Chapter 559 A Blessing in Disguise?

"The visiting team Liverpool is wearing purple-blue jerseys and shorts, the official formation is 433, goalkeeper Alisson, defenders Robertson, Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Arnold, three midfielders Wijnaldum, Milner and Li Qing, three forwards Mane, Firmino and Salah."

Juli TV commentator Zhan Jun reported the starting lineups of the players of both teams to the fans in front of the TV.

"The home team Arsenal is wearing the traditional red jersey and white shorts, the official formation is 4231, goalkeeper Leno, defenders Kolasinac, Holding, Mustafi and Bellerin, double defensive midfielder Xhaka partnered with Torreira, three forwards Mkhitaryan, Ramsey and Aubameyang, forward Lacazette is at the front to harass Liverpool's defense..."

Liverpool, who had the advantage of kicking off, did not take the initiative, and they quickly passed the ball back to the home team Arsenal players.

Arsenal's playing style in the Wenger era was elegant and beautiful, and many goals were amazing, especially the shocking goal scored by Giroud, which is still fresh in people's memory.

However, Emery's football is very different from Wenger's, so Arsenal's playing style in the post-Wenger era has changed to a certain extent, and sometimes it even makes Arsenal fans feel unfamiliar, but since this is the first season in the post-Wenger era, Arsenal fans are also mentally prepared, thinking that as long as the record of the team coached by Emery is not too ugly, it will be OK.

Emery also has self-knowledge and realizes that Liverpool is currently one of the most capable teams in the world. Even in the home game, he is prepared to defend with all his strength. He never expected that Liverpool's first wave of offensive did not pose a threat to Leno's goal, and even handed over the ball possession without a shot.

Unscientific!

Logically speaking, Liverpool should have the glory of the top team and press Arsenal in the defensive half!

Arsenal, who had the advantage of ball possession, was not well prepared for a while. The first attack was from the backfield player Holding who went directly to Lacazette.

Lacazette, who was just 1.8 meters tall, obviously could not get the upper hand over Van Dijk, who was over 1.9 meters tall, so... Arsenal's first wave of attack ended.

Many Arsenal fans in the audience were ready to cheer, but... the possession of the ball was quickly handed over.

He Wei, the commentator of China Channel 5, rolled his eyes and couldn't help laughing: "Why does it feel like this football is like a hot potato? Liverpool may not be prepared for the first attack and make mistakes. Arsenal is too anxious, right?"

"I think Arsenal has been prepared for a defensive counterattack. Liverpool made a pass error not long after the start. Obviously, Arsenal players are not ready."

Commentator Xu Yang laughed.

At the same time, Arsenal captain Xhaka turned his head and pressed down with both palms to Holding, who was making a long pass, indicating... Don't be anxious, take your time.

Liverpool, who had the ball again, played very focused and made full use of the width of the field. Li Qing, who got the ball, always heard a huge cheer from the audience.

Except for the unfamiliarity of playing away games at the beginning, as more and more away games were played, he gradually adapted to this treatment, played with ease and played with ease.

Li Qing, who has the talent of [leader], can often bring great confidence to his teammates. His good mentality can drive the players around him to be careful in the game, so everyone believes that the 11-game winning streak in the league will be easy to achieve!

It's just that this process may be a little tortuous, but the result... is beautiful.

Of course, hard work is necessary, otherwise there will be upsets.

In a blink of an eye, the first five minutes of the first half passed quickly, and neither side had the opportunity to directly threaten the opponent's goal, but Liverpool took the initiative with its overall advantage and was able to control the ball most of the time.

The game tactics formulated by Arsenal under Emery before the game were defensive counterattacks, so Liverpool's leading offense was expected. Although it was a bit difficult to deal with, Leno guarding the goal was at least relatively safe and not under real threat.

Li Qing is Liverpool's most threatening player. Arsenal has invested the most in defense. However, Liverpool's current tactical system is very mature, and the offensive end is not particularly dependent on Li Qing.

Mane, Firmino and Salah can all threaten Arsenal's defense very well. In the midfield, except for Milner who specializes in rough work, Wijnaldum can share a certain amount of responsibility for participating in the attack and organizing the attack.

Besides, Milner is not only good at defense. His defensive ability and attitude are the key factors for Klopp to transform him into a full-back and defensive midfielder, while he was mainly an attacking forward at the beginning of his career.

When Li Qing and Wijnaldum were closely guarded, Milner was also able to temporarily play as an organizing midfielder.

Firmino often stood at the front to attract firepower. His organizational ability is the strongest in Liverpool's midfield except Li Qing. When Firmino retreated to organize the attack, he could often send exquisite passes.

Again, Emery has thoroughly studied the offensive methods that Liverpool are good at. In addition, Arsenal's defensive players were very focused on defense at the beginning of the game, so it was difficult for Liverpool to find opportunities for offense.

Emery and Klopp were both very nervous standing in their respective command areas, but if you look closely, Emery was more nervous.

Who made the current Arsenal lineup not Liverpool's?

Especially in terms of the players' stable scoring ability.

In addition to Li Qing who can average two goals per game, Mane and Salah also have strong scoring abilities.

Time passed by second by second, and in a blink of an eye it was fifteen minutes. During this time, Emery, whose hair was meticulously done, was anxious and anxious. He stood on the sidelines from time to time and made provocative body movements to the players on the field, relieving his own pressure while also inciting the excitement and enthusiasm of the players on the field.

There was no flaw in the defense of the Arsenal players, but Xhaka and Mkhitaryan received a yellow card, which obviously would have a certain impact on the next game.

Two minutes later, the Arsenal fans at the Emirates Stadium were terrified. If the ball did not reach Li Qing's feet, they would subconsciously concentrate and hold their breath, fearing that Li Qing would suddenly explode at that moment.

In the 19th minute, Li Qing received Milner's pass carelessly and accelerated suddenly. Mkhitaryan, who was on a yellow card, did not dare to foul. Xhaka, who was guarding in the middle, fought and retreated, and did not dare to foul either. Torreira, who was defending, obviously knew this, and he knocked down Li Qing who had dribbled out in advance from the side.

"Beep~"

The referee Oliver blew the whistle decisively, indicating that Torreira had committed a foul.

Perhaps considering the home field factor, Torreira, who committed a tactical foul, did not receive a yellow card.

Xhaka, one of the two defensive midfielders, received a yellow card, and the other defensive midfielder Torreira's foul only gave Liverpool a free kick close to the goal. It was really... a blessing in disguise!

Emery immediately let out a long breath, but the breath got stuck in his throat before it was completely exhaled.

Is it really a blessing in disguise?