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

Liverpool in June.

The empty stands made this football mecca, famous for its powerful rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone," appear exceptionally spacious and quiet.

The once notorious "devil's home ground" in Europe has become much gentler today.

Although there were no spectators, Liverpool still covered the seats with flags in an attempt to create a virtual sense of presence.

But once you actually step into this place, the oppressive feeling emanating from 90,000 people disappears.

However, for Arsenal playing away, the match against Liverpool, whether or not there are spectators, is destined to be a tough battle.

The atmosphere in the locker room was heavy.

Nagelsmann is making final preparations.

"Listen, guys," his voice was exceptionally clear in the silent space.

"Liverpool won't be less motivated by playing in an empty stadium. On the contrary, they'll be even more eager to inspire their fans far away with a victory. Klopp's high pressing and quick counter-attacks might be executed even more precisely in a quiet environment. We need to be extremely focused!"

He focused on the defense: "Pepe, Van Dijk and Matip are very aggressive, you and Upamecano need to hold them off."

Midfielders Declan and Martin, Rodri, be quick in interceptions and passing! Up front, Yan, capitalize on the gaps when they push forward!

"Understood, boss!" the team members replied in unison, their eyes filled with fighting spirit.

As expected, Liverpool launched a fierce attack from the start of the match.

There were no fans shouting, but the shouts between Liverpool players, the sound of cleats scraping the turf, and Klopp's passionate roars from the sidelines formed a new background sound at Anfield.

In the 18th minute, Liverpool took the initiative.

Robertson made a high-speed run down the left flank, received a pass from Henderson, and delivered a precise cross.

The ball bypassed Gabriel at the near post, and Salah appeared like a ghost at the far post, sending the ball into the net with a very difficult volley before Tierney could block it!

1-0!

"Salah! Beautiful goal! Liverpool take the lead at home!" Although there were no cheers, the commentator's voice was still full of passion.

Arsenal did not panic after conceding the goal. Under Yan Yuan's leadership, they patiently organized their attack and looked for opportunities.

In the 35th minute, Rice made a clean tackle in midfield, taking the ball from Fabinho's feet and quickly passing it to Yan Yuan on the right wing.

After receiving the ball, Yan Yuan, facing Robertson's defense, first pretended to cut inside, then suddenly flicked the ball outwards, using his explosive power to forcefully overtake and reach the byline!

Near the byline, instead of crossing, he unexpectedly fired a low shot into the near corner from a tight angle!

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson was clearly unprepared.

The ball slipped under his arm and into the goal! 1-1!

"Yan Yuan delivered a brilliant individual performance! He responded to Salah in his famous style! Arsenal have successfully equalized! Although there are no spectators in the stadium today, it doesn't diminish the excitement of this match!!" the commentator exclaimed.

After scoring, Yan Yuan rushed towards the corner flag.

He made his signature gesture of spreading his arms wide to listen to the cheers from the empty stands. Although there was no response, his aura of self-assurance was still dazzling.

His teammates rushed over and gave him high-fives in celebration.

The game then became a stalemate, with both sides exchanging attacks and defenses, and the midfield battles were extremely intense.

Arsenal's Pepe has expended a lot of energy in numerous duels with Liverpool forwards Mane and Firmino.

Pepe is 36 years old this year.

Even among the older defenders, he is considered an older player.

Before the end of the first half, after a clearance, Pepe was clearly exhausted, bending over and supporting his knees as he gasped for breath.

Back in the locker room, Pepe's condition became even more apparent.

After examining Nagelsmann, the team doctor whispered to him:

"Julian, Pepe's muscles are a bit tight and he's very fatigued. There's a risk of injury if he continues with high-intensity play in the second half."

Nagelsmann nodded; he already had a plan in mind.

He first called Peipei aside.

"Pepe, you did very well in the first half, thank you for your hard work, but you need to protect your physical condition, so rest in the second half."

Pepe nodded understandingly, though she was unwilling.

