Chapter 249: Arsenal, it's time to give up illusions

As a veritable bitter boss of Barcelona in recent years, he surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo and was voted by all Barcelona fans to top the list of their least favorite players.

Even if he has left La Liga this season, the name Leon is still a huge part of the Barcelona fan base that will cause a lot of complaints as long as it is mentioned.

The main reason is that in the past few seasons, Li Ang played Barcelona in Real Madrid, and he played too hard, and his worst record was also a draw between Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Barcelona fans can occasionally make fun of Ronaldo, and there is no psychological burden on Cristiano Ronaldo.

Because Ronaldo lost to Barcelona in Manchester United and Real Madrid, there were some tragedies.

In contrast, Leon is more like a son of luck.

In his first season with Real Madrid's first team, Jose Mourinho protected him from being included in the squad for Barcelona.

After he returned from going to Serie A to practice, Muhammad Real Madrid pinched into shape, and it happened that Barcelona also went downhill, and the result was that Real Madrid pressed Barcelona to the ground and exploded the hammer for two consecutive years!

By this season, Barcelona has finally waited for the discord between the generals and coaches in the Real Madrid team, and the old traditional problem of dressing room contradictions has appeared.

Mourinho is gone, and Barcelona has brought in Neymar and his strength has improved.

As a result, before Barcelona fans could think more about how to clean up Leon this season, this kid transferred to the Premier League with Mourinho!

Of course, if Leon remains at Real Madrid, it is still unclear whether Barcelona will be able to beat Real Madrid in the first leg of the league without Mourinho.

But such assumptions are no longer in the minds of the vast majority of Barcelona fans.

They only know now that Barcelona won against Real Madrid, and they also took a vicious breath of being suppressed by Real Madrid in the past two seasons.

However, at the critical juncture of the gradual rise in self-confidence, they once again drew their most hated coach, the most hated player and the most hated opponent in the Champions League.

They found that they were not as confident as they expected, and dared to stand up and provoke their opponents.

Even if Leon had already taken the first step to work and greeted them.

There are still Barcelona fans who dare to go to the bottom of Li Ang's tweet to make a verbal counterattack and make Li Ang shut up, but there are not many of them.

Perhaps more Barcelona fans have had enough of this in the last two seasons.

The lesson of being beaten several times made them have to admit that Li Ang is really a bit of a metaphysical thing!

The end of the pre-match competition with Leon is not clearer than Barcelona fans in all European fans.

Perhaps in the bottom of their hearts, Barcelona fans have 10,000 reasons to convince themselves that the current Barcelona squad is stronger than Chelsea.

Barcelona may not be able to bargain too much against Bayern Munich now, but a Chelsea game can still be consistent.

But when they thought of the latest sideways smile photo posted by Li Ang, Barcelona fans still chose to follow it.

They want to wait until the first leg of the next Champions League knockout round is over before heading in with the Chelsea fans.

No way, they did win against Real Madrid this season, and they breathed a sigh of relief.

But until they actually won against Mourinho and Leon, they were always not sure enough.

Fortunately, such tension does not have to last long, and on April 2, Barcelona and Chelsea will play the first leg at Camp Nou!

Whether to defeat the demons and stand on the bones of old rivals and rise again, or repeat the mistakes of the past and continue to lose at the feet of Mourinho and Leon, then it will be decided.

Barcelona fans are a little nervous and have a lot of expectations.

On the eve of the league game with Arsenal, Leon slept quite soundly after sending out the tweet that ridiculed Barcelona.

He was nervous... What a ball!

In the past two seasons, Barcelona have not been Real Madrid's strongest rivals.

Even Cosmos Bayern Leon has already gnawed it, and has gnawed it twice!

Facing Barcelona again, which is still recovering, he has nothing else, and he and Mourinho are very good at the psychological advantage.

Including this pre-match post, Li Ang did not have the slightest intention of disturbing the Barcelona fans and the mentality of the players before the game.

He really wanted to know if Barcelona, who had not been beaten by him and Mourinho again after most of the season, had remembered him?

Or rather, the old rivals from when he was still playing in La Liga:

Like Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Professor Boo, and Messi, the most powerful opponent he has ever faced, do you miss the days when you played with him?

Well, it's so straightforward and open-minded!

If there is a choice, in fact, Leon feels that meeting Real Madrid in the Champions League is a thing that makes him feel more happy and looking forward to it.

However, this year, UEFA is afraid that it wants to create a bigger traffic gimmick, just look at the draw opponents and divisions.

