I'm 198cm tall. Are you giving me a Maradona template?

Why is Chapter 306 so difficult?

Liverpool brought the Club World Cup trophy back from Japan.

But they also lost their top spot.

Liverpool had a bye in the 18th and 19th rounds of the league because they were going to participate in the Club World Cup.

They were supposed to play Wolves away and then Newcastle at home.

These two matches are scheduled for around Christmas.

They must receive a lot of attention normally.

However, because Liverpool had to participate in the Champions League, these two matches had to be postponed.

Thus.

Liverpool have played 17 league games and have earned 51 points.

Manchester City played 19 games, winning 17, drawing 1, and losing 1, earning 52 points and overtaking Liverpool to top the table.

Although they lost their top spot.

But Liverpool will not be discouraged by this.

They've played two fewer rounds and are only one point behind.

There is nothing to worry about.

After returning from Japan.

Liverpool are about to face a key match in the second half of the season.

They hosted Arsenal at home.

This is the twentieth round of the league.

This was also Liverpool's last match of 2018.

In their first encounter this season, Liverpool defeated Arsenal 3-0.

But what's even more fascinating about that match is...

Liverpool defeated Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, achieving their 15th consecutive league win and breaking Arsenal's record.

Liverpool's winning streak has now reached its seventeenth game.

If Liverpool beat Arsenal.

Their winning streak will then extend to the eighteenth game.

The two sides met again.

Arsenal, from top to bottom, is clearly determined to win.

The air in North London was thick with the sounds of revenge.

But Liverpool weren't too intimidated by their opponent in this match.

They treated this match as just another league game.

Ok.

most.

This is considered a relatively high-profile league match.

The match will be played on the third day after we return from Japan.

Before the match, people analyzed the game and thought it was an opportunity for Arsenal.

The journey was arduous, involving travel of tens of thousands of kilometers.

This will definitely be a huge test of Liverpool's physical fitness.

Arsenal manager Unai Emery shares this view.

He decided to go all out in this match.

We need to pick up the pace, speed up the game, and go head-to-head with Liverpool!

He bet that Liverpool's players would definitely be affected by the Club World Cup!
Use a higher intensity and faster pace of the game to deal with Liverpool, who are tired from traveling.

Emery has had enough of always losing to the sun.

But the sun won't give him any chance.

The game begins.

Arsenal then took the initiative.

While the commentator was still playing the names of both sides.

Aubameyang unleashed a long-range shot from outside the penalty area, sending a powerful message to the enemy.

The competition thus began.

Arsenal continued their attack.

For the first five minutes of the match, Arsenal dominated the game.

They have a dominant possession rate, pass the ball very quickly, and their passing and movement speeds are both quite fast.

"They want to increase the intensity of the game."

Kravitz reminded Klopp.

Klopp nodded.

But he wasn't too worried.

He glanced at Emery.

The Spaniard's envisioned match would definitely involve Liverpool pressing forward at home, followed by Arsenal engaging in an attacking duel with Liverpool, using their superior physical condition to overwhelm Liverpool.

But why should Liverpool engage in an all-out attack?

Are you going to take the initiative and attack?

OK.

Then come on up.

Let's see who scores first against Liverpool.

It seems the sunlight got to use your backcourt space first.

Klopp looked at the space in Arsenal's backfield.

He began to anticipate a counterattack.

He didn't have to wait long.

The seventh minute of the match.

Arsenal delivered a cross from the wing, and Virgil van Dijk headed the ball away to the left flank.

Left-back Robertson cleared the ball with a long kick under pressure.

That kick was definitely big.

The football flew all the way to near the baseline.

Just when people thought the ball was going to go out of bounds.

The sunlight relentlessly chased after them from below.

Finally, they hooked the ball back before it went out of bounds.

But Arsenal fans aren't too worried.

Because the sun is currently positioned near the baseline at a very narrow angle, Arsenal's two center-backs, Koscielny and Sokratis, have returned.

They could easily intercept the ball with a second defense.

But just as Koscielny closed in, Sunny spread out one hand, battling against him while turning to face the goal with the ball.

Even if the angle is very narrow, almost zero angle.

