"That's it," the commentator's voice landed just as the final note of the stadium faded into a blend of applause and grumbles.
"Arsenal leave the King Power with all three points. 3–1 the final score. Saka and Merino both scoring in the second half after Vardy's equaliser and a statement from the rest of this squad as they see the game through."
On the touchline, Arteta and Van Nistelrooy shook hands—short words, unreadable from the cameras, but respectful.
Around them, the players applauded the away end, jerseys swapped, and high-fives shared.
Izan, hoodie up and arms folded, stood still behind the bench, the final whistle still echoing faintly in his ears.
He didn't join the post-match huddle, not out of distance, but necessity.
He had played just 39 minutes but felt every second of it in his back.
