Standing in the tunnel, Kai could already feel the thunder outside — the wall of noise rolling in from the stands like an ocean tide.
He took a slow breath, his pulse syncing with the roars beyond the tunnel.
This was it. Arsenal fans had flooded North London in red, turning the city into a living heartbeat of hope and noise. After a decade of waiting, everything came down to this one match.
Chelsea stood in their way — powerful, disciplined, relentless.
But Arsenal could not lose. Not today.
Kai steadied himself, forcing the adrenaline down.
The Premier League title.
Just a few years ago, it was something he wouldn't have dared to dream about. Even when his professional career began in Portugal, the thought of standing in the Premier League — let alone fighting for the title — felt distant, almost unreal.
And yet, here he was.
Three years had changed everything. Joining Arsenal. Winning the FA Cup. Reaching the Champions League semi-finals.
He'd stood beneath stadium lights brighter than he'd ever imagined, heard tens of thousands chant his name.
It was addictive — but he knew that kind of love had to be earned.
They cheered because he gave them reasons to. And he'd keep earning it, one match at a time.
"Alright, get ready!" Vermaelen's shout echoed through the tunnel.
Kai's focus sharpened instantly. It was time.
Martin Taylor (commentator): "The players are lined up in the tunnel. The stage is set at the Emirates — the title decider is about to begin. Let's take a look at both lineups."
Arsenal (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Szczęsny
Defenders: Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen
Def. Midfielders: Kai, Flamini
Att. Midfielders: Walcott, Cazorla, Rosický
Forward: Podolski
Chelsea (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Čech
Defenders: Ivanović, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta
Def. Midfielders: Matić, David Luiz
Att. Midfielders: Schürrle, Oscar, Hazard
Forward: Eto'o
Alan Smith: "Arsenal are close to full strength, apart from Suarez. Chelsea, on the other hand, is without Lampard and Fàbregas — that's a big loss for Mourinho's side. Both managers are sticking with the 4-2-3-1, but Arsenal will look to control the middle of the park, while Chelsea will likely stay compact and look to counter."
Martin Taylor: "And keep an eye on that midfield battle — Kai's been superb this season, calm and commanding. How Oscar handles the pressure against Arsenal's trio of Cazorla, Kai, and Flamini could decide everything tonight."
As the players shook hands, Oscar's eyes locked on Kai.
To him, this was personal. Mourinho had pushed him to model his play after the Arsenal midfielder — a comparison that had eaten at him all season.
Now, he had a chance to prove himself.
When their hands met, Oscar's grip was firm — too firm.
Kai raised an eyebrow but didn't flinch. He simply smiled.
That smile made Oscar even more unsettled.
Moments later, the players took their positions. Eto'o stood over the ball at the centre circle, waiting for the whistle.
Around them, the Emirates roared — waves of chants rising in unison.
"Go, Gunners!"
"Champions!"
"Keep it at the Emirates!"
Helicopters hovered above, capturing the electric sea of red and blue.
At five o'clock sharp, referee Howard Webb blew his whistle.
Beep!
Martin Taylor: "And we're underway! It's the 38th and final matchday of the 2013–2014 Premier League season — Arsenal versus Chelsea — a straight fight for the title!"
Alan Smith: "Just one point separates them, Martin. Arsenal with 89, Chelsea with 88. The math couldn't be simpler — win, and you're champions."
The roar of the crowd reached a fever pitch as Arsenal pressed forward from the first whistle.
Kai started to advance, but after two quick strides, he suddenly broke left, reading the play.
At that exact moment, Oscar tried to thread a pass toward Schürrle — only to find Kai flying in from nowhere.
Kai slid low, hooked the ball cleanly with the inside of his boot, and was up in one motion.
Martin Taylor: "Kai! Brilliant interception! He read that perfectly — outstanding anticipation!"
The stadium erupted, Arsenal fans screaming his name.
It was only the opening minute, but that single tackle sent a message — Arsenal were ready to fight.
Schürrle tried to press, but Kai used his body to shield the ball, muscling the German off as he surveyed the pitch.
Chelsea's back line was sitting deep, clearly wary of Arsenal's quick transitions.
Kai spotted the pattern, then fed Cazorla with a simple pass and raised his arm.
"Push up!" he shouted.
The Gunners responded, flooding into Chelsea's half.
In earlier seasons, Kai might've hesitated to push that high, but after Madrid, after all those battles, he trusted his instincts — and his teammates.
Now, Arsenal were pressing in waves.
Kai operated between the lines, contesting every header, orchestrating every press, even firing a long-range effort when the chance arose.
"Pass!"
"Run!"
"No, back off!"
"Come on, give it back!"
Arsenal's players began communicating actively on the pitch—short calls, quick gestures, sharp looks exchanged.
Through that connection, they slipped into match rhythm faster than Chelsea.
"Tsk," Mourinho muttered, a glint of reluctant admiration in his eyes.
Kai's gestures and constant shouting had helped Arsenal settle quickly.
Chelsea's Terry did similar things, sure—but he didn't have Kai's young, raw energy.
Then—
A gasp erupted from the crowd.
Mourinho almost yanked at his beard in surprise.
As Arsenal pushed forward, Kai suddenly pulled the trigger from a distance.
The shot came out of nowhere. Fortunately for Chelsea, Čech reacted in time—diving full stretch to his right, just managing to get a palm on it. The ball ricocheted off the post before a defender scrambled it clear.
Even so, the entire stadium had felt the air shift.
Arsenal's players were holding their heads, groaning in disbelief. That effort was inches away from giving them the dream start.
On the touchline, Pat Rice rushed out of the dugout, clutching his head.
"It almost went in!" he yelled, still half laughing, half in agony.
From that angle, it had looked destined for the top corner.
Wenger exhaled slowly, rubbing his temples before forcing himself to calm again.
It was fine. The goal hadn't come, but the intent was perfect—it had rattled Chelsea.
Arsenal were sharp, hungry, and confident.
And Kai—he looked like a man possessed.
...
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