The afternoon of October 5th, London, Stamford Bridge Stadium.
In the seventh round of the Premier League, Chelsea's home game against Arsenal, the focus of London City, is about to begin.
It is precisely because this game has attracted so much attention from fans all over the world that the Premier League specially arranged it to be played in the afternoon.
This is to ensure that fans in more areas can watch the live broadcast of this game.
Like in Dragon Country, fans can enjoy such a strong team showdown comfortably after dinner without having to worry about going to work or resting the next day.
This is actually one of the reasons why the UK has grown bigger in recent years.
In addition to making a lot of money themselves, such friendly viewing time has led to many new fans around the world watching the Premier League, which in turn has promoted the further development of the Premier League.
Although the Premier League is so awesome now, if you asked in the 1990s which league is the best in the world, everyone would definitely answer "Serie A".
The original Serie A, once known as the "Little World Cup", has always been the largest league in Europe and has the best players in the world.
The era of the Seven Sisters in Serie A is the best memory in the hearts of fans.
Basically, these teams back then had all the stars in the team, and the fans knew their lineups by heart.
Not to mention the strongest Milan duo, Juventus, or Roma duo;
Even Parma, who is relatively less impressive among the seven sisters and has never won the Serie A championship, their lineup is not bad.
The following names must be familiar to all experienced fans:
And they couldn't win the Serie A championship, not because of lack of strength, but mainly because the competition in Serie A was too fierce.
And this is a Parma team that cannot win a domestic championship, but has won two UEFA Cup championships and a Cup Winners' Cup championship in Europe, and has entered the finals several times and lost.
During this period, the UEFA Cup and the Champions League finals also witnessed many civil wars between Serie A teams.
The more famous ones are the Champions League final between Juventus and AC Milan, and the UEFA Cup final between Inter Milan and Lazio - it was the one where Ronaldo passed the pendulum.
However, due to the poor management methods of Serie A management and the poor business atmosphere, the overall development of Serie A is getting worse and worse.
What made Serie A even worse was the phone incident that occurred in 2006, which brought Serie A completely into a trough. Stars began to leave in various ways, and the level of the league dropped year by year.
With the excellent operation of the Premier League, the income of Premier League teams has skyrocketed, and the strength of each team has soared. They have slowly begun to surpass Serie A and officially become the first league in Europe.
Just talking about the broadcast fees they earn, how outrageous is it?
The broadcast revenue of each major league is settled every three years, and if you compare it with the data from 2022 to 2025, you will know how big the gap is between the other four major leagues and the Premier League.
Ligue 1, overseas television rights are sold for 72.5 million euros, and domestic television rights are sold for 630 million euros. Television revenue in the next three years: 700 million euros;
Serie A, overseas TV rights are sold for 200 million euros, and domestic TV rights are sold for 930 million euros. TV broadcast revenue in the next three years: 1.13 billion euros;
Bundesliga, overseas TV broadcast rights sold for 360 million euros, domestic TV broadcast rights sold for 1.1 billion euros, TV broadcast revenue in the next three years: 1.46 billion euros;
La Liga, overseas TV broadcast rights 850 million euros, domestic TV broadcast rights 1.15 billion euros. TV broadcast revenue in the next three years: 2 billion euros;
Premier League...
Overseas TV broadcast rights were sold for 5.3 billion pounds, domestic TV broadcast rights were sold for 5.1 billion pounds, and TV broadcast revenue in the next three years: 10.4 billion pounds!!
This is not an order of magnitude at all.
The best of the other four major leagues, La Liga, is only 2 billion, while the Premier League's broadcast fees for the 2016-19 cycle have already reached 8.1 billion pounds.
Broadcasting fees for the 2019-22 cycle increased by 900 million, reaching 9 billion pounds.
This time it has exceeded the 10 billion mark!
This also means that the Premier League champion next cycle can get 176 million pounds in broadcasting fees alone, and even the bottom of the Premier League can get 106 million pounds.
And this is the future broadcasting fee. From the above data, we can see that the gap between the five major leagues will continue to widen in the next few years.
In addition, there is a bigger problem.
The Premier League's broadcast fees are basically equally divided, and the difference in fees between each ranking gap will only be 500,000 pounds.
This means that there is basically no big disparity between the rich and the poor in terms of broadcast fees for Premier League teams, and small teams can also receive huge broadcast fees to strengthen their lineups.
On the contrary, the other four major leagues are allotted by ranking, and most of them are basically dominated by wealthy clubs.
If the big teams take it away, the small teams will get very little share. If things go on like this, it will lead to a vicious cycle and be detrimental to the development of the entire league.
So you know why newly promoted teams in the Premier League can invest hundreds of millions in the transfer market, while mid- and lower-tier teams in the Bundesliga and La Liga often spend millions.
