Chapter 297: Tile-Style Attack? (Everyday Transition)

The player passage is very narrow.

So narrow that after players from both sides stand in two lines, the officiating crew has to turn sideways to walk through the crowd.

It is also very low.

So low that Morata's head accidentally bumps into the small speaker hanging on the wall.

The older players insist on the old-school Premier League tradition, not greeting opponents before kickoff.

Among the young players, they instead shake hands and hug warmly.

At this time, Lukaku was still quite 'slim', his hair thick and lush; although his appearance was fierce, his personality was very gentle, he spoke eight languages, and he would never complain about the club.

"Li, Van Gaal called me last year, he said we would become teammates, so I specially learned sign language."

"You won't easily win the half-season championship."

Little Monster chubbily wiggled his fingers, speaking seriously.

Li Kang smiled.

The mechanical system prompt sounded softly.

【Ding! Mission triggered: Race against time.】

【Mission brief: The suspense of the half-season championship? Chelsea already 3-0 Sunderland, Arsenal must take a victory at Goodison Park.】

【Mission reward: Everton Legend·Golden Treasure Chest.】

Goodison Park.

Staff waving blue flags quickly left the field.

The broadcast camera panned to the stands, many burly fans' faces flushed.

Different from the Bundesliga.

Since 1985, the Premier League has stipulated that fans cannot drink alcohol in football stadiums.

"CTV5! CTV5! Good evening, viewers."

"We are now broadcasting the Premier League half-season finale!"

"Everton home versus Arsenal!"

"Can the Toffees stop the unstoppable Gunners?"

"The Premier League half-season championship, the suspenseful battle begins!"

The officiating crew led the players of both sides out of the passage.

Tens of thousands of fans on site cheered in unison.

"Next, let me introduce both sides' starting lineups."

"Everton lines up in a 3-5-2 formation!"

"Goalkeeper: Robles."

"Defenders: Holgate, Williams, Mori."

"Midfielders: Coleman, Tom Davies, McCarthy, Barkley, Baines."

"Forwards: Lukaku, Mirallas."

The number of people in the livestream keeps growing.

-【All are midfield little demons I like to use in the game.】

-【No wonder they can 4-0 crush Manchester City, this lineup has no weaknesses at all.】

-【Wasn't that loss because Guardiola had a fever? Acting crazy?】

-【The forward pairing is also solid: one tall, one fast.】

-【You're wrong, although Lukaku is big and mighty, he fears physical contact, belonging to the atypical "poacher"; Mirallas is short and slight, but his ability to hold up play with his back to goal is not bad, belonging to the atypical pivot striker.】

-【What a magical forward combination?】

"I don't know what magic Wenger used, but the club's injury wave has greatly eased recently, with many main players returning to the pitch."

"Arsenal lines up in a 4-3-3 formation!"

"Goalkeeper:..."

The guessing side segment ends.

Accompanied by a whistle from the head referee.

Everton possession.

Mirallas passed back to Tom Davies.

The latter is only 18 years old this year, a gem of Everton's youth academy; aside from a slower forward speed, he has almost no weaknesses.

Little Tom decisively passed the ball to Williams behind him.

Williams is also only 19 years old, likewise a genius product of Everton's youth academy, capable of playing all midfield and defensive positions except goalkeeper, and possesses a precise long pass.

The survival path of an ordinary club, the youth academy represents the club's hope.

"Last season, Everton's youth team won the Premier League U23 league championship!"

"Many young players took this opportunity to be promoted to the first team."

"A beautiful diagonal long pass found the captain Baines near the center circle!"

"Everton's fast break!"

"Baines is 32 years old this year, nicknamed 'Golden Left Foot'."

Famous from a young age.

He is the most complete "left-wing divine wing" in English football after Ashley Cole.

After a chest trap, he turned with the ball and accelerated.

Chest stopped, ball released, turn, accelerate.

Zaka in the growth period simply cannot be stopped.

"No overly redundant passes!"

"Everton left flank's attack is simple and brutal!"

"Lukaku ran into space!"

"Can pass now!"

Can't pass.

Lukaku at this time, not only his ability to receive the ball with his back to goal is a pile of shit, his judgment of pass landing points is also a pile of shit.

Baines dribbled into Arsenal's half, the forty-meter area.

Pa!

Left foot sent a low short pass.

Miralas withdrew, touched the ball with one foot, and played it to Lukaku on the flank.

Yes.

Need short-pass transition to steadily feed the ball to Little Monster's mouth.

At the same time.

Two young midfielders... McCarthy and Barkley launched a fierce charge from midfield.

They are two strong calves, trampling Arsenal's backyard.

Pitch side.

Boerde scratched his bald head in frustration.

"Boss, really can't stop them, this group of little guys' frontal impact is too strong."

Wenger's expression calm, he said: "Don't panic, we still have Maguire."

Other side.

Koeman bent over, waving his fists, encouraging the young players.

The voice was quickly drowned out by the home fans' cheers.

He is a firm executor of the all-out attack-defense philosophy, most likes letting midfielders rotate forward to participate in finishing.

