"The match is underway, and we're off at Goodison Park. This is Sky Sports bringing you second-round action from the 2014–15 Premier League season — Everton at home to Arsenal," Rob Hawthorne opened smoothly. "And right from the first whistle, Everton look keen to set the tempo."
Alan Smith followed up, measured, and was observant. "They've started aggressively, Rob. You can see the intent straight away — they want to pin Arsenal back early and test them physically."
On the pitch, Everton wasted no time committing bodies forward. Their attacking shape was assertive, almost blunt in its directness, as if they were determined to punch through Arsenal's defensive structure rather than feel their way into the game.
Mirallas and Pienaar were immediately involved, repeatedly receiving the ball out wide and driving forward.
"Even with Romelu Lukaku added to the squad," Rob Hawthorne noted, "Everton are still leaning heavily on Mirallas and Pienaar on the flanks. That's very much in keeping with their traditional style — pace, width, and delivery into the box. And Barry, sitting deeper, has the range to switch play quickly."
Arsenal, meanwhile, were far more restrained than in their opening match of the season. Their shape stayed compact, lines close together, with no sign of frantic pressing.
Most notably, Kai's positioning was almost level with Mathieu Flamini, anchoring the midfield rather than pushing on.
Alan Smith nodded in agreement. "This is a cautious Arsenal. They're clearly feeling the game out, keeping their strongest ball-winners deeper and making sure they're not exposed early."
"Kai's defensive qualities speak for themselves," Rob Hawthorne added. "The question is whether Everton can find a way through this midfield screen."
Everton kept coming. Their confidence grew with each forward pass, and for the opening minutes, they looked sharp and purposeful.
Kai adjusted subtly, drifting closer to the right side. Between Mirallas and Pienaar, his attention leaned toward the latter — the more elusive threat.
Barry spotted it and clipped a long pass forward toward Pienaar.
Pienaar moved quickly into position, ready to bring the ball down.
But Kai burst in from the side, timing his challenge perfectly and smashing through Pienaar's rhythm.
"Ah, that's strong," Alan Smith reacted.
Pienaar staggered, caught off balance by the force of the collision. He had expected pressure, but not that intensity.
Rising cleanly, Kai headed the ball straight to Flamini.
Rob Hawthorne chuckled knowingly. "We've seen this before."
"Absolutely," Alan Smith replied. "Everton likes to go long, but against Kai's movement in midfield, that option often disappears."
Last season's meetings had followed the same pattern. Everton's aerial approach repeatedly broke down under Kai's anticipation. Once he arrived in the zone, the pass was usually lost.
And once again, that proved true.
A small roar rippled through the Arsenal end of the stadium.
"So good!" Ma Fanshu exclaimed, springing to her feet.
Around her, the production crew exchanged smiles.
"This is only the start," one of them said confidently. "Just wait."
..
Kai didn't surge forward. He stayed disciplined, holding his position and directing traffic behind him.
Even so, Arsenal's attacking line still caused Everton serious problems. Di Maria, Sanchez, and Cazorla all surged up in support — each capable of beating a man or striking from distance.
And further up, Suarez lingered ominously, always ready to pounce.
Everton scrambled back in numbers, eventually crowding Arsenal out and forcing a turnover.
The ball went straight to Barry again. He barely hesitated before sending another long pass forward — this time toward Lukaku.
Lukaku dropped deep, bracing himself with his back to the goal, eyes fixed upward as the ball descended.
Just as he prepared to bring it under control, pressure came from behind.
Kai rose first, powering through and clearing the ball cleanly.
Lukaku went down under the contact, arms raised in appeal.
Referee Kevin Friend's whistle followed.
Free kick to Everton.
Kai didn't argue. He turned immediately, gesturing for his teammates to recover their shape.
"Oh?" Ma Fanshu blinked in surprise. She had clearly seen Lukaku knocked over by Kai.
That puzzled her.
"How does someone that big go down so easily?" she muttered, confused. "He looks heavy, but not exactly strong."
Laughter broke out around her.
Everton, encouraged by the decision, pressed their advantage. From the set piece, they began pumping balls into the box, winning corners, and loading the area with bodies.
The hope was clear — Lukaku as the battering ram.
But in truth, it was Naismith doing most of the aerial work.
Still, Everton were playing far better than many had expected.
For a full ten minutes, they dominated territory.
The home crowd sensed it too. The noise inside Goodison Park swelled — cheers, whistles, and boos rolling together.
Listening to the rising din, Kai and the Arsenal players felt the edge creeping into the match. Tempers tightened, tackles sharpened, and the contest began to heat up.
Le Kai suddenly surged to the right. Romelu Lukaku was poised to play a wall pass to Pienaar and take a shot, but before the ball could reach its target, a figure slid in and executed a perfectly timed tackle.
The slide was crisp, precise, and Kai popped back onto his feet instantly, already moving forward.
Romelu Lukaku froze, stunned by the sudden interception. The Everton players hesitated for a split second, their faces shifting from confusion to panic.
"Track back!!!" Barry shouted, furious.
But Kai wasn't about to let them off the hook.
Wasn't it fun making long passes? Now it's our turn.
He adjusted slightly, scanned the field, and once he locked onto his target, he swung his right foot and launched the ball forward.
The ball arced perfectly into the space behind the Everton right-back. Di Maria sprinted, eyes fixed on the trajectory, while Sanchez, Suarez, and Cazorla made their runs into the penalty area.
Di Maria controlled the ball effortlessly. The pass from Le Kai was sublime—backspin included—letting the ball settle perfectly for a clean takeoff. He puffed out his chest, shifted, and drove straight into the box.
Goodison Park went utterly silent. Everton fans clutched their heads, wide-eyed, unable to believe how fast the attack had unfolded.
Di Maria flicked the ball to open up a shooting angle, then struck decisively with his left foot toward the near post.
Howard dived—but the power was too much, forcing the goalkeeper to push it away with his hands rather than catching it.
Everton's defenders rushed in—but someone was faster.
"Suarez follows up!!!"
Suarez was first to the rebound, tapping it delicately with the tip of his boot. The ball sailed just over Howard's head and dropped into the net.
In the 14th minute, Arsenal were ahead thanks to Suarez's clinical finish.
The stadium fell into stunned silence. Only a small pocket of Arsenal fans erupted in celebration.
"It's in! Arsenal take the lead! Clean, efficient, and deadly! Second attack, first goal—this is ruthless efficiency!" Rob Hawthorne called, his voice rising with excitement.
Inside, he couldn't hide a sigh of admiration.
"And that's the difference between the two sides! Arsenal are ruthless with their first sight at goal!"
He glanced at Alan Smith beside him. "And that long pass from Kai—chef's kiss. Right on the money."
. . .
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