Then, Nagelsmann turned his gaze to Saliba, who was sitting in the corner.

He walked over and gestured for Saliba to follow him to the passageway outside the locker room, where it was relatively quiet.

"William," Nagelsmann's voice was calm, but his eyes were sharp, "you'll come on in the second half, replacing Pepe."

Saliba took a deep breath, nodded, his eyes showing both anticipation and a hint of barely perceptible nervousness.

After all, this was his first start in such an important match since experiencing a major family upheaval, even though he was brought on as a substitute midway through the game against the formidable Liverpool.

Nagelsmann patted him on the shoulder, his tone full of trust and guidance.

"Listen, kid. I know what you've been through, and I've seen how you and your teammates have been training lately."

You've recovered very well, but I don't have any unrealistic expectations of you. Just bring out the level you're at in training.

Just like you usually do at Colney, focus on defense and play the ball calmly. Liverpool's forwards are fast and cunning. If you encounter a ball that you find very difficult or impossible to handle, don't try to force it. Trust your teammates, especially Yan and your captain.

Give him the ball, let him solve the problem. You don't need to shoulder all the pressure alone, understand?

These words were like a warm current flowing into Saliba's heart.

Nagelsmann did not pressure Saliba to perform perfectly, but instead gave him a clear, actionable role and a solid support system.

He nodded vigorously, his eyes hardening. "I understand, boss. I'll do my best for the team."

"Okay! Go ahead and get ready." Nagelsmann smiled with satisfaction.

The second half began with Saliba entering the game.

The vast emptiness of Anfield made every touch of the ball and every shout exceptionally clear.

Liverpool's attack remained fierce, with Mane and Salah frequently switching positions and attacking Arsenal's defense.

Saliba's first test was coming soon.

Liverpool launched a long pass to Mane, and Saliba quickly moved up to mark him closely.

Mane tried to break free with speed and a change of direction, but Saliba held his position firmly and successfully cleared the ball out of bounds.

After completing his defense, he heard Yan Yuan's clear voice behind him.

"Well done, William! Stay focused!"

Yan Yuan had been paying close attention to his teammates' performance.

This successful defense greatly boosted Saliba's confidence.

Subsequently, during a corner kick defense, he accurately judged the landing point and overpowered Firmino to head the ball out of the danger zone.

Nagelsmann kept a close eye on Saliba's every move from the sidelines.

He observed that although Saliba occasionally showed signs of nervousness, his overall performance was composed, his defensive positioning was reasonable, and his passing was decisive.

More importantly, he also saw the unseen support that Yan Yuan and his teammates were giving to Saliba.

For example, Yan Yuan would often drop back to receive passes, and Odegaard and Xhaka would also actively move closer to provide passing options. Arsenal's entire defensive system was still functioning smoothly and did not become chaotic due to the changes in the back line.

This also stems from Saliba's outstanding talent and his well-adjusted mindset.

After the 70th minute, both sides' stamina declined, and the game became more open.

Liverpool had a golden opportunity when Salah cut inside and shot, but the ball went just wide of the far post!

Arsenal retaliated, with Rice intercepting the ball and launching a quick counter-attack. He passed the ball to Yan Yuan, who spotted Odegaard's forward run and delivered a surgical through ball. Unfortunately, Odegaard's shot was too straight and was caught by Alisson.

Time passed second by second.

Just when the match seemed destined to end in a draw, the decisive moment arrived.

In the 84th minute, Liverpool's attack failed, and the ball was caught by Arsenal goalkeeper Martinez.

Instead of launching a long ball, Martinez calmly tossed it to Saliba, who had dropped back to the edge of the penalty area.

This is a transfer of trust.

This pass has been practiced many times in training.

Saliba memorized it.

He had already spotted the open space ahead before receiving the ball.

Without hesitation, Saliba, facing the pressing Henderson, used a simple dribbling turn to calmly pass the ball to the unmarked Ashraf on the right flank!

