Chapter 204: 13 Seconds! Su Luo Blitzed Anfield!
"This is Anfield!"
Every player who challenges Liverpool is greeted by this bold slogan in the tunnel. Liverpool wants to remind their opponents that they are about to face one of English football's greats. The ground they're about to step on is hallowed Anfield!
A player with a fragile heart might tremble with nerves before the game even starts.
Liverpool once dominated English football before the Premier League was established. Since the Premier League began in 1992, teams like Ferguson's Manchester United, Wenger's Arsenal, Mourinho's Chelsea, and the rising Manchester City have taken their turns at the top. Despite having stars like Gerrard, Torres, and Suarez, Liverpool has often fallen short of winning the Premier League title. The once-feared phrase "This is Anfield" has lost some of its impact and has even become the subject of jokes online.
Su Luo nearly laughed out loud when he thought about this. The cute little caddy beside him looked up at him with innocent curiosity. Su Luo quickly composed himself and led the little caddy onto the field.
The sea of red in the KOP stand was a little overwhelming. The stands in East Berlin were also filled with red, but he wondered how his old friends were doing now.
"Here is the highlight of the fifth round of the 2016/17 Premier League season, broadcast live by LeTV Sports!"
"The clash between red and blue is about to begin!"
"Liverpool is at Anfield, facing Chelsea, who have been in rapid form recently!"
At 3 a.m., Zhan Jun's passionate commentary energized many fans. Almost everyone was glued to the game.
Chelsea's impressive start to the season had made waves, and Su Luo was living up to expectations. Liverpool now stood as the first major test for Chelsea.
If Liverpool could slow Chelsea down, it might reignite hope among other teams.
"Chelsea has faced Liverpool ten times in the past four seasons, losing only once. In the remaining nine games, Chelsea has had 4 wins and 5 draws."
"However, Klopp's team has shown improvement after their summer signings and some team rebuilding."
"Chelsea's Su Luo remains a key player, while Liverpool's Naby Keita has also made the starting lineup. Both players were with Union Berlin last season and are now facing each other in the Premier League."
As Zhan Jun introduced the players on the field, the starting lineups were displayed on the screen.
Liverpool was using a 4-2-3-1 formation to strengthen their midfield and create a numerical advantage in both attack and defense.
Liverpool Starting XI:
Goalkeeper: Karius
Defenders: Arnold, Matip, Lovren, Milner (left back)
Midfielders: Henderson, Naby Keita, Lallana, Coutinho, Mane
Forward: Sturridge
Chelsea maintained their 4-2-3-1 formation.
Chelsea Starting XI:
Goalkeeper: Courtois
Defenders: Ivanovic, Rudiger, David Luiz, Azpilicueta
Midfielders: Kante, Matic, Willian, Ajar, Su Luo
Forward: Lukaku
"In actual play, Chelsea switched to a 4-2-4 attacking formation. Su Luo stayed in his position, while Ajar and Willian pushed forward, creating a four-man attack."
"This strategy reflects Chelsea's aggressive approach in the early games, with a full investment in their offensive play."
Director Zhang, up in the middle of the night with his partner, was energetic but spoke slowly. By the time he finished analyzing the formations, the game had begun.
"Alright, Chelsea has kicked off, and Su Luo passes the ball back to Courtois."
"After last season's disappointing performance from the big six, traditional Premier League powerhouses are showing signs of a comeback this season."
"Liverpool started their season with a dramatic goal fest against Arsenal…"
At the beginning of the game, as Zhan Jun was setting the stage, something unexpected happened. Courtois charged out of the penalty area and kicked the ball upfield.
Lukaku, strong and imposing, used his physicality to challenge Lovren, and then headed the ball to Su Luo, who was advancing.
Despite Su Luo being about 25 meters from the penalty area with Wijnaldum on his right, Henderson also pressuring him, and Matip adding to the defense, the scene was set for an exciting play.
