Hodgson's 451 formation is still essentially a defensive counterattack.
Against a team with strong offensive pressure, this 451 is simply a magic weapon to win unexpectedly.
However, playing against a weak team is a bit... The dead eunuch entered the bridal chamber and was too anxious to exert his energy.
Defensive counterattack is to wait for the opponent to attack, seize the opponent's flaws when the opponent attacks, guard against the opponent's moves, and then quickly counterattack.
Now Southampton is not attacking, and Liverpool's 451 defense is obviously useless.
That is to say, Liverpool has many stars, their individual strength is strong enough, and in the first half hour of the game, Southampton played really poorly, so Liverpool was able to score two goals.
Towards the end of the first half, Liverpool's fatigue was already revealed.
As the Southampton team gradually found the feeling of defending under the on-the-spot command of coach Adkins, the Southampton team also had several good counterattacks.
Unfortunately, there was no result.
Gu Ran, who was sitting on the bench and watching the game without saying a word, gradually felt relieved.
Gu Ran couldn't help but admire secretly in his heart: Coach Adkins is indeed professional enough. He is indeed a magical coach who can lead Southampton to achieve triple jump in the future!
Although Coach Adkins' tactics do not look good, the situation is still very passive so far, although the current score is still two goals behind, although the ball possession rate and number of shots are completely crushed by Liverpool, although Nan'an Puton players were suppressed in their own half most of the time...
However, the situation has almost stabilized.
Moreover, the physical energy consumption of the Liverpool team is already much higher than that of the Southampton team.
If we continue to play like this, we are likely to see a turn for the better.
——Gu Ran can see it, and Huo Taigong can naturally see it too.
Hodgson began to make substitutions one after another.
Left back "Biscuit" Aurelio replaced Konchesky to strengthen Liverpool's attack on the left side.
"Strong God" Glen Johnson replaced Kiljakos to strengthen physical confrontation.
"Brazilian Gerrard" Lucas Leiva replaced Christian Poulsen to enhance the efficiency of the midfield and frontcourt.
After Liverpool made the substitution, Southampton immediately felt strong pressure again.
Southampton was suppressed with almost no chance of counterattack.
The situation that Southampton had just stabilized immediately became more tense and embarrassing.
Especially after the strong man Glen Johnson came on the scene, it was like a human tank driving up! No one in the Southampton team could withstand Glenn's charge.
The Southampton team is in danger in front of the goal.
Davis dived left and blocked, loudly directing the defense to make timely replacements.
Although Davis has conceded two goals so far, the main responsibility does not lie with him, and Davis has also saved at least three must-goals. It can be said that without Davis' goalkeeping and command, Southampton has already scored more than 5 goals.
As Davis roared one after another, Southampton fans also felt the players' hard work on the field. Southampton fans waved Saints flags to cheer for the players.
The fans in the KOP stands sang happily.
Liverpool is indeed the hometown of John Lennon. Liverpool fans really like to sing.
Anfield Stadium seems to have turned into a large KTV scene.
From "allez", to "field of Anfield Rd", to "we love you Liverpool", to "we are liverpool", to "when the Reds go marching in"...one after another, without stopping in between Pass.
Especially when singing "When the Reds go marching in", all the Liverpool fans were very excited.
After all, the melody of this song is adapted from the Southampton team anthem.
Although this melody is not only used by Southampton, it is obviously intentional to sing "The Red Army is Marching" during the match against Southampton.
And Liverpool's first team song "You'll Never Walk Alone" has not been sung by Liverpool fans until now - they feel that there is no need to bring out their strongest team in this must-win pre-season friendly match. The song comes.
Although the game scene was dull, the singing of Liverpool fans became the protagonist.
Southampton Saints fans are going crazy!
At this time, the Saints fans urgently need a goal to counterattack the KOP fans!
It's just... that's not easy! It’s good if it doesn’t collapse!
There is not much time left in the first half.
In the remaining ten minutes of the first half, Southampton was tightly suppressed and defended in their own half.
Liverpool cooperated with the attack many times in the frontcourt and won many free kicks and corner kicks, but they did not achieve new results.
The physical fitness of both parties has dropped drastically.
First half injury time:
Aurelio completed a wonderful one-two with Joe Cole on the left side, penetrating Southampton's right side.
Joe Cole dribbled the ball inside, attracted at least three Southampton defenders, and immediately distributed the ball to Lucas who was supporting on the other side.
Lucas directly dribbled the ball in, and before Southampton's defense had even closed up, he shot a long shot directly from the line of the penalty area!
Davis reacted quickly and jumped up to save with one hand!
But it's too late!
Lucas's long-range shot is very powerful, fast, and has an angle!
Davis fell helplessly to the turf, turned around and watched helplessly as the football shot into the net!
Less than ten minutes after Lucas came on the field, he scored!
The score on the big screen was immediately rewritten as Liverpool 3:0 Southampton!
The KOP stands are in complete excitement!