In fact, even the Championship teams in England's second-tier league have a larger annual budget than smaller teams in the other four major leagues.
In short, the Premier League has really entered a very virtuous cycle.
The broadcast time is considerate——》The fan base is getting bigger and bigger——》The broadcast rights are getting more and more expensive——>The teams are getting richer and richer——>There are more and more stars——>The level of competition is getting higher and higher——
》The fan base is getting bigger and bigger——》The broadcast time is getting more and more considerate...
Therefore, before a focus battle like Chelsea versus Arsenal, the attention of fans all over the world must be attracted to London and Stamford Bridge.
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At this time, the stands at Stamford Bridge were already filled with spectators.
The atmosphere today is of course great!
Chelsea fans are singing: "We won the Premier League, we are about to win the Champions League."
Although the number of Arsenal fans is not as large as that of the home team, the fans who follow the visiting team are often the most powerful, and their singing is no less loud than that of Chelsea:
"You have bought everything, you have bought everything..."
Chelsea fans changed their song to attack Arsenal: "You can only fight for four, you can always fight for four."
Arsenal fans responded by mocking the lack of fans at Stamford Bridge: "There are no fans here, just like before, there are no people here, this is the Stamford Bridge library."
Then Chelsea fans sang a song praising Pan Yi again: "Pan Yi Pan Yi, he comes from the Dragon Kingdom, he is from our Chelsea, he is younger than Wenger, he is more handsome than Wenger..."
The Arsenal fans were not annoyed and sang along with Wenger's song: "Arsene Wenger, a life of glory and glory; Arsene Wenger, our captain..."
Then the stadium was quiet for a while, and Arsenal fans suddenly stood up from their seats and sang: "If you hate Tottenham, then stand up!"
At this moment, all the Chelsea fans at Stamford Bridge stood up and sang together with the Arsenal fans:
"If you hate Tottenham then stand up!..."
"Tottenham get beaten wherever they go!..."
The whole audience burst into cheers.
Yes, if there is any common enemy between these London rivals, it is the Tottenham Hotspur team in London.
Chelsea and Arsenal fans may quarrel over various things, but when it comes to Tottenham, they are good friends.
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While the fans were having fun outside, the coaches and players of the two teams in the locker room were still making final preparations before the game.
On the tactical board in the home team's locker room, chess pieces representing Arsenal's lineup are placed.
Wenger's lineup was indeed a standard 4231 formation, and this lineup was exactly what Pan Yi guessed!
In other words, Wenger's ideas are basically within the scope of Pan Yi's prediction.
In this case, Pan Yi's lineup can be considered relatively targeted.
Forwards: Hazard, Lukaku, Schürrle.
Midfielder: Cancelo, Kante, Ramirez, Azpilicueta.
Defenders: Ake, David Luiz, Gary Cahill.
Goalkeeper: Courtois.
If the lineup that was replaced in the second half when we played Manchester City was called "Sky City", then this lineup can be called the "Lightning Legion".
All of them are relatively fast players!
This is actually the optimal solution obtained by considering both offense and defense respectively.
Arsenal's offensive line, whether it is Welbeck at the front, or Cazorla and Sanchez behind him, are all fast attackers.
If Chelsea's defensive speed is too slow, it will be easy for the opponent to break the defense.
It is precisely because of this that the old captain Terry was put on the bench by Pan Yi today. After all, even when he was young, he was not known for his turning speed, let alone that he is now close to 34 years old.
And the left center back Ake, who replaced him, is famous for his fast pursuit speed and strong explosive power!
Looking back at Chelsea's offensive end, they are all good players who can run 100 meters. Not to mention Hazard and Schurrle, who are already famous speedy wingers. Even Lukaku's burst is not casual.
Who can catch up?
This is also the focus of Arsenal's defense line. Koscielny and Mertesacker's air defense capabilities can be said to be top-notch. Mertesacker has become an aerial master with his weight of 198cm and 90kg. But he also has a fatal weakness, that is, he is neither fast nor flexible. If we use FM game values to express it, they are probably all in single digits.
So it is really not easy for Lukaku to be so fast after having such a heavy body...
It’s not just the central defender, Arsenal’s two main defensive midfielders today. Arteta’s speed is not fast, and his partner Wilshere is also not good at speed.
In short, Pan Yi just wants to use this group of "100-meter players" to repeatedly attack Arsenal's defense and see what opportunities will emerge.
In the world of martial arts, only speed is unbreakable!
"I want to say that everyone knows the meaning of this game very well."
After discussing all the points that players need to pay attention to in this game, Pan Yi started the final mobilization.
Regarding the tactics of this game, Pan Yi has repeatedly emphasized and rehearsed Chelsea's tactics in the past few days.
Here, I just use the lineup announced by the other party to make some targeted emphasis.
For example, suppressing Arteta, paying attention to Rosicky's breakthroughs and passes, and restricting Arsenal's two wingers Cazorla and Sanchez, etc.
