NOVEL WEB Chapter 6: 6. A Spark in Defeat
September 22, 2019, London Stadium, West Ham vs. Manchester United
Neil Goyal sat on Manchester United's bench, the London Stadium's 60,000 fans roaring as West Ham led 1-0 at half-time, Yarmolenko's curling shot beating De Gea.
The Legendary Football System pulsed in his mind, his stats honed for poaching like Filippo Inzaghi: Off The Ball (15), Composure (8), Determination (9), First Touch (10), Finishing (18).
His 2025 Football Manager obsession had taught him to prioritize movement and clinical strikes, and now, at 17, he chased a Premier League debut.
The system's objective glowed:
Make Premier League Debut vs. West Ham.
Reward: 3 S.P.
West Ham's second goal came in the 52nd minute, Cresswell's free-kick whipping past De Gea. 2-0. United's attack, without Martial, sputtered.
Neil's Off The Ball (15) itched to exploit gaps, his Finishing (18) begging for a chance. In the 85th minute, Ole Gunnar Solskjær turned to him, eyes intense. "Goyal, you're on for Lingard. Try your best." Neil's heart raced, the system pinging: Objective Progress: Debut Imminent.
The pitch roared as Neil, wearing number 47, sprinted on, United trailing 2-0. The crowd's jeers fueled his Determination (9). A pass from Daniel James found him, his First Touch (10) cushioning it, but Ogbonna's tackle snuffed the chance.
Stay sharp, Neil thought, channeling Inzaghi's cunning. In the 93rd minute, with stoppage time fading, Paul Pogba lofted a desperate ball. Neil's Off The Ball (15) saw him slip past Diop, unmarked in the box.
The ball dropped, time slowed. Composure 8. His Finishing (18) unleashed a low, venomous drive past Fabiański. 2-1. The away end exploded, United fans chanting "Goyal! Goyal!"
The whistle blew, West Ham holding on for a 2-1 win. Neil's goal was United's only spark, but the loss stung.
In the tunnel, Solskjær's face was grim, his voice heavy. "We weren't good enough today, lads. Neil, that goal was class—pure instinct. Keep that fire."
The system chimed:
Objective Complete: Premier League Debut. +3 S.P.
First Premier League Goal: +2 S.P.
Twitter(X) buzzed: "Goyal's a gem! United lose, but that kid's got Inzaghi vibes!"
September 23-27, 2019, Carrington Training Ground
The West Ham defeat cast a shadow over Carrington, but Neil's goal was a beacon. Marcus Rashford high-fived him, grinning. "That finish, mate—ice-cold."
Mason Greenwood nudged him. "One goal's just the start, Inzaghi." Neil's chest swelled, his 2025 fanboy self marveling at training with his idols. But Solskjær's disappointment lingered in team meetings, his push for consistency clear.
Training for Arsenal's visit on September 30 was brutal. Solskjær's high-pressing drills tested Neil's Stamina (7), leaving him gasping. In a 7v7 scrimmage, his Off The Ball (15) found space, but his shot clipped the bar, De Gea smirking. Juan Mata clapped him on. "Keep moving, Neil. You're close."
The system rewarded effort:
Objective: Impress in Training. +1 S.P.
Late on September 27, Neil opened the system, six S.P. glowing. Inzaghi's poacher template demanded perfection. He allocated two S.P. to Finishing, maxing it at 20, a surge of precision making every shot feel lethal.
Three S.P. went to Off The Ball, raising it to 18, his movement now near-telepathic. He saved one S.P.,
His stats now: Off The Ball (18), Composure (8), Determination (9), First Touch (10), Finishing (20), others at 7.
The system pinged:
New Objective: Impact Arsenal Match. Reward: 2 S.P.
September 28-30, 2019, Carrington
The Arsenal match loomed, Old Trafford's stage calling. Neil trained with fire, his Finishing (20) rifling shots past De Gea in drills, earning nods from Michael Carrick.
In a youth match against Wolves U18s, his Off The Ball (18) carved open defenses, setting up an assist for Angel Gomes.
The system chimed: Assist in Youth Match: +1 S.P. Neil saved it, his pool at two S.P., eyeing future boosts.
Solskjær's team talk on September 30 was blunt. "Arsenal's shaky at the back. We need goals, lads." Neil, likely on the bench, felt the weight of his West Ham goal.
His FM knowledge recalled the real 1-1 draw: McTominay's strike, Aubameyang's reply. Could he tip the scales? His Off The Ball (18) and Finishing (20) were ready, his Inzaghi instincts primed. Old Trafford awaited, and Neil Goyal's spark was burning brighter.