Football: Starting from being abandoned by Barcelona

After finishing the shopping, Li Lei drove to the restaurant where he had an appointment with De Bruyne.

At noon, the two met in the restaurant and greeted each other warmly.

"Hey, Kevin, you played really well in yesterday's game, and that assist was perfect!" Li Lei praised.

"Haha, same here! Your lore goal was the key to the game! That shot was so beautiful!" De Bruyne responded with a smile.

The two talked about yesterday's game while enjoying the food.

"I think our entire team is in good shape," Li Lei commented, "Everyone's cooperation is getting more and more tacit, and the team's fighting spirit is also very strong."

"That's right," De Bruyne echoed, "The coach's tactical arrangements are also in place, and each of us knows our roles and tasks."

"By the way, have you heard? Raheem and Leroy recently had a little conflict in the locker room, it seems to be because of some tactical differences." Li Lei lowered his voice and gossiped.

"Really? Why haven't I heard about it?" De Bruyne raised his eyebrows, "However, this kind of thing is very common in the team. A little friction can make everyone progress. I believe they will make peace soon."

"Haha, I think so too. By the way, I watched the movie you recommended last time, it's really good!" Li Lei changed the subject and talked about movies.

"Really? I said you would like it! Next time we can go to the cinema together, there are a few new movies released." De Bruyne suggested.

"Okay! When we beat Arsenal, let's celebrate!" Li Lei said jokingly.

The two smiled at each other, clinked glasses, and toasted to the upcoming victory.

Lunch time flew by in a pleasant atmosphere. Li Lei and De Bruyne chatted and shared every bit of life.

As friends and teammates, they have a deep friendship and tacit understanding.

However, leisure time is always short. Soon, Li Lei and his teammates were engaged in intense preparations.

In the following time, they were either training, listening to the tactical explanation of the head coach Guardiola, or watching the video of Arsenal's recent game together.

Manchester City's preparations were both intense and fulfilling. Everyone was concentrating, trying to absorb the coach's tactical arrangements, analyzing the opponent's playing style, and looking for the key to victory.

Li Lei and his teammates sweated on the training ground, practicing cooperation again and again, and running in tacit understanding.

At the same time, the outside world has warmed up for this game in advance, and major media have given their own analysis and reports, competing to discuss this highly anticipated contest.

The Guardian's sports headline reads: "The clash between Manchester City and Arsenal will be one of the most exciting games in the Premier League this season."

"The two teams are currently only four points apart in the standings, and the result of this game is likely to determine the winner of the championship."

"Manchester City has midfield masters such as Li Lei and De Bruyne, while Arsenal has the striker pair of Giroud and Campbell."

"The offensive and defensive confrontation between the two sides is bound to create sparks on the green field."

The analysis of the Times is more detailed: "Manchester City and Arsenal have very different tactical styles."

"Manchester City, coached by Guardiola, is good at ball control and penetration. They are good at tearing open the opponent's defense through delicate cooperation in the midfield."

"Arsenal, led by Walcott, pays more attention to the stability of defense and quick counterattacks."

"The competition between the two teams will be a confrontation of technology and strength, and also a competition of wisdom between two famous coaches."

The reporter of Daily Mail focused on Li Lei: "As the core of Manchester City's midfield, Li Lei is undoubtedly the key figure in this game."

"He scored a lore in the last game against Swansea, proving his outstanding performance at critical moments."

"If Li Lei can continue this state in the game against Arsenal, Manchester City will have a good chance of winning."

The Sun has high hopes for Arsenal: "Arsenal has performed well under Wenger this season, their defense is more organized and their offense is more sharp."

"Giroud and Campbell's speed and tacit understanding have always been a nightmare for the opponent's defense."

"If they can perform well in the game against Manchester City, Arsenal is expected to win three points and launch an impact on the championship."

On social media, fans of Manchester City and Arsenal cheered for their teams, expressing their support and expectations.

At the same time, some fans abused and belittled the opposing team in their remarks.

"I believe Guardiola and our boys can definitely win this game! Manchester City is the best! #ManCityComeOn #BlueMoonNeverSets"

"Arsenal? They are just a bunch of second-rate teams that think they are great. They are no match for Manchester City. Li Lei and De Bruyne will show them what real football is!"

"Manchester City's midfield is the strongest in the world. Those people from Arsenal are not worth mentioning at all. In this game, Manchester City can win at least three or four goals!"

"Arsenal fans are so stupid, do they really think they can beat Manchester City? Dream on!"

"Wenger is one of the best coaches in the world. Under his leadership, Arsenal will definitely beat Manchester City! #Arsenal must win #Long live the gunners"

"Manchester City only started with money-driven football, how can they have the heritage and culture of Arsenal? In this game, Arsenal will let them know what real football is!"

"Giroud and Campbell will tear Manchester City's defense to pieces, and Manchester City's players don't know what speed is!"

"Manchester City fans are so ignorant, can't they see that Arsenal is the stronger team? Wait and see, Arsenal will teach them a lesson!"

"Both Manchester City and Arsenal are top teams, and this game will be very exciting. No matter who wins, I will cheer for them. "

"As a neutral fan, I am looking forward to seeing the competition between the two teams. This will be a competition of technology, tactics and fighting spirit. "

"I hope this game can be clean, fair and without any controversy. Let's enjoy this football feast together!"

On social media, the comments of fans are like a huge war of words.

Everyone is cheering for their beloved team and expressing their expectations and beliefs.

Some radical remarks have pushed the gunpowder smell of this game to a climax.

However, no matter how noisy the fans are, the result of the game will eventually be revealed on the green field.

On December 22, the 17th round of the Premier League was late. Li Lei and his teammates followed the team's bus to the Emirates Stadium in London.

When Manchester City's bus drove into the stadium, Arsenal fans had been waiting outside for a long time.

They held up banners with "Long Live the Gunners", "Arsenal The Arsenal fans held banners with slogans such as "Senna Must Win" and waved the red and white Arsenal flag, shouting the team song and slogans.

When the Manchester City players got off the bus, the Arsenal fans all turned their eyes to them, booing and roaring.

"Manchester City dogs, get out of London!"

"Today, Arsenal will end your unbeaten record!"

"Li Lei, you are an over-hyped vase, Giroud will let you know what a real striker is!"

The shouts of Arsenal fans came one after another, and they used the most intense words to express their disdain and provocation to Manchester City.

Such a scene undoubtedly gave Manchester City players a warning, trying to hit their morale before the game started.