Chapter 375: Trapped in a Broken Formation (Everyday Transition)

Premier League clubs share an inseparable close bond with the community, rooted in history.

At the start of the last century, English towns with strong community spirit gave birth to one century‑old powerhouse after another.

Community members feel a strong sense of belonging and identification with their own club.

In the pub, remarks like "Our town's football team is stronger than yours!" often pop up.

The club also represents the community's image, and football matches greatly ease external regional conflicts.

They accept the support of community fans, and give back to them through concrete public‑welfare activities.

Arsenal's situation is different; it is an outsider that moved in, and to gain local support it specially spent money to establish the Yinsilindun Fund, the Northern Hospital, providing jobs and housing...

A few magpies hopped about on the treetops.

Thick fog spread.

Arsenal CEO Yin Wan·Jiaqidis rubbed his fog‑dampened bald head, warmly welcoming the Football Association's community representative, Dawei.

The two bald men's task today is simple: distribute 3000 tickets to Yinsilindun's primary school, community projects, and charity partners.

These are the tickets for the second leg of the Champions League semi‑final.

After a brief exchange, the two got into the business car emblazoned with the Arsenal crest.

Dawei rubbed his big belly, laughing: "Mr. Kèlākè has a suggestion, suggesting that Arsenal must keep Li, he is a superstar of the Premier League, his value immeasurable."

"Of course, this is just a suggestion."

"The Premier League now boasts many strong‑personality head coaches, but lacks a true superstar."

Jiaqidis nodded: "You mean... the value of Li after winning the Champions League and the World Cup."

Dawei didn't reply; he knew the bald guy in front couldn't call the shots at Arsenal... this guy was also secretly in touch with AC Milan, preparing to jump ship.

"Why hasn't Wenger renewed his contract with the club yet?"

"This is practically the problem Arsenal drags out every season!"

"Wenger is a good person, but he's no longer suited for Arsenal."

Duling International Airport.

The Zebra Army sets out for North London.

Piyeluoluo, as a representative of Sky Sports, is providing live commentary throughout.

"It's not a smokescreen; Arsenal's main players are mostly injured, they've already fallen into a desperate situation."

"Youwen Tusi will easily conquer Emirates Stadium!"

"The opponent no longer has the strength of a Champions League semi‑finalist!"

"Tonight we will witness a splendid turnaround!"

The sending‑off Zebra fans burst into waves of cheers.

They seemed to see their own team completing a turnaround in North London and advancing to the Champions League final.

Unlike the confident Youwen Tusi veterans.

Head coach Alaili remained calm, and after boarding the plane he constantly discussed tactical details with his assistant coach.

The rear seats.

Yinguanyin was also imparting his experience to the young player Dibala:

"Arsenal will surely maintain a low defensive block, trying to preserve their one‑goal lead."

"Even if they concede, they need not over‑retreat to join the press; the old, weak, sick, and disabled Arsenal cannot sustain a style built around Li."

Even adding Bufeng to the Serie A all‑star backline, can they still not stop the isolated, unaided Li?

Premier League and Serie A media also made predictions for this crucial match:

Arsenal is injury‑riddled; the lucky goal they scored in the first leg has no reference value, and the way to defend their home ground will surely be to park the bus.

Youwen Tusi's lineup is complete, morale high.

On the Champions League stage, trailing by one goal has never been considered a major disadvantage.

Happy Bean Company's Arsenal betting odds also keep surging.

Scared, the Yinsilindun fans didn't even dare to follow their own team.

Or maybe just bet on Youwen Tusi.

If you hit, you make money.

If you miss, you're happy.

Emirates Stadium.

A sea of people, every seat taken.

Scarves, slogans, and team flags formed a red‑white sea.

Under the night sky, the Champions League star‑spangled banners were solemn and majestic.

"ESPN! ESPN! Good evening, viewers!"

"We are now broadcasting the second leg of the 2016/17 Champions League semi‑final!"

"Arsenal hosts Juventus!"

"A highly anticipated Champions League showdown."

"In the first leg, thanks to Li Kang's exquisite pass and Moratuo's goal, Arsenal secured a precious away goal."

"Can Youwen Tusi conquer Emirates Stadium tonight?"

"Will luck favor Alaili and his disciples? Two years ago they were once very close to the Champions League title."

"Thirty years east of the Thames, thirty years west of the Thames, Wenge's team has once again entered a revival phase."

"Li Kang has again led the team to the second leg of the Champions League semi‑finals, hoping he can break through his shackles and create a new Champions League journey this season."

The player tunnel.

The atmosphere froze.

The players from both sides merely exchanged simple greetings, with little communication, their gazes fixed straight ahead.

Maguire handed the little notebook and pen to the logistics staff, instinctively patted his chest, revealing a slight nervousness he couldn't hide.

Welbeck stood behind Li Kang, his hands resting on the latter's shoulders.

"Li, we'll make it to the final!"

Li Kang nodded slightly, feeling the other's hand trembling lightly.

In the system panel.

"Turn the Tide" module blazed with light.

【Sanchez's ankle severely injured, triggering bonus: Super Agility.】

【Giroud's shoulder dislocated, triggering bonus: Heading ability greatly increased, body flexibility greatly increased, shooting posture applicability greatly increased.】

【Koscielny's knee injured, triggering bonus: Defensive tackles greatly increased, temporarily gained the "Accurate Prediction" module.】

【Ramsey's thigh strained, triggering bonus: "Reaper" module.】

【...】

【Combined bonus: "Perpetual Motion Heart" module (Legendary), stamina 84→99,】

Max-level stamina?

Why are the teammates injured so badly this time?

Li Kang repeatedly examined the terrifying boost brought by the "Turn the Tide" module...

The lineup suddenly moved.

The referee team led the players from both sides out of the tunnel.

The stands on all sides instantly erupted with a cheer like a landslide and tsunami.

"Next, we'll introduce the starting lineups of both sides."

"Arsenal's formation is 4-4-2!"

"Goalkeeper: Cech."

"Defenders: Bellerin, Maguire, Mustafi, Gibbs."

"Midfielders: Elneny, Li Kang, Cazorla, Iwobi."

"Forwards: Morata, Welbeck."

ESPN live broadcast.

A chorus of wails and howls.

-【They could dodge March's injuries but not May's—why does Arsenal have to suffer an injury wave right now!】

-【Can this lineup hold up against Juventus?】

-【The defense... no, those two guys up front are even less reliable.】

-【What to do? I went all-in with my private savings early on betting on Arsenal's advancement—now I'm screwed, and I'll have to secretly save up for another two years!】

-【Don't panic; as long as Li Mingdeng isn't injured, even a depleted Arsenal still has a chance to advance.】

"Juventus' formation is 3-5-2!"

"Goalkeeper: Buffon!"

"Defenders: Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini."

"Midfielders: Alves, Pjanic, Dybala, Khedira, Sandro!"

"Forwards: Higuain, Mandzukic."

-【Who can tell me how Juventus could lose?】

-【A draw is also enough for Arsenal to advance!】

-【The Old Lady is going all out!】