In the sports newspapers published the next day, almost all the headlines belonged to Chelsea, who had firmly won the second half of the championship.
Although Chelsea has actually won this "championship" in advance due to their leading position in the standings, it is only after playing Southampton that they have truly completed the meeting with all 19 Premier League teams, and have truly completed half of the games. schedule.
In these 19 rounds, Chelsea's results were a terrifying 18 wins and 1 draw!
Score up to 55 points!
And if saying this alone is not enough to reflect "horror", look at the results of the Premier League winter championship in recent years.
The winter champion in the 2010-2011 season was Manchester United, which had 11 wins, 7 draws and 1 loss with 40 points;
The winter champion of the 2011-2012 season was Manchester City, which had 14 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses and 45 points;
The winter champion in the 2012-2013 season was Manchester United, which had 15 wins, 1 draw, 3 losses and 46 points;
The winter champion of the 2013-2014 season was Arsenal, with 13 wins, 3 draws, 3 losses and 42 points;
In other words, according to past experience, it takes about 40 points to win the half-time championship in the Premier League.
But this year's Chelsea improved this score by an order of magnitude, directly reaching 55 points!
And looking at Manchester City, who have slowly caught up so far this season, they are ranked second in the standings with 13 wins, 4 draws and 2 losses.
Their score of 43 points, if placed in previous years, they might also be the winter champions!
In other words, in fact, the performance of other Premier League teams this year is quite normal, but Chelsea is too abnormal!
As for the winter championships listed above, in fact, except for Arsenal last year, all other teams won the final Premier League championship.
Well, Arsenal’s collapse after Christmas was not just a matter of time. Last season, they were overtaken by Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea behind them, and in the end they only won...
fourth place!
This season, Arsenal's current performance is even worse.
Although they defeated their direct rival West Ham 2:1 in the past 19th round and climbed to fifth place;
But compared with last season's half-time championship, there is still a big gap.
Manchester United has been playing very well recently.
Van Gaal has become more proficient in using the big circle tactics. Especially after defeating his arch-rival Liverpool 3-0 in the 16th round, he has made great progress and has now quietly climbed to the third position in the standings.
Fourth place is still Southampton, but after being defeated by Chelsea, their points have been overtaken by Arsenal, and they are just ahead of the Gunners with a goal difference advantage.
In fact, that means Arsenal is currently tied for fourth place!
To sum up, after half the battle, the Premier League standings are as follows:
Chelsea 55 points.
Manchester City 43 points.
Manchester United 36 points.
Southampton 33 points.
Arsenal 33 points.
West Ham United 31 points.
Tottenham 31 points.
Liverpool 28 points.
Swansea 28 points.
Newcastle United 26 points.
Stoke City 25 points.
…
…
In terms of players' personal performance, Chelsea players also dominate the list.
On the scorer list, center Lukaku has scored 17 goals. His high efficiency of almost one goal per game allows him to overtake shooters such as Aguero and Harry Kane to rank first.
The top assists list is Hazard, who contributed 11 assists.
This data is actually even more terrifying, because Di Maria, who ranks second, only has 7 times.
Even ranked third is still Lukaku from Chelsea, who also has 6 assists.
Lukaku is on the double list, which shows how much his overall ability has been improved this season!
Some other strange statistics also rank Chelsea players first.
Passes, Matic 397 times;
Key passes, Hazard 21 times;
Interceptions, Kanter 20 times;
Blocked, Terry 9 times;
Cahill made 57 clearances;
…
…
Only in the data of saves, Chelsea's Courtois fell behind the tenth, ranking only 14th.
Ranked first is Fabianski of Swansea.
How do you say this?
Chelsea played under pressure in most games, and Courtois often sat on the bench in front of the goal and ate melon seeds;
In this case, he is also required to contribute a lot of save data, which is too difficult for him.
Of course, it would be wrong to say that Courtois's contribution is small.
