The ball split again, rolling for an owner, and it found Saka, tracking back deep into his own half.
The latter pounced on the loose ball, hammering it clear upfield without aim, but two figures broke from the halfway line at full speed: Alejandro Balde and Izan Miura.
Balde had the advantage, like a full 20 metres ahead, maybe more.
His legs pumped, lean and explosive, his body angled perfectly to reach it first.
And he did.
But only for a moment.
Because as soon as his foot touched the ball, Izan arrived.
The left-back nudged it forward, trying to round the Arsenal captain and use his pace to burst free, but Izan was already reading it.
He pivoted on a dime, muscles coiled and released in a single heartbeat, spinning and exploding back into stride.
The turn was unreal as he caught up in three steps, his shoulder brushing against Balde's, then pressing harder, forcing the defender slightly off balance.
