Emirates Stadium.
Outside, supporters still stood behind barriers, applauding as the team departed into the London night.
Some held scarves above their heads.
Others simply waved.
The players responded by waving back through the windows.
The mood inside the bus was content rather than euphoric.
Everyone knew they had produced something special.
Everyone also knew the job remained unfinished.
As the lights of North London drifted behind them and the journey back to London Colney began, conversations gradually quietened.
Some players replayed moments from the match on their phones.
Others leaned back in their seats, exhausted after ninety intense minutes.
Francesco looked out of the window at the passing streets before glancing across the aisle.
Özil's Player of the Match trophy rested carefully on the empty seat beside him.
The German noticed Francesco looking and smiled.
"Safe for the journey."
Francesco smiled back.
"Make sure you don't forget it."
"I don't think the lads would let me."
Walker immediately looked over from two rows behind.
"Definitely not."
"If you leave it behind…"
"…I'm claiming it for emotional contributions."
The entire bus burst into laughter once more as it disappeared into the London night, carrying a team that had taken a huge step towards the Champions League semi-finals, but knew the hardest ninety minutes might still be waiting at the Etihad.
Then they arrive at Colney and get into their own car as they head back to their own home, the journey back from London Colney had been a quiet one.
By the time Francesco finally arrived home in Richmond, the adrenaline that had carried him through ninety unforgettable minutes at the Emirates had slowly begun to fade.
Cheddar had greeted him exactly as expected.
The little corgi had raced to the front door the moment he heard the familiar sound of the BMW pulling into the driveway, barking excitedly before practically throwing himself at Francesco's legs.
Leah had simply laughed.
"I don't know whether he's happier to see you or hoping you've brought him another toy."
"I didn't."
Francesco bent down to rub behind Cheddar's ears.
"But somehow I think he'll forgive me."
Cheddar responded with a happy bark before trotting after him into the kitchen.
Dinner had been simple.
Nothing fancy.
Just a late meal shared with Leah while they talked about the match.
She had watched every minute from home.
"I don't think I've ever heard the Emirates that loud through the television," she admitted.
"It was unbelievable."
Francesco smiled.
"It felt louder on the pitch."
"You looked like you were enjoying yourself."
"We all were."
"And Mesut?"
"He deserved that Player of the Match award."
"He really did."
Leah nodded.
"The pass for your goal…"
She shook her head.
"I still don't know how he saw it."
"Neither do I."
They laughed together before eventually heading upstairs, both exhausted from their own very different days.
The following morning arrived peacefully.
Unlike a matchday, there was no rush.
No pre-match meeting.
No tactical briefing waiting at London Colney until later that afternoon for recovery work.
For the first time in several days, Francesco woke naturally.
Sunlight filtered gently through the bedroom curtains, bathing the room in a warm golden glow.
Beside him, Leah was still asleep.
Cheddar, meanwhile, had somehow found his way onto the rug at the foot of the bed sometime during the night.
The corgi lifted one ear as soon as Francesco sat up.
A few seconds later, his tail began wagging lazily.
"Morning."
Cheddar answered with a sleepy stretch before padding across the room.
Francesco scratched beneath his chin.
"You've got good timing."
Another wag.
"Always."
Trying not to wake Leah, Francesco quietly changed into a grey Arsenal training top and a pair of comfortable joggers before heading downstairs.
The house was wonderfully quiet.
The sort of silence that only existed early in the morning.
He filled a bowl with cereal, poured milk over it and carried everything into the living room.
Cheddar followed faithfully behind, as always.
"You know this isn't for you."
The corgi looked up hopefully anyway.
Francesco chuckled.
"Nice try."
He settled onto the sofa, picked up the television remote and switched on the morning sports coverage.
Almost immediately, familiar images filled the screen.
The Emirates Stadium under the floodlights.
Supporters celebrating.
Highlights from the previous night's match.
The presenter smiled into the camera.
"Good morning, and if you're just joining us, the football world is still talking about Arsenal's remarkable four-nil victory over Manchester City in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final."
Francesco quietly ate another spoonful of cereal while watching.
A large headline appeared across the bottom of the screen.