As the game began, Su Luo took a different approach from the norm. While most players would keep possession, pass back to Kanter, and look for offensive opportunities, Su Luo didn't hesitate. He rushed towards the ball, skipped the stop, and unleashed a powerful volley!
The ball curved dramatically, falling quickly as it passed through the penalty area. Karius, caught off guard, could only watch in disbelief as the ball smashed into the bottom corner of the net.
"???"
"Is this a dream?"
Liverpool players were momentarily stunned.
"What just happened?"
"Su Luo's spectacular goal! A surprising start!"
Zhan Jun shouted with excitement:
"Only 13 seconds into the game, Chelsea strikes first with a stunning goal!"
Even though Zhan Jun was a die-hard Liverpool fan, he couldn't help but be thrilled by Su Luo's incredible performance.
"This might be the fastest goal of the Premier League season!"
"The record for the fastest Premier League goal is held by Southampton's Sean Long with 7.69 seconds."
"Given Su Luo's current form, he might just break that record!"
"Liverpool, conceding a goal so early at home, will find it challenging to recover."
Klopp, wearing a cap, had been chatting with his assistant coach. The early goal made him so furious that he threw his hat on the ground in frustration.
"Karius, what were you doing?"
Karius, feeling aggrieved, retrieved the ball from the net and kicked it back to midfield, trying to vent his frustration.
No one expected the Chinese player to strike so early, especially with such precision.
With Chelsea leading, Liverpool was in disarray and almost conceded another goal. Fortunately, they quickly regained their composure and limited Chelsea's chances.
Klopp had brought his Dortmund tactics to Liverpool. Sturridge, Mane, and Lallana formed an attacking trio, while Henderson, Keita, and Coutinho made up the midfield. This setup created a solid structure, applying pressure on Chelsea with a high press.
Klopp's "running and bombing" tactic involved intense running and pressing to disrupt the opponent, aiming to capitalize on quick transitions from defense to attack.
Liverpool's offensive power was evident, matching Chelsea's strength, but their defense was vulnerable. There were too many gaps, and their backline was easily penetrated.
Klopp knew the defense was a problem but had no immediate solution. The strategy was to score more goals than the opponent, despite the weaknesses at the back.
The match saw frequent exchanges in midfield, with both teams creating opportunities.
"Kante steals the ball and passes it to Matic. Su Luo is calling for it up front, but Matic's pass is slow! Liverpool steals and launches a counter-attack!"
"Mane cuts inside from the left, drives into the penalty area, and shoots!"
"Courtois is quick to react and saves the ball!"
"Sturridge was a step behind and Rudiger clears the follow-up attempt!"
"The ball comes back to Liverpool. Coutinho finds Mane, who speeds past and delivers a cross!"
"Sturridge! The front missed the pass, and Lallana follows up!"
"Lallana scores!"
"Liverpool's relentless pressure pays off! The score is equalized!"
Chinese fans were wide awake, thrilled by the fast-paced game. Su Luo's lightning goal had been answered by Liverpool in just 10 minutes.
"Let the offensive battle begin!"
On Chelsea's bench, Conte remained calm and composed. He glanced at Klopp, raised an eyebrow, and then gestured for his team to press forward.
As play resumed, Liverpool continued their high press, trying to thwart Chelsea's advance. But Chelsea was prepared.
David Luiz, receiving the ball at the back, looked up and made a long pass over Lukaku's head. Lukaku used his physical strength to contest the ball.
Su Luo received it on the right and delivered a precise diagonal pass.
"Chelsea's attack is swift and direct! Su Luo passes it behind the defense!"
"Brilliant! He finds Ajar in an open space!"
"Ajar cuts inside and shoots!"
"Karius saves the ball! Chelsea earns their second corner of the game!"
"After Liverpool equalized, Chelsea responded with a threatening attack!"
Both teams were playing brilliantly. The match was a thrilling contest, with each side determined to outdo the other.
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