After Paris Saint-Germain was removed from the list, I led England to victory!

In the second round of the Champions League group stage, Arsenal traveled to Bern to face Young Boys.

The air in Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is crisp and clear, characteristic of the foothills of the Alps.

The Van Köldöf Stadium, nestled amidst the mountains, is lit up.

Although it is far less grand and bustling than the Emirates Stadium, the blue star logo of the Champions League is enough to ignite passion in any corner.

In the stands, amidst a sea of ​​yellow and black, a small cluster of vibrant red and white stubbornly floated – those were the gun fans who had traveled with the team on their expedition.

During the pre-match warm-up, their loud singing pierced through the somewhat dull atmosphere of the home stadium.

The atmosphere in the players' tunnel was relaxed.

The Young Boys players looked serious, their eyes filled with a do-or-die determination to face a top Premier League team.

Arsenal players appeared much more composed after a thrilling North London derby massacre.

This group stage is more like a solid stepping stone to a higher goal.

"Hey, Yan," Ashraf nudged Yan Yuan beside him with his elbow and winked.

"See how nervous the opposing defenders are? I bet your goal tally will skyrocket tonight. Score a few more goals and your boss will give you a big bonus!" Ashraf made a money-counting gesture.

Yan Yuan smiled, straightened his sleeves, glanced at Bern's somewhat thin defense on the other side of the field, and said casually.

"Goal bonuses are based on skill, so I hope you can earn more in assist bonuses as well."

After saying that, he turned to Martin, who was standing in front of him in line.

"Damian, don't forget your clean sheet bonus, you'd better weld our goal shut."

"Don't worry, Yan, if you guys work a little harder tonight, I'll have to worry about whether I catch a cold," Big Martin joked back.

"Hahahahaha..." The Arsenal players burst into laughter.

The commentator's voice was broadcast live and transmitted globally.

Good evening, everyone! Welcome to the Van Köldöfländer Stadium in Bern, Switzerland! In the second round of the Champions League group stage, Swiss champions Young Boys host Premier League leaders Arsenal!

Arsenal thrashed Tottenham 5-0 in the just-concluded North London derby, their momentum unstoppable! Young Boys, struggling in the league, will face a huge challenge in securing points at home against the formidable Gunners! We can see both teams' players have entered the field!

Arsenal fielded their familiar 4-2-3-1 formation.

However, there have been some changes in personnel.

Today, Rodri and Maddison partnered in the double pivot, Yan Yuan played on the right wing, Iwobi played in the attacking midfield position that Odegaard usually plays, Lacazette played on the left, and Aubameyang played up front.

In defense, Pepe will rest for this match, while Monreal and Kolasinac will form the central defensive pairing.

As always, Professor Wenger stood in front of the away team's bench, his hands in his trench coat pockets, his gaze calmly fixed on the pitch behind his glasses.

"Beep—!"

The referee blew his whistle, and the match began!

Unlike their "play it safe first, then unleash your full potential" approach in the Premier League, Arsenal showed their fangs from the start, directly transplanting the high-intensity pressing honed in the North London derby to the Swiss highlands.

The ball had barely been passed around twice in Young Boys' backfield when Arsenal's attacking players pounced like wolves smelling blood.

It came hurtling in!

Aubameyang and Lacazette formed the first line of defense.

They precisely cut off the forward passing routes of the opponent's two center-backs from the left and right, forcing them to pass sideways or back.

Iwobi, playing as an attacking midfielder, was like a perpetual motion machine, firmly holding off Young Boys Bern's deep-lying midfielder Fasnacht, preventing him from turning around and organizing the attack.

Even more deadly are the flanks.

Yan Yuan formed a close partnership with Madison, who was positioned further forward and had high mobility, on the right flank.

The two players, like a pair of open scissors, tightly clamped down on any possible connection between Bern's left-back Mbabu and the defensive midfielder and center-back.

Lacazette on the left wing did the same, working with the defensive midfielder to shut down the right wing.

The commentator immediately grasped Arsenal's strategic intentions:

"Arsenal's high press was very targeted! It was very layered! From the front line to the midfield, it was like an impenetrable net covering Young Boys' backfield passing points!"

