The tension at Villa Park was almost unbearable. Arsenal, the league leaders, were in town.
The stadium was a sea of claret and blue, but dotted with pockets of red, the Arsenal faithful adding to the electric atmosphere.
Bukayo Saka (Potential: 91, Current: 88), their star winger, radiated menace.
Martin Ødegaard (Potential: 90, Current: 87), their creative captain, looked poised to dictate play.
Gabriel Martinelli (Potential: 89, Current: 86), a blur of speed on the other wing. And then, there was Mark Johnson (Potential: 92, Current: 71), on the bench, but unmistakably there.
Leon felt a complex mix of pride and competitive fire.
Coach Emery gave his final, fiery speech.
"They are top of the league! But we are at Villa Park! We show them our heart! We show them our fight! Leon, control the midfield! Your vision is our weapon! Make them listen!"