He is far ahead in the Premier League in terms of the number of goalkeeper passes and the number of goalkeeper attacks.
He is also interpreting Pan Yi's new requirements for the goalkeeper position, which is not only to guard the goalkeeper well, but also to be the first starting point of the offense!
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In addition to praising Chelsea's half-time championship, the media also focused a lot of attention on Oscar.
The first is of course the hot state he has shown in the last two Premier League games.
Against West Ham United it was one pass and one shot, while against Southampton it was three shots and one pass.
In two games, he scored four goals and contributed two assists!
This is a king-level performance.
Then there were reports of his transfer rumors.
Does Chelsea really want to let such a player go?
But at this time, more and more media have received news that a mysterious team from the Dragon Kingdom has negotiated for Oscar, and the Brazilian will also officially leave after the winter window opens on January 1.
Romano, an Italian journalist who has gradually become popular in recent years, also sent out the message "here we go!" on his social media.
The message he gave was more direct, accurate and direct:
"Shanghai SIPG will sign Oscar for 80 million euros."
This news directly detonated the football world.
Because everyone knows that the news about Romano is almost like an official announcement.
Everyone was shocked.
This time it's not because of Oscar's departure. After all, there have been rumors, and everyone is mentally prepared.
The main thing is 80 million euros. This number is really scary!
Even if Oscar's recent performance is really strong, is he really worth 80 million euros?
You know, Liverpool forward Suarez, who dominated the Premier League last season, earned more than 80 million.
Are these two on the same level?
No matter how strong Oscar is, he is not the absolute main player in the current Chelsea team.
And where did this genius from the Shanghai SIPG team come from to be able to offer such a high price?
Who is this SIPG, this "programmer"?
Therefore, there is still a lot of controversy in the English media about this transaction.
For Chelsea fans, of course they are somewhat reluctant to leave Oscar;
After all, in the past two and a half years, Oscar has been conscientious and diligent on the court. He is a good player that fits the image of the Blues.
If it were any other team, selling players who are loved by fans during the winter break would definitely cause an uproar.
Maybe an extreme group of fans will come to the club to protest.
However, due to Chelsea's current excellent record and Pan Yi's high prestige in the club, Chelsea fans, although somewhat dissatisfied and incomprehensible, did not cause much turmoil.
After all, everyone believes that no matter what decision Pan Yi makes now, he has his own direction and purpose, and this may eventually prove to be correct.
Some people also said jokingly: "Abramovich originally invited Pan Yi to help him spend money, but what he didn't expect was that Pan Yi instantly made him more than 100 million! At least in terms of spending money, Pan Yi doesn’t seem to be qualified!”
Indeed, since Pan Yi came to Chelsea, the club has made a profit.
Schürrle originally transferred to Chelsea from Bayer Leverkusen for 18 million pounds. Now he has been sold for nearly 40 million euros, which is almost double;
Oscar's transfer from Internacional de Brazil to Chelsea was 25 million pounds, and now he is sold for 80 million euros, which is twice as much...
Some media also expressed concerns:
The Guardian mentioned that although Pan Yi's personal charm could keep the situation relatively calm and the fans did not behave excessively, there are also hidden dangers in this transfer.
Because once Chelsea's offensive capabilities decline due to the departure of the two wingers, and if they fail to achieve ideal results at the end of the season, this will all be liquidated!
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"Daily Mail" also said: "Chelsea sold two important players in a short period of time. This Chelsea fan may be able to tolerate it."
"But they are also concerned about why Pan Yi hasn't taken action yet? Why doesn't Chelsea make timely additional signings?"
"In the second half of the season, Chelsea will have to compete on three fronts in the League, FA Cup and Champions League. Is the current number of first-team players really enough?"
"If any injury occurs, can Chelsea maintain its current form and move forward?"
"If Pan Yi cannot handle this problem well, the fans' doubts will plant a seed in their hearts. And this seed will sprout and grow when Chelsea loses one day, and then suddenly turn into a big bomb!"
