Chapter 446

Looking back at the past four seasons, Tottenham is truly the iron rooster among the Premier League's BIG6.

Low investment in signings, yet they made a fair bit of money selling players.

The money from selling Bale and Modrić back then still has a surplus to this day.

What's more noteworthy is: the club's historical highest transfer record is 31.5 million pounds, and only three players were bought at that price.

But Levy's luck is just too good—he scratched lottery tickets and won big prizes one after another.

Over the past eight years, White Lily has finished in the Premier League TOP4 four times, with the main players earning the salaries of lower-tier teams, giving their all to chase the dream of winning the championship.

Setting aside the various shady operations of the upper management, Tottenham's "low-cost operation" appears to be successful.

Levy has also been praised by various success gurus as: the God of Football Economics!

Tottenham training base.

"Too abstract."

"We can analyze Tuchel's resource allocation at different times during matches, but Chelsea's attacking design is too abstract..."

"He seems to treat Lee as the core, yet also seems not to treat Lee as the core."

Tactical room.

Pochettino's eyes were bloodshot, his tone full of doubt.

To defend the dignity of White Deer Lane, he has recently finished watching the match recordings of Bielsa's Chelsea.

This is the consistent work attitude of the Bielsa school.

Dragging his weary body, Tottenham's head coach walked to the tactical board, flicked the magnetic flags, and set up a 5-3-2 formation.

After being thoroughly beaten by Arsenal last season, Pochettino no longer insists on that "high-pressure pressing, frantic running, emphasizing width" style of play.

He needs to learn to be pragmatic.

The greenery coverage around the Cobham training base is still quite good.

Tuchel and Dino walked side by side along the forest path.

Several magpies hopped on the treetops.

Morning sunlight filtered through the dense leaves, shining on the Chelsea badge on the sportswear.

"What do you think is the best weapon to break through dense defense?"

"Boss, it's diving."

Tuchel: "..."

Dino wore a serious expression and said earnestly: "I've studied some teams' match footage; in positional play against low-block dense defense, the most effective weapon is diving and feigning injury."

"The meaning of diving is not merely to help the team gain favorable decisions."

"It can also effectively disrupt the opponent's defensive setup, improve counterattack efficiency, and regulate the passing rhythm in transition attacks!"

Tuchel refuted.

Some clubs have indeed had systematic training for positional attacking dives: how to dive? When to dive? Where to dive? All very particular.

Skillful diving and feigning injury are not the same as clumsy flopping.

"Chelsea cannot try this method; it goes against our tactical ideals."

At two o'clock in the afternoon, training ended.

Li Kang and his assistant then rushed non-stop to a hotel in the suburbs.

"Cognac and beer don't conflict; they won't trigger endorsement barriers."

"Although both are alcohol!"

"Martell held out for a season, finally betting right on your joining Chelsea."

The three giants of brandy have dominated Britain, the Americas, and Asia for two hundred years.

Rémy Martin, Hennessy, Martell.

To seize the market, their prices are no longer prohibitively high, giving rise to multiple affordable best-selling series.

"When Rémy Martin is opened, good fortune naturally comes."

"With discerning eyes, one comprehends the extraordinary."

"Worldly affairs are absolute; only genuine delight remains."

The protagonists are all real-life second-generation heirs and beauty pageant queens.

The great bandit Zhang Qiang decided to kidnap that group of wealthy merchants after seeing these contents on television.

Martell and Li Kang's endorsement deal was signed long ago.

The theme of the Blue Ribbon Elite Creation series is "Originating in blue, rising in blue."

They believe: Li Kang, wearing the blue number 10 jersey and battling in the Premier League and Champions League stages, can achieve optimal marketing effect.

Martell was founded in 1715 and is one of the oldest brandies in the world.

Its rise came from marrying a Cognac family's daughter and then marrying the sole daughter of a plantation owner.

As a renowned French domestic trademark, the marketing department originally planned to have a certain black football star become the brand ambassador, but this proposal was strongly opposed by the Martell family.

"We cannot let plantation slaves endorse us!"

After a long while.

Li Kang and his assistant arrived at the filming base.

A sharply dressed old ghost enthusiastically stepped forward to greet them.

"Li, I've finally been waiting for you."

When the two parties previously signed the contract, they had already met in person; the old ghost's name is Popo Martell.

Pop!

Popo took a bottle of wine from the staff's hands; the bottle had an indigo-blue appearance.

Pulling out the cork, he poured three glasses of wine and also explained that no aeration was needed, emphasizing pure drinking.

"Cheers!"

Li Kang took a symbolic small sip, only feeling a sweet throat, with no other sensation.

Bobo's expression showed slight disappointment.

The assistant put down the wine glass and recited the prepared line: "Fantastic! Rich aroma, ultimate enjoyment!"

The filming work is very complex, so the director is naturally not the bearded man.