"This is a city derby, and fans will take it very seriously. This is not just a city derby, it is a key battle related to the trend of the Premier League."
"Arsenal has remained undefeated in previous games, so many people think that we can't beat them. And we want to clearly tell everyone through today's game that no team can stop us from winning the championship!"<
/p>
"I believe that you are all ready. You are ready to go on the court and let them and the whole world see our strength."
"Remember, this game will be played with all our strength from the first minute. They will never let us have a moment to breathe, and we will also let them feel the breath of hell at Stamford Bridge!"
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In addition to the fans, players and coaches of the two teams, there is also a "third party" who is also paying close attention to the trends of the game.
Those are the guests from Sky Sports.
The bet between Gary Neville and Zola has reached its final game!
If Chelsea remain unbeaten against Arsenal today, then during the next live broadcast of the Premier League, Gary Neville will participate in the program topless!
This situation naturally makes Gary Neville very nervous.
"I never expected that a famous Manchester United player, after relying on Manchester City to no avail, would now want Arsenal to help him win a game."
Host Lainker looked at Gary Neville with a smile.
Neville looked a little nervous and a little embarrassed, but he still responded: "This is because the schedule is not good. If Chelsea had met Manchester United first in the first seven rounds, I would have won long ago!"
In the seventh round of the Premier League last night, Manchester United defeated Everton 2:1, which also gave Neville some confidence.
Otherwise, how would he dare to speak so loudly now?
It just so happened that Chelsea's victory over Everton was not a big one, 4:2, so other guests could not use this comparison to sway him.
But his old enemy Carragher still said: "I remember when Pan Yi led Hamburg to play in the Champions League last season, you said the same thing..."
"One moment and another." Neville waved his hand, "Moyes' leadership last season was really poor. But this season Van Gaal is a famous coach. Although the start was not smooth, after the running-in period,
, everything is starting to go on the right track!"
Carragher laughed and said: "Well, let's wait and see! Let me see the schedule... In fact, Manchester United will play Chelsea in the ninth round, very soon! I hope you can too by then.
What kind of bet is there..."
Carragher is also in a good mood today, because Liverpool also defeated West Bromwich Albion with a score of 2:1.
In fact, the top teams in the Premier League have won this round. In addition to Manchester United and Liverpool, Manchester City also defeated Aston Villa 2:0, and Tottenham beat Southampton 1:0.
Therefore, among the big6, only this afternoon's head-to-head showdown between Chelsea and Arsenal has not yet taken place.
"Let's get back to the game." Reinker changed the topic to the topic again.
This is the role of Sky Sports presenter.
Otherwise, there would be a room full of famous players from each team, as well as happy friends like Neville and Carragher, and we would often end up chatting accidentally without knowing where to go.
If the host does not change the topic in time, the program will not be able to revolve around the competition and may become a variety show...
Seeing that everyone's attention was finally drawn back, Reinker continued:
"Chelsea has won six consecutive victories today. If it continues like this, is it possible that they will break their own record of winning streak at the beginning of the Premier League?"
After Mourinho led Chelsea to end the club's 50-year wait for the league title in the 2004-05 season, they were even more unstoppable in the second season.
In the 2005-06 season, Chelsea achieved nine consecutive victories at the beginning of the league, creating the best start in the history of the Premier League.
In the end, their winning streak was ended by Everton, who drew 1-1 at Goodison Park.
"The other two records are held by their opponents today. One is Arsenal's 14-game winning streak in 2002, and the other is their famous 49-game unbeaten streak."
Hearing Reinker say this, the Arsenal star and one of the best shooters in Arsenal history, Ian Wright, waved his hand and said with a smile:
"The records behind this are too difficult to break. Let's see if Chelsea can break the first nine consecutive victories. It just so happens that their opponent in the ninth round is Manchester United..."
As he said that, Yin Wright glanced at Gary Neville intentionally or unintentionally.
Gary Neville swallowed his saliva and said: "Let's not talk about Manchester United. I think they are going to overturn Arsenal this afternoon. They are still talking about breaking the record, haha."
"But in terms of the current state, Chelsea is indeed more advantageous." Reinker reminded, "They didn't just defeat Burnley or Leicester City, they also defeated Manchester City and Leicester City by a big score.
Dortmund."
Zola also nodded and praised:
"Pan Yi has proven time and time again his ability to build and integrate a team."
"Some people may say that he spent 80 million to buy someone after all, but you also have to see whether the effect after buying someone is immediate?"
"Arsenal and Manchester United, which spend more money, are not as good as Chelsea now."
"And now Chelsea's offensive firepower and defensive stability really don't have close numbers in the Premier League."
"I really think so. If Arsenal can't stop Chelsea today, then Chelsea will really be unbeatable this season."
