The Godfather of Football

“..Liverpool launched an attack again, still choosing to play on the right, Kuyt took the ball and made a cross.”

“Crouch is in the penalty area, Kolo Toure is suppressed behind him, beautiful, this stop is very stable, and he is going to turn around.”

“Danger, Crouch turned around, left foot, directly shot!!”

“The ball went in!!!”

“Crouch scored!!!!”

“This is Crouch’s third goal in this game, he performed a hat trick at Anfield!”

“This is definitely Crouch’s best performance since joining Liverpool. He scored three goals for Liverpool with his head and feet, helping Liverpool Liverpool temporarily leads Arsenal 4:1 at home! "

"We must see that Liverpool's overall offensive and defensive operations in this game are very good. Not only Crouch, but also the two wingers Kuyt and Pennant, as well as the double defensive midfielder combination of Mohamed Sissoko and Xavi Alonso behind them, have shown very strong strength!"

After Crouch rushed to the sidelines to celebrate after scoring a goal, the team leader Gerrard, who was wearing the captain's armband, just ran over to celebrate with the tall English man, but his expression looked indescribably lonely, because this team's big victory had nothing to do with him personally.

Even vaguely, he had a feeling that when Benitez arranged the tactics, he not only fooled Arsenal and Wenger, but also fooled him, the captain of the Red Army.

In this game, Liverpool's starting lineup is 4231 tactics. The back line is no different from usual, but the double defensive midfielder is a combination of Mohamed Sissoko and Xabi Alonso, the front court is Pennant, Gerrard and Kuyt, and the single striker is Crouch, which is not too strange.

If we look at it simply, there is almost no problem with this tactic, because liberating Gerrard has always been the call of Liverpool fans and the media. Even in the past period of time, when Liverpool has performed poorly in the FA Cup and the league, many people think that Gerrard should be liberated.

Benitez did liberate Gerrard in this game, but only Gerrard himself was on the court. After playing for a full 90 minutes, he could deeply feel that he was excluded from the operation of the team.

Speaking of defense, Liverpool's defense in this game is more based on Xabi Alonso's backward position, intercepting the opponent's passing route, and Mohamed Sissoko's coverage and scrambling.

In this game, Arsenal's main defensive midfielder Gilberto Silva was injured in the national team game, which directly led to Arsenal having to line up Arteta and Diaby's double midfield combination in this game, but these two players were completely suppressed in front of Xabi Alonso and Mohamed Sissoko.

In defense, Gerrard also retreated frequently, but his role in defense was not obvious at all, or it cannot be said that it was not obvious, because Arsenal was indeed disturbed by him. It can only be said that there was less coordination and interaction between him and his teammates.

In offense, Liverpool's offense mainly hit the two flanks, or directly went to Crouch through Xabi Alonso, which is why Crouch's performance in this game was very eye-catching and performed a hat trick.

In the team's four goals, Gerrard did not participate in the operation process of even one goal. All of them were either on the flanks or directly looking for Crouch, which had nothing to do with him.

But this does not mean that Gerrard can be used. Liverpool can beat Arsenal directly with 10 vs 11. It is because Benítez is more like using Gerrard as a cover, using him to play as a front midfielder, attack the opponent's midfield and defense, share the defensive pressure for teammates, and attract Arsenal's defensive attention.

Everyone knows that Gerrard is the captain of Liverpool, the leader of the team, and the core. Who would have thought that in such a game, Liverpool's tactics were not played around Gerrard, but around Crouch.

Four goals, from the starting point to the process to the end, Gerrard did not participate. What does this show?

This shows that he was excluded from the team's offensive tactics and routines!

Of course, this is done because the team also has Xavi Alonso and Crouch in front, so it can make a direct transition from the back line to the front line, and miss the midfield link. If you really want to go to the midfield, go to the wing.

What made Gerrard even more disappointed and even a little annoyed was that the team played incredible offense and defense in this game. Although the routine was somewhat mechanical, it was very efficient, continuously delivering shells forward and creating opportunities, while Arsenal's defense was incredibly weak.

Gerrard walked back slowly, passing by the home team's coaching bench on the way, and glanced at the fat man in front of the coaching bench. He had no expression, and always had a calm expression that made people wonder if he was a robot. He also seemed not to be happy about the team's victory over Arsenal, as if all of this had been calculated in his calculations.

Gerrard was also a little panicked, because he wondered if he would become a dispensable person in the team if he really played like this? Would he be excluded from the team as a whole by his teammates and the head coach?

If Gerrard had heard what Ye Qiu said to Yaya Toure before, he would not have such worries, because in Benitez's tactics, Liverpool's offensive and defensive system is indeed composed of ten people, because there is a Xabi Alonso and a Crouch in his team.

In other words, even without Gerrard, Liverpool's offensive and defensive system can operate smoothly, and Gerrard's role is that he can decide what to do on the court based on his understanding of the situation on the court and his analysis of the team's offense and defense to help the team maximize its goals.

