Chapter 52

The two wingers disrupted the defense, while the two attacking midfielders organized and planned. Once Chelsea's attack was launched, no team in the world could withstand it. Alonso and Gerrard's iron-blooded style gave Liverpool many counter-attack opportunities, and in conjunction with "Big Cannon" Joe's "non-resistance" tactics, a fierce offensive wave ensued.

A one-sided match would only intoxicate the fans of the attacking team, while the fans of the defending team would be in agony. However, a match with both teams attacking would drive any fan watching to madness.

"It seems that Joe's team isn't as solid as a rock. There are significant flaws in Chelsea's defense. Gary, what do you think about the problems exposed in Chelsea's defense?"

Commentator partner Lineker shook his head and said, "To be honest, I really don't understand Joe's defensive tactics. Simple zonal defense was abandoned 50 years ago. Close marking and brutal tackles are the mainstream defensive methods in the current Premier League. Look at Manchester United's Keane and Arsenal's Vieira; that's what a true defensive midfielder should do! But Makelele..."

Liverpool regained possession in the back, and Alonso's long pass, like a precision-guided missile, directly found the left-sided attacking midfielder, Kewell! The crowd on the stands let out a chorus of exclamations, interrupting Lineker's analysis of the game.

Kewell, though not tall, had excellent footwork. After a simple combination with left winger Riise, he easily bypassed Chelsea's young right-back Ramos. After passing Ramos, Kewell faced Makelele, who was about two meters away, and slowly advanced with the ball.

Kewell knew Makelele was a defensive expert and didn't rush to break through. He observed his teammates' movements while feinting a sideways pass, cutting into the top of the penalty area.

Makelele felt a bit resentful, helplessly glanced at Joe, sighed, and ultimately gave up on his forward charge, following Kewell step by step.

After a few steps of cutting inside, Kewell attracted the assistance of central defender Terry. He smiled, glanced at the Englishman lurking outside the penalty area, the one praised by Ferguson as the best midfielder in the Premier League, Steven Gerrard!

Oh no!

In front of Gerrard was an open space. If he got the ball at this position and took a long shot, with his powerful long-range shooting skills, Chelsea might fall behind again!

Will this ball go in?

Nearly 40,000 Chelsea fans and 3,000 Liverpool fans all stood up from their seats in tension, their gazes fixed on Gerrard!

Gerrard... has always been a player for big moments. The greater the pressure, the more he can unleash his abilities! Historically, that spine-chilling night in Istanbul, Gerrard became a god that night! And now, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, in Liverpool's hard-earned offensive opportunity, he was focused, his right foot full of power, and he struck the ball!

"Gerrard's powerful shot! Oh God, this low, powerful shot is rolling 20 inches off the ground, and I can even feel the grass being swept by a gust of wind!" The commentator stirred the emotions of the entire stadium, but at this moment, the entire stadium was silent!

"Buzz!"

Applause came, and Cech made a brilliant save, blocking Gerrard's shot! However, after falling to the ground, Cech showed no excitement but a dejected expression. Liverpool's forward Baros, with his keen sense of positioning, appeared at the perfect spot in front of the goal, needing only a gentle push...

"Baros! Czech forward Baros scores again, helping Liverpool take the lead once more! Ha, how interesting, Baros' goal is a perfect copy of Owen's earlier goal. It seems this Czech forward is challenging the former Liverpool golden boy!"

On the field, after scoring, Baros didn't celebrate as wildly as he did for his first goal. Instead, he hurriedly picked up the ball from the goal and ran to the center circle, then... gave Owen a sly glance!

The coaches were friendly, but the Liverpool players seemed to have a different attitude... After conceding a goal, Joe called Owen to his side.

Before the match, Joe allocated 3 milliliters of Source No. 1 to the two attacking midfielders, Kaka and Lampard, and reserved 1 milliliter as a backup. If the game went smoothly, it could be saved; if it was a close match, it would be a secret weapon to change the course of the game.

However, it seemed that Owen wasn't at his peak today, while Baros was in high spirits and performing brilliantly, especially... this kid was trying to compete with Owen, which Joe found intolerable!

"Boss, you called me?" Owen lifted his shirt to wipe the sweat from his face, revealing his muscular abs, which made Joe a bit envious.