But before Papastathopoulos could come up to defend, Sunshine decisively took a powerful shot!

Leno was positioned at the near post.

But he didn't expect Yang Guang to shoot so decisively. He hurriedly raised his hand, but the football flew past his fingertips and hit the underside of the crossbar with a bang before bouncing into the goal.

"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!!!"

The commentator shouted.

"In the seventh minute, Sunshine scores! Liverpool take the lead at home!!"

The camera focused on Emery on the sidelines.

Emery's face darkened.

He saw the celebratory sunlight and couldn't help but clench his fists.

Arsenal players turned to watch as Liverpool players rushed forward to celebrate.

Sudden.

Aubameyang turned to Xhaka beside him and said, "I want to beat them once."

"what?"

Zhaka, in his frustration, didn't quite catch what was being said.

"I said, I want to beat them once!"

Aubameyang said through gritted teeth.

Zaka paused for a moment, then suddenly clenched his fist and raised his hand.

"Brothers, let's beat them this time!"

"Win against them once!"

Zaka's face contorted into a grimace.

The Arsenal players were initially very frustrated.

However, after seeing the performances of Xhaka and Aubameyang.

They all took a deep breath.

"I've lost enough!"

"I don't want to lose to them again!"

I want to win! Even just once!

Arsenal players also have self-esteem.

How could they accept this?
The idea that they would surrender as soon as they faced Liverpool?

The celebration in the sunshine wasn't particularly extravagant; in fact, it seemed rather understated.

But from the perspective of Arsenal players...

That's part of the humiliation.

because
They can see it.

For the sunshine, for Liverpool.

seem
Defeat Arsenal.

It's as simple as breathing and drinking water.

Arsenal players felt a sting to their pride.

Sunny's goal gave Liverpool the lead.

According to general estimates.

Once Liverpool takes the lead, they are fully capable of launching powerful counter-attacks.

Turn your leading advantage into a winning advantage.

Then they won the game smoothly.

But Emery was right about one thing.

The Club World Cup matches definitely had an impact on Liverpool.

It's not just about physical fitness.

And mental state.

In just a few days, he flew from England to Japan, played two matches, and then flew back.

Whether I'm tired or not is another matter.

Mental fatigue is unavoidable. Therefore...

After taking the lead.

Liverpool's players were actually a bit relaxed; they wanted to drop back and play on the counter-attack, which would at least make the game easier.

But their contraction played right into Arsenal's hands.

After a burst of encouragement, Arsenal launched a furious offensive.

These offensives left Arsenal fans somewhat disoriented, as if they had returned to Arsenal's glorious past.
They executed a fluid, penetrating passing game.

Finally, before the end of the first half.

Arsenal have equalized.

Through continuous transmission.

It completely tore apart Liverpool's defense, and Aubameyang finally managed to put the ball into the goal with an open net.

During halftime, Klopp criticized his players for their laxity.

But all he could do was criticize.

Besides.

He had no other choice.

After all, Liverpool's fatigue is an objective fact.

This isn't something that can be resolved by him hurling a few insults.

no matter who.

Flying tens of thousands of kilometers in a few days.

It's impossible not to get tired.

Faced with Klopp's criticism, Liverpool's players could only bow their heads and accept it.

Liverpool have been in excellent form this season.

But their opponents, Manchester City, are no slouch either.

And they're not at the top of the league standings right now.

If we lose the game.

They are about to fall 4 points behind Manchester City.

This is something they cannot accept.

In the away team's locker room.

The Arsenal players were very excited.

They tied the score.

This is quite unusual in the past two seasons.

and.

What made them even happier was...

They really saw hope of beating Liverpool.

Liverpool's fatigue is obvious.

Compared to their first encounter this season.

Liverpool, despite playing at home,

But it didn't suffocate Arsenal's defense like it did in the match just over a month ago.

They gave Arsenal a lot of space.

This naturally boosted the confidence of Arsenal players.

They believe they can continue to score in the second half.

They secured their first win against Liverpool in two seasons!
"Guys, we can win, we certainly have the ability to win! Beat them! Beat Liverpool!"

Head coach Emery had stopped discussing tactics at this point.

