Chapter 764: Source of Strength
The continuous counterattacks from Manchester United players made them feel that scoring was very close, but they didn't expect Manchester City to quietly open the home team's door without haste.
In the 26th minute, the away team advanced to the front, and Wang Feng sent a diagonal pass into the penalty area. Aguero's close-range poke was blocked by De Gea's arm.
Rojo then cleared the ball with a big kick, but Silva intercepted the ball near the midfield and organized another attack, passing it to Wang Feng after a through ball from Gundogan.
He flicked the ball to the right, shifting the weight of Smaling, who was defending in front of him, then used his right foot to heel the ball back to the center behind him.
At the same time, he quickly turned around himself, taking a step forward and directly unleashing a powerful left-footed shot.
The ball flew like an arrow towards the left side of the goal. De Gea made a diving save, but was a step too slow to block it, allowing it to hit the net fiercely.
"Goal!!! Wang Feng!!!" The passionate shout of the TV commentator sharply contrasted with the atmosphere of the freezing Old Trafford Stadium.
Wang Feng dashed to the corner flag, celebrating with his iconic hands pointing to the sky, and was soon surrounded by excited teammates.
Gundogan, who inexplicably got an assist, was also among the celebratory crowd. As long as there was the Chinese superstar, there was really nothing to worry about!
His nervousness and anxiety seemed to dissipate slowly. Just enjoying football purely might allow him to perform even better.
For the Manchester United players, conceding this goal was a big blow, especially for Smalling and De Gea. Who would have thought that Wang Feng would suddenly take a shot from outside the penalty area? It caught them completely off guard.
The English defenders could already imagine Mourinho's stern face. They didn't even dare to look towards the coaching staff on the sidelines, afraid of meeting the Portuguese's gaze.
"Defend! Defend!" Mourinho shouted loudly on the sidelines. Perhaps because the start was relatively smooth, the team's defense line relaxed slightly, allowing Wang Feng to seize a momentary opportunity.
The Portuguese coach was well aware that at this moment, they couldn't panic or attack recklessly, otherwise they would definitely be taken down by Manchester City's sharp attacks.
Only by solidifying the defense, ensuring no more goals are conceded, could they gradually turn the tide and hope for a comeback victory.
Although he had only taken over the team recently, Mourinho's authority was still very strong. Soon, the home team rallied and re-engaged in the game.
Manchester City further controlled the ball possession, and with Gundogan integrating into the tactical system, their passing and coordination became smoother and smoother.
"Gundogan receives the ball, beautiful! Calmly dribbles past Lingard and passes it to the wing, Nolito crosses from the bottom, Aguero! The Argentine's header just misses the upright."
"The German midfielder seems to have transformed into a different person. His handling of the ball is no longer rash and panicked, but methodical. The dribble just now was amazing."
"It's the effect of confidence. He seems to have found his confidence on the field, and everything he does appears relaxed. It might not be easy for Manchester United to continue targeting him."
Under the watchful eyes of over sixty thousand Red Devils fans, the Sky Blues continued to launch attacks, making them feel extremely frustrated. "Mourinho out! Damn turtle tactics!" Some extreme fans even started chanting such slogans.
After withstanding a wave of attacks, the situation entered a calm period again, and soon the referee blew the halftime whistle.
In the Manchester City dressing room at halftime, Guardiola praised Gundogan's performance, "I like your composure and ease of handling. Sometimes, possession is just like this. The calmer you observe and handle it, the more skillful you play."
The German felt a bit embarrassed and scratched his head. "I was a bit nervous at the start of the game, but Wang inspired me. With him around, I feel at ease."
Everyone couldn't help but smile. Aguero nudged the Chinese superstar with his elbow. "You're our source of strength."
Wang Feng playfully rolled up his sleeve, showing off his biceps to everyone. "Then let me give you strength and confidence!" For a moment, he made his teammates burst into laughter.
Even Guardiola's mouth twitched slightly, but he quickly regained his composure and turned the conversation to focus on being particularly cautious about Manchester United's counterattacks in the second half. Mourinho's team wouldn't give up easily like this.
Taking advantage of the remaining time, the Spaniard went over the team's tactics once again. He was the type who pursued perfection in every detail.
In the Manchester United dressing room on the other side, Mourinho was inspiring the team. Unlike Simeone's severity or Ancelotti's affability, he had his own unique way of bewitching and motivating players, stirring up their deepest desires for victory.
"Chris, your reactions are a bit slow. Don't easily be deceived by Wang."
"David, stay focused, be more decisive when making saves."
"Marcos, defend timely, don't let Manchester City's frontcourt form outnumber us easily."
"Zlatan, you had several opportunities in the first half where you were just inches away from scoring. Be more decisive in shooting, use your proudest physique, the referee doesn't care if you shoot with your feet or your backside."
The Portuguese coach carefully analyzed the problems each player encountered on the field, coupled with encouraging words, to help them regain their fighting spirit and passion.
At the start of the second half, both sides did not make any substitutions. Manchester United strengthened their quick attacks a bit, while Manchester City didn't rush to press forward, but instead steadily advanced.
"Manchester United steals the ball in the backfield and launches a quick counterattack. Mata passes to Pogba, Pogba switches to Ibrahimovic!"
Don't be fooled by the Swedish striker's height and size, his footwork is really delicate. He controls the ball with his back to the goal, feints and turns easily to get past the defending Fernandinho.
Just as he was about to dribble into the penalty area, Wang Feng, who was back defending, rushed over. The two have been opponents many times since their youth, and the Chinese superstar knows the Swede's characteristics very well.
Blocking his path with a shoulder, Wang Feng successfully intercepted the ball and then passed it back to Bravo.
Ibrahimovic was extremely angry and stomped his feet, glaring fiercely at Wang Feng. But seeing the familiar smile on the latter's face, he couldn't help but feel bitter in his heart. Why couldn't he escape the fate of being overshadowed!
Next, Manchester United had several good opportunities again, but they were all resolved by the away team one by one. The defense of the Sky Blues itself was quite tight, and Wang Feng, who understood the art of counterattacks, occasionally returned to defend, completely dispelling the shadow of Sabalyta's absence.
In the 71st minute, Otamendi slid to block Lingard's cross and quickly passed it to Stones, sounding the horn of Manchester City's counterattack!
Stones passed directly to Silva, Silva passed to Wang Feng, and the Chinese superstar dribbled through the midfield, causing waves of exclamations from the Old Trafford Stadium.
Manchester United's center-back, Herrera, tried to block him from the side, but Wang Feng was unfazed. He used the outside of his right foot to push the ball forward, seemingly trying to rely on his speed to forcibly overtake both the ball and the defender.
Herrera was most worried about his inward breakthrough. Seeing the Chinese superstar move away from the sideline, he breathed a sigh of relief and continued to tightly mark him towards the sideline.
But Wang Feng unexpectedly stopped after catching up with the ball, causing Herrera to rush past him.
The Chinese superstar then dribbled horizontally into the penalty area, and Blind and Smalling quickly closed in, but he seized the opportunity to send a straight pass to the far post.
Nolito, who had advanced, faced the diving goalkeeper and shot to the far corner, the ball flying over De Gea's outstretched hand and into the net behind him.
2-0! Manchester City extended their lead!
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