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Chapter 208: Onwards, They March
🕑 Added 2025-10-22 14:00:36 +0000 UTC“Let’s hear it for Kai! The first player from China ever to reach the Champions League semi-finals!”
Martin Taylor’s voice carried a touch of admiration as the cameras followed Arsenal’s celebrations.
Alan Smith chuckled beside him. “That’s right, Martin. PSG’s Wang Yi has come close, but never this far. And Kai’s done it in just his second full season as a starter. That’s remarkable.”
He continued. “ One assist, one goal, countless tackles and interceptions — that’s a complete midfielder’s performance, and it’s come on one of the biggest stages.”
Taylor laughed. “Man of the Match? I think that’s settled. There’s no debate.”
Alan grinned. “None at all. Arsenal have found an absolute gem.”
Taylor smiled knowingly. “A centre-back turned midfield general. That’s classic Wenger — always a step ahead of everyone else.”
Meanwhile, social media was going wild.
@GunnerHeart:
Unbelievable!! 🔥🔥 #AFC #Kai #UCL
@NorthBankVoice:
Reus must be sick of seeing Kai 😂 Man absolutely owned Dortmund’s midfield — one assist, one goal, total control. #Arsenal #Kai
@YoungGunnersBlog:
Twenty years old and already the heartbeat of Arsenal. What a find. ❤️⚽ #Kai #COYG
@TheArsenalWay:
The Professor strikes again! Two quiet years, and now he pulls a world-class midfielder out of nowhere! 👏👏 #WengerMasterclass #Kai
@InvinciblesEra:
Cesc from before and Kai now— Arsenal really do grow their own midfield maestros 🌟 #ArsenalDNA
@PremierPassion - @InviciblesEra:
Stop comparing him to Fabregas. Kai’s already surpassed him in leadership and impact. 🔥 #Kai #AFC
@LondonIsRed:
A 20-year-old vice-captain leading Arsenal into the Champions League semis and top of the league — that’s legendary stuff. 🏆 #Kai #Arsenal #UCL
.
At the Emirates, Kai was making his way toward the tunnel when the media swarmed him. Microphones, cameras, flashes — all at once.
He stayed composed, answering with calm professionalism.
“This win means a lot,” he said. “It was hard-fought, and I have to thank every teammate for their effort. Our teamwork made the difference tonight. Dortmund played well, but we played better.”
When asked about the next opponent, he smiled slightly. “I won’t make predictions. Every team at this stage is strong. What we need to do is focus on ourselves and stay ready.”
And when the inevitable question came about his personal performance, he hesitated for a brief moment before answering.
“I’m satisfied,” he said. “This is my first time reaching the Champions League semi-final, and it’s an honor. Only four clubs in all of Europe make it this far — that’s something special. We’ll keep our focus and aim to go further. Thank you.”
With that, he turned away, waving to the fans before disappearing down the tunnel.
.
Inside the dressing room, chaos reigned — joyous, sweaty chaos.
Music blared. Shirts were off. Boots were flying.
Even Suarez, usually the calm one, was bare-chested and spinning his shirt above his head, laughing and shouting with the others.
He looked around at the room — at the smiles, the noise, the togetherness — and couldn’t help but grin.
For Suarez, coming to Arsenal had been the right choice.
This was football at its purest: ambition, joy, and the feeling that something great was being built.
“Hey! Kai!”
Suárez shouted across the dressing room, pointing at Kai with a grin.
His teammates immediately turned their heads, then erupted into cheers.
“Ohhhhhh—our Man of the Match!”
Kai couldn’t help but laugh. These guys could be unbelievably childish sometimes—
but that was the joy of it, the joy of being part of a team of men chasing the same dream.
He jumped into the huddle, threw an arm around Suárez’s shoulder, and joined in the wild celebration.
The Arsenal dressing room was pure chaos—music blasting, shirts flying, and voices hoarse from victory.
That night, the news spread like wildfire across the UK:
The Guardian:
“Arsenal Defeats Borussia Dortmund, Reaches Champions League Semi-Final”
Wenger’s young side prove their maturity in a statement European performance.
The Telegraph:
“Wenger: We Beat Dortmund with Teamwork”
Arsenal boss credits unity and tactical discipline for famous Champions League triumph.
Daily Mail / Mail Sport:
“The Mighty Gunners Are Back!”
Arsenal storm into the Champions League semi-finals as Wenger’s men silence their doubters.
Every media outlet had Arsenal on its front page.
But suddenly, Arsenal were fighting again.
FA Cup champions.
Premier League contenders.
Champions League semi-finalists.
The transformation shocked everyone.
The British football press didn’t hold back their praise.
“From a center-back to a top defensive midfielder—Kai showed everyone what three years of work can do.
Once known for bone-crunching tackles, he’s now evolved into a complete midfielder.
Since the start of the 2013–14 season, Arsenal’s biggest surprise has been their defensive midfielder taking on the role of playmaker. Wenger’s gamble paid off beautifully.
From a shaky start to being hailed as the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League—Kai’s only behind Yaya Touré statistically, and that’s just because he doesn’t score as many goals.
I’d say Arsenal are now building their squad around Kai and Cazorla, with Kai being the rock of the system. He’s not just a destroyer anymore—he’s taking on creative responsibility too.
His attacking play still needs polish, but Cazorla balances that perfectly. Together, they’re Arsenal’s dual engines. Add a few smart signings, and who knows how far this team can go?
He’s only 20. Give him time, and he’ll be one of the best midfielders in the world—a true maestro in the middle.”
Calling Kai a midfield maestro might still be a stretch, but it showed just how much belief there was in his future.
As the season drew to a close, even his critics couldn’t find a flaw in his performances.
When Wenger first benched Arteta, many questioned the decision. Some even thought it was reckless.
But Kai’s form silenced every doubt.
Arteta was classy, no question—but he didn’t have Kai’s raw power, his aggression, or his influence in the big matches.
Had Arteta started against Dortmund or Bayern, nobody could say for sure how those games would’ve gone.
But one thing was clear:
Arsenal wouldn’t have played with this intensity.
This Arsenal side wasn’t about star names—it was about structure, cohesion, and trust.
Individually, few of their players would be considered Champions League semi-final caliber.
But together?
They formed something far greater.
Even Kai had weaknesses—his pace, for one—but the team covered for him. The system enhanced him, and he, in turn, strengthened the system.
Modern football thrives on organization, not just talent.
A team with the right structure can multiply its strength—and Arsenal had finally built theirs.
Now, Wenger’s challenge was simple:
The foundation was laid.
He just needed to keep building—piece by piece, position by position.