ARSENAL STUN EUROPE.
The studio switched to the match highlights once again.
His opening goal.
Alexis' finish before half-time.
Özil's beautifully taken third.
Van Dijk's towering header from the corner.
Every goal seemed even louder with the commentary added.
The programme then cut back to the panel.
Former England defender Martin Keown sat beside two other pundits, still shaking his head slightly.
"I've watched Arsenal a long time," he said.
"But that was one of the most complete European performances I've seen from them."
"They were brave."
"They pressed."
"They controlled possession."
"And perhaps most impressively…"
"They refused to sit back at two-nil."
Another pundit nodded immediately.
"That's what surprised Manchester City."
"I think Pep expected Arsenal to protect the lead."
"Instead…"
"They came flying out for the second half."
"They scored again."
"And suddenly City were chasing shadows."
The screen switched to footage of Wenger applauding from the touchline after Özil's goal.
The presenter spoke over the images.
"It wasn't simply the scoreline that shocked Europe."
"It was the manner of the victory."
"Manchester City had already faced Arsenal several times this season and lost."
"But this…"
"…this was the Champions League."
"The knockout stage."
"The quarter-final."
"The biggest stage outside the final itself."
"No one expected such a commanding result."
Francesco quietly smiled to himself.
He understood exactly why people were surprised.
League matches and cup matches always felt different.
In Europe, every mistake carried greater weight.
Momentum could shift in seconds.
Yet somehow Arsenal had produced one of their finest performances of the season when it mattered most.
The programme moved on to reactions from around Europe.
A reporter standing outside the Emirates spoke first.
"Across Spain, Italy, Germany and France, today's newspapers are dominated by one story."
"Arsenal."
Behind him appeared front pages from various sports publications.
One Spanish newspaper described Arsenal's display as a tactical masterpiece.
An Italian headline read:
WENGER OUTTHINKS GUARDIOLA.
A French publication praised Arsenal's attacking football.
A German newspaper focused almost entirely on Mesut Özil's performance.
Another reporter joined from Manchester.
"The result has certainly shocked people here."
"Even though Manchester City had already lost to Arsenal more than once this season…"
"…many believed the Champions League would produce a different outcome."
"Instead…"
"Arsenal delivered arguably their best performance of the campaign."
Cheddar rested his head against Francesco's leg.
Without looking away from the television, Francesco absent-mindedly scratched behind the little dog's ears.
The corgi seemed perfectly content.
The programme shifted towards tactical analysis.
An electronic screen appeared behind the analysts, replaying several of Arsenal's attacks.
One pundit paused the footage just before Francesco's opening goal.
"Look here."
"Everyone naturally watches Özil."
"But watch Francesco."
The replay slowed dramatically.
"He starts between Kompany and Otamendi."
"Then…"
"Just before Mesut releases the pass…"
"He changes direction."
"That movement creates the opening."
Martin Keown smiled.
"You can't teach instincts like that."
"His timing is exceptional."
The replay continued until the finish.
Another analyst pointed towards the screen.
"And here's what impressed me."
"There's no panic."
"Ederson rushes out."
"A lot of strikers blast that."
"He simply places it."
"Calm."
"Efficient."
"Top-class finishing."
Francesco smiled awkwardly.
Watching yourself analysed on television never became completely normal.
Leah wandered downstairs a few moments later, still wearing an oversized sweatshirt, her hair slightly messy from sleep.
She stopped behind the sofa.
"They're still talking about you?"
Francesco glanced back.
"Not just me."
She looked towards the television where another replay of Arsenal's fourth goal was beginning.
"Oh…"
"They're definitely still talking."
She walked into the kitchen before returning with a mug of coffee.
Cheddar immediately abandoned Francesco and trotted towards her instead.
"So that's how loyal you are."
Cheddar wagged his tail shamelessly.
Leah laughed.
"He follows whoever has breakfast."
"I've been replaced."
"You have."
She settled beside him on the sofa just as another discussion began.
One former Manchester City player shook his head.
"I honestly thought City would respond after half-time."
"So did I."
"But Arsenal surprised everyone."
"They came out even more aggressive."
