The Driving Force to Endure [Please...!]

Manchester United's final free kick, right before the end of the match against Manchester City.

It's a free kick, but not a golden opportunity by any means.

The ball's positioned just behind the halfway line. The kicker? Goalkeeper Mike Menyang.

They're kicking it off with half-prayer, half-hope.

A short pass would never make it past the box before full time—it's obvious.

So they've opted to drop the ball straight into the penalty area with a long ball from Mike Menyang.

All the players are crammed into Manchester City's penalty box.

The second United's attack fails, the whistle blows. City players aren't even thinking counter—they've got all 11 parked inside the box.

Beep!!—

With the ref's whistle, Mike Menyang steps up.

Thwack!—

Mike Menyang's kick sails toward the penalty box, where 21 players tangle in chaos.

Anyone could nick it in this mess.

The first to touch the falling ball amid the scramble...

Thud...

...

Yeeeeeeesssssssss!!!— [Whoaaaaaaaaa!!!—]

A Manchester United player leaps sky-high, smashing a header home.

Ban Yeager's dramatic equalizer salvages a draw and a hard-earned point for Manchester United.

Snatching a point under those dire conditions? Hugely positive.

But the fact that those conditions even arose points to deeper issues for the team.

"Oppa, you okay?"

"Yeah, sure. What's not to be okay about?"

"Ugh... Next game's another away, right? Must be tough."

Is she picking up on the team's vibe?

Yerin's voice drips with worry as she talks to me.

Ever since she went public as a United fan and Bban Ye the streamer, we've gotten way closer.

Should've said hi sooner if it was gonna be like this.

Playing hard to get was fun in its own way, though.

"Want me to come cheer you on?"

"...Nah. You've got streams."

"Yeah..."

It's not that I don't want Yerin at games live—she's more than welcome. Her face is known now anyway, no need to block her. But Arsenal? Not this one.

First, away stadium—hard to look after her properly.

Second, I know she can't skip her live commentary streams.

"Come to home games if you want. I'll hook you up with tickets."

"Sweet! Liverpool then..."

Of all things, Northwest Derby... Can't blame a fan's heart, though.

Anfield's not ideal, but still safer than most.

"Yeah, do that."

...

"And wanna watch the national team friendlies together in October?"

"Huh?"

"If they don't call me up again, we can just watch."

What kinda talent they hiding on the Korean NT that they won't even glance my way?

Bonus: Guest on Bban Ye's stream as a fan.

——

These short family moments fuel the grind of pro football life.

Just three days after the City clash.

Now in London for the Arsenal away game.

Countless United fans trail the squad.

Among those who followed me to London, one girlfriend stands out—giving me massive strength.

Victoria and I kicked off our relationship proper after visiting the Smiths.

She was always the stoic, quiet type—but post-dating, the aegyo's ramping up.

She still shows for nearly every game I play.

I'm deeply grateful, truly powered by it.

Dad and Yerin want to be there too, heart-wise—they're just held back, same as me.

Anyway, promise to Victoria for coming to London: score and seek her out.

Easy peasy—not even a hat-trick, just one goal? Piece of cake.

Finding her in the stands? Even easier.

She shines alone amid the crowd. Not just her platinum hair catching sunlight.

——

Arsenal and Manchester United clash for the league lead.

Arsenal win? They pull away with a big gap.

United win? Points level, but United take top via GD.

Both sides fresh off derbies three days ago.

Neither squad at full fitness—this is a pure mental battle.

Grinding out wins like this? That's how you chase Premier League glory in its brutal arena.