However, even when facing a strict referee, the experienced West Ham United were still able to use their advantages to create opportunities. But in this match, they encountered an Arsenal captain who was very serious about the game.

In the 30th minute of the match, during an Arsenal attack in front of the penalty area, Lacazette was fouled and brought down. Seeing this from afar, Raymond was so angry that he abandoned his goal and sprinted 100 meters to the front of the field.

If it were any other player, they probably wouldn't be able to do it at all, because most of the players on the team are already at near-limit physical condition.

Lei Ming, on the other hand, was not in pain. Compared to the other players who were already under severe physical strain, he did not expend much energy in each game, so this sprint was relatively easy for him!

Originally, the referee only intended to award a free kick, but unexpectedly, he turned around and pulled out a yellow card for the West Ham United center-back.

Despite the West Ham United captain's persistent explanations, the referee remained unmoved by his decision.

"Damn, what's going on? This Arsenal captain looks so young, how come he's so experienced!"

As the captain of the Iron Hammer Gang looked at Lei Ming, he was inwardly cursing him.

He had seen that the referee was about to let them off the hook, but after the other side launched into a tirade, the referee pulled out a card without hesitation.

This was absolutely the first time he had encountered such a situation in all his years of playing football.

As soon as the penalty was awarded, Lei Ming quickly ran back to his own half. Ramsey took the free kick, and although he failed to capitalize on the opportunity to change the score, Lei Ming knew very well that the significance of the game had completely changed.

Don't underestimate the power of a yellow card. Although it's just a small card, it plays a crucial role in a football match.

When this yellow card appears in the position of a striker, it may not cause much of a stir, and may even be considered an insignificant incident.

However, if the yellow card were given to a center-back, the situation would be quite different.

This yellow card is like an invisible shackle on the center-backs, reminding them at all times that they must be careful in their actions, as the slightest carelessness could lead to serious consequences.

This pressure comes not only from himself, but also from the expectations of the entire team and the fans.

Such psychological burden often affects the performance of center-backs in the game.

At this moment, the atmosphere on the field became tense.

Both sides realized that the situation in the game was quietly changing.

Arsenal's players gradually took control of the game thanks to their excellent teamwork and individual skills.

Just then, the game entered the 45th minute, and the crucial moment arrived!

Arsenal midfielder Alexis Sanchez displayed his superb skills by delivering a brilliant pass that accurately found Alexandre Lacazette in the attacking third.

Lacazette received the ball and, with almost no physical adjustment, headed it powerfully into the top corner of the goal, successfully changing the score at that moment.

The goal was scored almost at the last minute, giving Arsenal a dramatic victory before the end of the first half.

The audience erupted in cheers and applause.

Arsenal fans, who had been frustrated throughout the first half, couldn't help but jump up in joy, expressing their excitement about the goal with various gestures.

On the sidelines, Wenger, who had been tense, relaxed his clenched fists after seeing the goal.

With the team getting closer and closer to the Premier League title, even after managing Arsenal for so many years, he couldn't help but feel anxious, fearing that the team might be overtaken by the opponent due to a single mistake.

However, he was very satisfied with the game, especially when the captain ran tirelessly to the front of the field to negotiate at the 30-minute mark, which made him highly appreciate Lei Ming's contribution to the game.

Don't underestimate him just because he's a goalkeeper; right now, Thunder is incredibly important to Arsenal.

This kid's control over the situation sometimes makes me feel ashamed. It's really unimaginable; he seems to have been born to be the master of the football field.

Wenger is very fortunate to have been able to bring Rhys from Monaco to London last summer.

He even had a hunch, a vague feeling, that this might be the best decision he had ever made in his life, perhaps even better than the one he had brought Henry with him.

Looking at the players sweating profusely on the field, Wenger was filled with mixed emotions.

"Arsena, what's wrong? Why are you spacing out? We should go to the locker room and check on the players."

"Okay, I'll be going now."

At the very moment Lacazette scored, the referee blew the whistle to end the first half. If assistant coach Palest hadn't come over to remind him to go to the locker room, Wenger might have stood on the sidelines, lost in thought.

Wenger, who returned to the locker room with the players, did not give them any instructions on how to play in the second half. Instead, he said, "Lads, there are only a few games left in the season. At this moment, I believe you all have developed your own judgment. Without a doubt, we are the strongest team in the Premier League right now, and our name is — Arsenal."

"While West Ham United play a tough style, as you saw, their defense began to make significant mistakes towards the end of the first half. If you can maintain this rhythm in the second half, I believe we can still win at home and get one step closer to the championship."

"I know very well that many of you will be just like me at this point, feeling anxious and fearful that losing the game will mean losing the championship, which will affect your sleep quality and performance."

"What I'm saying is, what's there to be afraid of!"

"In the past fourteen years, we Arsenal have looked at the Premier League trophy fourteen times, so one more time won't hurt. But if we try a little harder, is it possible for us to stand up and lift the trophy ourselves, instead of watching others laugh at us?"

"Manchester City next door is chasing us very closely, but so what? As long as we don't give them a chance to catch up, they'll never be able to take our pants off!"

"Boys, cheer up! You must believe that we are the champions this season, and West Ham United will never be a stumbling block for us."

Encouraged by Wenger and his coaching staff, the Arsenal players once again stepped onto the pitch with renewed fighting spirit.