Chapter 240: Hull City's Maguire (Transitional Chapter)

The draw ceremony for the 2016/17 Champions League group stage concluded.

The ending time was later than in previous years.

After Li Kang held the heavy trophy and took a simple photo with several old rivals, he prepared to meet with the club staff.

The player representatives from the 32 clubs, some of whom were hard to recognize.

After all, not everyone's appearance is as recognizable as Bale's, Mbappe's...

Messi's figure was nowhere to be seen.

The superstar's old groin injury has flared up, and whether he can play in the first round of the Champions League group stage remains unknown.

"Li, Lewokusen used the money you left behind this summer to sign several players; qualifying won't be a big problem."

"Maybe we'll meet in the knockout rounds."

Brandt said confidently.

Indeed, Leverkusen is not subject to the 50+1 rule in the Bundesliga, having received two hundred million euros, and went on a hiring spree.

They signed Balotelli from Liverpool for 8 million euros, described as "having been silent for years."

They brought Berbatov back to Bei lai yin for 1 million euros.

They signed Hernandez from Manchester United for 15 million euros, described as "not being given much playing time."

They signed Klose on a free transfer...

They signed David Luiz from Paris Saint-Germain for 40 million euros.

All signings were for forwards and defenders.

As for midfield...

These days, even with money, it's hard to find a top midfielder.

After much effort to sign João Mario... he joined Inter Milan.

There was nothing they could do.

Wo Le Er gritted his teeth, splashed 68 million euros, and signed James Rodriguez from Real Madrid, described as "cast aside"!

The summer transfer window was still open.

The media reporters were eagerly awaiting Leverkusen's next transfer moves.

On the return flight.

Wenger wore glasses and held a book in his hand.

He was not only thinking about personnel rotation for upcoming matches... the Premier League squad list would be updated around September 11.

Arsenal still had plenty of time to sign and sell players.

But who could they still buy?

The strongest person is already in the squad!

Li Kang was watching Hull City's match.

Before the Gunners faced the Red Devils, they still had to meet the challenge of Tiger City.

This season, Hull City showed the form of a dark horse.

Thanks to Maguire's outstanding performance.

They consecutively lost to Leicester City and Swansea in the first two Premier League matches, yet they are tied for first with the Premier League Big Five!

The betting company hurriedly lowered Hull City's championship odds to 1000:1 in fright.

Four days later.

Premier League matchday arrived again.

Emirates Stadium.

A sea of people, every seat taken.

Red-and-white scarves and team flags formed the most beautiful wave in the bowl-shaped stands.

The mascot, the Gunners Dragon, wildly interacted with fans on the sidelines.

"ESPN! ESPN! Good evening, viewers."

"We are now broadcasting the third round of the 2016/17 Premier League."

"Arsenal at home versus Hull City!"

"Everyone should still remember the FA Cup final two years ago, when the Gunners overturned Tiger City, ending the nine-year winless record."

"I am the commentator for this match, Zhan Jun!"

"Now let's look at both teams' starting lineups."

"Arsenal here has made major personnel changes! Perhaps considering preparation for the Champions League."

"Wenger set out a 4-4-2 formation!"

"Goalkeeper: …"

"Hull City's owner wants to transfer the club to a mysterious consortium from the Eastern Lands."

"There are four Asian-faced fans wearing black-and-yellow scarves in the stands!"

"Can we negotiate a good price, and take a look at this match!"

"After Hull City's promotion to the Premier League, not only was the head coach driven away by the club owner's son, but many core players were also sold off!"

"At this moment, the players' numbers on the field are all big numbers!"

"The interim coach is Mike Phelan! He used to be Ferguson's assistant!"

"They set out a 4-3-3 formation!"

"Goalkeeper: Jakupović!"

"Defenders: Muhammadi, Maguire, Davis, Robertson!"

Midfield: Hadles, Krukas, Mai Le!

Forward: Diomande, Mbokani, Mason!

Hull City, although it is a Premier League 'yo-yo' team.

But his youth academy is not bad.

Many young players have performed very well in past matches.

After the opening whistle blew.

After gaining possession, the Tigers went crazy attacking Arsenal's half.

Head coach Mike Fell, his tactics are illegally aggressive.

No matter who the opponent is, his dictionary lacks the term 'counter-attack'.

After the ball is played past midfield, it is immediately switched to the wings, and the entire team pushes forward en masse.

Young Mason's ball was intercepted!

The one who made this defense was Ramsey!

After Ramsey's breakout performance in the European Cup, he seemed to have gotten slimmer.

He wasn't injured either.

He still needs time to regain his form.

He immediately passed the ball to Arsenal's number 10.

Li Kang instantly found the most suitable passing lane for a counterattack.

Smack!

A through pass as sharp as a blade sliced through Hull City's half.

Morata sped ahead alone!

He was about to receive the ball and break through on a one-on-one!

York City fans could not contain their cheers and shouts.

A burly, big-headed figure put an end to the Gunners' hopes!

Maguire!

This frontal interception was executed excellently!

It stifled Arsenal's fast break!

A typical heavyweight centre-back; even Morata would find it hard to gain the upper hand!

Morata was slightly surprised.

This big, simple‑looking guy ahead—his defensive positioning, close‑in awareness, and anticipation of the ball's trajectory... are just too strong, right?

Does the Championship promotion side even have such a genius centre‑back?

Speaking solely of one‑on‑one ability in direct confrontations,

It almost matches Juventus' defensive heavenly trio.

Gradually.

Under the double‑team of Hull City's defending players.

The Spanish striker had no choice but to pass the ball back.

Arsenal reorganized their attack.

Time passed quickly.

Until the end of the first half.

Despite Arsenal's massive rotation, they hardly had any chances to threaten Hull City's goal.

Maguire, shielded by two holding midfielders, was like a god descending, repeatedly defusing danger.

Arsenal can't break open the game, huh.

This starting lineup is insufficient to support their best passing and moving play.

Giroud, Sanchez, Cazorla and others are still sitting on the bench!

New signing Zaka has been banned!

If this match ends in a draw, the Premier League table will... uh, other matches taking place at the same time have also been throwing up upsets one after another!

Li Kang did not notice anything special about Hull City's tactics.

It's a very traditional English style of play.

Even if the midfield and front line are disconnected, the opponent's two holding midfielders still maintain a proactive defensive attitude.

Pressing but not tackling.

Protecting the back line to the maximum extent.

Minute 68 of the match.

Arsenal's youngster Holodin pushed forward to join the attack.

Li Kang received Ramsey's pass in the rib area.

Left‑footed 45‑degree cross!

The ball traced a lovely arc in mid‑air and plummeted into Hull City's penalty area!

Morata and Holodin leapt up at the same time!

Double ghost slam on the door!

Again, Maguire's big head cleared the ball!

Terrifying hang‑time ability!

Oh? The referee's whistle blew!

"Penalty kick!"

Finally.

Arsenal home 1:0 Hull City.

Wenger eyed the opposing team's big-headed centre-back, his expression torn, as if hesitating about something.