Chapter 19: Facing Liverpool

The Champions League grouping has been determined, and Arsenal's group H has directly become the death group.

This is not good news for Arsenal, as the Champions League has been very intense from the beginning.

Whether it is Paris Saint-Germain or Dortmund, these are difficult opponents to deal with, so Arsenal needs to invest more energy in the Champions League.

Lekai previously said that it doesn't matter who they play against, which is a way to boost morale, but if they can play a little easier, who wants to work hard and play in a difficult mode every game?

However, the grouping has been determined, and there is no room for change.

What Arsenal needs to do now is to ensure their own state, study the opponent's game style, etc.

But before the Champions League, Arsenal needs to face the fire of the league first.

In the third round of the Premier League, Arsenal played away against Liverpool.

In the third round of the league, they faced a strong enemy challenge.

Liverpool's record in the first two rounds was one win and one draw. They encountered a sniper attack from Watford away and failed to win the first round.

Liverpool obviously failed to find their form in the first round.

The same is true in the second round. Despite a 1:0 victory over Crystal Palace, the overall state still failed to recover to the peak level.

After the main players experienced the European Cup and the America's Cup, they seemed quite tired.

This also made the outside world feel that Arsenal would win the game.

After all, Arsenal's performance in the first two rounds was more stable and efficient.

However, Klopp also said before the game that Liverpool had completed the adjustment of their state, and winger Chen Man was in a hot state and would be their most advantageous offensive arrow.

No one knows how much water is mixed in Klopp's words, or it may be a smoke bomb.

After all, Chen Man is not a core position in Liverpool's lineup, and Salah is the key to leading the team to victory.

Even in terms of tactical position, Chen Man is lower than Phelps. In this case, it is difficult to agree with Klopp's words.

But even so, Arsenal needs to consider this issue carefully.

At the same time, Liverpool is also studying Arsenal's tactics.

However, facing Arsenal's sudden change in play, it is indeed difficult to adapt.

They tried to use Tottenham's style of play as a starting point, but found that Arsenal's tactics were slightly different in details, and it was this difference in details that made the overall situation completely different.

In summary, Arsenal's center forward retreat is completely different from Tottenham's center forward retreat.

As the outside world was talking about this game, the match day was getting closer.

On Friday, Arsenal arrived in Liverpool first and trained in Liverpool.

On the one hand, it was to adapt to the local atmosphere, and on the other hand, it was to avoid the team's fatigue on the day of the game.

A day of training and sufficient rest allowed Arsenal to recuperate and better cope with the game.

On August 19, the entire Arsenal team arrived at the famous Anfield Stadium.

Amid the cheers of Arsenal's fans, they walked into the stadium.

The atmosphere has become serious and solemn.

The battle is about to start.

"Next is the starting list"

Mourinho announced the starting list after arranging the tactics.

At this moment, Lukaku and Giroud's hearts tightened.

Both of them looked at Mourinho.

Although Mourinho said that he would give Giroud more opportunities to play and even start.

But with different tactical play, they also need to rotate.

"Martinez, Robertson, Hummels, Jimenez"

The names of the main players appeared without surprise, but with the starters left, they became more nervous.

Finally, Mourinho looked up and said; "Giroud!"

Accompanied by Mourinho's voice, Giroud secretly clenched his fist.

Since he joined Arsenal, everything has been going very smoothly.

Whether it is integration or running-in, and being able to start in the third game, this is undoubtedly a very happy news.

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On the other side, Lukaku was a little sad.

But he quickly put on the substitute vest and quickly walked out of the locker room with the coaching staff.

The starting lineup followed Lekai to the player tunnel.

The players from both sides stood on both sides of the player tunnel. There was no communication between the two sides, and the air was filled with gunpowder.

Lekai adjusted the captain's armband while subconsciously turning his head to look at Chen Man behind him.

Lekai didn't believe in Klopp's smoke bomb.

Chen Man's ability is indeed very strong, but he is definitely not a core material.

This guy's personality is too reckless, and his state is extremely unstable. Unless the head coach has a brain injury, he will let Chen Man be the core.

This kind of core will either perform explosively or lead the team directly into the quagmire.

Klopp is obviously not a fool. He must have some ideas in his words.

But Lekai and Arsenal have never understood it.

No one knows what Klopp is thinking.

"Get ready to play!"

At this time, the referee Kevin Flanders in front turned around and shouted.

The two captains Lekai and Henderson shouted almost at the same time to help their teammates boost morale.

The two teams came out together.

Liverpool fans gave the home team fierce cheers, while Arsenal were booed.

Entering the stadium with boos, especially in a famous stadium like Anfield, the pressure is not ordinary.

But fortunately, Arsenal's lineup is full of experienced players, so there will be no stage fright.

Both sides completed the pre-match ceremony.

The captains of both sides guess.

Arsenal won the ball first.

"This is the third round of the 2017\/2018 Premier League season. After the two rounds of the league schedule, the third round finally ushered in the highlight. Arsenal challenged Liverpool away. The performance of these two teams in the league has always been It’s surprising and we look forward to a great performance from both teams in this game!”

After Paul Mawson finished speaking, Dixon added:

"Both teams understand each other very well, so their playing style will not slow down. Facts have proved that Arsenal was able to effectively deal with Liverpool's tactical system last season, and this also means that the two teams need to continue to Running and pressing constantly.”

"I believe this will be a wonderful battle!"

Liverpool is a team that emphasizes high-pressing + defensive counterattacks.

When Arsenal deal with Liverpool, they will also use this head-on tactic to crush it.

With the same playing style, the rhythm of the two teams will inevitably become faster.

And who can score first may be the turning point of the game.

Players from the two teams stood in their respective halves. They were already old rivals and were very familiar with each other.

They couldn't help but be nervous about this.

Both Arsenal and Liverpool know that what follows is a tough battle!

The cheers grew louder.

Soon, referee Kevin Friend ran out of the center circle, blew the whistle, and the game officially started.

Giroud also kicked off the ball quickly.

At this time, commentators from all parties are also analyzing the starting lineup.

Liverpool (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Karius.

Defenders: Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Van Dijk, Gomez.

Midfielder: Henderson, Milner, Wijnaldum.

Forwards: Salah, Firmino, Chen Man.

Arsenal (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Martinez.

Defenders: Bellerin, Jimenez, Hummels, Robertson.

Midfielder: Kante, Wilshere, Lucky.

Forwards: Aubameyang, Giroud, Mane.

Liverpool's main goalkeeper Alisson is injured and Karius comes on as a substitute. This may be a variable.

Arsenal gave up Lukaku and used Giroud, who had just joined.

The existence of these variables also makes this game more full of expectations.

And just as the commentator said, once the game started, the two sides strangled each other crazily.

The midfield has become the most intense battlefield.

Both sides were fighting fiercely and organizing attacks quickly.

In just five minutes, both sides had already shot a shot.

Arsenal's shot was slightly higher than the crossbar, while Liverpool's shot was within the Volkswagen goal frame. If it hadn't been for Martinez's hard save, it would have probably resulted in the goal being conceded.

This attack also shocked Arsenal into a cold sweat.

But the two sides still didn't pause and continued to fight in a mass.