Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.
It was the FA Cup Final. Again.
This time, it was against Manchester United.
The stadium was packed. Ninety thousand fans. Red vs Red.
Alex stood in the center of the room. He was wearing his manager's suit.
"Penalties," Alex said.
The word hung in the air like a ghost.
The game had ended 2-2. Extra time had ended 2-2.
Now, it was down to luck. Or science.
"They say penalties are a lottery," Alex said, looking at his players. "They say it is about nerve. About luck."
He shook his head.
"It is about geometry. Physics. Psychology."
He pointed to the whiteboard.
"Onana dives to his right 62% of the time when under pressure. He steps early. Wait for the step."
He looked at Saka.
"Bukayo. You go first. Set the tone."
"Yes Boss," Saka said.
He looked at Paz.
"Nico. You go second. Hard and high."
"Yes Boss."
He looked at Luca. The young winger.
"Luca. You go third."
Luca looked pale. "Me? A penalty? In the final?"
