Chapter 782: I Want Them All
While Wang Feng attended the FIFA Awards Ceremony, Manchester City also faced the first leg of the League Cup semi-final against Hull City, a team they had easily defeated before.
With goals from De Bruyne and Yaya Toure, the Sky Blues secured a 2-0 victory, taking the lead in the tie.
Next up, on January 15th, in the 21st round of the Premier League, Manchester City hosted Everton at home.
Before the game, the club held a grand ceremony for the Chinese superstar, allowing him to receive cheers and applause from the fans while holding the FIFA Best Player trophy.
Subsequently, amidst the enthusiastic support, the team achieved revenge with a 3-0 victory over the Toffees.
Wang Feng contributed with two goals and an assist, showing remarkable form. His continuous penetrative runs in the forward line disrupted the opponent's defense, which was unable to stop him.
However, in the 22nd round of the Premier League, playing away at White Hart Lane, the Sky Blues faced a tough challenge from Tottenham Hotspur.
This was the last season at the historic White Hart Lane, as Spurs would temporarily move to Wembley Stadium next season while the original ground underwent renovation, expected to be back in use by the 2018-2019 season.
Therefore, both players and fans cherished every game at this old stadium, even against formidable opponents like Manchester City, showing no signs of intimidation.
After a tough battle, Silva assisted Sane for the opening goal, but a combination from Eriksen and Kane equalized the score, ending the match in a 1-1 draw.
On January 25th, in the League Cup semi-final second leg, a rotated Manchester City side drew 0-0 with Hull City, ultimately defeating them 2-0 on aggregate to advance to the final.
In the mixed zone after the match, Wang Feng, who came on as a substitute for only 15 minutes, was still stopped by reporters, wanting to hear his thoughts on the game.
"The game was a bit dull, but we collectively held onto the victory. Next up is the final against Southampton, and I believe the team will definitely not miss the first trophy of the season."
"As the starting point, the Sky Blues will win each game, achieving dominance in the Premier League and the unprecedented quadruple!"
"And I will do my best to help the team achieve this great goal!" the Chinese superstar said confidently.
Wang Feng's ambitious statement was soon reported by various media outlets, surprising many with Manchester City's appetite, aiming for the quadruple.
This narrative also sparked dissatisfaction among some "noble Premier League fans". In their minds, the Premier League was a fiercely competitive stage where no team could compete for four titles.
Especially not a club like Manchester City, which exuded the air of nouveau riche, lacking the heritage to support such an achievement.
"Arrogant!" was how The Mirror, England's newspaper, evaluated Wang Feng's remarks. "Even he cannot completely conquer the Premier League."
"Yes, the Chinese superstar has created various miracles, but England is the birthplace of modern football, and its top league's level and competitiveness are unmatched in Europe."
"Throughout the hundred-year history, no team has been able to achieve complete dominance in all competitions. Even winning the league and FA Cup double is a rare feat, achievable only by a few powerhouses, not something the nouveau riche can aspire to."
The Mirror's perspective to some extent struck a chord with the conservatives. They acknowledged Wang Feng's greatness while emphasizing that the treble, let alone the quadruple, was unattainable, thus indirectly elevating the status of the Premier League.
Moreover, various experts and scholars analyzed from different angles why the quadruple could not be achieved, including congested schedules and fluctuations in players' mental states.
The entire English football scene became lively because of the Chinese superstar's words.
"So, are you serious?" Aguero asked curiously during a training session break.
It wasn't just the Argentine star; other teammates also wanted to ask Wang Feng if he really intended to lead the team in the pursuit of all four titles.
"Of course, isn't the Premier League as strong as it gets? Is winning the quadruple harder than winning ten consecutive league titles or ten consecutive Champions Leagues?"
In fact, coach Guardiola also held an optimistic attitude towards competing on four fronts. With significant investment in the summer beefing up the squad's depth, coupled with the addition of miracle player Wang Feng, what was impossible?
However, the Spanish coach felt it was a bit too early to reveal the team's ambitions. But the Chinese superstar said, "I don't think so, boss. The most important thing in fighting on multiple fronts lies in the players' fighting spirit."
"So we need loud slogans and clear goals, so that everyone won't feel lost."
Thinking of this, Wang Feng simply called everyone together, "Guys, the outside world is mocking our ambition and nouveau riche mentality, the more so we need to show convincing performances and become a true powerhouse!"
"I know you may still feel a bit at sea, that's okay. As I said before, let's take it one game at a time!"
"Only kids make choices, adults want them all!"
Upon hearing this, everyone couldn't help but burst into laughter. Although still a bit uneasy, the memory of Wang Feng's past glory brought them a lot of confidence.
"The performance of Crystal Palace is surprising; their defense is too tough, making it difficult for Manchester City to advance."
"Is this still the same Eagles struggling in the relegation zone? It seems the club's strategy is to go all out for the FA Cup, after all, it's the only honor they can vie for."
"Look at this time, Wang Feng's dribble attack, cooperating with Silva, the ball is passed over!"
"Wow, that tackle was fierce. The referee shows a yellow card to McArthur, but his foul successfully stopped the away team's attack."
In the FA Cup round of 32, Manchester City faced Crystal Palace away. What was expected to be an easy game turned into a passive situation.
The home team scored a goal unexpectedly early in the game and then retreated to defend, disrupting the rhythm of the Sky Blues' attacks with aggressive defending.
The spectators at Selhurst Park were also very supportive, constantly shouting at the top of their lungs, creating a strong home atmosphere.
They wanted to defeat Manchester City here, completely shattering their desire to dominate English football!
In the 80th minute, Wang Feng dropped back to the midfield to receive a direct pass from Otamendi, then passed it sideways to Silva while gesturing with his hand.
Silva immediately understood and sent a through ball. The Chinese superstar received the ball, evading a tackle from behind effortlessly, not only avoiding contact with the ball but also evading any chance of being fouled.
De Bruyne continued to pass forward diagonally after receiving the ball. Wang Feng, at the edge of the penalty area, cut inside smoothly, instantly attracting all the defenders' attention.
Finding the right moment, he made a horizontal pass to the front of the goal, where Aguero, unmarked, scored from close range, finally equalizing the score!
"Clean and neat consecutive passes, beautiful runs; Wang dominates the field at this moment!"
"The Crystal Palace players wanted to disrupt the attacking rhythm with fouls as before, but Manchester City's speed is too fast, smoothly entering the penalty area and scoring!"
After equalizing the score, the Sky Blues continued their relentless attacks. Five minutes later, with continuous passing in the frontcourt, Wang Feng scored with a chip shot into the far corner.
In the end, Manchester City won 2-1 against Crystal Palace, advancing to the FA Cup round of 16.
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