The KOPs hugged each other and jumped together, taking the lead in singing "Kenny D The Pride of Liverpool":
"...it's, Easy! Easy!" Everything is simple! Simple!
"Wow, here we go!" Wow, let's move forward together!
"nothing's gonna stop us now!" We are unstoppable!
"we've got the world at our feet!" The world has been conquered by us!
"and with Dalglish in the seat!" As long as Dalglish is there!
"we'll do it all again somehow!" We will always succeed again!
The whole Anfield stadium is full of momentum!
Three goals were scored in the first half, and the outcome was decided!
Liverpool fans are already cheering in victory!
The faces of the Southampton fans who came from afar were filled with sadness.
Conceding 3 goals in the first half, it was too difficult to come back, especially when the opponent was the powerful Liverpool and at the invincible Anfield Stadium. It was really difficult to come back.
The Saints also knew the strength gap between their team and Liverpool, but when they heard the mocking song "Easy, Easy", the Saints' mentality still collapsed.
The morale of the Southampton team was completely gone, and the players on the field were all extremely depressed.
Even Chamberlain, who had been clamoring to play before, was sitting on the bench dejectedly, shaking his head repeatedly.
Although he didn't say anything, his meaning was obvious: You didn't let me play. You see, I'm going to lose, right?
Coach Adkins frowned and said nothing.
At this time, the referee blew the whistle and the first half of the game was over.
Liverpool's players happily applauded the KOP fans, as if the whole game was over.
The Southampton players had no face to face the Saints fans who had come from afar, and they all walked back to the tunnel in dejection with their heads lowered.
Several Saints fans in the stands at Anfield Road on the north side shouted excitedly, "Adkins is dismissed."
It was only the first pre-season friendly match, and it was only the first half, and Saints fans couldn't stand it anymore.
Not only because of the 3:0 score, but also because Adkins' tactical guidance was too conservative. There was no passion at all in the scene. It could be said that it was a loss and an ugly game!
Adkins pretended not to hear and walked straight into the tunnel with a poker face.
Now, Southampton fans only have one small thought left, that is, Gu Ran can come on the field in the second half.
As the players from both sides retired during the halftime break, Liverpool's local band came on the stage and began to lead the KOP fans in a victory celebration.
The band started with a soothing song "Fielfd Of Anfield Road", and the whole audience sang along.
The singing not only shocked the Anfield Stadium, but even the entire Anfield area, where the passionate singing of the KOP could be heard.
Linda, the proprietress in the main stand, squirmed happily to the music.
Liverpool performed well in their first pre-season friendly match, which was a good omen. As the proprietress of Liverpool, Linda was naturally very happy.
But at the same time, Linda was also a little worried:
"Michael, we were already 3:0 in the first half. Will Southampton's coach not send Gu Ran to play in the second half?"
Edwards blinked and replied: "Well, it's hard to say. But Southampton was basically defeated. The opposite coach probably put all the main players on in the second half just to save face. No newcomers were allowed to play. , this can be regarded as protecting newcomers."
Linda quickly said: "Isn't it stated in the contract that Gu Ran must appear?"
Edwards shrugged, "Yes, but if the opposite coach only lets Gu Ran play in the last five minutes, then we can't say anything."
Linda sighed, lowered her voice and said: "...I really want to see how Gu Ran plays in such a headwind situation! But, I'm afraid, as you said, Gu Ran will only play in the last 5 minutes. "
At this moment.
In the Southampton dressing room.
The players sat dejectedly in front of the lockers, and no one spoke.
The entire visiting team's dressing room could only hear the deafening background singing of "all round the Field Of Anfield Road" in Anfield Stadium.
Coach Adkins folded his arms in front of his chest and pursed his lips without speaking, like a solidified plaster statue.
When giving instructions on the spot, Coach Adkins almost never stopped talking, but after getting off the field, Coach Adkins returned to his boring gourd and poker face state.
Silence is the best question.
The players were on pins and needles, each feeling uneasy.
Especially Hammond, Pulis, Butterfield, and Tafazzoli who came on later.
Hammond and Pulis made frequent mistakes in the first half and were responsible for the three goals conceded.
Although right back Butterfield made a good side run, the cross was too loose and his performance was not good enough.
Tafazzoli, who came on later, was one of Haldin's younger brothers. He also had no performance and was almost invisible.
In the first half, Lallana and Schneiderlin's performance was also unsatisfactory, far from performing to the level they should have.
Connery, who was replaced later, suffered an old knee injury again during the confrontation with the strong man Glenn, and his post-game score must have been terrible.
Haldin's performance was okay, and he made several wonderful interceptions, but he made no achievements in offense, let alone breakthroughs from the wing, and he didn't even pass halftime a few times.
Wharton's physical strength is no longer good, and the cat is in the corner, secretly taking snuff to refresh himself.
Davis' performance was actually okay, but Davis lost 3 goals and did not dare to raise his head and speak.
The entire visiting team's locker room was as dull as water, and everyone was almost suffocating under this silence.
It's been a long time.
