[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-foresight":3,"chapter-foresight-foresight-chapter-42":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","FORESIGHT",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1847440,2452,"Chapter 42 42: Season Opener: Arsenal vs Sunderland (Fragile Defense)","foresight-chapter-42",42,"\u003Cp>In the afternoon scrimmage, Kai continued to perform impressively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Midway through the session, the Professor instructed Le Kai to attempt a threatening long pass—ideally aimed at Podolski or Gervinho.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai followed the instructions without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With either foot, he launched a precise long ball into a wide-open area behind the opposition's line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, neither Podolski nor Gervinho picked up on it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To put it bluntly, they didn't even spot the space Kai had aimed for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wenger could only let out a helpless sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Try Walcott with Kai.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The effect was immediate and striking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai and Walcott showed a surprising connection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As training went on, Kai began to grow more confident with his long passing. He wasn't just sitting deep and defending anymore—he was starting to enjoy orchestrating attacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After combining neatly with Arteta, he sliced a sharp through ball down the middle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Later, on a quick counterattack, he received a pass near the center circle. Without taking a touch, he used the outside of his boot to bend a huge arc across the pitch from the left to Walcott on the far right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The trivela stunned the coaching staff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From Kai's angle, it was clear he'd noticed Suarez drifting into space, and Podolski preparing to move. But Walcott's run? Almost no one had spotted it—except Kai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With so many players clustered in the middle, there were blind spots everywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Never mind the technique—the mere fact he saw that pass was astonishing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wenger's heart skipped a beat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quietly hoped Kai would try another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after that moment of brilliance, Kai returned to his disciplined defensive role.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first, Wenger assumed he'd just failed to find another opportunity. Or maybe he was simply marked too tightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Pat Rice glanced down at the scoreboard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Main team 1:0 Subs.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wenger blinked. He thought back to their previous warm-up matches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every time Arsenal had taken the lead, Kai would retreat into a full-on defensive stance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One goal up and already in defensive mode.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wenger felt a mix of admiration and frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He muttered, \"Mourinho would love this guy…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wenger was still happy because Kai was making an effort to go forward and attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was what he liked about Kai, always working hard to fix his deficiencies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After training, Wenger stood in front of the squad with the tactics board. Everyone knew what this meant—matchday selection was about to be announced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tomorrow was August 18th—the Premier League season opener.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll now read the list of players selected for tomorrow's match,\" Wenger said, scanning the group before looking down at the sheet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Suarez, Podolski, Walcott, Arteta, Gervinho…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each name called drew visible satisfaction. Making the matchday squad for the season opener was no small thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the end of the list, Wenger looked up, closed the sheet, and read one final name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kai.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai's expression remained calm, the same as the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one was surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, his performances at the end of last season, throughout preseason, and during training had all been standout.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some players were even hoping to see Kai start.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Take Vermaelen, for example.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Song's departure, Vermaelen had been under constant defensive pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sure, Song had often surged forward, but at least when defending, attackers had to deal with him first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arteta, Diaby, Ramsey, Cazorla, Coquelin—not one of them had a strong defensive presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ramsey showed more effort than most, but that was about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without a true defensive midfielder, the backline was under siege.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if Kai was on the pitch, it was like installing a wall in front of the defense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Opponents couldn't just stroll through the middle, and Vermaelen's workload would ease dramatically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vermaelen approached Kai, clapped him on the shoulder, and said, \"Congrats—play well tomorrow.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others had the same thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one doubted he deserved to play.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Kai didn't deserve it, then no one else in his position did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Billy's House, London]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That night, Kai shared the news.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Billy grinned like a kid on Christmas morning and pulled out three tickets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"See this? I was ready!\" he said proudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai was surprised. \"You knew I'd be on the list?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Billy shrugged. \"If your performances last season weren't enough to convince Wenger, then I'd start questioning the Professor's judgment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Luckily, he's still got a sharp eye. You're on the team—and you might even start!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai shook his head. \"Unlikely. The Professor said I'd need to develop for half a season.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wenger had been upfront: he wanted Kai to build experience before becoming a regular starter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai accepted that without complaint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He'd waited an entire season already.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he was mostly a sub for now, it was a big step forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>August 18th, 3:30 PM, London Time\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Emirates Stadium, London]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>2012\u002F13 Premier League Season Opener\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arsenal vs. Sunderland\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thirty minutes had passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The score: 1–1.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arsenal (4-3-3):\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Goalkeeper: Szczesny\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Defenders: Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen (C), Gibbs\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Midfielders: Diaby, Arteta, Cazorla\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forwards: Gervinho, Suarez, Podolski\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sunderland (4-1-4-1):\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Goalkeeper: Mignolet\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Defenders: Richardson, O'Shea, Cuéllar, Craig Gardner\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Holding Midfielder: Cattermole (C)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Attacking Midfielders: McClean, Colback, Larsson, Campbell\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forward: Sessegnon\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arsenal had struck first. A slick attack ended with Podolski assisting Suarez for the opener.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But just two minutes later, Sunderland equalized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On a rare counterattack, Campbell powered forward and set up the goal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The match had become tense and deadlocked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arsenal fans in the stadium were growing anxious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite Arsenal's pressure up front, their defense felt alarmingly fragile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sunderland's goal wasn't particularly fast or sharp, but it worked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arteta and Diaby had simply let the opponent run through midfield, offering no resistance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once again, all the defensive burden fell on Vermaelen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the backline in disarray and multiple Sunderland attackers pouring forward, Arsenal had no answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wenger looked stunned on the sidelines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn't expected things to unravel so quickly without Song anchoring the midfield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a harsh reality—this team had a glaring hole at defensive mid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arteta wasn't aggressive enough, and Diaby was underwhelming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cazorla was decent, but he played so high up that he couldn't drop back in time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Arsenal lost possession again, Sunderland launched a quick break.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Midfielder Larsson charged forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arteta and Diaby gave chase... then stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They watched as Larsson strolled into Arsenal's half and slipped the ball to Campbell on the left wing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once again, chaos in the back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gibbs tried to recover, but Campbell shifted directions effortlessly, cut inside, and left Gibbs on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Campbell reached the penalty box, Mertesacker lunged in with a desperate sliding tackle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Man, ball, everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wake up! What the hell are you doing?!\" Vermaelen roared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn't understand what the midfield was doing—just watching opponents push forward?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arteta and Diaby looked sheepish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The commentary for this match was from Ian Darke and Steve McManaman from ESPN.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Arsenal's midfield defense is all over the place. Very poor by the Gunners.\" McManaman called from his observation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\" I couldn't agree more with you, Stev- OH DEAR, Sunderland with the counter. Arteta and Diaby with lead for boots are nowhere near. CAMPBELL STRIKES!! Denied by Szczesny!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fans exploded in frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Press him! Don't just stand there!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where's the fight?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Arteta, Diaby—wake up!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"DEFENSE, DAMMIT!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The frustration boiled over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one expected Song's departure to leave such a crater.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Last season, many had criticized Song for neglecting his defensive duties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that he was gone, Arsenal's defense was falling apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ironically, fans began to miss him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that only made them angrier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This… was looking like a disaster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW AND SOME STONES.\u003C\u002Fp>",1254,"2026-06-09T07:00:21.211Z",1,"novelbin.me","d30f79abb5eed3016f9a0cc9f5e4a8bde3fdca78a6cab1efb752b773aace4104","foresight-chapter-43","foresight-chapter-41",405,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fforesight-cover.jpg"]