However, Li Kang's task is very simple.

He doesn't even need to touch the wine glass, just simply tapping the grapes.

Thanks to Maradona's "ball feel" module.

The ripe purple grapes seemed to be given life, hovering near his instep, then flipping up and down.

The extras and staff on site were stunned.

Night fell.

A glass of brandy went viral across the internet.

Accompanied by passionate BGM.

The Martell brand logo appeared on screen.

Immediately after.

A purple grape slowly descended, touched the shoe surface, then rose again.

The shot pulled back.

A figure emerged, Li Kang wearing a blue jersey.

His posture relaxed, toes swaying.

A blue silk ribbon fluttered in the wind, quietly covering his eyes.

As the BGM style changed, the scene kept switching.

Castle.

Yacht.

Dock.

Teahouse.

Li Kang and a purple grape traversed time and space.

Comment count, share count, and like count surged wildly.

-【Where's the promised bikini beauty pageant? Where's the promised decadent luxury rolling in bedsheets?】

-【Is Li Mingdeng's ball feel that amazing? Blindfolded grape tapping!】

-【Little Luo reincarnated, Maradona reborn!】

-【Little Luo and Old Ma are still doing fine...】

-【Half-step Ball King realm!】

-【Below Ball King realm I am enemy, in Ball King realm I trade one for one!】

-【In 2018, Li Mingdeng held the Big Ear Cup in his left hand and the Goddess Cup in his right, achieving godhood and proving the Dao!】

-【Went off track, this is just a strong liquor!】

Stamford Bridge.

Abu led a group of legal officers, having finished viewing Martell's.

"Boss, Martell is taking shortcuts, the blue jersey Li wore is extremely similar to Chelsea's jersey."

"Just this trivial matter? Before Li's agency signed with Martell, they had already consulted the club's opinion!"

"Boss..."

"This is a good thing, you blindfold yourself and tap a grape for me to see."

Time flew by.

The sixth round of the Premier League arrived.

Li Kang and his teammates arrived at White Lane.

Chelsea will challenge Tottenham away.

The fiery London derby attracted global attention.

The grudge between the two clubs' local fans runs deep, tracing back to the last century.

"WehateTottenham!"

In 2007, London streets even saw: Chelsea fans and Spurs fans waving knives at each other.

During that miraculous season of Leicester City, Hazard came on as a substitute, crushing Tottenham's title dreams, and both teams' players and coaching staff got into a brawl.

Tottenham is the Premier League club with the most fouls, not dirty, mostly tactical fouls.

But "logging" Chelsea will absolutely show no mercy.

The first easily attainable Premier League title in history was ruined by you Chelsea.

New and old grudges intertwined.

Around White Lane, thick smoke rolled, with flaming beer bottles dancing in the air.

Amid various curses, fully armed security personnel raised their shields, carefully escorting Chelsea fans into the venue.

"CTV5! CTV5! Good evening, viewers!"

"Welcome to the 2017/18 season English Premier League sixth round!"

"Chelsea away challenge Tottenham!"

A highly anticipated showdown drawing everyone's attention!

Can Bai Baihe stop the unstoppable momentum of the Blue Army?

Let's wait and see!

Pre-match press conference.

Tuchel and Pochettino shared a friendly handshake and embrace.

After taking their seats, they began answering reporters' questions.

Chelsea have made all preparations; the match against Tottenham will be tough, as they possess the strength to contend for the title.

We will respect our opponents and give our all.

Tuchel wore a stern expression.

Pochettino hesitated for a moment.

We will defend the dignity of White Hart Lane.

Chelsea cannot possibly leave unscathed tonight.

Player tunnel.

The atmosphere froze, tense and charged.

Diego Costa stared provocatively at the Tottenham lineup, he hasn't forgotten the grudge from the eye-gouging incident.

Azar hasn't forgotten the grudge from being kicked in the butt.

William hasn't forgotten the grudge from having his hair pulled.

Tottenham players likewise haven't forgotten various grudges...

Li Kang and Son Heung-min simply bumped fists.

Kane also took the initiative to smile at him; during the recent visit to comfort elderly players, the two had even met before.

This starting striker has decent ball skills, but even if he scores many goals, he is often criticized by his own fans: lacking dominance, looking like a soft egg when playing against Arsenal, and lacking the qualities of a spiritual leader.

The referee team led both teams' players out of the tunnel.

White Hart Lane immediately erupted with various curses!

"F**k, Hazard!

"

"WehateChelsea!

"

Various objects flew from the stands, hitting the Chelsea command area's sunshade with loud bangs.

Gradually, the home stands began drifting with the song "Selling Discs."

Li Kang stepped onto the green field.

The system prompt sounded softly.

【Ding, mission triggered: evenly matched.】

【Mission briefing: White Hart Lane is about to stage a splendid and unparalleled spectacle—are you ready?】

【Mission reward: Tottenham Legend·Platinum Treasure Chest.】

"Now let us introduce the starting lineups of both sides!"

