God Of football-Chapter 400: The Premier League

The BBC Sport studio was energetic on a crisp Saturday morning, fresh off the previous evening's match.

Alex Scott, the ever-charismatic host, greeted the viewers as highlights from Manchester United's 1-0 victory over Fulham flashed on the screen.

Alex Scott (Host): "Good morning, everyone, and welcome to BBC Sport's Premier League weekend preview.

The 2024/25 season is officially underway! Manchester United opened the campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Fulham last night, but we've also seen Liverpool get off to a strong start with a 2-0 victory over Ipswich.

A lot to talk about, but first, Gary, let's start with United. What did you make of their performance?"

Gary Lineker (Pundit): "It was a professional, if somewhat scrappy, win for Manchester United.

They dominated possession but struggled to break Fulham's defense.

Bruno Fernandes had a few opportunities but couldn't convert, and it wasn't until the 87th minute that debutant Joshua Zirkzee found the net. It wasn't pretty, but a win's a win."

Martin Keown (Pundit): "It was a game of missed chances for United. Fulham were resilient, but United's final ball wasn't quite there.

Zirkzee's debut goal was a relief, and you could see how much it meant to the team. But Erik ten Hag will want to see more clinical finishing in future matches."

Alex Scott: "Moving on to Liverpool, Karen, they also had a solid 2-0 victory over Ipswich. How did you see their performance?"

Karen Bardsley (Pundit): "Liverpool looked dominant from the start. They were the better side, and the two goals they scored were well-earned.

Salah looked sharp, and Liverpool's midfield controlled the game.

Ipswich had their moments, but Liverpool's quality ultimately shone through. It's the perfect start for the new Era with this Arme Slot's side."

Gary Lineker: "Yes, Karen, and I think Liverpool's overall play showed they're hungry to challenge for the title again.

They've got the right mix of experience and new energy, and I think they'll be a real threat this season."

Alex Scott: "And now turning to today's matches, we've got Arsenal playing Wolves, and of course, Izan's debut season is a big talking point.

Gary, we've all seen the hype surrounding the young talent—how important is it for him to hit the ground running today?"

Gary Lineker: "It's crucial. There's a lot of excitement around Izan, and rightly so.

His preseason performances have been impressive.

He's shown maturity beyond his years and great composure on the ball. Today's match against Wolves is a big opportunity for him to showcase his talent. If he plays like he did in the friendlies, he'll settle in just fine."

Martin Keown: "Izan has the technical ability to make a real impact at Arsenal.

He's been integrated into a squad with a lot of attacking quality, so he's got the perfect platform to shine.

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But it's not just about talent—he'll need to show consistency, especially with the pressure that comes with being such a high-profile signing."

Alex Scott: "Absolutely, consistency will be key. But with the support of players like Saka, Odegaard, and Martinelli around him, it should be easier for him to ease into the team. Arsenal's setup will really help him."

Gary Lineker: "And Arsenal, in general, should be looking to pick up three points today. Wolves are a tough team, but Arsenal's attacking depth should be too much for them."

Alex Scott: "On the flip side, we've also got some intriguing matches coming up. Brighton is facing Everton, and that will be one to watch.

Brighton had an excellent season last year, and Everton will need a strong start to avoid another tough campaign."

Karen Bardsley: "Brighton is a team that's growing in confidence. They play an exciting brand of football, and with their attacking players, they're going to be tough for anyone.

Everton, on the other hand, has a lot to prove this season."

Gary Lineker: "That match will be one to keep an eye on. Brighton is going to be a tricky opponent for Everton, especially given their attacking strength."

Alex Scott: "It's shaping up to be an exciting day of Premier League action, with the early season optimism still fresh.

Arsenal's match against Wolves is one we'll all be watching closely, particularly with Izan's debut on the horizon.

That's all from us for now, but stay tuned—we'll be back to break down the action later. Enjoy the games!"

......

