Football: Starting from the Ronaldinho template

Chapter 311 League Match Against Manchester City

The April schedule continues, with Arsenal facing Manchester City again in the 31st round of the Premier League.

After losing the FA Cup to Manchester City, Arsenal fans knew that their dream of a domestic treble had been shattered.

But that match has to be mentioned.

Manchester City played well, and their tactics were appropriate.

It's like Guardiola's tactical philosophy has been upgraded, making it more suitable for the Premier League's ecosystem.

This match thus attracted widespread attention.

Chelsea, currently second in the league, are watching with bated breath, hoping Manchester City can thwart Arsenal once again.

Otherwise, let Arsenal continue winning.

If they win the championship four or five rounds in advance, then they will have no chance at all.

Before the game starts.

Helicopters carrying banners flew overhead as attendance at the Emirates Stadium reached its highest level this season, with fans even crowding the area outside the stadium.

Wenger watched this scene in silence.

Two years ago, the "Wenger Out" phenomenon, which seemed to originate from nowhere but spread like a large-scale infectious virus, became the focus of Arsenal's global attention.

Initially, it was just a small group of fans venting their dissatisfaction, but with Arsenal's habitual collapse in February and March, as well as the various negative news about the team, the event spread rapidly like a virus.

At that time, all Arsenal fans were divided into two factions: the "anti-Williams" and the "pro-Williams" factions, each expressing their own opinions and arguing constantly.

There were even outrageous acts like hiring planes to display banners and stand off, but this still remained at the level of Arsenal fans expressing their opinions about the team.

Later, however, "Wenger Out" suddenly evolved into a form of performance art.

They frequently appear at both sports and non-sports events.

Not limited to Arsenal's matches.

From the competition venue to Pepsi commercials and Coldplay concerts.

The slogan appeared at World Cup qualifiers, music festivals, and all sorts of places you can and can't imagine, both related to and unrelated to football.

The actions of a small group of Arsenal fans have somehow evolved into a form of performance art worldwide, a hot news topic, and a huge mockery and irony of Arsenal itself.

Wenger wore a complicated smile.

What was he thinking at the time?

He dedicated twenty years to Arsenal, only to be suddenly condemned by everyone.

People are not afraid to hurl the harshest words at themselves; they vent their anger through posters and slogans.

Twenty years of silent dedication have only resulted in worldwide ridicule, a performance art that far exceeds the scope of football.

Is it really fair to myself?

He really wanted to ask those fans, and he also wanted to ask himself.

At this moment, Wenger was experiencing his deepest emotional outburst and felt an unprecedented exhaustion.

The pressure of striving for the top four for more than a decade, the humiliation of being ridiculed as a failure expert, the helplessness of selling the captain every year, and the careful calculation in the transfer market.

All these accumulated heavy burdens were finally lifted last season.

After a long while, he let out a long, deep breath.

He had been holding this in for a long time.

Last season's Premier League title was the ultimate proof of his entire philosophical system.

It proves that beautiful football can ultimately win honors.

He didn't need to compromise with pragmatic football; his persistence ultimately yielded the sweetest results.

This is a kind of spiritual liberation and solace.

But not enough.

Because he wanted to prove that beautiful football could ultimately win the highest honors.

Wenger turned to look at the young player who was dozing off by the window, his eyes filled with admiration and affection.

He wanted to witness this young man's magical performance on the field.

Therefore, he provided the best environment for growth: freedom to attack, trust in technology, and a framework for tactics.

Looking back later.

Wenger felt he might say that.

“Look, I gave him a stage, and he gave back to the world.”

For him, the joy of nurturing talent and sharing in their success may even transcend the significance of being a champion.

Pre-match press conference.

"No tactic can be used forever. It must be changed according to the times, players and many other factors. Even Arsenal has started to increase the proportion of set-piece attacks."

"What's wrong with our defense?"

"Do I regret not signing Qin? To be honest, Qin can only perform at his full potential at Arsenal. My tactics don't give him enough freedom."

Guardiola shook his head.

It's impossible to say I don't regret it.

But the important thing is to look forward.

In the players' tunnel before the match started, Qin Ming and De Bruyne hugged.

"Kevin, you seem to have gained a little weight recently. You haven't been paying attention to your figure."

Qin Ming joked.

"The child is too fussy. Sometimes when I'm stressed, I just want to eat more."

De Bruyne was helpless.