"Tottenham's formation is 5-4-1!"

"Goalkeeper: Lloris."

"Defenders: Trippier, Toby, Sanchez, Vertonghen, Aurier."

"Midfielders: Son Heung-min, Wanyama, Winks, Alli."

"Forward: Kane."

Tottenham fans all raised their TIFO cards in hand.

The giant TIFO with white background and blue text suddenly formed!

"Dare to act, dare to be!"

The terrifying presence then enveloped the entire White Hart Lane.

"Chelsea's formation is 4-3-3!"

"Goalkeeper: Buffon."

"Defenders: Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Cahill, Rudiger."

"Midfielders: Li Kang, Kanté, Fabregas."

"Forwards: Azar, Diego Costa, William."

Live broadcast room.

The number of viewers keeps increasing.

-【I think it'll be a draw; Tottenham aren't weak, and strong vs strong matches never disappoint.】

-【Makes sense; Chelsea can't turn the Premier League into La Liga... Ligue 1! The Premier League hasn't seen a super dominant team in over a decade—only the strong contending for supremacy.】

-【Tottenham 2:0 Man City, Chelsea 4:2 Man City, leading to the result: Tottenham 0:0 Chelsea.】

Accompanied by the referee's whistle.

The match officially began.

Chelsea possession.

Diego Costa kicked off and passed back to Kanté.

The nearby stands immediately erupted in a wave of boos.

The football was passed slowly and steadily between the blue jerseys.

The sudden scream made the fans in front of the TV worry involuntarily.

"Ali's challenge was a bit reckless, he kicked David Luiz's shin!"

"Referee Anthony Taylor gave him a verbal warning!"

Ali looked disdainful, covered his mouth, and spat out a few trash-talking remarks.

David Luiz's temper at this time had been honed well, and he ignored it.

The match resumed.

Cahill kicked off and passed to Li Kang.

Li Kang made a long pass, switching play across a wide area.

The ball landed on the right flank, and Rudiger surged forward quickly.

Son Heung-min intercepted in time.

The two contested fiercely for the landing point.

Xiao Heidan gained a slight edge, shoved the opponent down, and was about to dribble forward.

Suddenly struck heavily!

After falling, Son Heung-min fiercely kicked Rudiger's ribs with his studs.

Chelsea's Xiao Heidan instantly showed a pained expression, rolling on the ground.

Beep!

The referee blew the whistle.

Son Heung-min put on an innocent look, spreading his hands to indicate it wasn't intentional.

He is now the Premier League forward with the most fouls, affectionately nicknamed "The Yue Buqun of Football" by fans.

"Eh?"

"Diego Costa rushed to the scene immediately, colliding with Son Heung-min!"

"Players from both sides quickly gathered around!"

"The tension of the London derby filled White Hart Lane from the kickoff!"

Chaos ensued.

The Tottenham stands erupted in a chorus of boos!

Dino angrily complained to the fourth official.

Tuchel furiously blamed the referee.

Pochettino frowned tightly.

A few minutes later.

The chaos subsided.

Son Heung-min received no card.

Diego Costa was shown a yellow card.

The Chelsea fans traveling with the team were unhappy, wildly cursing referee Anthony Taylor!

The match resumed.

Chelsea renewed their attack.

Rudiger kicked off, making a diagonal pass to Li Kang, who had drifted into midfield.

Tottenham's defense quickly contracted.

Wan-Yama came on aggressively.

Li Kang advanced a few steps, then made a sudden stop and change of direction, shaking off Tottenham's midfielder.

Clap!

The ball lightly jumped to the right flank.

The moment William received the ball, Aurier's sliding tackle arrived!

The next moment.

The Samba winger was flung into the air!

Beep!

Referee Anthony Taylor finally produced a yellow card!

Aurier's face showed an expression; he transferred from Paris Saint-Germain to Tottenham in the summer window, prone to losing his head in defense, earning him the nickname: Neurological Blade.

Before Chelsea players could reprimand him.

Teammate Sissoko rushed forward quickly, grabbed Aurier's neck, and roared angrily.

Certainly not "upholding justice."

But due to a defensive zone dispute, the French black egg had been holding it in for several matches.

Chelsea players were bewildered.

White Hart Lane, boos immediately erupted.

The referee pointed at Sissoko and produced another card.

Pochettino was so angry he roared furiously.

"Looking at the slow-motion replay, this decision has no issues whatsoever."

"Chelsea earned a well-placed free kick!"

"William is unharmed, already back on his feet!"

The referee took out the foam spray, marking the foul spot.

Then walked toward the wall to defuse the "minor friction" between players.

David Lewis, Li Kang, and William all stood at the free-throw line at the same time.

This time, Pongpongtou didn't secretly wipe off the foam with his hand.