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Of course Pan Yi has action.
However, it is not the "big move" that Chelsea fans hoped for, involving some big-name stars or something.
He's still doing his usual trick of making little monsters! This can reflect his ability.
He first called Gnabry.
Gnabry, who had been in contact with Scaloni before, was certainly mentally prepared for this. In fact, he had been waiting for this call.
On the phone, Gnabry responded very quickly and firmly: "I am willing to follow you, Mr. Pan Yi!"
There was not much persuasive words, and there was no need for Pan Yi to introduce the grand plan to the players. Gnabry was ready to leave with Pan Yi.
After all, in today's world football, the two words "Pan Yi" are an absolute golden sign.
Not to mention the tactical ability, the key is Pan Yi's success rate in cultivating young players, which is enough to make all young players flock to him.
Who doesn’t want to grow up quickly under Pan Yi and become a world-class star?
Moreover, Gnabry is not stupid. Chelsea is now the winter champion of the Premier League. This season, it has dominated the Premier League. It has also reached the top 16 of the Champions League early and has the hope of winning the championship on both fronts.
Isn’t this better than staying at Arsenal and only competing for the top four?
What's more, he hasn't been able to play much at Arsenal...
Besides, there are so many young players in the world, and Pan Yi actually chose him. For this, Gnabry was also excited and proud.
"Very good. Chelsea Club will immediately discuss the transfer with Arsenal. Later, I will also send someone to contact your agent to discuss a personal contract."
"Okay, I believe you, Mr. Pan Yi." Gnabry said.
What is high emotional intelligence? This is high emotional intelligence.
Now that he has decided to go to Chelsea, Gnabry has acted very simply.
The more trustful and trusting he was, the more he knew Pan Yi would not treat him badly.
After receiving this call, Gnabry's condition seemed extra good in the following training.
The young man looked very energetic and always had a smile on his face.
During the lunch break, Podolski stared at Gnabry for a long time.
As a German who is also in the Arsenal team, Podolski still takes good care of this little brother.
However, Bordowski's own situation at Arsenal has been relatively poor recently. He is basically a substitute in games. He is also looking for a transfer or loan to get more game time.
"Why are you so happy today?" Podolsky asked.
"Hehe." Gnabry smiled and said nothing.
"Did you find the money?"
"How can it be?"
"Are you in love?"
"No." Gnabry blushed.
"What's going on? The club gave you a salary increase and a contract extension?" Podolski himself shook his head first, "It's impossible. With the number of appearances you have, it's good that you haven't been rented out. You still want to Salary increase?"
Gnabry looked around and saw no one else, so he happily whispered to Podolsky, "Pan Yi called me."
"Pan Yi?" Podolsky didn't react for a moment, and then his eyes widened suddenly, "Chelsea coach Pan Yi? What you mean is..."
"Hush -" Gnabry put his index finger up to his mouth, looked around like a thief, and lowered his voice, "Well, he wants me to go to Chelsea."
"Wow, that's really congratulations to you." Podolski said happily, "Being spotted by Pan Yi means you have superstar talent! I've seen it a long time ago!"
Then, Bordowski's expression darkened again: "Oh, I wish I could have met a coach like Pan Yi when I was young."
In fact, when Podolski debuted, he also appeared in front of fans around the world as a "prodigy".
As early as the 2003-04 season, the 18-year-old Bordowski suddenly emerged in the Cologne team. With his excellent efficiency of scoring 24 goals in 30 Bundesliga games, he quickly became the main scorer of the Cologne team.
In the summer of 2006, based on his outstanding performance in the World Cup in Germany, he immediately switched from Cologne to Bayern Munich. It can be said that the starting point is very high.
But Podolski's performance at Bayern was not good.
He seems to have been unable to adapt to the wealthy club. In addition, the club has introduced many big-name stars such as Klose, Toni, and Franck Ribery. Podolski has been firmly pressed on the club's bench.
