My light shines on Arsenal

Chapter 266 A Winter Fairy Tale ()

If Arsenal's team leaves a deep impression on people, then "habitual collapse" will be an answer that often appears.

Often at Christmas, Arsenal's ranking is still at the top of the standings, but when it comes to the coldest winter schedule, they will be defeated by all opponents one after another, whether they are strong or weak teams.

Historically, explanations for this phenomenon have been attributed to several common causes.

For example, the proactive offensive style advocated by Arsenal is inherently unstable.

For another example, Arsenal's tight financial resources mean that their bench depth is very shallow. As long as the schedule is more intense, it can make the already poor player list even worse.

This season, Chen Yao keenly feels that there is another factor affecting this team.

Mentality.

The pressure of being a leader in the Premier League is no less than being a chaser. Leading the standings for a long time puts continuous pressure on the team itself.

Players on any team will feel excited when they first reach the top of the standings, but as they stay at the top for longer and longer, the fear of falling off the top will replace the pride and joy of seeing the mountains.

From pursuing victory in every game to ensuring victory in every game, invisible pressure will make this team breathless during the long schedule.

At the Kearney base, Chen Yao could feel many times that the smiles on the players' faces were fading. They became more serious and silent in training, and on the field...

More tight.

But there is no way around it. This is the only way for a team to transform from a challenger to a true championship team.

……

The winter transfer window for the 2013-14 season has closed.

None of the Premier League's top players have made any big moves this winter.

As the top team, Arsenal is also quiet in this transfer window.

Mourinho's Chelsea introduced Matic in a low-key manner. He finally got the defensive midfielder he hoped for, while other teams only made some minor repairs and spent the winter window quietly.

"I have a bad premonition, brother, not a good premonition." When Robbie Lyle was interviewing fans on the street, one fan said worriedly, "We will always find at a certain moment that there are not many players available. , and then we will lose, and this has happened many times.”

"And this season is our best chance to win the championship." Robbie Lyle added.

"Yes, yes... this is our best chance to win the championship. The club should spend money to buy people in the winter window instead of giving up such a hard-won opportunity."

February nd.

The twenty-fourth round of the Premier League.

In the earlier match, Manchester United defeated Stoke City 2-1, and Liverpool, who played two hours earlier than Arsenal, also defeated West Bromwich Albion.

In the real-time standings, with one more game, Manchester United surprisingly surpassed Arsenal by one point, reaching 58 points.

Liverpool's points have also caught up to 53 points, only four points behind Arsenal.

At Selhurst Park, Arsenal and Crystal Palace were locked in a tough battle.

The small space of Selhurst Park made it easier for Crystal Palace to defend tightly, but it was troublesome for Arsenal.

"Arsenal's players handled every possession carefully... They wanted to win, but they didn't want to make mistakes - which might hinder this young team's success."

After seeing Arsenal's opportunity for a quick counterattack being turned into a positional battle, the commentator couldn't help but sigh.

"What are you thinking about, Ruoge? Send the ball forward!" Chen Yao on the sidelines couldn't hold back, waving his arms and shouting to the players on the court.

Jorginho shook his head in embarrassment. The counterattack started from his feet, but he hesitated for a moment and then chose a safer passing route.

The Selhurst Park pitch is too small, and it is difficult to find opportunities to attack forward. After being intercepted and counterattacked, the depth left for the defenders is also extremely narrow. Before the game, Jorginho and his teammates saw the news that Manchester United had overtaken Arsenal by one point.

This tough and determined "Red Devils" silently gave Arsenal a huge sense of oppression. After such a long competition, they even defeated Manchester United in a head-on dialogue, but they still could not be thrown away.

This is such a hungry team, maybe all their potential has been drained, but they still burst out with their final strength.

Even if it's just a short season.

"Kevin, go warm up." Chen Yao shook his head and asked Kevin De Bruyne to go warm up.

De Bruyne's sharp and unrestrained playing style has become Arsenal's biggest reliance now. Only when he plays, the team can play a bit wild style.

"Understood, boss." De Bruyne stood up happily. When the coaching staff arranged for him to take a break earlier, De Bruyne muttered in his heart. Now that he has the opportunity to play again, it is no different to him. A piece of good news.

In the 60th minute of the game, fans from both sides of Selhurst Park almost yawned. This was a boring game.

Arsenal has absolute possession of the ball, but has been unable to break down Crystal Palace's defense. Crystal Palace is also content with this situation.

Kevin De Bruyne came on, Arsenal's first substitution of the game.

De Bruyne ran onto the court in high spirits, frowning slightly. The lingering discomfort in his legs and feet still made him a little uncomfortable.

You must be tired, De Bruyne comforted himself, someone who can run and jump is not so easy to get injured.

Arsenal took possession of the ball again and Jorginho passed the ball to De Bruyne.

On the right rib, Crystal Palace's defensive players moved quickly. Jedinak, Jonathan Parr, and Jason Pangchon, three players guarding the left side of Crystal Palace, quickly surrounded them.

De Bruyne's start was as fast as lightning. His figure was tumbling among the Crystal Palace players, his legs were continuously exerting force, and he was about to break out of the circle of Crystal Palace players.

The fans who traveled with Arsenal to the away game brightened up and cheered for Kevin De Bruyne.

"Kevin is Arsenal's most surprising discovery this season. Not only can he contribute extraordinary passing, but he also has excellent dribbling and breakthrough abilities... Coach Chen Yao moved him from the wing to the center, and moved more in the ribs. , providing Arsenal with creativity and impact."

The camera focuses on Kevin De Bruyne performing in the Crystal Palace defence, and the commentator comments on the player's performance.

"Arsenal desperately needs a player like this right now to help the team stay motivated and get through this period."

Kevin De Bruyne fell. He stumbled and took the ball out of Jedinak's defensive range. He felt the reluctance and futility of the Crystal Palace midfielder. He had already seen the passing line that could create murderous opportunities.

But then he heard a crisp "pop" sound, which was extremely clear in the noisy stadium.

It's like... coming from your own body.

A sharp tingling sensation came from his lower limbs, and De Bruyne opened his arms to barely maintain his balance.

The Crystal Palace players were completely unaware. They were just wondering why De Bruyne suddenly slowed down. Jedinak snatched the football back and bumped into De Bruyne.

The expected physical confrontation did not occur. Jedinak glanced doubtfully and found that De Bruyne fell to the ground as lightly as a leaf.

Chen Yao's face turned a little pale. Arsenal's team doctor hurried into the stadium. The players surrounded De Bruyne. The Belgian gasped for air on the field and tried hard to feel the feeling of his feet.

"It doesn't look good." Juan Lillo said to Chen Yao with a livid face, "It doesn't look like a normal collision."

Antonio Pintus' expression was even uglier than Lillo's. With his understanding of sports science, he quickly thought of several injuries, and those injuries were not very minor injuries.

Chen Yao kept calm and waved to several players on the bench to warm up.

"Wait a little longer." Chen Yao sighed, "It's useless for us to be anxious."

The game was suspended due to De Bruyne's injury. Chen Yao looked at the dark sky. Where there was no stadium lighting, there were thick ink clouds.

Is the victory he longs for just a winter fairy tale?

(End of this chapter)