Izan stood beside the sleek black SUV parked outside his apartment, his fingers lightly gripping Olivia's.

Izan's attention was focused solely on Olivia. His eyes, usually calm and confident, now held a hint of concern.

"I'm sorry you're not coming," Izan said softly, his voice laced with a subtle edge of worry.

"Are you sure you're okay? I don't want you to be in pain while I'm away."

Olivia smiled at him, her expression warm but tinged with a quiet resolve.

She'd been dealing with cramps the past few hours, but she wasn't about to let that stop her from supporting Izan in spirit.

"I'll be fine," she assured him, trying to wave off his concern. "It's not that bad. I just… I wish I could come watch you today."

Izan's brow furrowed slightly, his fingers tightening around hers, almost as if grounding himself in her presence before the match.

"Listen, I'll have one of the staff bring you something if you need it," he offered, the genuine concern clear in his voice. "Water, medicine, anything—just let me know, okay?"

Olivia shook her head, her smile widening as she gently squeezed his hand back.

"I'm fine, really," she said, her tone firm yet kind. "You've got to focus on the match. This is a big day for you, Izan. Don't worry about me. I'll take care of myself, alright?"

There was a quiet moment as Izan stared into her eyes, the usual ease between them momentarily replaced by an unspoken understanding.

"Alright," Izan said after a beat, nodding slowly. He seemed to accept her words, though the concern still lingered beneath the surface.

"But if you need anything, just call me, yeah? I'll be on the pitch, but I'm always here for you."

Olivia's hand slipped from his as she stepped back slightly, her eyes lingering on him.

"Go on, star. You've got this," she said, her voice lighter now, filled with that familiar warmth and reassurance that Izan always relied on. "I'll be cheering for you, no matter what."

With a final lingering glance, Izan nodded, a slight but determined smile pulling at his lips.

...…..

The sun hung low over London Colney as Izan stepped out of the SUV, the faint crunch of gravel beneath his trainers the only sound for a moment.

It was matchday — the first of the Premier League season — and even though the grounds were calm, there was a charge in the air.

Inside, the familiar corridors of the training complex buzzed with quiet purpose.

Players filtered in with overnight bags and headphones slung around their necks.

The smell of fresh polish and coffee hung in the air as staff moved briskly, checking equipment, and loading last-minute gear into transport crates.

Izan kept his head down and pace steady, exchanging a few nods and half-smiles. No need for words — everyone was dialed in.

He ducked into the changing area where the navy and red travel tracksuits hung neatly on the pegs, each labeled with the player's number.

He found his — 10— and slipped into it, pulling the zip up to the collar and tucking the hem into his waistband. The badge felt heavy today. Not burdensome, but full and Real.

One by one, the squad trickled out and gathered near the exit, where the team bus idled in the shade of the trees.

Izan stepped on, finding a seat near the middle. The bus was cool and quiet. White earbuds in.

A soft shuffle of trainers against the aisle. Arteta boarded last, gave a short nod to the staff, and they rolled out.

As the streets blurred past the tinted windows, the tension inside the bus grew in anticipation.

By the time the Emirates came into view, its glass-and-metal frame catching the afternoon sun, a few heads had lifted from their screens. No one spoke. The stadium said it all.

They pulled in beneath the belly of the arena, where security and logistics crews waited to usher them inside.

A brisk walk through the tunnel, and they were in.

The home dressing room was immaculate — Arsenal red from wall to wall, the club crest stitched into every surface that mattered.

Kits were already hung on the rails, socks and training tops were folded at each player's seat. Izan's name and number sat waiting for him like a calling card.

He changed into his warm-up gear in a jiffy, compression top, shorts, socks — then tied his laces tight before standing up and rolling his shoulders once.

"Ten minutes," one of the staff called clipboard in hand.

The Players began to filter out into the hallway toward the pitch access tunnel.

Izan followed behind Rice and Saliba, footsteps echoing softly off the concrete as the light at the end of the corridor grew wider and brighter.