Date: Saturday, August 3rd, 2027
Fixture: Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest
Venue: Emirates Stadium
The Emirates Stadium was a coliseum of noise.
Sixty-thousand fans clapped in rhythm, scarves swirling like red-and-white whirlwinds. Tobi Oliveira stood in the tunnel, heart pounding. He was flanked by Bukayo Saka on his right and Martinelli on his left, both bouncing lightly on their feet. Ahead of them, the green stretch of pitch awaited, vibrant under the midday sun.
The Premier League. The real thing.
His jersey clung to his skin. Number 21.
Behind him, the voice of his mother echoed softly in memory: Play it like your life depends on it.
The referee blew the whistle.
Kickoff.
Minute 1–15: Settling In
Tobi started conservatively, sticking to his role as the central attacking midfielder just behind Gabriel Jesus. Rice and Jorginho anchored the midfield, while Saka and Martinelli stayed wide.