This was the first crucial pass, showcasing Saliba's composure and vision.

After receiving the ball, Ashraf used his speed to advance at high speed along the sideline!

After drawing Robertson's defense, he didn't try to score himself, but instead passed the ball across to Rodri, who was transitioning from defense to attack in the middle!

This was the second crucial pass, demonstrating the full-back's tactical discipline and decision-making.

Rice received the ball in midfield, attracting the attention of Fabinho and Thiago.

He saw Yan Yuan rapidly advancing on his left!

Rodri delivered a precise long diagonal pass, finding Yan Yuan!

This was the third key pass; Rodri's switch of the ball tore apart Liverpool's midfield defense.

"A clever transition between attack and defense!! Saliba's quick pass and Arsenal's midfielder's fast and accurate decision-making created this opportunity. Let's see if they can seize it!" the commentator exclaimed.

Yan Yuan controlled the ball near the left byline, at which point Liverpool's defensive focus was completely drawn to him.

Van Dijk stepped forward to block him, preventing him from cutting inside and shooting.

But Yan Yuan's gaze was fixed on the forbidden area!

He saw a figure quietly moving forward.

It was Saliba!

After completing the first pass, Saliba did not stay in the backfield, but followed the tactical plan and decisively moved forward to participate in the attack!

In a split second, Yan Yuan made the right choice.

Instead of forcing a shot or a cross, he used the outside of his right foot to deliver an extremely concealed and incredibly fast low cross!

The ball skimmed along the grass, precisely bypassing all the defenders at the near post, and swept across the six-yard box line!

Just along the path the ball was rolling, Saliba arrived in a flash!

With almost no adjustment, relying on his striker's instinct, he met the incoming ball near the penalty spot and fired a shot with the instep of his right foot!

The ball flew like a cannonball, heading straight for the top right corner of the goal!

The angle is extremely tricky!

Alisson made a save attempt, but he was helpless against the shot!

Goal! 2-1!

"Goooooooooooooal!!! Willian Saliba!!!! Arsenal's new defender gets an assist from his captain and scores a crucial goal in his career!!!" The commentator's roar broke the silence at Anfield!

"An unbelievable goal! A perfect team play! From the back to the front, Saliba initiated the attack and finished the game himself! Arsenal have taken the lead in the final moments!"

The entire Arsenal bench erupted in cheers!

The players and coaches rushed to the sidelines to celebrate wildly!

On the field, Saliba, who scored the goal, froze for a second, seemingly unable to believe it.

Immediately, he was overwhelmed by immense joy and a sense of liberation!

He sprinted towards the corner flag area, excitedly slid down to his knees in celebration, and roared to the sky!

At that moment, Saliba released all the gloom and pain that had been building up in his heart for the past few months with this shout!

The first person to rush to his side was Yan Yuan.

Yan Yuan hugged Saliba, patted his back hard, and shouted in his ear.

"You did it! William! You did it! That's amazing!"

Immediately afterwards, all of his teammates rushed over, surrounded Saliba, patted his head and shoulder, and shared his joy.

This goal was not just a winning goal, but a perfect story about courage, trust, and team support.

In the following minutes, Liverpool launched a furious counterattack, but Arsenal, united as one, withstood the pressure.

When the referee blows the final whistle.

Arsenal players celebrated their hard-fought victory in an empty Anfield stadium.

All the team members surrounded Saliba.

Aubameyang wrapped his arms around his neck, Xhaka ruffled his hair, and Odegaard and Saka bounced around him.

A long-lost, genuine, radiant smile bloomed on Saliba's face.

That smile contained the joy of victory, the release of pressure, and deep gratitude for his teammates.

Through this victory and that crucial goal, he truly emerged from the shadows and rediscovered his love and confidence in football.

Nagelsmann stood aside, watching Saliba surrounded by his teammates, and a gratified smile appeared on his face as he looked at his beloved disciple laughing.

This team will become more united and stronger after going through a special test.

Saliba achieved his own redemption.