Back in Wolfsburg, his physique wasn't as good as Qin Ming's, or rather, he wasn't as disciplined.

However, he also became self-conscious because of the presence of the "King of Curry" around him.

Now that I'm a father and have switched to a new team, the pressure is immense!

Qin Ming patted De Bruyne on the shoulder heavily.

Shortly after, the match began with the referee's whistle.

The 31st round of the Premier League, the 9th round to go, has officially begun!
The schedule in April was not tight, with matches occurring almost every four to five days, so Arsenal players maintained good form.

They didn't have much trouble beating West Ham United in the last game.

"Come on! Pass it over here!"

Qin Ming signaled to his teammates to take the initiative in the kicking.

Kante, with his short legs, flicked the ball out.

Manchester City showed themselves enough respect today; as soon as they looked up, De Bruyne and Fernandinho, along with full-back Jesus, rushed over.

Don't force your way through!

Qin Ming immediately concluded that both De Bruyne and Fernandinho were players who looked very solid.

Trying to force your way in will definitely result in being stopped and locked out.

It needs to be split!
Break it down into one against two and one against one!

The sweat shed during past hard training made football seem like a part of my body.

Sink your shoulders and move to the right!
He made a move to cut inside past Fernandinho.

The bald Brazilian man lowered his center of gravity to position himself, which made the gap between his feet even wider.

This allows for better exertion and stability.

Snapped!
An amazing scene has unfolded!

The ball subtly changed course, sending a chill down Fernandinho's spine, with De Bruyne waiting nearby.

Pounce again!

The next second, De Bruyne's pupils dilated in disbelief as he stared at the scene.

Qin Ming used the inside of his ankle to flick the ball, completing a change of direction of approximately 90 degrees.

The first 1v2 situation is over!

Only Jesus was left trembling.

Qin Ming quickly regained his balance and pushed the ball forward with his right foot!
Eat it fast!

Seeing the wide Manchester City flank, Qin Ming slightly changed direction and sprinted towards the penalty area with the ball.

Stones quickly covered for the defense.

"Alvaro!"

Qin Ming flicked his ankle, and the ball rolled over.

Morata understood perfectly. He used a wall-running maneuver to push it back in.

Facing Caballero, Qin Ming still had time to shift his center of gravity while moving at high speed.

At the slight turn of Caballero's body.

Kick!

The football slammed into the near corner with a "bang".

The electronic scoreboard started jumping.

1-0! ! !

Qin Ming pushed aside Stones, who was blocking his way, and ran down to the stands, waving his fist at the fans to signal them to shout louder.

Exclamations of surprise rang out from the commentators in the commentary booth.

"Qin! Qin! Beautiful! He scored an unbelievable goal in the 31st minute of the match!"

"He tore apart Manchester City's carefully prepared defense on the wing!"

"What an amazing goal!"

"Now, every goal he scores in the Premier League is breaking his own records!"

"Europa League goal record, youngest hat-trick record, Premier League single-season goal record—and this is just the beginning!"

"The world will faithfully follow every game he plays, hoping he will break the next record: Champions League goal record, Ballon d'Or record, national team goal record!"

Paul Dutton is right.

Someone in the stands held up a sign with a line of eye-catching red letters that read: Record Breaker!

Record shredder!
It seems that no record can stop him.

Guardiola has seen many times the Emirates Stadium erupt in celebration, with his hands covering his head.

From the 2014-15 Bundesliga season to the 2016-17 Premier League season.

His coaching career seems to be entangled with Qin Ming; he encounters new shocks wherever he goes.

De Bruyne stared wide-eyed at Qin Ming and his teammates celebrating.

Similarly, Manchester City players and fans regained their long-lost confidence after the FA Cup victory over Arsenal.

If it weren't for the newly acquired goalkeeper Bravo being so lame.

They believe they are capable of competing for the Premier League title.

The team was showing signs of gaining momentum in the second half of the season, but Qin Ming brought it all back to reality.

After the game resumes.

Manchester City players weren't too affected, after all, they were beaten several times last year and had long since developed the ability to adjust themselves.

A different passing and control style from Arsenal's was showcased.

Guardiola divided the stadium into 20 zones, combining the "Golden 14" zone with the corresponding midfield area, and then dividing it into three, turning the original three horizontal zones into five zones.

The goal is to make better use of the space's width.

