It began not with a roar, but with a rhythm.
A tempo.
Arsenal had come out of the gate pressing with fury, snapping into tackles and pressing Liverpool's backline like they were chasing something personal.
But amid the collective effort, it was Izan who moved differently.
While others charged, he glided.
While they chased, he hunted.
It was the seventh minute when the game tilted.
Trossard found space between the lines and slipped a pass to Izan, hugging the left touchline.
With one smooth touch, he brought the ball under control and raised his head.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was already closing in, eyes locked, stance low, trying to force Izan to the outside.
But Izan didn't bite.
He stopped the ball dead with the underside of his boot, freezing time just long enough for the stadium to hush.