"Pep clearly expected them to defend deeper."
"They did the opposite."
Leah smiled.
"That was your manager."
Francesco nodded.
"He told us not to protect the lead."
"He wanted another goal."
"You got two."
"We did."
She leaned gently against his shoulder.
"You know…"
"I think that's what impressed people."
"The score is one thing."
"But the confidence…"
"You played without fear."
Francesco looked thoughtfully at the television.
"I think everyone trusted the plan."
Another segment began.
This time they showed the post-match statistics.
Possession.
Shots.
Passing accuracy.
Distance covered.
Recoveries.
The numbers confirmed what everyone had seen.
Arsenal had matched Manchester City physically and technically for the entire ninety minutes.
The presenter smiled.
"Perhaps the most surprising statistic of all…"
"Arsenal actually covered more distance than Manchester City."
"No team can accuse them of simply sitting back."
The discussion moved naturally towards the second leg.
One analyst raised a finger.
"Let's not forget…"
"The tie isn't over."
"The Etihad is one of the hardest away grounds in Europe."
Martin Keown nodded.
"And that's exactly why Arsenal's players sounded so composed afterwards."
"I listened carefully to both Arsène Wenger and Francesco Lee."
"There wasn't a hint of overconfidence."
"They know what still awaits them."
Francesco exchanged a glance with Leah.
She smiled knowingly.
"You said exactly the same thing last night."
"Because it's true."
"The hardest part might still be ahead."
His phone vibrated gently on the coffee table.
One message.
Then another.
Then several more.
Walker.
Morning. Still retired from emotional assists.
A second message arrived almost instantly.
Actually… I've decided to come out of retirement if needed at the Etihad.
Francesco burst into laughter.
Leah looked over.
"What now?"
Without saying anything, he handed her the phone.
She read the messages before laughing just as hard.
"He lasted less than twelve hours."
"I honestly expected longer."
"Did you?"
"Not really."
Another message appeared.
This time from Özil.
Morning. Hope Cheddar approves of the trophy.
Francesco smiled before typing back.
He'd probably rather have a tennis ball. Congratulations again. You deserved it.
A reply came only moments later.
Thank you. We finish the job together next week.
Francesco looked back towards the television.
The headlines continued.
The praise continued.
Across Europe, Arsenal's performance was still the biggest football story of the morning.
It had shocked supporters, pundits and journalists alike.
Even though Manchester City had already experienced defeat against Arsenal earlier in the season, very few people had expected such a dominant display on the grand stage of a Champions League quarter-final.
Yet inside Francesco's mind, the excitement had already begun to settle.
The celebrations belonged to yesterday.
Recovery awaited later at London Colney.
Video analysis would follow.
Soon enough, the attention would turn once more to the Etihad Stadium.
There were still ninety minutes left to play.
And everyone inside Arsenal knew that in the Champions League, nothing was truly finished until the final whistle of the second leg.
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Name : Francesco Lee
Age : 19 (2017)
Birthplace : London, England
Football Club : Arsenal First Team
Championship History : 2014/2015 Premier League, 2014/2015 FA Cup, 2015/2016 Community Shield, 2016/2017 Premier League, 2015/2016 Champions League, Euro 2016, Premier League Champion 2016/2017, 2016/2017 Champions League, and 2017/2018 Carabao Cup.
Season 17/18 stats:
Arsenal:
Match: 47
Goal: 59
Assist: 6
MOTM: 6
POTM: 0
England:
Match: 4
Goal: 4
Assist: 1
MOTM: 2
Season 16/17 stats:
Arsenal:
Match: 55
Goal: 87
Assist: 5
MOTM: 14
POTM: 1
England:
Match: 1
Goal: 1
Assist: 0
MOTM: 0
Season 15/16 stats:
Arsenal:
Match Played: 60
Goal: 82
Assist: 10
MOTM: 9
POTM: 1
England:
Match Played: 2
Goal: 4
Assist: 0
Euro 2016
Match Played: 6
Goal: 13
Assist: 4
MOTM: 6
Season 14/15 stats:
Match Played: 35
Goal: 45
Assist: 12
MOTM: 9