Look at their left-back Mbabu, he has almost no forward passing options!

They could only keep passing back to the goalkeeper or making hasty clearances! This level of pressing was executed according to the standards of a top team against a weaker opponent!

Yes, the professor's tactics in this game were not going to be ruthless; he wanted his guys to rack up huge stats.

The effect is immediate.

Young Boys Bern's entire backfield fell into chaos and stagnation.

Goalkeeper Von Balmos, facing blocks from Aubameyang and Lacazette, dared not make a short pass after receiving the ball.

All they could do was kick the ball forward repeatedly.

However, his long passes, lacking precision, were tantamount to giving away possession to Arsenal center-backs Monreal and Kolasinac.

Monreal, in particular, has continued his excellent form from last time.

Like a stabilizing force, it accurately predicts the landing point time and time again.

Use your head or a clean, decisive positioning to intercept the ball and secure the first point of the high ball that the opponent has worked so hard to deliver.

Kolasinac, with his strong physique, was responsible for battling and clearing the second ball.

"It's Monreal again! A precise header clearance! He did an excellent job protecting the area in front of the penalty area today!" the commentator exclaimed.

The young men of Bern attempted to steal a chicken through sporadic counterattacks.

In the 9th minute, they made a rare move to advance the ball into Arsenal's half, with striker Niamariu attempting to use his physicality to outmaneuver Kolasinac.

But this tough guy from Pochettino refused to give an inch, holding his position firmly and using his strong body to steal the ball.

The ball reached Rodri's feet, and the midfield maestro immediately delivered a concise and quick through pass, finding Iwobi in the attacking third, and the counter-attack was instantly formed!

Unfortunately, the final pass was a little too long and was caught by the onrushing goalkeeper, but it was enough to give the Bernese players a scare.

Arsenal had over 75% possession, with the ball almost entirely rolling in the opponent's half.

However, Young Boys Bern's defense was pushed to its limit and rendered extremely passive.

However, by accumulating numbers and standing in close formation, they built a somewhat chaotic but temporarily unbreakable wall within the restricted area.

Bernie seems determined to block as many angles as possible, even if Arsenal are allowed to shoot, while also relying on the goalkeeper's performance.

"Arsenal are dominating, but Young Boys' defense is very tight and hasn't given them any clear-cut chances yet. Let's see how the Gunners break through this dense defense..." The commentator analyzed the situation on the field.

The continued oppression is like a rope that is constantly being tightened.

Facing Arsenal's suffocating pressure, Young Boys Bern were on edge.

Any minor mistake can be magnified infinitely.

In the 18th minute, Arsenal's sharpest tactical fangs instantly pierced through the seemingly tenacious defense!

Arsenal once again launched a pressing attack near midfield.

This forced Bern's left-back, Mbabu, to be unable to advance.

Therefore, the only option was to try to pass the ball to the defensive midfielder Fasnacht, who was tucking in to receive it.

However, Mbabu's passes were too weak and his intended routes were too obvious!

Madison, who had been actively supporting from the left midfield area and had developed a tacit understanding with Yan Yuan, was like a lurking cheetah, keenly seizing this mistake!

He nimbly darted forward, stretched out his long leg, and precisely intercepted the ball mid-air.

"Interception! Madison! Beautiful interception! Counter-attack opportunity!"

Madison didn't pause at all after intercepting the ball; he didn't even look up to check his teammates' positions.

Because he knew that one person would definitely be in the most dangerous position!

He leaned against the opposing player who was rushing back to intercept, turned his body slightly, and used the outside of his right foot to push the ball forward.

The ball, like a sharp blade drawn from its sheath, pierced through the flanks that the young Bernese had been trying to build but had become loose due to the disruption.

The pass was perfect, with a precise trajectory and just the right amount of power, tearing apart the opponent's defense!

The moment Madison intercepted the ball, number 7 had already started moving!

Yan Yuan was not offside.

The moment Maddison passed the ball, he had already shaken off Bern's left center-back von Bergen, who was trying to create an offside trap, by half a body length.

