"Ladies and gentlemen, please tune in to our channel, this highly anticipated match is about to begin." Eddie Gray, who was commentating in the studio today, slightly changed his usual opening remarks for live commentary, and then looked at Norman Hunter, the guest sitting next to him, "Norman, why have I noticed you've been smiling the whole time since you got the starting lineup?"
“Hehe.” Norman Hunt chuckled and handed the starting lineup to Eddie Gray. “Take a look at Arsenal’s squad. Henry is on the bench today, and Adebayor is replacing him.”
Looking at the list, Eddie Gray didn't seem surprised: "I know that, Diego talked about it when I met him on Elland Road a couple of days ago... Okay, viewers, the players from both sides are already lined up in the player tunnel, ready to go on the field. Next, I'll introduce the starting lineups for both sides."
"First, there's Arsenal, playing at home. Wenger is still using a 4-4-2 formation today, with Lehmann in goal. The defense, from left to right, consists of Clichy, Kolo Toure, Gallas, and Eboue. In midfield, Gilberto Silva is the lone holding midfielder, while Hleb and Rosicky occupy the two wing positions. Arsenal's key player, Fabregas, is still playing in the central midfield position. As for the two forwards, due to Henry's injury, Wenger has fielded Van Persie and the familiar Adebayor as a pair!"
"Looking at Leeds United, today they are using a 4-2-3-1 formation. Neuer has once again been given a starting opportunity. The defensive line in front of him remains unchanged, still the familiar combination of Lahm, Cannavaro, Kompany and Alves. In the midfield, which has five players, the in-form Modric and Alonso are paired as the two holding midfielders, Bale and Ribery are on the left and right, and Yaya Toure is the central midfielder. Hahaha, the duel between brothers is about to begin. And then, up front, is our team's top scorer, Ibrahimovic."
After introducing the starting lineup, Eddie Gray brought the conversation back to the game: "Norman, what do you think of this incredibly important game today, or do you think we can get these three points on the road?"
Norman Hunt cleared his throat and began his analysis: "Let's have faith! Let's believe that Lee and the players have made thorough preparations for this game. As you just said, the importance of winning this game is self-evident. Watford can't stop us. If we can beat Arsenal away today, Leeds United have a 90% chance of climbing to the top of the table in three days!"
"Although Arsenal's form has been inconsistent this season and they've basically dropped out of the title race, today is still their home game. I think Leeds United should play cautiously and be wary of a strong attack from the start, taking advantage of their home ground. However, Henry's absence will definitely affect Arsenal's attacking power. I remember Adebayor hasn't started for a while now!"
Eddie Gray nodded, agreeing with Hunter's analysis.
At this point, the two captains in the picture had already guessed which side they would play and won the right to kick off. Van Persie and Adebayor were already standing in the center circle, and both teams' players were in position, waiting for the referee's whistle.
As the match was about to begin, the Emirates Stadium, which had been quite noisy just moments before, suddenly quieted down. Li Shiguang, who had been teasing Wenger earlier, also changed his playful demeanor and stood seriously with his arms crossed in his command area.
"Beep~~~~"
The referee raised his arm to check his watch, then blew the whistle that had been in his mouth.
"Alright, fans," Eddie Gray's voice suddenly rose, "the referee has blown the whistle to start the match! This game, which will determine whether Leeds United can climb to the top of the standings in a few days, has officially begun!"
Adebayor passed the ball to Van Persie, who immediately turned and passed it back to Fabregas behind him.
In just two short passes, Leeds United's attacking line had already rushed over, with Ibrahimovic heading straight for Fabregas, and behind him, Yaya Touré, with his long legs, was not to be outdone!
Holy crap?
When Fabregas saw the two burly men charging toward him with menacing expressions, he immediately abandoned the idea of passing the ball forward. Without letting the ball linger at his feet, he turned and passed the ball to Kolo Toure on the defensive line, while he himself ran to the left.
Upon seeing Fabregas pass the ball, Ibrahimovic immediately ran towards Kolo Toure, while Yaya Toure closely followed behind Fabregas, who was moving to the wing.
"Leeds United played very aggressively after the match started. In just four or five seconds, everyone except the defenders and Alonso had already pushed into the halfway line! Norman, it seems that Lee's idea is not to play it safe and steady; he wants to strike first!"
“Yes! That’s one of the reasons I’ve always admired him. Lee never plays by the rules, and crucially, he always manages to achieve good results.” Norman agreed with Eddie Gray’s assessment. “It seems Leeds United wants to cut off the connection between Arsenal’s midfield and two forwards through high pressing. Fabregas probably won’t be able to shake off Yaya Toure today.”
“Yes!” Eddie Gray responded emphatically. “And look, it’s not just Toure, it seems like all the Leeds United players have their own targets!”
really!
Besides Yaya Toure and Ibrahimovic, Modric, Ribéry, Bale, and even Alonso, who had crossed the halfway line while the two commentators were talking, had all approached Arsenal players one-on-one.
When Kolo Toure received the ball and looked up, he suddenly realized that apart from the defenders around him and Lehmann behind him, he didn't have many good options. The midfielders, including Fabregas, were all closely marked by a white figure, and all his teammates were facing their own goal. Even if he forced the ball to them, it would be difficult for them to turn around after receiving it.
With no other option, Kolo Toure had to pass the ball back to Lehmann in front of the goal.
Seeing Kolo Toure pass the ball back, Ibrahimovic didn't stop, but accelerated past him and charged into the penalty area, lunging at Lehmann!
Facing Ibrahimovic, who had already penetrated into the penalty area, the experienced Lehmann seemed to have other ideas.
He didn't kick the ball away immediately; instead, he stopped it at his feet, seemingly wanting to toy with Ibrahimovic for a bit before making a move...
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