Chapter 1 The Champions League Draw

The draw for the 2016/17 Champions League group stage came to an end.

It finished a little later than usual.

Li Kang held the heavy trophy and took a simple photo with several old rivals before preparing to meet up with club staff.

The player representatives of the 32 clubs... it was difficult to recognize some of them.

After all, not everyone has the recognizable features of Bale or Mbappé...

He didn't see Messi.

The superstar's old adductor injury had flared up again, and it was unknown whether he would be able to play in the first round of the Champions League group stage.

"Li, Leverkusen used the money you left behind to buy several players this summer. Advancing won't be a big problem."

"Maybe we can meet in the knockout stage."

Brandt said confidently.

It was true. Leverkusen were not restricted by the 50+1 rule in the Bundesliga. With two hundred million in hand, they went on a buying spree.

€8 million to bring back Mario Balotelli from Liverpool, who had been "silent for many years."

€1 million to bring Dimitar Berbatov back to North Rhine.

€15 million to bring Javier Hernández from Manchester United, who was "underutilized."

A free signing of Klose...

€40 million to bring David Luiz from Paris Saint-Germain.

All reinforcements for the front line and defense.

As for midfield...

These days, it's hard to find excellent midfield stars even if you have the money.

João Mário, who they finally had their eye on... joined Inter Milan.

There was no other way.

Völler gritted his teeth and spent a staggering €68 million to bring James Rodríguez from Real Madrid, who had been "abandoned!"

The summer transfer window was not yet over.

The media reporters were very much looking forward to Leverkusen's next transfer moves.

....

On the return flight.

Wenger wore his glasses, holding a book in his hand.

He was not only thinking about personnel rotations for the upcoming matches... the new Premier League season roster would be updated around September 11.

Arsenal still had plenty of time to bring in and sell players.

But who else could they buy?

The strongest player was already in the squad!

Li Kang was watching Hull City's game.

Before the Gunners faced the Red Devils, they had to meet the challenge of the Tigers.

Hull City had shown themselves to be a dark horse this season.

Thanks to Maguire's outstanding performance.

They had successively defeated Leicester City and Swansea in the first two rounds of the Premier League, currently tied for first place on the league table with the Premier League Big 5!

The bookmakers were so frightened that they quickly lowered Hull City's odds of winning the title to 1000:1.

.....

Four days later.

The Premier League match day came again.

Emirates Stadium.

A sea of people, every seat filled.

Red and white scarves and team flags formed the most beautiful waves in the bowl-shaped stands.

The mascot, Gunnersaurus, was interacting wildly with the fans on the sidelines.

"ESPN! ESPN! Good evening, viewers."

"We are now broadcasting the third round of the 2016/17 Premier League season."

"Arsenal at home against Hull City!"

"Everyone should remember the FA Cup final two years ago, when the Gunners reversed the situation against the Tigers! Ending their nine-year title drought."

"I am the commentator for this match, Zhan Jun!"

"Let's take a look at the starting lineups for both sides."

"Arsenal have made significant personnel changes! Perhaps in consideration of preparing for the Champions League."

"Wenger has lined up in a 4-4-2 formation!"

"Goalkeeper:..."

....

"Hull City's owner wants to transfer the club to a mysterious consortium from the Eastern country."

"There are four Asian faces in the stands wearing yellow and black scarves!"

"To negotiate a good price, take a look at this game!"

"After being promoted to the Premier League, Hull City not only had their head coach driven away by the club owner's son, but also sold many core players!"

"The players on the field are wearing numbers with large digits!"

"The interim coach is Mike Phelan! Formerly Ferguson's assistant!"

"They have lined up in a 4-3-3 formation!"

"Goalkeeper: Jakupović!"

"Defenders: Elmohamady, Maguire, Davies, Robertson!"

"Midfielders: Huddlestone, Clucas, Meyler!"

"Forwards: Diomande, Mbokani, Mason!"

....

Although Hull City is a Premier League "yo-yo club."

But their youth training is good.

Many young players have performed very well in past matches.

After the opening whistle sounded.

The Tigers, who won the ball, frantically attacked Arsenal's half of the field.

The head coach, Mike Phelan, had an illegally aggressive tactic.

No matter who the opponent was, there was no such thing as defensive counterattack in his dictionary.

After the ball crossed the midfield line, it was immediately transferred to the wing, and the entire army pressed forward.

....

"Young player Mason's ball has been intercepted!"

"The person who completed this defense is Ramsey!"

After Ramsey exploded at the European Cup, he seemed to have lost a lap.

He wasn't injured either.

He still needed time to regain his form.

He passed the ball to Arsenal's number 10 as soon as possible.

Li Kang instantly found the most suitable counterattack passing route.

Snap!

A through ball like a sharp blade cut through Hull City's half.

Morata took the lead!

Seeing that he was about to receive the ball and form a one-on-one!

Islington fans couldn't help cheering and shouting.

A burly figure with a large head ended the Gunners' thoughts!

"Maguire!"

"This frontal interception was completed very well!"

"It stifled Arsenal's fast break!"

"A very typical heavy center-back, even Morata would have difficulty gaining the upper hand!"

...

Morata was slightly surprised.

The big guy in front of him, who looked simple and honest, had such a strong defensive positioning, close-quarters awareness, and prediction of the ball's path?

Did a Championship promoted team have such a talented center-back?

Speaking of one-on-one ability.

He almost caught up with Juventus' defensive lineup.

Gradually.

Under the encirclement of Hull City's returning players.

The Spanish striker had to pass the ball back to the rear.

Arsenal reorganized their attack.

....

Time passed quickly.

Until the end of the first half.

Arsenal, who had made large-scale rotations, did not have many opportunities to threaten Hull City's goal.

Maguire, protected by two defensive midfielders, was like a god descending to earth, repeatedly defusing dangerous situations.

"Arsenal can't open up the situation."

"This starting lineup is not enough to support them to play their best passing game."

"Giroud, Sánchez, Cazorla and others are still sitting on the bench!"

"New signing Xhaka has been banned!"

"If this game is a draw, the Premier League standings will... alas, other games taking place at the same time are also upsetting!"

....

Li Kang didn't find anything special about Hull City's tactics.

It was a very traditional English style of play.

Even if the midfield and frontcourt were disconnected, the opponent's two defensive midfielders were still actively defending.

Forcing without tackling.

Protecting the defense line to the greatest extent.

68th minute of the match.

Arsenal youngster Holding moved forward to participate in the attack.

Li Kang received a pass from Ramsey in the rib area.

Left-footed 45-degree cross!

The ball drew a graceful arc in the air, falling sharply into Hull City's penalty area!

Morata and Holding jumped at the same time!

"Double ghosts knock on the door!"

"Maguire's big head cleared the ball again!"

"Terrifying hang time!"

"Oh? The referee has blown his whistle!"

"Penalty!"

....

Finally.

Arsenal 1:0 Hull City at home.

Wenger looked at the opponent's big-headed center-back, his expression tangled, as if he was hesitating about something.