On January 17, after a week's rest, the Premier League resumed its fire, with Liverpool away to Tottenham Hotspur, only for Yang Cheng's side to draw 1-1 away at Tottenham.

There were two reasons for the draw, first, the midfield was disorganized and not well coordinated, and second, the impact of the lack of Hyypia was exposed, and neither Carragher nor Aager were the kind of central defenders who could be reassured, at least not for the time being.

But for Liverpool, the good news is that Manchester United's unexpected away defeat to Wolves led to Arsenal's reversal of the Red Devils to the top, and Liverpool also caught up, and Manchester United was separated by one point, Chelsea was forced to draw 0-0 at home by Birmingham, and began to show signs of falling team.

After 22 rounds, the Premier League was suspended, and the cup was put on the center of gravity of the schedule.

On January 20, the League Cup semifinals, Liverpool welcomed Aston Villa at home, Yang Cheng sent the main force to play, won the opponent 5:2 at home, as the main player of the Cup, Xiao Xiaoluo performed well in this game, but Robben on the left side and striker Drogba were arranged by Yang Cheng to rest, and Kuyt, who returned from injury, played as a striker.

With such a result against Aston Villa, Liverpool can almost be said to have one foot in the final.

In the other game, Arsenal beat Middlesbrough 1-0 at their home stadium, and Arsene Wenger also played in a semi-main and semi-substitute line-up in this game, which was a difficult game, and the Gunners' substitute line-up has been criticized.

On January 24, in the round of 32 knockout round of the FA Cup, Liverpool challenged Northampton away, and Liverpool, who was still playing with most of the substitute lineup, defeated Northampton 3:0 cleanly away and successfully advanced to the round of 16.

Yang Cheng does not attach much importance to the English cup competition, and he even feels that if he is not at odds with Steve Highey, he will arrange for more youth team players to play in the cup, so that they have more opportunities to adapt to the atmosphere of professional competition, which is of great benefit to their growth.

The bench is the mainstay, while the main squad is preparing for the second half of the league season, with a focus on the league and the UEFA Cup.

These two battlefields are what Yang Cheng pays close attention to!

After he came to Europe, he won the Cup Winners' Cup, the Super Cup, the Champions Cup and the Club World Cup, but he didn't win the League Cup, which made him a little regretful, if he could win the League Cup, then he would be a European Grand Slam.

On January 28, in the semi-finals of the League Cup, Liverpool, who won the game, arranged a substitute lineup, except for the goalkeeper Dudek, the other positions were all substitutes and young players, and they lost a 1:2 at Villa Park, but in the end they advanced to the final with an aggregate score of 6:4.

Arsenal, on the other hand, won 2-1 away at Middlesbrough and met Liverpool in the final.

If everyone didn't pay attention to the cup before, then once they reached the crucial semi-finals, no one would ignore it, after all, being able to win a championship can at least ensure that this season will not be scoreless, so Wenger is also determined to win the League Cup, not to mention, the opponent is still the title rival Liverpool.

Liverpool have a very special affection for the Carabao Cup, both love and hate.

During Houllier's time at Liverpool, the Reds won the League Cup in '01 and '03, and also won the League Cup, League Cup, FA Cup and the Community Shield in '01, known as the Quadruple Crown, which was lost to Inter Milan led by Yang Cheng in the UEFA Super Cup.

But looking at the four major cup titles that Houllier is interested in, none of them are the giants are committed to pursuing.

The League Cup has long lived up to its influence, the League Cup and FA Cup have fallen, and the Community Shield is more like a warm-up game, so these four cup winners can only be regarded as a fig leaf for Liverpool not to win the league title.

So much so that many Liverpool fans shouted that they would rather exchange all the cup titles for a league championship trophy!

From this point, it is not difficult to see that Liverpool is tirelessly pursued by the league title.

…………

…………

In Liverpool, there's no one who doesn't know about Sutton's pub.