It's like the team wants to attack, and Gerrard has nothing to do with the whole process. All he needs to consider is how to use his back-ins and running positions, and use his personal ability to influence the defensive players, forcing the opponent to send someone to mark him.

If the defender marks Gerrard, it means that there will be fewer people to mark his teammates, and with Gerrard's influence and strength, there will definitely be more than one person. Other defensive players will also pay attention to him, and he can play a role in echoing and supporting his teammates.

If the defense does not mark Gerrard, or his teammates create loopholes in the front of the penalty area through their own offensive routines, and Gerrard also runs to the right position, then the rest of the things will be simple, and his teammates will pass the ball to Gerrard, and then use Gerrard to make the final blow.

This is the so-called 10+1 tactic!

One of the important reasons why Gerrard did not perform in this game is that Gilberto Silva was not there, which gave Crouch a lot of room to move in front of the defense line. In addition, Arsenal's two central midfielders were not strong in themselves, and the overall situation was passive. In the end, the Gunners were beaten badly at Anfield.

Wenger stood on the sidelines, looking at the Liverpool players who returned to the field after celebrating wildly on the sidelines with a gloomy face, listening to the deafening, almost crazy shouts of Liverpool fans next to his ears. He was not completely unprepared for this game, because Benitez was definitely a headache opponent.

Even Ye Qiu, who led the powerful Chelsea in those days, could not get much advantage from him, so Wenger also expected that this game would be difficult, but he did not expect it to be so difficult, and even Arsenal would lose so badly.

He actually knew where his problem was. After Ye Qiu came to the Premier League, so many years have passed. Among the traditional strong teams in the Premier League, there are almost no teams that continue to adhere to the 442 tactical style. Manchester United's Ferguson was the first to change, and then Liverpool ushered in Benitez and began to change.

Now, among the Premier League giants, the only one who sticks to the 442 formation is Arsenal.

Ever since Ye Qiu said that the superiority of the 4231 and 433 tactics is that they can run more than 442 in the middle of the midfield, Wenger's 442 tactics have been criticized by many people, and he has thought about changing, but even if he wants to change, he must continue to stick to some things of Arsenal.

For example, the team's smooth passing and receiving, and the technical ball control system that Wenger has been pursuing for many years.

At this time, Wenger couldn't help but think of a sentence that Ye Qiu had said to him not long ago.

"Arsene, your biggest weakness is that you are too cautious and dare not take risks, so we can always guess your thoughts and what you will do, but in fact, your tactics rarely bring surprises to people!"

When Wenger sighed deeply, Pat Rice put his hand on his shoulder. He felt that Wenger should need such a hand at this time, and Wenger turned his head and smiled at his opponent with self-mockery and bitterness, turned back to the visiting team coaching bench, sat down, and waited for the end of the game.

"How is the game in London?" Wenger suddenly raised his head and asked the assistant beside him.

In this game, Manchester United played at home, but in Manchester. Chelsea challenged Watford away in Hertfordshire. There were not many games in London, including Charlton, West Ham United, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur. There was no doubt that Wenger only cared about Tottenham Hotspur.

As for the other three teams in London, Wenger didn't take them seriously.

"3:0, Van Nistelrooy scored twice, and Ribery scored again!" The assistant beside him said nervously.

After hearing this, Wenger raised his head. He felt his heartbeat speeding up, because he could feel that after this game, Tottenham Hotspur's impact on Arsenal was already very obvious.

Losing to Liverpool is not a disaster, but if Tottenham Hotspur catches up with them, it will be a disaster.

From being tied with Liverpool and leading Tottenham by five points, to now being three points behind Liverpool and two points ahead of Tottenham, this is not a good thing, because Arsenal will have another game next, a guest game at White Hart Lane to challenge Tottenham, which will be a tough battle.

"Damn it!" Wenger cursed angrily, and he felt a little panic in his heart.

If it was at the beginning of the season, he did not feel the threat of Tottenham. At that time, he was even in a good mood and joked with Ye Qiu, teasing him about what to do if the team was relegated, but now, he felt that this team had unknowingly become the biggest threat to Arsenal.

Arsenal's first priority now is no longer competing with Liverpool for third place in the league, but how to ensure that they are not overtaken by Tottenham Hotspur. This damn North London rival has won several games in a row, and Their form and momentum seem to be getting better and better. Like Manchester United, which defeated Blackburn 4:1 in this round, they are the most offensive team in the Premier League.

"Tottenham Hotspur is indeed very difficult, and as the league progresses, they are becoming more and more confident and calm. Even if this team cannot make the top four this season, it will definitely be next season. It will be our most powerful competitor," Pat Rice said with concern.

Confidence is the most valuable quality of a top team. Without confidence, there is nothing else.