What he needs is fighting spirit.

The indomitable fighting spirit to achieve victory at all costs.

"Beat Liverpool!"

The Arsenal players, now brimming with confidence, erupted in a huge cheer.

Arsenal returned to the pitch with the belief that they had to defeat Liverpool.

The two sides exchanged venues.

The second half of the game begins.

Honestly.

Arsenal were in really good form in this match.

In the first ten minutes of the second half.

Their attack was well-executed and impressive.

Arsenal fans in the stands erupted in a huge cheer, which filled the entire Anfield.

But this time.

Liverpool's defenders didn't give them a chance.

They focused their attention and concentrated on defense, completely blocking the area in front of the penalty area.

First ten minutes.

Arsenal dominated the game.

But Klopp watched for a while and then sat back down on the bench.

Can Arsenal maintain this offensive momentum?

He was doubtful.

not to mention.
Arsenal started the second half with great momentum, but after failing to break through, that momentum turned into frustration.
Until then.

Liverpool's chance has come.

Liverpool has been through the trials of last season.

They're not just good at playing when they have the upper hand.

A game played against the wind.

They are very strong too.

But Liverpool fans have no idea what the manager is thinking.

All they know is that Arsenal is attacking relentlessly right now.

This worries them.

"What happened? How come he can't play anymore after going to Japan?"

"Please let one of them go in quickly, this competition is just too agonizing."

The fans in the stands were buzzing with discussion.

These two seasons.

Liverpool fans and their supporters have become quite demanding.

It seems that whenever it's a Liverpool match...

Then you'll have to chop melons and vegetables.

Klopp frowned slightly.

It's not just Liverpool fans.

Liverpool's players seem to have adopted this mentality as well.
Is this mindset a good thing or a bad thing?

Hard to say.

sometimes.

Good fortune and misfortune are intertwined.

but
Klopp glanced at the stands.

The pressure from the winning streak has built up until now.

Maybe.

Liverpool needs a pressure relief valve.

Although Klopp is worried about the hidden dangers brought about by the pressure of the winning streak.

But as it stands now.

At least.

In this match against Arsenal, it's not yet time for Liverpool to shed the pressure of their winning streak.

Klopp certainly wouldn't let the team intentionally lose a game just to relieve pressure—that's not relieving pressure, that's surrendering.

The match ended in the 72nd minute.

The goal Liverpool fans have been waiting for has arrived.

As Sunny received the ball with his back to goal on the edge of the penalty area, he suddenly backheeled it past Koscielny through the legs.

"A through-the-legs pass!"

Amid the commentators' exclamations.

Mane cut in from the flank, took possession, dribbled forward, drew the defense, and then passed the ball across to the right.

Another winger, Salah, came up to challenge.

He adjusted his pace, aimed at the ball, and pushed it with the instep of his foot.

The football easily went into the net.

Although Sunshine is the top scorer, he often receives passes from other Liverpool players.

But don't forget.

Liverpool's attacking trident.

While Mane and Salah's finishing ability is slightly inferior to Sunshine's, it's still impressive.

But it is also world-class.

This time.

Arsenal's defenders made a big mistake.

They focused too much of their defensive attention on Sunny, thus neglecting the positions of Mane and Salah.

When the sunlight passes the ball out.

The two players' combination play in the penalty area completely tore apart Arsenal's defense.

"Beautiful! Beautiful! Salah!! Goal! Two to one!! Liverpool have taken the lead again!"

"This was Mane's assist, but the goal has to thank the sunshine. Look at his pass. A backheel pass, it was so sudden."

"Yang's vision is amazing!"

The commentators cheered loudly.

The stands at Anfield Stadium.

Liverpool fans breathed a huge sigh of relief.

The stadium erupted in excitement once again, and the anxious atmosphere dissipated with the goal.

just now.

Now it was Arsenal's players and fans' turn to scratch their heads.
They fell behind again.

This time.

Can they tie the game?
Arsenal players watched as Liverpool fans walked past them one by one, running up the pitch to celebrate.

On the face of every Arsenal player.

They all appeared very solemn.

Defeat Liverpool.
Why is it so difficult?
(End of this chapter)