For a city that regards football as a religion, Sutton's Bar seems to be the birthplace of their urban beliefs, because it is here that Liverpool's two clubs, Liverpool and Everton, were born. ,

It doesn't matter who is who is in that distant history of more than 100 years ago, but the important thing is that Everton never set foot in Sutton's pub, they found their home at Goodson Park not far away, and Sutton's pub became a favourite place to go in Liverpool.

Every day, at the end of their busy work, fans are used to going to the bar; Whenever there is a home game, they go to the bar for a drink and then go to Anfield to cheer on their team, according to them, if you don't drink, you can't shout.

But there will also be a lot of fans who can't go to Anfield for a variety of reasons, so they will choose to go to the surrounding bars, order a beer, watch live TV with the like-minded KOPs around them, cheer and cheer together.

When Liverpool scored, they raised their glasses and shouted.

"Fuck Everton, long live Gerrard!"

Then a group of people began to laugh and grunt beer, followed by the sound of empty cups banging on the bar, shouting for another drink.

The bartender behind the bar is busy in front of Carlsberg's light cabinet, Liverpool's sponsor, with a full glass of beer for every customer who asks for it.

But not everyone will be so excited to "set sail without watermarking", at least someone watching TV, looking at the elated guy who is aimed at the live camera, he has an urge to smash the wine glass in his hand.

Every day, at the end of their busy work, fans are used to going to the bar; Whenever there is a home game, they go to the pub for a drink and then go to Anfield to cheer on their team.

But there will also be a lot of fans, for all sorts of reasons, who don't have to go to Anfield to watch a game, and they will choose to go to the surrounding bars, order a beer, watch the live TV with the like-minded KOPs around them, cheer and cheer together.

When Liverpool scored, they raised their glasses and shouted.

"Everton, if you don't want him to brew, Gerrard will be ten thousand years old!"

Then a group of people began to laugh and grunt beer, followed by the sound of empty cups banging on the bar, shouting for another drink.

The bartender behind the bar is busy in front of Carlsberg's light cabinet, Liverpool's sponsor, to fill every customer with a full glass of beer.

But not everyone will be so excited to "set sail without watermarking", at least someone watching the TV, looking at the elated guy who is pointed at the live camera, he has an urge to put the wine glass in his hand out.

"cāo 冇他 "Set sail without watermark" mā冇的冇bomb!" Steve Hawe scolded indignantly.

The head of the bar was called Oriel, a balding middle-aged man who had been working here for many, many years and was very respected by the Liverpool fans, and after hearing Steve Highey's words, he smiled and sat down across from him.

"Don't say that, Steve, they're going to be upset!" They're obviously the young fans in the bar who are looking after Yáng.

"Do I care if they're happy?" Steve Hyway turned his head and glanced at the Liverpool fans who were shouting Caesar's name excitedly, and his heart ached, "They have forgotten their ancestors, and they have forgotten the pride we have had in the past, and the humiliation we have suffered!" ”

Haiwei gritted his teeth, apparently suppressing his anger in his heart at this moment.

"What is Caesar? It's just a little ghost who has risen in recent years, what qualifications does he have to ask us Liverpool to change the tradition and pride that we have adhered to for so many years? ”

Oriel smiled bitterly and patted Steve Highey's hand, "To be a man, you have to take a long-term view, and I'm also learning to accept something completely new." ”

After a pause, he pointed to the TV camera and continued: "At least there's a chance he'll bring us the crown trophy, isn't it?" ”,

When it came to this, Haiwei couldn't say anything right.

All Liverpudlians are eager to get the crown, and they are dreaming of the crown, because only the crown, only the honor, can help them wash away the shame they have suffered in the past and fill the grievances in their hearts.

But after so many years, they never got it, and they lived in torment forever.

Steve Highey raised the glass of beer in front of him and drank it all in one gulp, like all Liverpool fans, and slammed it on the bar, with the foam of beer on his lips, "I'm afraid he's another Souness!" ”

After saying that, without saying a word, he got out of his seat, pulled his clothes off, and walked out of Sutton's bar.