"Mainly because of the devilish schedule in December, Tottenham Hotspur showed their confidence in fighting tough battles, and the addition of Beckham adjusted the team's midfield very well and brought stability. That’s why they become more confident as they play!”

Wenger shook his head helplessly. He now had to admit that Tottenham Hotspur has become a strong team in the Premier League that can keep pace with Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool. If they really break into the Premier League this season, Reaching the top four in the league, this team will become Arsenal's biggest obstacle in the future.

At least, in the financial plan of Arsenal’s board of directors, the team must ensure that it can enter the Champions League every year, because for Arsenal, this represents tens of millions of euros in revenue. If it cannot enter, Wenger will not know What will happen to Arsenal? Maybe in the end it can only be what David Dunn said, find a rich man to sell it!

"Arsena, in fact, the situation is not as pessimistic as you think. They still have to play in the UEFA Cup, and we only have the league left, so the situation is favorable to us!" Pat Rice can only find reasons to come. Comfort Wenger.

But Wenger shook his head, "UEFA Cup?" After snorting, he continued: "Osasuna, Espanyol, Sevilla, Benfica, Alkmaar and other teams are not. Tottenham Hotspur's opponents, the two-front operation may have some impact, but how big an impact it will have, who knows?"

And Wenger had a hunch that Ye Qiu would first ensure the top four in the league, even giving up the UEFA Cup.

Of course, with Ye Qiu's character, he would not give up, and would fight to the death if he was beaten, and even shouted to strive for the League Cup at all costs, but he would arrange rotations, use some substitutes, and so on.

At the very least, Tottenham Hotspur will have a League Cup this season, which is enough for Ye Qiu to give it a try, isn't it?

"How was the result over there at Anfield?"

As soon as the whistle sounded at the end of the game at White Hart Lane, Ye Qiu turned around and couldn't wait to ask Roland about the final result of the battle between Liverpool and Arsenal.

"4:1?" When Ye Qiu heard the result, he was really surprised. He never thought that the contest between the third place and the fourth place would be such a disparity. The score, and what surprised him even more was that Crouch actually scored a hat trick.

"Oh my god, is Fatty Bei crazy?" Ye Qiu murmured to himself at the side. This state is really unexpected, but it is not bad. Liverpool's state has been adjusted so well, but Tottenham is hot. Thorn didn't need to face this difficult opponent again, which made Ye Qiu feel good.

At the very least, even if Liverpool is going against the grain, it has nothing to do with Tottenham Hotspur. On the contrary, Ye Qiu feels that if Liverpool kills Arsenal, it will not matter to Tottenham Hotspur. , it might as well be an opportunity.

"Although I don't usually like to use my hands on others, I still have to treat Fatty Bei to a good meal if I have the chance. I want to thank him!" Ye Qiu couldn't hide the joy in his heart.

When everyone saw his face of being so obedient after taking advantage of him, they all cursed inwardly, both angry and funny.

"Arsenal will challenge Portsmouth away from home next, and we will face Manchester City at home. Do you have any ideas?" Mauro Tassotti looked at Ye Qiu with a smile and asked.

Ye Qiu smiled and said, "What else can I think of? Of course, I'll just go all out and fuck him upside down!"

After hearing this, all the assistants couldn't help laughing, because they were full of expectations for the future prospects of the team.

Portsmouth is a famous home team in the Premier League this season. If it is calculated purely based on home results, Portsmouth can be ranked fifth, and if it is calculated based on away results, they can now be ranked fourth. Fourteenth place, and they are tenth in the overall ranking, so this team is not easy to play.

Arsenal just suffered a disastrous away defeat at the hands of Liverpool, and the team's morale will definitely be hit hard. Although they have a week to rest, it is difficult to say how much the team can recover, so playing against Portsmouth will capsize the ship. The possibility is not small.

Relatively speaking, when Tottenham Hotspur plays Manchester City at home, this team is a typical freak. The home record is almost at the bottom, but the away record is very good. It is currently ranked 13th. Against Tottenham Hotspur There are also certain threats.

However, everyone knows that if Tottenham Hotspur takes advantage of the current momentum and goes all out, it is very likely to defeat Manchester City at home. And as long as Tottenham Hotspur defeats Manchester City, Arsenal will defeat Manchester City in Park City. Portsmouth lost points, even if it was a draw, Tottenham Hotspur could come from behind and advance to the top four in the league.

When Ye Qiu thought of this, his heart was burning. This was his ultimate goal for this season. The Champions League next season was his long-cherished wish, and the League Cup was optional for him.

Of course, if it did not affect the team's performance, he would consider competing, but now, he had to make a choice.

So he finalized a tacit understanding with Mauro Tassotti and others on the spot. In the League Cup in the middle of the week, the team played with a substitute lineup and fully prepared for the league, aiming to pull Arsenal down from the top four in the league in the shortest possible time.

But sometimes, the development of things is not under Ye Qiu's control at all!