This corner kick posed no real threat to Cech's goal.
Modric's corner kick was too close to the goal, and the tall and long-armed Cech easily caught the ball in the air.
Seeing that there were no more attacking opportunities, Leeds United's players rushed back to their own half like a tidal wave in order to prevent Chelsea from launching a quick counter-attack.
This made Cech abandon the idea of launching a quick counter-attack by throwing the ball directly.
After Adriano, who was running at the back, retreated to the vicinity of the center circle, Cech threw the ball to Ashley Cole on the wing, and Chelsea began to organize an attack.
····
In the Sky Sports studio.
Lineker glanced at the match time in the upper right corner of the TV screen and said with satisfaction, "The first half is almost over, and Chelsea has slowed down their attacking pace. After running for nearly 40 minutes, the players' physical limits are almost reached. It seems that Leeds United will most likely go into halftime with a one-goal lead."
Compared to Lineker's relaxed demeanor, Jon's expression showed some concern: "It's time for Mourinho to slow the players down. After besieging for more than ten minutes, Chelsea haven't achieved any substantial results, which will gradually make the players anxious. Coupled with their physical exhaustion, I'm worried that Leeds United will seize the opportunity to launch a counter-attack."
“Is it really that bad?” Lineker glanced at Glen Johnson, who was dribbling down the wing. “Leeds United have been playing very conservatively lately. Look, Adriano has already dropped back to within 35 meters to help the team defend. But to be fair, Jon, I think your analysis of Adriano was a bit over the top. Almost twenty minutes have passed, and apart from that one long-range shot, he’s been invisible again.”
"Perhaps." Hearing Lineker's words, Jon glanced at Adriano, who had retreated to outside the penalty area as Chelsea's attack advanced, and frowned even more deeply.
····
The two commentators were analyzing the situation.
Chelsea's offensive did not stop.
As Glen Johnson advanced with the ball, Bale, who was marking him, strictly adhered to the defensive tactical plan practiced by Li Shiguang, maintaining a safe distance from Johnson and resolutely refraining from making any tackles.
This made Glen Johnson very upset.
Johnson is an attacking full-back with outstanding physical attributes, and his explosiveness and speed are his strengths, which also give him a strong ability to break through defenses.
But today.
Whether it was Lahm before or Bell now, Johnson didn't gain any advantage. He felt that his only advantage was his relatively larger physique.
Although he is no longer facing the precise German diminutive, if he tries to force his way past Bale with his speed, the Welsh supercar will likely leave him behind as soon as he touches the ball.
As long as Bale doesn't press the ball, Johnson won't be able to use feints to get past Bale's defense.
Johnson did consider passing the ball to the middle, but he quickly dismissed the idea.
Because Leeds United's defense in the middle is now much tighter, with Adriano returning to participate in the defense in addition to the three defensive midfielders.
finally.
Johnson couldn't hold back any longer when he brought the ball close to Leeds United's penalty area.
First, Johnson looked up to observe the situation inside the Leeds United penalty area and saw Malouda vying for position with Cannavaro. Then, he estimated the distance between himself and Bale. Johnson then aimed at Malouda's position and lobbed the ball into the Leeds United penalty area.
However, Johnson's pass did not reach Malouda's feet.
Cannavaro, who was tightly positioned behind Malouda, reacted quickly. Before the ball even hit the ground, he stretched out his right foot from behind and used an unconventional defensive move to clear the ball out of the penalty area.
It was quite a coincidence.
The ball, which had flown out of the penalty area, landed at the feet of Adriano, who was facing them.
Adriano, who was focused, was not startled by the sudden pass. He easily controlled the ball with his right foot, then quickly turned around and looked straight ahead.
Adriano turned with the ball.
The Leeds United players, who had long been trained by Li Shiguang to have fast counter-attacks ingrained in their bones, immediately sprang into action.
Bale on the left, Kaká in the middle, and Sun Jihai further away all simultaneously turned their weights and sprinted towards Chelsea's half at full speed.
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"Glen Johnson crosses the ball, the passing route seems to be aimed at Malouda, but Cannavaro uses his rich experience to mark the French striker, even though he gets the ball easily..." Lineker's commentary is incredibly fast. "Oh, Malouda didn't get the ball, Cannavaro cleverly stretched out a foot from behind him and poked the ball out of the penalty area, the ball is at Adriano's feet, his teammates are already moving, let's see who he passes to? This is a counter-attack opportunity for Leeds United!"
"Leeds United are moving in all three lines! Chelsea's defensive speed is also fast, with Joe Cole and Malouda both chasing Adriano!" Jon stared intently at Adriano, who had already started dribbling the ball. "Now it's up to the Brazilian striker to pass the ball to which side!"
Jon and Lineker, even the fans from both sides at Wembley Stadium, and Mourinho standing outside the Chelsea bench.
At this moment, almost everyone was staring intently at Adriano, wanting to see which side he would pass the ball to!
But here.
The Leeds United coaching trio was conspicuously absent.
Li Shiguang, Rivaldo, and Simeone stood outside the sideline, watching Adriano intently as he dribbled the ball and started his run.
"Charge...charge...send a message..."
Rivaldo's soft whisper reached Li Shiguang's ears.
Li Shiguang first rolled his eyes at Rivaldo, who was trying his best to suppress his inner ambitions, before turning his gaze back to Adriano.
Actually, he also had a little expectation in his heart.
Even today.
Adriano's transfer is also considered by many to be a blunder in Li Shiguang's career.
Nobody had high hopes for this Brazilian striker.
The reason Li Shiguang kept Ibrahimovic and Torres on the bench and started him today was because...
Besides wanting Adriano to get used to the pace of the Premier League.
The biggest reason is that he wants the Brazilian to use his performance to give everyone who criticizes this transfer a good slap in the face.
And we waited for almost forty minutes.
This counterattack seems to be the perfect opportunity!
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