Auriel looked at Steve Highey's back and sighed deeply.

Only Liverpudian who has experienced those years can understand the persistence, persistence and contradictions between him and the generation such as Haiwei, and he believes that Rick Parry also understands why Haisheng is so insistent and stubborn, and even does not hesitate to fall out with Yáng Cheng.

Because he was afraid, very afraid!

He feared that one day, the traditions and pride of Liverpool would disappear; He was afraid that one day, Liverpool would become a football product that he couldn't understand at all; He feared that one day, Liverpool would be glorified but lose its spirit and tradition.

Sometimes Aurel is also lamenting, he has seen all kinds of Liverpool fans at Sutton's Bar, the older generation is a little better, but for those fans of the new generation, they have forgotten what happened to Liverpool in the past, they are just complaining about the "set sail without watermark" and "set sail without watermark" department, complaining about the coach, complaining about the players.

They become triumphant, they love Liverpool just because they live in the city, they live in an atmosphere that loves Liverpool, but if you ask them, why do they love Liverpool? What do you love about Liverpool?

They were speechless!

Steve Highey is right, is it worth it to get the crown and lose your most precious thing?

But today's football is no longer the football of the past, with the establishment of the Premier League, more and more old clubs "set sail without watermarks" and "set sail without watermarks" department declined, more and more new giants rose, and now it is a football of money, if Liverpool does not adapt to this environment, sooner or later it will decline like Nottingham Forest and other down-and-out giants.

David Morse is difficult, he is a very traditional Liverpudian at heart, but as the owner of the club "Set Sail without Watermark", he is very aware of the cruelty of Jú today, so no matter what he does, he is in a dilemma.

It has long been rumored that many investment consortia want to buy Premier League teams, and Liverpool is the hottest of them.

Aurel even heard rumours that David Morse would consider losing his stake if Yáng Makoto no Fǎ brought about a turnaround for Liverpool, because he had had enough, he had endured for Liverpool for so many years, and he had no fǎ to continue to support it.

It's really been purchased, how much of the Liverpudlian's stuff can be left?

As things stand, Yáng may lead Liverpool to success, but with his series of changes, how much more can Liverpool's tradition remain?

When all the fans are immersed in the joy of the crown, who will remember their past?

People are always forgetful animals!

…………

…………

In the 23rd round of the league, Liverpool sat at home and played with their main team, winning 3-1 against Everton, and Yáng's team continued to chase Manchester United and Arsenal in the standings, and the next two teams also won successively.

In the 24th round of the league, Liverpool defeated Bolton Wanderers 2-1 away, Manchester United beat Everton 4-3 away, and Arsenal defeated Wolves 3-1 away, and the three teams continued to lead the table, followed by Chelsea.

In midweek, in the 25th round of the league, Liverpool defeated Manchester City 2:0 at home, and Manchester United was defeated by Middlesbrough 2:3 at home.

Speaking to the media after the round, Yáng Cheng said, "I'm not going to give Ferguson's team another chance, we're going to put them under our feet, because I feel that my players are getting better and better lately, and we have enough quality to do that." ”,

"I want to remind Arsenal that you better run faster, we're catching up!"

The fighting spirit from Yáng was felt throughout English football, and Wēn said he would not pay attention to Liverpool's threat from behind, "We only care about the opponent in the next round!" ”

Ferguson said his side would be behind and wait for Liverpool and Arsenal to make mistakes.

"The real test has just begun!"

In the FA Cup round of 16 at the weekend, Manchester United did their best to beat Manchester City 4-2 and win the Manchester derby in the FA Cup, while Liverpool beat Portsmouth 1-0 away and Arsenal won 2-1 at home to Chelsea.

A week later, however, United dropped points again when Paul Scholes opened the scoring in the sixth and fourth minutes at home to Leeds United, but Alan Smith equalised for Elland Road three minutes later and held it until the end of the game.

Ferguson was furious after the game, lashing out at the team's poor performance, believing that the players were not attentive enough.