McCarthy, achieved fame at a young age, hailed as the second Gerrard.

Barkley, uniquely talented, last season his goals and assists were both double digits, a magical midfielder.

Their common point: very strong, impact explosive.

Lukaku is not completely afraid of physical confrontation.

He is afraid of confronting strong, sturdy opponents.

Bellerin coming head-on.

In Little Monster's eyes, it's just a small dish.

After receiving the ball, a burst forward!

Like a fierce beast bursting out of its cage.

Fiercely charging toward Arsenal's weak right back.

At the moment of close contact.

Left foot quickly pushes the ball diagonally forward.

Butt thrusts forward!

Poor Bellerin, forcibly shoved out of the touchline.

"Oh dear!"

"The visual impact is too strong!"

"This is Little Monster! Lukaku!"

"Crazy night!"

Maguire called for Cazorla to withdraw and cover.

He himself eagerly charged toward Lukaku!

Head-to-head confrontation?

Old Ma has feared no one in the Premier League!

Damn it!

How is that guy's speed so fast?

In a blink, he stepped into the penalty area line?

"Striker!"

"Lukaku is not the kind of striker who waits for teammates to feed him!"

"His ability to create chances is very strong!"

"These black long legs!"

"The steps are very light!"

"Can he get past Maguire this hurdle?"

"Teammates' support also arrived!"

"Eh?"

Peng!

Accompanied by intense physical struggle.

The ball flew out of the baseline.

Lukaku collapsed in agony inside the penalty area.

Beep!

Head referee Clattenburg raised his hand and pointed to the penalty spot.

Penalty kick!

The crowd erupted in an uproar!

Arsenal fans angrily protested.

Everton fans cheered excitedly, while some troublemakers even let out a chorus of boos!

Maguire looked puzzled.

He spread his arms to indicate he hadn't committed a foul.

Mustafi and Cazorla also immediately surrounded the referee to argue.

The two were the closest witnesses to the incident.

The referee ignored them and upheld the decision.

"From the slow-motion replay, the physical contact between them was intense."

"Maguire cleared the ball out for a goal-line, but... there was a pulling motion with his hand."

"Impossible!"

"A tug of this magnitude couldn't knock down Little Monster."

"In past matches, Lukaku is the kind of forward who would never go down; this trait of his might have given Clattenburg a reference point!"

Live broadcast room.

Danmu flew across the screen.

-【Lukaku storms the penalty area, Lin Daiyu of the box.】

-【Don't talk nonsense, I watch every Everton match, Lukaku hasn't learned to dive yet.】

-【Doomed, if Everton scores the penalty, Arsenal's half-season title hopes are over.】

-【Li Mingdeng is hiding again?】

-【No hiding, look at the replay—he just dropped back into midfield of the box to join the defense.】

-【Koeman's attacking move has a trick, there are many finishing points in midfield.】

Lukaku got up, brushed off his butt, and didn't forget to trade a few words with Maguire.

The double-digit goal-scoring Little Monster never takes penalties.

Baines placed the ball on the penalty spot.

He had already breached Cech's goal many years ago.

Back then, he was up against a Chelsea side at its peak.

"Everton's golden left foot, possessing deadly set-piece skills!"

"The pressure is on Cech!"

Beep!

With the referee's whistle.

Baines began his run-up.

He approached the ball.

He struck with his left foot!

Smack!

The ball flew lightly toward midfield!

While Cech guessed the wrong direction, he lunged toward the right side of the goal.

Arsenal's net was lifted.

Goodison Park erupted with a roar like a landslide and tsunami!

The sky over Merseyside was blue!

1-0!

!

"No pressure!"

"Veteran Baines, his penalty conversion rate over the past two seasons is too high!"

"Whether it's De Gea or Cech, the new and old goalkeepers of the Premier League can't stop him from scoring!"

"If he had been willing to join Bayern back then, his career might have reached new heights."

"People evaluate him thus: a hero hindered by loyalty."

"The goddess of victory sent autumn glances to the Toffees!"

"We can't help but praise Lukaku!"

"A new model that overturns European football: the poacher!"

Baines excitedly rushed toward the corner flag area.

While running,

while lifting his collar to kiss the badge on his chest.

He is a local of Merseyside.

He is the epitome of loyalty to the Toffees.

He has been repeatedly selected for the Premier League Team of the Season.

Time and again he has turned down olive branches offered by giants like Manchester United and Bayern.

Everton teammates closely followed behind.

Morale was high.

They not only blood-washed Manchester United, but also want to block Arsenal!

Half-season champion?

Goodison Park Stadium does not wish to become a witness!

Not far away.

Maguire looked somewhat dejected, making an apologetic gesture to his teammates.

Li Kang picked up the ball from the net and patted his shoulder.

A bit unsolvable.

Everton seemed to have figured out Arsenal's low defensive block.

By narrowing the midfield, compressing depth, they launched an extremely sharp tile-like attack.

Correct.

The slim version of Lukaku's wide play has deep attacking significance.

The sideline of the pitch.