He was like a bolt of lightning, darting diagonally into the heart of the opponent's penalty area.

"Yan Yuan!! Offside trap! One-on-one opportunity!!"

Von Balmos abandoned his goal and attacked.

But Yan Yuan was frighteningly calm.

Facing the onrushing goalkeeper, he took several long strides and dribbled the ball into the right side of the penalty area.

Yan Yuan even had time to adjust his footwork while dribbling at high speed.

With the instep of his right foot aimed at the inside of the far post, he unleashed a low, powerful shot with impeccable angle and power!

The ball skimmed along the grass, fast as the wind, and precisely bypassed the goalkeeper's fingertips as he desperately dived down!

"GOOOOOOALLLLLL!!! Yan Yuan!!!" The commentator drew out the words, igniting the entire audience!

"In the 18th minute! Arsenal took a 1-0 lead away from home! This perfectly illustrates what it means to press to create mistakes and then quickly turn the game around to deliver a fatal blow."

Maddison's through ball after intercepting the ball was perfectly timed, with impeccable power and trajectory!

Yan Yuan's positioning skills are world-class.

He keenly sensed a crack in the opponent's defense, his timing perfect, like a precision machine! His final shot was calm and composed! Typical top-class striker style! Arsenal's attacking efficiency is too high!

Gun enthusiasts who had traveled from afar were thrilled.

They jumped and sang Yan Yuan's name.

Yan Yuan opened his arms and ran towards the corner flag area, a confident smile on his face, and high-fived and hugged Madison, Iwobi and others who rushed over to celebrate.

Professor Wenger clapped softly on the sidelines, his eyes filled with admiration for his students' precise execution of the tactical requirements.

The professor likes this simple and efficient way of scoring goals.

This goal conceded was, to some extent, a mistake.

This broke down the already fragile psychological defenses of Bern's young people.

Their formation began to break down, and their morale was clearly dampened.

Arsenal capitalized on the opponent's momentary lapse in concentration, launching another attack just seven minutes later.

This time, the goal stemmed from a solid backline defense that instantly transformed into a sharp attack in the front.

Young Boys Bern attempted to salvage their pride after conceding a goal due to a turnover.

They made a rare move by advancing the ball to the edge of Arsenal's penalty area.

Forward Ebisej received the ball with his back to goal on the left side of the penalty arc and attempted to turn and dribble into the penalty area.

But the experienced veteran Monreal saw the opportunity first.

He seized the moment when Ebisej turned his back and adjusted his center of gravity, and decisively went for the steal.

A perfectly timed tackle and interception! He cleanly and decisively poked the ball away from Ebisch's feet!

"Monreal, a crucial steal! Clean and crisp!" the commentator exclaimed.

The ball rolled to Rodri's feet.

The Spanish defensive midfielder is the linchpin of Arsenal's backline; he can instantly spot the huge gap in the backline when the opponent pushes forward.

Without the slightest hesitation, Rodri, with his signature wide vision, adjusted his position and delivered a long pass that spanned half the field.

The ball, like a cruise missile, accurately found striker Aubameyang, who had dropped back to the center circle to provide support.

Aubameyang demonstrated his top-notch playmaking ability.

With his back to the direction of the attack, he met the incoming ball with a skillful chest control, gently stopping it in front of him.

At the same time, he used his body to firmly hold off the opposing center-back who was closing in.

Before the ball had even fully landed, Aubameyang deftly flicked it with the back of his left foot, as if he had eyes!

He precisely tapped the ball into the open space behind him where a high-speed runner was closing in.

Madison.

He made a full-speed forward run from Aubameyang's side.

He perfectly received Aubameyang's imaginative backheel pass!

He was now facing a wide-open space. After taking a couple of steps to adjust, he quickly dribbled the ball toward the edge of the penalty area.

"Madison! Push down the middle! An opportunity!"

Young Boys Bern's defense was instantly torn apart by Aubameyang's support and Maddison's forward runs.

The defenders tried to surround them in time, but it was too late!

Madison dribbled the ball to the right side of the edge of the penalty area, where his right foot was his golden shooting foot.