UEFA has given Mourinho and Leon the chance to reunite with Real Madrid in the Champions League.

But only if they beat their old rivals Barcelona and Bayern, the top team in Europe who are currently the most prominent.

If Chelsea do it, it will be a traffic feast and UEFA will be on a big gamble.

Even if Chelsea don't do it, the two halves will still produce two strong enough teams to go into the final.

No matter how you look at UEFA it is, it is sure to make a profit.

Of course, if you interpret it from another angle, Li Ang believes that UEFA just doesn't like the Premier League team that Premier League fans complain about.

This is not just speculation and assumption, but a fact that has been manifested in the past, in the present, and in the future that may occur.

But Li Ang didn't care too much about such a small suppression after all.

After all, he has already climbed the most difficult road, and Mu Shuai has been walking on the road of going against countless powerful opponents since he became famous.

In terms of psychological resilience, the two of them can be said to surpass any master-apprentice combination in football.

So the draw Barcelona is just like that for the two of them, it's time to practice, it's time to kick!

Train step by step, prepare for the battle, wait until April 2nd, and then give the old opponent a little iron-blooded surprise~

Until then, though, they need to show Arsenal all the respect.

Even if Arsenal has now been overtaken by Liverpool and dropped to fourth in the Premier League, they are still as many as 11 points behind Chelsea with a game in hand.

But none of that matters.

It is important that Mourinho believes:

In the second game of the season against Chelsea, as long as Arsenal still have the slightest desire to win the league title, then they will definitely give it their all!

Because this is Arsenal's only chance in the closing stages of the league, and if they lose to Chelsea, they will basically only have a theoretical chance of winning the title.

Don't look at Wenger's usual tactical adjustments on the sidelines, there will always be some small mistakes, but at such an important juncture of the season, Wenger will not make any big mistakes.

In the Premier League, Chelsea is not the only one who will stud, they have only played the last eight or nine league games, who will not fight if there is a chance?!

With such a cautious assumption, the whole Chelsea team sat at Stamford Bridge home, showed 100% vigilance and attention, and was determined to fight a tough bloody battle with Arsenal!

On March 22, it was close to 1 p.m. London time.

In the afternoon sun, Stamford Bridge was already filled with passionate fans of Chelsea and Arsenal.

Before the players of both teams have finished lining up in the tunnel and waiting for the referee to signal for the game.

The commentators from various countries were ready early and began to warm up before the game with their partners.

Today is Saturday, and the start time of this game in China is almost 9 o'clock in the evening, which can be described as the perfect prime time to watch the game.

So as soon as Sina Sports started broadcasting, Chinese fans quickly poured into the live broadcast room.

In the studio, Zhan Jun and Director Zhang Luzhang also appeared in front of the Chinese fans on time.

After saying hello familiarly, Zhan Jun still handed over the analysis of the recent game status of the two teams to Coach Zhang.

It wasn't until the players on both sides began to officially line up to enter the field that Zhan Juncai took over the commentary rhythm and introduced the starting lineups of the teams on both sides today.

"Okay, at this time, we will also introduce to you the starting lineups of both sides today:

As for the home team, Chelsea's forward line is still a combination of Ibrahimovic's large and two small, and Chelsea's left and right wingers Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne are all well-known players among fans.

In midfield, Chelsea's three big players remain the same, with Leon and Frank Lampard splitting the left and right flanks of midfield, with Nemanja Matic still trailing in the middle.

Finally, in defence, the centre-back combination was Terry to partner Gary Cahill.

Although David Luiz has returned from injury early and has been selected for this game, Mourinho did not put him in the starting lineup for the sake of insurance.

Chelsea's starting right-back was Cesar Azpilicueta and left-back Bertrand.

The starting goalkeeper was Petr Cech. ”

"So for away Arsenal, today's starting line-up looks like this:

The starting goalkeeper was Poland international Szczesny.

In central defence, it was German international Mertesacker who partnered France international Koscielny, with Gibbs at left-back and Sagna at right-back.

In midfield, Arsenal opted for a midfield five, including Mikel Arteta, Tulalang, Cazorla, Podolski and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Up front, French high school striker Olivier Giroud burst forward..."

Zhan Jun quickly gave a brief introduction to the starters of the two teams.

And Coach Zhang also took over the conversation and listed the personal data of the core players on both sides so far this season.

The biggest regret for Arsenal in this game is:

Their leading goalscorer, Edinson Cavani, who has scored 21 Premier League goals so far, was unable to play due to a sprained ankle in previous training.

