Soccer: I became Bruno Fernandes.

Chapter 290: Arsenal's Explosive Comeback

It is well-known in the world of football that there's one team you should never underestimate when they're fighting for a top-four spot: Arsenal. Once the Gunners enter this mode, they seem to transform, unleashing incredible energy. However, many are unaware that another version of Arsenal is equally terrifying: the one that trails by a large margin in the Champions League, regardless of whether they're home or away.

In the 2011-2012 season, Arsenal faced AC Milan in the Champions League Round of 16. In the first leg, they suffered a humiliating 0-4 defeat at San Siro. Many thought Arsenal was finished, doomed to an embarrassing aggregate scoreline. But in the return leg at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal put on a heroic performance. Koscielny, Rosický, and van Persie scored three goals in the first half, giving Arsenal hope of a comeback. Unfortunately, they couldn't maintain the momentum in the second half and were ultimately eliminated with a 3-4 aggregate score. Despite the elimination, that match showed the world Arsenal's resilience.

A year later, in the 2012-2013 season, the same Round of 16 saw Arsenal up against Bayern Munich. Having stumbled in the group stage, Arsenal finished second and faced a Bayern team led by Robben and Ribéry. In the first leg at the Emirates, Arsenal performed disastrously, trailing 0-2 at halftime and losing 1-3 overall. But in the return leg at Allianz Arena, Arsenal erupted, stunning the world with a 2-0 victory, nearly knocking out the German giants.

Then last season, Arsenal once again shot themselves in the foot during the group stage, finishing second and drawing a comparatively weaker first-placed team, Monaco. Arsenal fans thought this was finally the end of their streak of Round of 16 exits. However, they were shocked by a 1-3 home defeat. But true to form, in the return leg, Arsenal's "little universe" exploded again, beating Monaco 2-0 and nearly completing the comeback.

Though Arsenal didn't manage to overturn their deficits in these instances, they showcased their formidable capabilities. These experiences also added a sense of tragedy to Wenger's team.

Today, trailing 0-2 at home, Arsenal's "little universe" erupted once more. They continued their siege on Udinese, but with some adjustments compared to the first half. Ramsey changed his position; unable to perform well as a left attacking midfielder, he naturally gravitated towards the center, often reminded of Wenger's warnings. Now, two goals behind, Ramsey had nothing to lose and switched to a left-winger role, regardless of Wenger's approval.

In this new position, Ramsey's performance significantly improved. He repeatedly broke through Udinese's defense, delivering crosses to Sanchez and Giroud in the penalty area. For a few minutes, Bruno had to act as a makeshift center-back, frequently heading away the ball to help the defense.

Ramsey's active performance caught Özil's attention. Noticing Udinese's defensive shift towards Ramsey's side, Özil saw an opportunity. He deliberately directed attacks towards Ramsey, creating the illusion that Arsenal was focusing on that flank.

Udinese's defense fell for it. They couldn't ignore Ramsey, who was skilled in dribbling, earning the nickname "Death God" for a reason. One player alone couldn't stop him, so they reinforced that side. Supported by his teammates, Ramsey's breakthroughs became more rampant. To him, Udinese's right-back Cancelo was no match, easily getting past him multiple times. However, his crosses lacked precision, and the central defense by Maguire and Vidic was tight. Perhaps it was time for a change in approach.

"Ramsey has suddenly become active in the second half, changing his position. We don't know if this is Wenger's strategy, but it's effective!" Sky Sports commentator John Motson remarked.

Wenger knew this wasn't his strategy. He was annoyed at Ramsey for changing the tactic on his own but saw the positive results. As long as it worked, he wouldn't say anything, implicitly allowing the change.

"This can't go on!" Bruno was worried about the team's situation. As the team's brain, Bruno, unlike ordinary players, feared the team's defense would collapse if they conceded once. He found his midfield partner Badu and whispered, "We need to stop their number 16!" Arsenal's number 16 was Ramsey.

"I'll defend him, and you take care of the middle," he instructed Badu. Badu agreed, knowing Bruno was better suited for one-on-one defense.

Bruno temporarily acted as the right-back, while Cancelo moved slightly inward, forming a secondary line of defense. This shifted Udinese's formation to a 5-3-2.

Just as Udinese made this adjustment, Arsenal got another attacking opportunity. Özil advanced the ball, with Ramsey quickly following on the left. Seeing this, Udinese's defense naturally tilted right. Bruno, now at right-back, was ready to face Ramsey, renowned for his dribbling.

Özil noticed Udinese's adjustment and saw his chance. He passed to Ramsey, who tried to break through but found Bruno tough to beat. Özil called for the ball, and Ramsey passed it back, then sprinted forward. Bruno followed closely, and Cancelo moved up to intercept Ramsey if needed, with the entire defense tilting right.

Receiving the ball, Özil didn't pass it over the top to Ramsey but instead sent a 20-meter pass between Udinese's defense to Walcott, cutting in from the right. Known as "Little Tiger," Walcott's speed took him into the penalty area. Udinese was caught off guard. Left-back Ashley Cole rushed to defend his former teammate, but Walcott faked a right-foot shot, causing Cole to lose balance. Walcott then switched to his left foot and fired, curving the ball past Karnezis into the far post.

"Goal! A beautiful goal! Arsenal finally pulls one back in the 62nd minute of the second half! They showed their attacking prowess, scoring after a ten-minute siege on Udinese!"

The Emirates Stadium erupted, turning boos into cheers. Before the game, fans confidently believed Arsenal would crush Udinese within thirty, no, twenty minutes! But doubts grew as the match progressed. Finally, Arsenal scored, calming the fans and promising a return to normalcy. The emotions of the Arsenal fans, suppressed for 62 minutes, were unleashed. Excited, Walcott kicked the corner flag in celebration, venting his frustration from trailing 0-2.

(End of Chapter)

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