God Of football Chapter 1006: The First Red!

Seven minutes after Kane's equalizer, and Bayern were doing what Bayern always do when they sense an opportunity.

They pressed forward, searching for weaknesses, attempting to establish control over the pitch, and to some extent, their efforts were proving fruitful.

They managed to create a couple of chances, coming close to scoring, but neither threatened the Arsenal defense nor found the back of the net.

The Emirates Stadium remained filled with noise, its support unwavering for the home team, yet an undercurrent of tension now laced the atmosphere.

A palpable fragility, stemming from the realization that their once-held lead had vanished.

"Bayern, energized by their equalizer, are trying to seize control of this match. They aim to dictate the pace and dominate possession. There's a clear strategy behind their actions, and it's largely effective. Almost."

Drury paused, allowing his commentary to sink in before continuing.

"Almost, because there's still one rather significant obstacle standing in their way."

The instant he finished speaking, Timber received the ball deep in his own half. Spotting a fraction more time than anticipated, he launched a long, arcing diagonal pass that soared into the stadium's floodlit sky before descending towards the halfway line.

Izan didn't so much move towards the ball as anticipate its arrival.

He read its trajectory early, adjusted his weight, and as the ball dropped, he met it with the instep of his boot, cushioning it perfectly between his foot and shin.

The ball remained airborne, never touching the ground.

In a fluid motion, while the ball was still in the air, he spun his body. Pavlovic, who was closing in to challenge, found himself completely outmaneuvered.

His footing gave way, and he fell to the ground as the crowd at the Emirates erupted, a low hum growing into a thunderous roar.

"Pavlovic," Drury exclaimed, "defeated not by a foul or a trick, but by the sheer unpredictability of Izan's next move. This young player doesn't just play football; he embodies its true spirit – creativity."

The ball soon found its way to Saka on the right flank, but Laimer closed him down rapidly and assertively, denying the Englishman any space. Saka met the challenge head-on.

He opened his body, feinting one way before executing a single, unhurried step-over. His leg swung gracefully over the ball, and he then pushed it past Laimer's left.

The crowd surged to its feet, anticipating Saka's inside run, but Laimer mirrored the expected maneuver, lunging low like a chess piece knocked from the board.

From his grounded position, he extended his leg at full reach, diverting the ball out for a throw-in just before Saka could deliver a cross. As the ball rolled out of play, applause rained down from the stands.

"That was some solid defending in the end," Drury commented, "but Saka certainly made him earn it."

Without delay, Saka retrieved the ball from the ball boy and sent a long pass towards Zubimendi. However, Gnabry, who had been strategically positioned, read the pass perfectly and intercepted it, causing Drury to momentarily lose his train of thought.

"Zubimendi... and oh, Gnabry has it. Gnabry is advancing now, quickly—"

Serge Gnabry surged into the open space ahead, driving towards the Arsenal defensive line with a directness and urgency that made him a constant threat.

He scanned the field for options and quickly identified one.

Kane had drifted away from his marker to the right, creating a passing lane, and Gnabry seized the opportunity, threading the ball through.

The ball skidded across the turf towards Kane. Drury's voice heightened slightly as Saliba stretched to make a last-second intervention, but the pass ultimately reached Kane's feet.

"Will he get a shot away?"

A desperate, sprawling lunge came from nowhere, cleanly clipping the ball. However, Kane was already in his stride, committed to his next move, and the contact sent him sprawling to the ground.

He hit the turf, emitting a raw, guttural sound, almost as if he'd been shot. Instantly, the Bayern supporters section erupted.

Shouts erupted from the away end, a frantic and unified cry as arms shot up, fingers pointing towards the player responsible.

Their protest was short-lived, as the referee's whistle immediately pierced the air.

Who had tracked all the way back?

It was Izan who had covered the ground.

Izan, who had made the challenge. And now, it was Izan towards whom the referee was walking, his hand reaching towards his breast pocket. The red card was produced, and Drury's voice, along with the home fans, rose in alarm.

"Oh no! It's a red card. Izan has been shown a red card, and if this decision stands, my goodness, this changes everything. His first career dismissal, and so early in the match—"

Izan’s face was right in front of the referee, voice laced with urgency as he detailed the incident that transpired.

"I never even laid a hand on him," Izan insisted, a shake of his head accompanying his closer approach. "I only got the ball. Please, just check it. Call for VAR."

The referee stood firm, a flat palm pushing the players back. A moment later, however, his hand moved to his ear.

A hush descended upon that section of the field as the exchange unfolded.

Within a video room, unseen and unheard by the roaring crowd, a discussion was taking place. The Emirates Stadium collectively held its breath.

Then, the referee made the signal – forming a box with his index fingers – before gesturing towards the sidelines and promptly jogging toward the VAR monitor.