Subsequently, in the summer of 2009, Podolski, who was guaranteed a starting position for the World Cup in South Africa, returned to his old club Cologne for 10 million euros.
After a season with 18 goals in 29 games in Cologne, Podolski was favored by Wenger.
Podolski hoped to continue his career with a giant like Arsenal, and Wenger also needed a striker like Podolski at the time.
So he moved to Arsenal in the summer of 2012.
However, under Wenger, Podolski has never become the darling of the Gunners' strikers. Podolski's Arsenal career started high but failed.
Now he is no longer Arsenal's main offensive option, but a player between the main player and the substitute.
The deepest impression fans have on him is often Podolski who appeared in the German team in the World Cup. However, at the club, he barely left many memorable moments.
Looking back now, Podolsky thinks that if he could have been guided by a coach like Pan Yi when he was young, he might have achieved much greater achievements than he did now...
At this time, Gnabry said: "Didn't Chelsea leave Schurrle and Oscar? I think you can also apply to go to Chelsea with me."
Podolski shook his head with a wry smile, and patted Gnabry on the shoulder: "I am almost 30 years old, and there is no room for growth. Pan Yi will not want it. Everyone knows that his favorite, It’s just a young person like you who is under 20 years old..."
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In fact, after Pan Yi hung up the phone with Gnabry, he called another 20-year-old young man not long after.
That would be Southampton's Ward-Prowse.
This is a temporary idea after playing Southampton.
Only this time, he was politely declined.
As Pan Yi had expected, Ward Prowse chose to stay on the team.
"Coach Pan Yi, thank you very much for your support of me. I am also very excited about the opportunity to play for Chelsea."
"But I am a child of Southampton and I came here when I was eight years old. My dream is to stay here and play for my favorite hometown team until I can no longer play and retire here."
"So, I'm really sorry but I won't be leaving Southampton."
Pan Yi certainly understands Ward-Prowse's choice.
The stories of one man and one city like Maldini and Totti are very moving in themselves;
It is even more rare for someone like Ward Prowse to be willing to stay in a small and inconspicuous club for the rest of his life.
So Pan Yi didn't say anything else, just wished him good luck and hung up the phone.
Then the next step is to fully promote Gnabry's transfer.
When Wenger knew that Pan Yi was interested in Gnabry, he was actually a bit surprised.
After all, Gnabry was only officially promoted to Arsenal's first team last season, and he didn't have many playing opportunities, scoring only one goal in total.
Including this season, he basically sits on the bench, and sometimes returns to the second team to play games.
How did Pan Yi fall in love with such a young player?
At that moment, the professor felt that he had made a mistake. Could it be that this German boy was a real diamond because he had given him too few opportunities?
After all, when Pan Yi really didn't make a mistake, he would definitely kick out the players he liked.
But the problem is that in the current Arsenal, Gnabry really has no chance to play.
There are Cazorla and Rosicky in the attacking midfield position, including Wilshere and Chamberlain;
At the winger position, there are high-priced high-profile Sanchez and Theo Walcott, and Welbeck can also play. Gnabry's starting order is really low.
With only 18 players registered for each Premier League game, Gnabry was often unable to make the bench and could only play in the second team to maintain his form.
After talking to Gnabry, Wenger also understood that the Germans' hearts were no longer here.
In fact, he knew in his heart that when Pan Yi extended an invitation to Gnabry, Arsenal would not be able to keep him.
No matter who it is, it seems that it is not difficult to make the same choice in the face of such disparate conditions.
After all, Gnabry was not trained by Arsenal himself, and his feelings for this place are not that deep.
So, after careful consideration, Wenger decided to let him go.
This is actually for Gnabry's own good!
After several offer negotiations, Wenger accepted Chelsea's £5 million offer for Gnabry.
This is actually a huge profit for Arsenal.