Boerde wore a worried frown.

"Boss, Everton really is a tough nut to crack."

Wenger's face remained calm, turning to discuss with the coaching staff.

The other side.

Koeman did not indulge in the joy of leading, but quickly gestured to the players.

Even after repeating it over a dozen times before the match, he hoped to deepen his disciples' memory.

The Barcelona legend still felt some unresolved resentment.

"Damn it."

"If I were the head coach of Barcelona, how could I lose to Arsenal!"

The game restarted from the center circle.

Giroud kicked off and passed back to Li Kang.

Everton's two forward players frantically pressed forward.

Only when pressing aggressively.

Only Lukaku and Mirallas would return to their most original traits.

Li Kang delivered a diagonal through pass to Morata!

He immediately surged forward!

After receiving the ball, Morata turned and took a few steps.

Before McTominay's fierce sliding tackle arrived.

Suavely he passed the ball to the flank!

Walcott!

The recovered little tiger still possesses Premier League top-tier advancing ability.

"Everton's defensive width is stretched wide! Tom Davies and Barkley dropped deep, almost maintaining a parallel position with the three centre-backs!"

"Arsenal's counterattack must widen the width."

"Giroud's speed is still a bit slow."

"The game may transition into a positional battle."

Walcott faced no obstruction.

"The opponent's Coleman is a big gate on the flank, with top-tier tackling ability, but poor speed and explosiveness."

Directly pierced from behind by Morata's pass.

Arsenal's little tiger began an explosive run on the flank!

Meanwhile.

Maguire noticed Li Kang's gesture and also rushed over the midfield circle.

In the God's perspective.

Li Kang frantically deconstructed Everton's defensive system.

A tight single-layer parallel defensive line.

Why can't Guardiola-style Manchester City break through?

Too simple!

Walcott dribbled to the front left of the penalty box.

Slightly reduced speed.

Lightly pushed the ball sideways!

The intention to cut inside is too obvious!

Barkley and Tom Davies immediately tucked their arms, made small steps to adjust, and blocked the near corner!

Goalkeeper Robles's position is closer to the far post, eyes locked on the little tiger's foot shape!

"Giroud isn't in position yet!"

"Oh no!"

"Maguire!"

"When did he make that forward run?"

Terrifying impact force!

He dove straight into Everton's penalty area!

Just as the words were spoken!

Walcott finished his adjustment.

Beyond everyone's expectations!

He didn't produce a crossing arc or a through pass!

Instead, he knocked the ball backward!

The close-up lens jerked suddenly!

The fans, following the ball's trajectory, saw two figures running wildly!

Li Kang and Morata!

Two dragons surge out to sea.

It scattered Everton's defensive reinforcements!

At the edge of the pitch.

Boerde was bewildered: "Boss! Walcott just passing the ball to Maguire would have settled it, right?"

Wenger couldn't stay seated, quickly left the coach's bench, his gaze fixed on Everton's half.

The other side.

Koeman angrily crushed the water bottle.

Li Kang, this kid, how could he think of using a big, clumsy central defender to push forward during the attacking phase?

What happened to the promised sharp passing and cutting?

According to Everton's coaching staff's original design: a tight single-layer parallel defensive line, which is more conducive to limiting the opponent's penetrating attacks, and to eliminating the opponent's width and flank advantage!

Just as Li Kang received the ball with his left foot.

The speed slowed.

Baines came crashing from behind!

Arsenal fans covered their mouths in shock!

The referee's hand also instinctively reached for the whistle.

The result was somewhat different from what they had expected.

The close-up audio equipment made no sound.

Li Kang's left foot lightly flicked the ball, leaving the ground again, his figure agilely turning with his steps.

Baines, who had been the 'Everton hero' for a few minutes, lunged at nothing and fell flat on his face.

Wow!

Two consecutive left-foot landings!

Only Robben and Messi could pull off such an extreme move!

His center of gravity still couldn't adapt to the Messi module.

Li Kang's body staggered, showing a tendency to pass.

Everton's back line was a bit panicked!

Robles reacted quickly, he anticipated Arsenal's attacking intent:

Li couldn't shoot from distance, Lukaku immediately took position!

Maguire, this guy, was being completely nullified by Williams and Mori, posing no aerial threat.

Yes, there definitely won't be any aerial threat.

Arsenal's number 10 will surely give the ball to the nearest Morata! Yes, that's exactly it!

Everton's goalkeeper quickly adjusted his position, preparing to neutralize Arsenal's attack!

The next moment.

Robles couldn't help but want to curse.

Li Kang didn't pass the ball in time.

Instead, after making another adjustment, he stubbornly withstood the impact of the powerful Little Monster.

He swung his left foot and delivered a highly concealed through pass!

It was a ground-skimming dagger aimed at the far corner of the goal!

That was an unimaginable ball speed!

It easily pierced Everton's single-layer parallel defensive line!

Under the gaze of everyone present.

Maguire shoved aside the Everton youngster, clumsily darted into the six-yard box, received the ball, and with a somewhat stiff shooting stance... changed the score!

1:1!

!