But in fact, the fundamental problem is that United have problems with the advancement of the ball, losing David Beckham, losing the middle and long passes, Manchester United have begun to rely too heavily on Ryan Giggs on the left, and the midfielders have to make up for the lack of depth in the pass by running more.

This was not evident early in the season, and Ferguson's tactical strategy, as well as his familiarity and knowledge of the Premier League opponents, could fill it all in nicely, but as the schedule progressed, as the Premier League teams became familiar with Manchester United, coupled with the increase in injuries and player fatigue, the problem began to be magnified.

On the other hand, Liverpool, Carrick, Davies and Gerrard's midfield run-in is getting better and better, Robben and Drogba's cooperation is becoming more and more tacit, although Xiao Luo is more of a substitute, but every appearance can make people see his progress, which makes Liverpool's overall combat effectiveness after the winter break, not weakened, but strengthened.

With a 3-0 win over Portsmouth, Liverpool continued to put pressure on Arsenal at the top of the table, while Qiāng's side beat Chelsea 2-1 away to beat Chelsea, and Claudio Ranieri's side were sadly beaten by a strong team this season.

In midweek, Liverpool hosted the first leg of the League Cup round of 32 against Bulgaria's Levski Sofialevski, who won 2-0 at home thanks to goals from Kuyt and Murphy.

With the game at the end of the game, the Liverpool squad headed south for the Carabao Cup final on 29 February.

But at the same time, Arsenal played away in the Champions League, beating La Liga giants Celta 3-2 to get a crucial away victory and step into the last eight with one foot.

It can be seen from the media reaction after the game that Liverpool played with a substitute lineup, while Arsenal went back and forth to play with the main lineup, and all the media began to worry about Arsenal's trip to Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

At the same time, according to the principle that the northern team is stationed in the northern guard and the southern team is stationed in the southern guard, Liverpool naturally entered the northern dressing room, while Arsenal entered the southern dressing room.

This has led to speculation in the media throughout the UK, believing that Arsenal are likely to continue to suffer from the Southern Dressing Room curse at the Millennium Stadium, because almost all the matches played at this stadium are dominated by the Northern Dressing Room team, and the only two Southern Dressing Room wins, coincidentally, the winners of these two times are Arsenal, the Community Shield and the FA Cup final.

But that was already last season, this season's Community Shield, Arsenal met Manchester United, but lost on penalties, and the Southern Guard's wardrobe curse was fulfilled again, which also made the media speculate before the game to see whether to break the fate or continue the curse.

And when the media threw this question to Yáng Cheng, the coach of the Chinese "Set Sail without Watermark" said with a smile, "I am happy to respect Arsenal's wishes, if they think that using the Nan Chang Yi dressroom will make them have a shadow in their hearts, then it is no problem at all, it looks like there is a draw?" I could even generously give up the North Watch wardrobe so that they don't use this excuse to doubt the game after they lose! ”

"As for the so-called curse, I never believe in it, I firmly believe that the team that is more eager to win can win the final championship!"

Yángcheng's words seem to be generous, but in fact, they are agitating, because if Arsenal chooses to draw lots or take the initiative to get the North Guardhouse, then they will undoubtedly have the upper hand in momentum, and who wants to lose before the game starts?

Therefore, Wēn Ge said in an interview that he was not afraid of the charm of the wardrobe and declined Yáng's so-called kindness.

Both Arsenal and Liverpool had to postpone the 27th round of the league for this match, but the rest of the matches were played on the 28th, with Chelsea beating Manchester City 1-0 away and Manchester United drawing 1-1 at Fulham.

The devastated Ferguson pointed the finger at the referee after the game, but highly praised Fulham's goalkeeper Van der Sar, believing that the Dutch goalkeeper showed great strength to ensure that Fulham won points at home.

As a result, the top two teams in the league remain unchanged, with Arsenal and Liverpool continuing to lead the table, while Manchester United have shortened the gap with Chelsea, with both teams not far behind.

The Premier League bà, the League Cup final debuted! ）