Chapter 600: Friendship is Priceless (Part 2)

“Good evening, football fans. Thanks to our sponsors, Comet Sports and Xingchen Video, for making it possible for us to be here on this wonderful evening to witness a top-tier clash between two Premier League powerhouses.”

Zhan Jun said with a broad smile, “In this summer window, both Arsenal and Chelsea had a net transfer spend of a staggering 300 million British Pounds. It shows they’re both determined to win the Premier League title next season, and this match will have implications for the title race to come.”

“Arsenal’s head coach is still Arteta, and their formation is a 4-2-1-3.”

“Goalkeeper Ramsdale, left-back Theo Hernandez, center-backs Gabriel and Saliba, and right-back Ashraf.”

“As for the midfield, Rice and Tchouameni are partnering as the two defensive midfielders, with Odegaard as the attacking midfielder responsible for orchestrating the offense.”

“Up front, Haaland is the center-forward, with Martinelli and Saka as the two wingers.”

“Honestly, Arsenal’s players are all very young, with an average age of less than 23. They are all talented players with limitless potential.”

“It’s really hard to imagine just how terrifying this team will be once they’ve all matured.”

“On the bench, they also have many outstanding players, including Eevee, Raya, Alvarez, Gvardiol, Camavinga, and so on.”

“Arsenal fans can cheer their hearts out. They have a bright future!”

Zhang Lu, hearing Zhan Jun’s unabashed praise, couldn’t help but clear his throat.

“Chelsea’s lineup is just as formidable. Their spending this season was no less than Arsenal’s.”

“Chelsea changed their manager this summer, with the German Tuchel taking the helm.”

“Chelsea’s formation is a 3-4-3. The goalkeeper is Mendi, and the three center-backs are Ben White, Thiago Silva, and Rudiger.”

“In the midfield, Chilwell and Reece James are the wing-backs, with Kante and Jorginho as the two defensive midfielders.”

“On the front line, Lukaku is the center-forward, with Sancho and Werner as the left and right wingers.”

“On the bench, they also have formidable players like Havertz, Grealish, Ziyech, Christensen, Alonso, and so on.”

“Head coach Tuchel is also a very capable young manager. Let’s watch this clash of titans together!”

…

Although this kind of preseason match is mostly for evaluation purposes, the prize money for the International Champions Cup is on the line, so no team would truly take it lightly.

Even Real Madrid takes the income from the International Champions Cup very seriously.

Inter Milan and AC Milan, already in the midst of a serious debt crisis, were even more desperate to lift the championship trophy and get a much-needed cash infusion.

From the start, the pace of attack and defense from both teams was very fast.

Players were being brought down from time to time; there was no sign of them holding back.

Tuchel put out the starting lineup he was most satisfied with, partly to satisfy Ah Bu’s preference for attacking football.

“Qi, I have a feeling. Chelsea will definitely score before the first half ends.”

Ah Bu’s tone was relaxed, not at all worried that Chelsea would lose to Arsenal.

Last season, they finished fourth, and Arsenal was only eighth.

With the same level of investment, Chelsea should have a guaranteed win.

“Roman, a goal was indeed scored, but unfortunately for you, it was by my team.”

Qi Sheng clapped with a smile as he teased Ah Bu.

“Shit!”

The smile on Ah Bu’s face vanished, replaced by a dark expression.

The reversal was just too quick, leaving him completely unprepared.

Just moments before, Chelsea had clearly been dominating the game.

But in a single fast break, Tchouameni won the ball and passed it to Rice.

Rice sent a long pass directly to the right flank, piercing through Chelsea’s defensive line.

Once the young Saka hit his top speed, Chilwell couldn’t catch him at all.

Seeing Rudiger charging toward him, a smile appeared on Saka’s face.

Grinning widely, he swept the ball across to the front of the penalty area.

The towering Haaland held off Ben White and unleashed a powerful shot.

Mendi had no time to react and could only watch as the ball flew into the net.

The entire Phoenix Mountain Sports Park erupted like a volcano.

The atmosphere was in no way inferior to many famous stadiums in Europe.

Haaland was also thrilled; this was his first goal for Arsenal.

And it was against a powerhouse team like Chelsea, no less.

“A beautiful goal! Chelsea’s center-back, Ben White, was completely powerless against him.”

“Haaland is incredibly strong. Once he gets going, those stronger than him aren’t as fast, and those faster than him aren’t as strong. He’s an absolute weapon!”

Zhan Jun couldn’t help but raise his arms and shout, full of praise for the overflowing talent of Haaland.

As an invited guest commentator, Zhan Jun naturally sided with Arsenal.

Tuchel put his head in his hands, then quickly called over Rudiger, telling him to mark Haaland tightly.

In the entire Chelsea squad, only Rudiger’s physique could match Haaland’s and hope to contain him.

By the time the first half ended, Chelsea still hadn’t managed to score an equalizer.

Ah Bu couldn’t sit still any longer. He gave a look to Maria, his secretary of many years.

She left the private box and went to the door of the locker room.

She relayed the order to Tuchel that they must win the match.

Hearing that the bet between the two owners was a private jet worth nearly 300 million US Dollars, Tuchel could only nod with a wry smile.

Looking at Lukaku, whose performance in the first half had been mediocre, he made up his mind.

“For the second half, Werner will play center-forward, Havertz will be the attacking midfielder, and Grealish and Ziyech will be the left and right wingers.”

“Kante and Jorginho will remain as the two defensive midfielders. Marcos Alonso and Azpilicueta will be the left and right backs.”

“Rudiger will be responsible for tangling with Haaland. Thiago Silva and Kante, pay attention and provide cover.”