Therefore, Arsenal can only start in this game, French center forward Olivier Giroud.

Arsenal may have more options than ever when it comes to tactical strategy.

But in terms of finishing efficiency, Arsenal today will undoubtedly need to think a little bit more.

After all, Giroud is not a high-school striker known for his goalscoring prowess.

After spending his honeymoon at Arsenal last season, Podolski's ability to score goals has dropped significantly this season due to his fitness and form.

Podolski recorded a double-double of 16 goals and 11 assists in 40 games last season.

However, so far this season, Podolski's total statistics are only 9 goals and 1 assist.

If he's in a mid-table Premier League team, that's not a bad statistic.

But at Arsenal, as the team's second-most firing striker, such statistics are more reluctant.

However, despite the problems in attack, because of Mertesacker's timely return at the end of the season, Arsenal are still very reassuring to Gunners fans in terms of defending at the back, especially in the defense of high balls.

Arteta and Tulalang's two-man midfield combination is also solid.

If it weren't for Tulalang's injury for a month and a half in the second half of the season, Arsenal and Manchester City might now be on the same level.

But there is no way, in the position of the back waist, the professor has not excavated too good seedlings in recent years, and the personnel reserve is really insufficient

It was a stroke of luck to be able to successfully bring in Tulalang this season.

Looking at Flamini, who is on the bench and goes to the hospital bed at every turn, Tulalang, who has been in attendance for 25 league games this season, can be regarded as a rare "iron man" in Arsenal's midfield.

So at this moment, the thousands of Gunners fans at Stamford Bridge looked at the forwards and defenders on the Chelsea field, and they didn't have half of the envy in their hearts.

Only when they saw the sturdy and durable Leon and Matic, they really couldn't help but swallow their saliva!

Chelsea's two waists can give them one, and they dare to say that they have more confidence to fight for the title this season!

It's a pity that such thoughts can only be passed through in the head once, YY.

After all, the whole world knows that Mourinho is absolutely reluctant to give up the baby waist in his team.

When he was at Real Madrid, Mourinho was complained by countless fans across Europe because he liked to waist.

But now, complaining and complaining, these fans are eager for their coaches to search for good backs all over the world like Mourinho!

It's a pity that in the eyes of the back, there are few coaches in football who can better than Mourinho.

Before the official start of the game, the commentator of Sky Sports also said bluntly.

Whether Arsenal can pick up a point at Stamford Bridge today will depend on whether their midfield is tough enough.

With the number of people at the top, if Wenger succeeds, it will not be difficult to secure a draw, after all, Arsenal's backline is quite good.

But if he can't stand it, then Leon won't be polite to Arsenal.

Today, Arsenal is already weak in attack, and if the midfield is penetrated, the situation will naturally be extremely dangerous...

With the referee's whistle, the 2013-2014 Premier League 31st round of the morning focus game officially started!

Chelsea, who were the first to kick off, looked unto be in a hurry to test Arsenal in attack.

After Li Ang controlled the ball, he directly made a tactical gesture and signaled his teammates around him to spread out the formation first.

In the face of Giroud and Cazorla's pressing, Leon spun two flexible 180-degree half-circles, and after getting rid of the two in style, he handed the ball to De Bruyne.

Relying on the numerical advantage in midfield today, Podolski and Arteta also decisively surrounded De Bruyne who held the ball.

Li Ang responded at this moment and signaled.

De Bruynemali turned and knocked the ball back, and then Leon adjusted slightly, and hoisted a long ball directly towards Eden Hazard, who had been waiting on the left flank.

This long pass to Li Ang is very comfortable, saying that there are some cruise missiles, but the accuracy is still worth boasting.

The focus is on the broadening of Leon's vision.

Real Madrid fans who are most familiar with Li Ang will find that Li Ang's vision is indeed much broader than before if they watch this game.

This feeling of seeing more and more deeply than other midfielders tends to only happen to midfield grandmasters.

And the relaxed and chic strength of this sub-organization on Li Ang's body is also becoming more and more like Brother Long and Master Pi.

Chelsea's first attacking attempt of the opening kick-off was soon completed by Eden Hazard and Ibrahimovic.

At the moment when Hazard delivered the ball forward, Koscielny still made a more agile defense and did not let Ibrahimovic receive the ball in the Arsenal penalty area.

However, after watching his successful defense this time, Old Man Wen didn't feel much happiness in his heart.

Because after seeing that Li Ang showed a good passing condition at the beginning of today, he had a bad premonition in his heart.