Joe chuckled lightly, "Baros is in great form. Do you feel the pressure?"

Owen touched his nose, smiled sheepishly, and didn't say a word.

Joe leaned close to Owen, extended a hand with a liquid, and gently massaged his lower back, saying in a deep voice, "Show your best, and tell the world that you, Michael Owen, are always Baros' big brother! Whether in Liverpool or away from Anfield!"

Although Owen had scored a goal, he could also feel that his touch wasn't good today; otherwise, Chelsea wouldn't be trailing. Feeling the immense trust from his coach, his eyes welled up, and he said firmly, "Boss, rest assured, I will score to repay you. Chelsea is invincible!"

Joe patted Owen's shoulder and said seriously, "But remember, they are your former team, Liverpool. We must win, but... we must win convincingly and with respect!"

"Convincingly and with respect?" Owen was initially stunned, then smiled and nodded, "Okay, boss, I understand!"

The game resumed, and the back-and-forth attacks were a feast for the eyes. Even the fans of both teams forgot their mutual insults. Though the game was tense, they all wore smiles. Liverpool fans were happy with the lead, while Chelsea fans weren't worried, as they saw Joe touch Owen's buttocks again, using his secret technique to bring out the best in players!

At this moment, the fans suddenly realized that homosexuality... could have a beautiful side.

At the 30th minute, Rooney advanced quickly down the left flank, facing the fierce defense of Finnan and the vigilant Gerrard. He lost interest in cutting inside and looked up to observe his teammates' movements.

In the top of the penalty area, the lightning-fast Owen darted forward. Unfortunately, he was closely marked by two Liverpool central defenders and Alonso, making it a poor opportunity.

Inspired by the numerous chances created by Alonso and Gerrard's fierce defense, Liverpool players had forgotten Benitez's pre-match warning to be cautious with their defense. They all emulated Alonso and Gerrard. Seeing the Liverpool players charging forward, Rooney sighed and chose a diagonal long pass, seeking Owen.

This wasn't Chelsea's tactic. Joe had instructed to reduce long-distance high passes to minimize errors and maintain possession. However, the completely unequal defensive intensity made young Rooney a bit impatient.

The ball, like a white arrow, shot from Rooney's foot, crossing half the field, heading toward Owen's running path. Fortunately, the pass was accurate, but... Owen was surrounded by three defenders!

"Rooney actually chose to pass? A high long pass? Such a pass is rare in Chelsea..." Zhan Jun was a bit disappointed and continued, "Although Owen scored a goal, his form today isn't good, and he has wasted many opportunities. With Hyypiä, Carragher, and Alonso marking him, he can't control the ball... Oh wait! My God, he... he flew up!"

Zhan Jun was completely stunned by the scene, and the 40,000 fans in the stands were also dumbfounded, forgetting to applaud their beloved Owen.

What happened?

On the field, under the terrified gaze of Liverpool's defensive core, Carragher, Owen's not-so-tall body "flew" up from the pressure of several strong bodies! In a lightning-fast sprint, Owen suddenly jumped, as if he had invisible wings, using the momentum of his run to leap into the air, heading the ball before the three defenders, perfectly controlling it and letting it slide forward about a meter.

Breaking through the encirclement, the two central defenders and the defensive midfielder were left behind, leaving a large open space in front of Liverpool's goal!

The entire stadium was petrified!

"Oh God, unbelievable! It's Owen, Michael Owen! This is the true lightning killer, the true Premier League golden boy!" The commentator, after a brief shock, finally reacted, shouting with all his might.

At this moment, Stamford Bridge, like a long-dormant volcano, finally erupted! Not only because of Owen's astonishing performance, but also because Owen gave Chelsea a breath of relief. You, Baros, want to prove yourself at my Stamford Bridge? Impossible!

However, the next moment, the crowd let out a "buzz" and instantly fell silent.

Michael Owen, breaking into the penalty area, was tripped from behind by Xabi Alonso and fell inside the area!

At this moment, all the Kop fans were stunned, covering their mouths in shock, their excitement from earlier completely gone, replaced by a strange fear, their pupils dilating!

A penalty kick wasn't the issue, but Alonso already had a yellow card. If this was called, Alonso would be shown a second yellow, resulting in a red card and his immediate dismissal!

It was only the 30th minute of the first half!