Because in 2011, when Gnabry moved from Stuttgart to the Arsenal youth academy, it only cost them a transfer fee of 100,000 pounds!
In this way, Pan Yi got the young players he wanted, Gnabry transferred to the club he wanted to go to, and Arsenal made money...
It’s a win-win-win situation, and everyone has a bright future.
However, during the negotiation process, Wenger still made an additional request to Pan Yi.
That is, he still likes the Brazilian star Willian in Chelsea, so he is trying to buy it, or carry out the transaction on a rent-to-buy basis.
But Pan Yi refused.
After Schürrle and Oscar left, Pan Yi still needed immediate combat effectiveness at the winger position.
William is at the peak of his career at this time, and he is still of great help to Chelsea.
After all, Gnabry has just joined the team and still needs time to adapt and grow. It should still be difficult to achieve the role of William in the short term.
Of course, the main reason is that William now hopes to stay at Chelsea. Otherwise, if he wants to leave, Pan Yi will also agree to let him leave...
So, the professor settled for the next best thing and asked to rent and then buy Chelsea’s backup goalkeeper Petr Cech!
This also stems from the fact that Szczesny, the main goalkeeper of Arsenal, won the Premier League Golden Glove Award with 16 clean sheets last season, but his condition is very unstable this season.
The second goalkeeper Ospina is also often injured and cannot perform stably at all.
So Wenger wanted to use Cech to replace Szczesny as his main goalkeeper.
Pan Yi thought about this request for a while and then agreed.
After all, in the original timeline, Cech would have transferred to Arsenal in the next summer window.
With his current competitive state, staying at Chelsea as Courtois's substitute is indeed a bit humiliating.
Now Wenger took advantage of the opportunity of selling Gnabry to ask Pan Yi to rent Cech in advance. Pan Yi just came to facilitate and give a favor.
This is also a win-win-win deal! He can also establish a good relationship with Wenger, and there may be more deals in the future.
However, Pan Yi in turn made a request to Wenger.
That is, Chelsea's second goalkeeper has been rented by you, and Chelsea's goalkeeper coach is the third goalkeeper. The old Australian goalkeeper Schwarzer is also in charge. If Courtois is injured by then, it will be difficult to handle!
Therefore, Arsenal must also send a substitute goalkeeper.
And the person Pan Yi is interested in is Arsenal's current third goalkeeper.
That is, the Aston Martin of the future.
Aston Villa's Martin.
His name is: Emiliano Martinez.
He is the future number one goalkeeper of Argentina! The man who helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup, Martin!
However, Martin was also completely unable to play football at Arsenal.
In front of him, there are two national teams, Szczesny and Ospina. Where will it be his turn?
Therefore, he is often loaned out. Throughout his Arsenal career, he has been loaned out 6 times, including Oxford United in League Two, Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham, Wolves, and Reading in the Championship, and Getafe in La Liga. All have left Martinez’s footprints.
During those days, the only impression Arsenal fans had on Martinez was perhaps the 7-5 battle with Reading in the League Cup.
Of course, his goal was penetrated five times, which is more like the background of this epic reversal...
As for Pan Yi's request to buy Gnabry, which led Wenger to Pan Yi's request to rent Cech, Wenger of course readily agreed.
When Cech comes, Arsenal will have three goalkeepers: Cech, Szczesny and Ospina, and there will be no need for Martinez.
So, everyone happily reached a consensus.
Then, next, Pan Yi's goal is to fight for the player who first came to his mind and who he really wants to replace Oscar.
That is--
Manchester Dance King;
People who have mentored young Ronaldo;
Fans proposed the man who played the whole game with Messi on his back;
He is a dazzling star who does not dare to end the Premier League if he does not score;
When I was young, I didn’t know there was King Lin. I mistakenly regarded Melo as the king of the ball. First there was King Lin and then there was King Lin. He stepped on Melo and chased the leader——
Jesse Lingard!
