Arteta led Arsenal's team, pushing forward in the final moments to secure more achievements, or at least to avoid a devastating outcome.
He knew Drogba would not be returning for this World Cup, a fact that made him unable to smile.
These were the teams they would have to face next! Without Cao Baiming, without Henry, and without Messi, how would they confront them?
What could they possibly use to contend with them? Arteta felt utterly uncertain.
The World Cup fervor had already exploded outside, with many fans and players from other teams excitedly discussing the shocking revelations of this World Cup. They were so emotionally charged that they were drinking and chatting late into the night!
Yet, the unlucky Arsenal players were still agonizing over the league. It was truly ironic to say the least.
Many other teams had adopted a Zen-like attitude, surrendering and deciding to let things slide. For the last few matches, whatever happened, happened. But as Arsenal's head coach, Arteta could not relax at all.
They had already achieved thirteen consecutive wins. To slack off now would be too painful. They had to at least secure fifteen consecutive wins, break the past record, and besides, if they were so close to succeeding and failed, the regret in the future would be unbearable!
The higher-ups had also directly laid down the ultimatum earlier.
"Without these few superstars, your true abilities will be tested! The current squad is not weak. Against other teams in the Premier League, it should be a breeze. As long as your tactics are good enough, I believe it's achievable!"
Arteta's mind kept replaying these words from the higher-ups.
He couldn't help but ponder the underlying meaning: if you can't even accomplish this, then what use are you?
For him, this was both an opportunity and a crisis, perhaps even more of a crisis than an opportunity.
At this moment, the players had no choice but to intensify their training. In fact, their training efforts and duration were significantly longer than before.
With such hard work, shouldn't there be some reward?
Unknowingly, the time for the next match had arrived. On this day, fans were celebrating and cheering for Fei Ge's return. Few noticed that the attention on several league matches had significantly declined.
Originally, with the departure of several superstars from the team, the number of spectators had plummeted. Adding to that, with the World Cup heating up, the league's viewership had dropped to an all-time low due to the "spillover effect."
Arteta, at this moment, displayed a hint of calm.
"It's good to have some people watching, so we don't lose face and avoid too much worry."
This was also a good thing for the players.
The opponent for this match was an old rival in the Premier League, Crystal Palace, a team with considerable strength.
Before Cao Baiming had joined the team, they had once been defeated by Crystal Palace, suffering a humiliating 0-6 loss. That match had drawn immense criticism from the fans, who still hadn't forgotten it.
If the news of Cao Baiming joining the team hadn't exploded in the media, that particular incident might still be a widely circulated joke among fans.
"The opponent is not weak. Everyone must play seriously in this match, absolutely no slacking!"
Arteta repeatedly emphasized outside the players' tunnel as the players warmed up, preparing to head onto the pitch.
"Come on!"
Confidence radiated from the players' faces. Even if they didn't have absolute certainty in their hearts, they had to at least appear very confident, to intimidate the opponent.
However, at this very moment, glancing sideways at the opponents, their entire demeanor exuded a sense of determination. They looked even more imposing than their own team.
Crystal Palace was also a team that hadn't completely given up. They were a team in the Premier League that was neither exceptionally strong nor particularly weak, and they had always looked forward to an upset during this period.
When everyone else was relaxing and preparing to lie down, as long as they could continue to train diligently and maintain a serious attitude, it wouldn't be considered cheating. It would be a clever way to leverage this period to earn respect!
For them, an Arsenal team without Henry, without Messi, and without Cao Baiming posed no significant threat, having lost the pressure they had during their last encounter.
Their eyes seemed to be filled with disdain, but they would still give their all in this match, as their head coach had repeatedly emphasized before the game that they *must* win!
It seemed that both teams valued this match greatly, and both coaches had made thorough preparations.
However, once the players stepped onto the field, no matter what, everything would ultimately depend on their personal form, performance, and perhaps a bit of luck.
The first half dragged on until the 30th minute without a goal. But within just two minutes, Arsenal, thanks to Martinelli's sudden brilliance, scored two goals in quick succession!
This time, the stands weren't even full, but the cheers still echoed throughout the stadium, resounding with great force.
Arteta's heart, which had been hanging by a thread, relaxed slightly. It seemed this match was already secured.
At the end of the first half, the score was fixed at 2-0. Crystal Palace made a few desperate pushes in the final moments, but in their haste, they couldn't create any clear opportunities.
In the 50th minute of the second half, Crystal Palace equalized with a cross from Tjay-de-Neeska!
It was ironic, this cross was originally intended for a teammate receiving in the center, but by chance, it hit an Arsenal player's body, resulting in an own goal.
The player it hit was none other than someone who had previously had a similar experience: Holding.
The cross was indeed tricky, but even so, the blame couldn't be entirely placed on the defender. Because even if he hadn't tracked back to cover, the forward making a run would have easily slotted the ball into the net.
Looking at the situation on the field, it was clear the goal was inevitable, and there was really nothing to say about it.
"2-1, Crystal Palace pulls one back!!"
On the sidelines, Arteta helplessly covered his forehead. An own goal! Could it get any more embarrassing?
Holding wore an expression of guilt, but he was truly powerless. As the referee's whistle blew, he walked back towards the center circle, feeling utterly helpless.