Manchester City players stay in their positions, unlike Arsenal who frequently make runs and change positions.

During the Dream Team II era.

Henry, who plays as a left winger, drifted to the right wing and combined with Messi to score a brilliant goal.

However, this unauthorized action drew Guardiola's displeasure.

He believed that Henry did not follow the tactical requirements according to his position and even substituted him prematurely.

3P!

These are tactics (play), possession (possession), and position (position).

This is Guardiola's core philosophy.

He values ​​players' positional awareness, believing that as long as they trust their teammates and patiently hold their positions, they will receive passes from their teammates. He also believes that players changing positions on their own will disrupt the original tactical plan.

This is why he believes Qin Ming is a better fit for Arsenal than Manchester City.

The 56th minute of the game.

Manchester City's players stood scattered across the pitch, connected by the ball like a wire.

They tore apart Arsenal's defense relentlessly.

Kante was running so hard his head was practically steaming, while Van Dijk kept observing and signaling to his teammates to adjust the defensive line's position.

Snapped!
The moment De Bruyne received the ball, he delivered a beautiful, curved cross with his right foot.

Let the football, like a soft sword, curve and pierce into the heart of Arsenal's territory.

Aguero was already in position there. He took the ball, turned, dribbled past Van Dijk, aimed at the goal, and unleashed a powerful shot!
"Aguero!"

With the commentator's shout, the football, like a cannonball, nestled into the goal, grazing the right post.

1-1! ! !

Manchester City fans have a renewed sense of hope.

Guardiola couldn't help but clench his fist and growl. After a season and a half of improvements, Manchester City was becoming more and more suited to his tactical philosophy.

"Aguero has scored the equalizer!"

"People say Arsenal is an invincible team, and no one can stop them!"

But Manchester City did it!

Before the commentator could even finish praising Qin Ming's shot, he, like the Manchester City fans, was startled by the shot.

The long-range shots, even those from over thirty meters, were powerful and had tricky angles.

Fortunately, Caballero lifted it up a bit.

The football hit the middle of the crossbar and bounced back, but was cleared by Otamendi who had rushed over.

The Emirates Stadium returned to the intense back-and-forth battle of the first half.

The 73th minute of the game.

Sanchez received the ball on the right flank and faced Clichy directly, but De Bruyne came to cover, forcing him to turn around.

But suddenly he raised his foot and caught Manchester City off guard.

The ball was passed across to Coquelin, who was making a forward run. Knowing that his playmaking skills were average, Coquelin did not let the ball linger at his feet for long.

He took a step forward and adjusted his posture.

Snapped!
He passed the ball straight to Cazorla, who had his back to goal.

Don't let him turn around!

Otamendi, knowing Cazorla's passing ability with both feet, hurriedly shouted.

But Cazorla never even considered turning around, instead spreading his legs to let the ball roll between his legs.

at the same time.

Qin Ming, who was originally on the left flank, suddenly cut in at an extremely fast speed.

Stones couldn't outrun Jesus, and neither could Jesus.

The two could only watch as Qin Ming received the ball and, in a brief moment of uninterrupted freedom, took a shot!
"Qin!!!"

Paul Dutton roared, his voice trailing off, as the score in the corner of the screen changed.

"Qin scores! His second goal! This goal was simple: a quick diagonal run, combined with excellent teamwork, directly tore apart Manchester City's defense!"

"Sanchez attracted the attention of several players on the wing!"

The Emirates Stadium was once again filled with the cheers of the Gunners, and Qin Ming laughed heartily and danced with his teammates.

tap dance!
Clap clap clap! Wenger gently clapped on the sidelines. Unlike Manchester City, Arsenal's goals were unpredictable, possessing a mysterious beauty.

With Manchester City, you can basically see who scores whenever the ball is in a certain area.

Wenger recalled how he felt on the bus.

proud!

Having regained the lead, Arsenal specifically intensified their pressing in midfield.

This prevents De Bruyne from easily delivering key passes.

Kante took "coverage" to the extreme, ensuring that Manchester City players could always see his short figure whenever they were attacking.

"They won! Arsenal have secured victory in the 31st round of the Premier League, completing their FA Cup revenge from February!"

"The Champions League resumes next week!"

"Arsenal will face Barcelona, ​​but everything is different now. Barcelona used to be Arsenal's nemesis!"

"Now Barcelona needs to figure out how to beat Arsenal!"

(End of this chapter)