"The most outrageous thing about Pan Yi is that he uses a different lineup in almost every game and uses many different targeted tactics."
"Although he has been using the 343 tactic at Chelsea, I feel that the same tactic will be played out in his hands. Before him, I really didn't know that 343 could have so many tricks!"
"It can be said that Pan Yi is a walking tactical board! And he is only 28 years old today... This is unbelievable!"
"Genius. This is the only word that can be used to describe him. I remember someone said that about him before, Alejandro? I don't remember, but I can really only find this word..."
Zola is now an out-and-out "Pan Chui", and once he praises Pan Yi, he can't stop talking.
But at this moment, the referee on the TV screen had already blown the whistle to start the game, and Reinker interrupted Zola's words at the right time, pointing his finger at the screen:
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"Now that the game has started, let's talk while watching the game. Whether the viewers in front of the TV can get a glimpse of Gary's toned body in the live broadcast room will be announced in less than two hours..."
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Amid the cheers of tens of thousands of fans at Stamford Bridge, this world-famous battle officially started.
Arsenal kicked off first today, with Welbeck and Sanchez serving in the center circle.
But what is a little different from Arsenal's past opening play is that they did not pass the ball back after the kick-off. Instead, Sanchez took the ball and approached Chelsea's half.
At the same time, Welbeck, Cazorla, Rosicky and others also pressed forward.
Obviously, Arsenal wants to imitate Chelsea's early attack in several Premier League games and overwhelm Chelsea at the beginning.
But since Chelsea often uses this trick, isn’t there any reason to take precautions?
Kanter and Ramirez quickly stepped forward to assist Cancelo in defense.
Even a player with strong breakthrough ability like Sanchez can only pass back when faced with three players defending.
As a result, Arsenal's opening attack was easily destroyed.
Chelsea's players immediately launched a counterattack, with three forwards and two wing-backs immediately pressing forward, while Kante and Ramirez still formed a protection behind them.
When Arsenal's ball was passed to Mertesacker's feet, he had no way to pass it to a safe area and could only choose to kick it out.
The first landing point of this high-altitude ball was grabbed by David Luiz, who headed the ball back to the midfield.
Kanter got the ball and passed it to the side.
Azpilicueta dribbled the ball forward, and Chelsea soon launched an offensive on the right.
Arsenal's defensive formation is also maintained very well. Wilshere and Gibbs are already waiting there, ready to block Azpilicueta's path.
But at this moment, Azpilicueta suddenly stopped suddenly, then glanced to the left, and saw a big foot transfer across the court.
The ball fell at the feet of another wing-back Cancelo.
As soon as Cancelo stopped the ball, he saw Arsenal's other midfielder Arteta pressing over.
But Cancelo reacted quickly, pulling directly to the wing, avoiding Arteta, and ran straight ahead with the ball.
This reflects Cancelo’s speed advantage over Arteta!
Since Arteta cannot lose his position, he can only continue to retreat along the center, leaving the defense on the wings to full-back Chambers.
But Cancelo is not prepared to continue dribbling.
Because just because of the transfer and pulling back and forth in the past few times, Arsenal's central defense line has shown signs of loosening.
He passed the ball to the center. At this time, Schürrle, who had been standing on the right side of Chelsea, had already pulled to the center to respond.
After Schürrle firmly stopped Cancelo's direct pass, he took only one step and used his speed to brush over Rosicky, who was coming to defend him. Then he stabbed the ball with his right foot and passed it to Mert. Behind Sark!
Almost at the same time, a black and blue lightning suddenly struck from the outside and reached Arsenal's penalty area in an instant!
Black and blue? Is it an Inter Milan jersey?
No, it’s a big black guy wearing a blue Chelsea jersey!
It is General Lukaku!
These are all routines that have been practiced many times in training.
When Cancelo passed the ball to Schürrer who suddenly ran to the center to meet him, Lukaku was already ready to start.
When Schürrle poked the ball forward, Lukaku sprinted forward, just not offside!
At this time, poor Mertesacker turned around, but Lukaku was already several positions ahead of him.
Schürrle's pass was just right. Lukaku didn't even need to adjust, he just hit the ball and fired!
The ball clung to the turf and shot toward the lower right corner of Arsenal's goal at extremely high speed.
Arsenal's goalkeeper Szczesny is Poland's national goalkeeper and has always been known for his quick response at the goal line.
But he has a weakness, that is, his judgment on low and flat balls is average, especially in the lower right corner of the goal, which is easy to be shot through.
Chelsea's technical team has already analyzed such data and informed the players of suggestions.
Lukaku also remembered this and aimed at the lower right corner!
Sure enough, facing this shot, Szczesny was about to shift his center of gravity and prepare to go down to the ground to pounce, but the ball had already passed by him and entered the net.
The ball went in!!
Less than a minute into the game, Chelsea took the lead!