Assistant coach Andy cleared his throat and whispered to the sculpted head coach Adkins: "Coach, it's time to go on the field soon. Do you want to give the players a lecture?"
Adkins then moved, looked around with sharp eyes, and then said in a slightly hoarse voice: "Everyone is a professional, and in the second half... we all play well."
Davis: ...
Chamberlain:…
Gu Ran:......
Other players:…
I thought Coach Adkins was going to burst into anger and rant about everyone. Unexpectedly, after being depressed for more than ten minutes, he would say such an understatement!
Captain Davis stood up bravely, "Brothers! The coach is right! We are all professional players! We must be worthy of our professional contracts! We must be worthy of the Saints fans who come from afar to support us! This game , we have to play with the blood that belongs to Southampton! Even if we lose in the end, we cannot let the fans down!"
"That's right!"
“The Saints March On!”
"Come on! Southampton!"
The players stood in a circle, palms on top of each other, cheering and cheering for themselves.
The lifeless Southampton team finally regained some morale.
After refueling, the players walked out of the locker room and toward the tunnel.
When Gu Ran was about to follow him out, Coach Adkins stopped him, "Gu, wait a moment."
"Yes, coach."
Coach Adkins said: "Today, I am going to only give you the last 5 minutes of playing time."
Gu Ran's heart sank.
5 minutes of garbage time is enough to dry your hair!
I can do it for 90 minutes without stopping!
Gu Ran was complaining crazily in his heart, but he didn't show any unhappy expression on his face.
Although he is about the same age as Chamberlain, as a reborn person, he is much calmer than Chamberlain.
Besides, Coach Adkins is a big gasp…
Sure enough, Coach Adkins said again: "But, I want to hear your opinion first."
Gu Ran immediately said: "Coach, as a player, I obey your arrangements. If you want to listen to my true thoughts, then I will say, please give me more playing time, and I will give you an Anfield miracle!"
Coach Adkins' poker face suddenly trembled, with a shocked expression on his face.
As a head coach, he has seen all kinds of players, some timid and cowardly, some crazy and boundless, but this is the first time for Coach Adkins to have such a calm but confident player like Gu Ran. See.
Chamberlain was also very confident, but compared to Gu Ran's confidence, it was not at the same level.
Coach Adkins pursed his lips slightly and said: "If you come on in the second half and we still lose this friendly match by a big score, the Saints fans who have high hopes for you will turn from love to hate you. You will bear the responsibility for losing the game that you should not bear."
Gu Ran smiled slightly, "I know."
Coach Adkins asked, "Do you still dare to play if you know this?"
Gu Ran's black eyes were full of passion and desire for competitive sports, "It's precisely because I know that I have to play more. I can't shrink back to protect myself when the fans have high hopes. That's not me, This is who I am."
Coach Adkins was startled for a moment, then nodded slightly to Gu Ran, and walked out of the locker room without saying anything more.
Coach Adkins' pace seemed more determined than when he returned to the locker room before.
The second half started with cheers and jumps from the KOP fans.
The two sides changed the venue. The Liverpool team stood in the southern half and attacked from south to north, while the Southampton team stood in the northern half and attacked from north to south.
The Southampton team still adopted a defensive approach, shrinking in their own second half.
With three goals in hand, Liverpool played very relaxedly, with all three lines passing halftime.
Only five minutes into the second half, Southampton forward Connery was knocked to the ground again by the strong man Glenn.
Connery covered his knees in pain and lay on the ground unable to get up for a long time.
After checking the situation, the referee signaled for the stretcher to come on.
Connelly's situation doesn't look very optimistic and he won't be able to play for at least a month.
This is undoubtedly adding insult to injury for Southampton.
Coach Adkins immediately made a substitution.
Barnard was replaced on the 9th.
At the same time, No. 6 Fonte replaced the underperforming right back Tafazoli.
No. 7 Lambert replaced midfielder Hammond who performed poorly.
However, Adkins still did not let Gu Ran appear.
Gu Ran continued to be calm, sitting on the bench and waiting patiently.
On the other side, coach Hodgson also began to replace the team's main players one after another.
Although Liverpool is already 3 goals ahead, the main players still have to appear.
No. 5 center back Daniel Agger replaced Skrtel, and No. 23 deputy Jamie Carragher replaced Darby.
As a result, Liverpool's back line is already a full lineup.
As soon as Jamie Carragher came on, Joe Cole ran up with a smile, took off the captain's armband that he had worn for most of the game, and put it on Carragher's arm.
Carragher happily high-fived Joe Cole and then quickly ran to his position.
The game continues.
In the ten minutes after this substitution, Liverpool's offense came one after another.
Southampton's defense is as miserable as it gets.
Fortunately, Liverpool doesn't have much cooperation, and the offense is basically a personal shooting performance.
Southampton's defense once again held up Liverpool's indiscriminate bombardment.
Although the scene was ugly, the score did not expand further.
Southampton once again seemed to have stabilized the situation.
The game reaches the 65th minute...
(End of chapter)