Yes, Arsenal have a large number of defenders in midfield.

But Leon proved that he has the ability to break down Arsenal's midfield defence with his vision and long passing, which can be described as the best in football.

This ability to move the ball from one wing to another quickly and consistently is enough to make Hazard and De Bruyne's raids even more threatening.

Wenger was a little nervous, standing on the sidelines and constantly signaling Gibbs and Sagna not to rush forward to press the attack.

But to be honest, Wen's Arsenal, who have attacking football blood in their bones, may be able to put more extra investment in defense for a while.

But it is indeed difficult for them to let the two fullbacks, who are already very offensive attributes, squat honestly all the time.

However, fortunately, Arteta and Cazorla will still be more closely guarded against Leon.

And when Leon took the ball and made a long pass, Arsenal's defensive line was not slow to move later.

So for the time being, Arsenal's midfield defense is still relatively good.

Even if they would have raised their attacks sooner or later, at least in the first 10 minutes of the game, Arsenal didn't allow Chelsea to threaten even once.

The tempo of the game seems to be slowing down, Chelsea are not attacking, and according to common sense, it will not be long before Arsenal's attacking point is reached.

After all, if you take the initiative to attack, the players' physical fitness will not be able to stand it after all, especially at the end of the season.

So Wenger was a little relieved at this time.

But just as the twelfth minute of the first half came, Chelsea looked on the verge of losing control of the ball.

Leon once again broke through Cazorla and Podolski's bag and quickly pushed the ball to De Bruyne, who raised his hand on the side.

Seeing that Leon no longer held the ball, Arsenal's defenders subconsciously leaned towards the left side of their own half, wanting to block Chelsea's wide advance.

This time, however, De Bruyne did not link up with Azpilicueta on the wing.

He didn't seem to observe much after making a decisive inward cut to the inside line, and quickly swung his leg to send a long pass with a big slash!

"Long pass transfer from De Bruyne! The Arsenal players seem to have forgotten that it is not only Leon who has a brilliant long ball in the Chelsea team! ”

Zhan Jun was amazed by De Bruyne's precise long pass!

And Hazard, who unloaded the ball perfectly on the left side, looked at the few Arsenal defenders in front of him, and his heart was directly happy!

Arsenal paid the price for their momentary defensive carelessness.

Sania is really old, and he has been cleaned up in the face of Hazard's forced breakthrough.

And after Hazard successfully cut inside into the Arsenal penalty area, Mertesacker was also in a dilemma for a while.

Because his defensive turn is already slow, if he is out of position in the face of Hazard, Hazard can basically threaten Szczesny with a direct shot.

So after a little consideration, Mertesacker decided not to take the initiative.

But Hazard's moves were quicker than he had expected.

After slotting the ball to Ibrahimovic, who was already stuck in the middle of the box, Hazard had completed his mission in this attack.

Mertesacker had no choice but to let Hazard go as soon as possible and turned around and headed straight for Ibrahimovic.

Seeing that he was about to be caught by Koscielny and Mertesacker, Ibrahimovic also stopped thinking about hitting the door directly.

After switching to a sideways receiver to a back-to-back ball, Ibrahimovic was spotted by Frank Lampard and Leon together.

Ibrahimovic subconsciously pushed the ball back to Leon, who was more inclined to the middle.

And at this moment, Li Ang, who had already used his speed advantage to shake off Tulalang's entanglement, did not hesitate at all.

He knew that if he had the heart to make adjustments, Tulalang would immediately take a tactical foul against him.

So he barely slowed down, and went straight into the Arsenal penalty area!

In the face of Koscielny, who rushed over in a panic, Leon did not smash the ball again this time, and simply pumped the ball directly above the far corner of the Arsenal goal with a burst shot!

The familiar feeling came to Li Ang's heart again, and after pulling out this assured shot, he also sighed again and again in his heart.

"The hard work of practicing penalty kicks was really in vain!"

Szczesny also seemed to be shaken by Mertesacker's huge body, and this disturbance was absolutely fatal for Szczesny at this moment.

Because when he saw the trajectory of Leon's shot, it was too late to make a save!

The ball almost grazed the lower edge of the crossbar and was blasted into the top left corner of the Arsenal goal!

The Stamford Bridge site shook like a volcanic eruption at this moment!

Li Ang put his hands behind his ears and strode towards the bottom line with an arrogant expression!

His flamboyant expression seemed to be silently telling all Arsenal fans.

It's time.

Give up illusions and recognize reality!

(End of chapter)