He barely made any adjustments, aimed the outside of his left foot at the lower middle part of the ball, swung his leg, and curled the shot.

A magnificent inward-swirl arc streaked across the sky.

With intense spin, it flew straight into the top left corner of the goal!

Goalkeeper Von Balmos leaped into the air and his fingertips seemed to touch the ball, but the arc was too tricky and full of power!

"GOOOOOOOOOOOOALLLLLL!!! Maddison's first Champions League goal!!!" The commentators went wild again! "A stunning world-class goal, Arsenal 2-0! Another quick counter-attack! From Monreal's calm interception to Rodri's precise long pass, and then to Aubameyang's exquisite backheel assist!"

Madison's final, signature curling shot was a work of art! A perfect combination of power and angle!

Bern's goalkeeper was helpless, and Arsenal's attacking play was fluid and seamless! A two-goal lead essentially sealed the game!

Madison excitedly rushed to the corner flag area and slid down to celebrate.

His teammates rushed over and hugged him.

On the sidelines, Professor Wenger also had a very satisfied expression on his face.

With two goals in hand, Arsenal controlled the tempo with ease.

They no longer pursue extreme pressing, but instead firmly maintain possession of the ball and patiently look for opportunities.

To firmly grasp the initiative in the game is like a skilled chess player controlling the chessboard.

The confusion and frustration on the faces of the Young Boys players became increasingly apparent.

Their defensive system, on which they had always relied, seemed to be riddled with holes in the face of Arsenal's multi-pronged attack.

Basically, it's about patching up the leaks here and there.

In the 38th minute, Arsenal found another scoring opportunity through patient passing.

Achraf receives the ball on the right wing.

Young Boys Bern's defensive focus shifted somewhat towards Yan Yuan, having already suffered a loss against him once.

Ashraf keenly sensed this sliver of space.

He decisively started his run, using his explosive power and speed advantage to go straight to the bottom.

His breakthrough drew the attention of the opposing left-back Mbabu and midfielder Gro, who double-teamed him.

He was near the baseline, facing a double-team.

Instead of forcing a cross or taking a risky cut inside, he cleverly passed the ball back.

A perfectly executed triangular back pass!

The ball rolled quickly along the grass towards the area between the penalty arc and the penalty spot.

The player who made the run to receive the pass was attacking midfielder Iwobi.

This Nigerian international possesses exceptional creativity and a cool head in this region.

Facing the incoming ball, he didn't stop it, but instead feigned a right-footed shot!

This realistic feint instantly shifted the center of gravity of the Bern Youngsters' defensive midfielder, Rusten, who had rushed forward.

The defender's body unconsciously assumed a posture to block the long-range shot.

Just as the opponent shifted their weight, Iwobi subtly flicked his right ankle!

It wasn't a shot on goal.

Instead, it's a lob pass!

The ball, with a subtle arc, gracefully flew over the heads of the dense crowd in front of the penalty area.

In the left corner of the penalty area, a figure suddenly cut in from the side.

Aubameyang was right there, and he precisely shook off the center-back von Bergen who had been marking him.

Ball here! Player here!

In an instant, Aubameyang hadn't even fully adjusted his pace.

Facing the descending ball, he leaned slightly to the side and used the outside of his right foot to execute an unconventional but extremely precise volley.

The movements were incredibly light and the angles were tricky!

"Thump!" The ball went into the net.

Von Balmos was still standing there, with no time to react at all!

"GOOOOOOALLLLL!!! Aubameyang!!! 3-0! Iwobi's fake shot and real pass fooled everyone! Aubameyang's run and tap-in were delicate and deadly! Arsenal established an unshakeable advantage in the first half! Before halftime, Arsenal were already 3-0 up against Bern!!!" The commentator was running out of words.

Arsenal fans on the road cheered loudly, their voices ringing out in the otherwise quiet Van Köldorf Stadium.

Aubameyang pointed to the sky in celebration, and Iwobi happily ran over to hug him.

Yan Yuan also smiled and clapped.

The remainder of the first half ended with both teams engaging in uneventful offense and defense.

Arsenal beat Young Boys 3-0 away from home.

This was a perfect first half!