Chapter 977 Move On
On January 23, Manchester United took the lead and faced Southampton at home.
Because of Bernardo Silva's injury, Salah deservedly got the starting position. He and Griezmann lurked behind Harry Kane.
Sun Wu put together the strongest lineup for this game. Kante, Van Dijk, and Alderweireld, who had rested for a game, all returned. Herrera started and only rotated on the wings. Luke Shaw and Coleman started.
It was Southampton who ended Manchester United's winning streak last season, and Ward-Prowse became famous after scoring direct free kicks in both rounds.
But in this game, Manchester United did not give the opponent a chance to use their golden right foot. Instead, in the 35th minute, Sun Wu opened the scoring with a curve ball with his left foot outside the penalty area.
However, Manchester United played very hard in this game. Southampton's defense was very well organized. The defense line of Wundt, Maya Yoshida, and Bertrand basically did not give the Trident any good opportunities. The newly added Midfielder Romeu also performed well, and several close shots were blocked by former Manchester United goalkeeper Foster.
In the second half, Southampton replaced new winter aid Austin. The former OPR forward scored 21 league goals last season and is the best local forward.
In the 67th minute, Tadic cleverly passed Lucas and then separated. Ward Prowse sent a precise cross from the right. Austin passed between Van Dijk and Alderweireld. A flying shovel shot scored to equalize the score.
Manchester United had nothing to say about this lost ball. There was a 100% tacit understanding between the opponent's passing and shooting. It happened to be a position where De Gea was unable to attack and Van Dijk, who was in front, was unable to clear the ball.
McFerran handed a bottle of water to Sun Wu who ran over and asked in a low voice: "Do you want to change the formation?"
"No." Sun Wu took a sip of water and said, "Let Lingard warm up."
In the 71st minute, Manchester United replaced Herrera with Lingard. This substitution became the turning point of the game.
Lingard almost scored with his first touch of the ball. In the 73rd minute, Manchester United's midfielder passed the ball. Sun Wu picked up the ball and sent a pick pass in the middle. Griezmann and Salah's adduction caused Southampton to retreat. The defense was vigilant, Wundt closely guarded Harry Kane while loudly directing Maya Yoshida.
But Lingard, who was inserted in the back row, got out of the gap and caught the ball behind Maya Yoshida. He immediately pushed the ball into the far corner, but unfortunately the ball missed the far post.
Lingard covered his face with regret, and Romeu rushed back with lingering fears.
Mortensen commented, "Romeu has been in the Premier League for several years, but he has never been a defensive midfielder... The reason is simple, he is a product of La Masia."
Indeed, if you have to find a template, Romeu is a bit like Busquets. He uses more anticipation and blocking in defense rather than marking and sweeping.
In fact, Southampton has a very good defensive midfielder this season, Wanyama.
However, four days ago, Tottenham Hotspur pried away Wanyama for 20 million pounds, which caused a big problem for Southampton's central defense.
In the 76th minute, Lingard once again advanced into the penalty area. This time Romeu followed up, but this time Sun Wu did not choose to pass the ball. Instead, he received Coleman's cross pass outside the penalty area and shot directly with his right foot. Far corner.
"boom!"
After the crisp sound of the doorpost came,
The referee blew the whistle.
"Manchester United takes the lead again. The goal was by Griezmann. This is the French striker's 20th goal in all competitions this season. He is now one of the best strikers in Europe!"
After Romeu was pulled away, Sun Wu's shot was not disturbed at all. The shot was of high quality. Foster's sideways attack hit the ball on the goal post. Griezmann in front of the goal easily hit the goal with his knee.
Griezmann, Harry Kane, and Salah ran towards the Stretford Stand, but Sun Wu hugged Lingard.
Wanyama has strong sweeping ability and assisting defense ability, but Romeu does not like to return to the penalty area in defense. This is what Sun Wu observed through the "God's perspective".
Herrera's organization, passing and receiving from the outside are pretty good, but he doesn't penetrate very far forward. Lingard's organizational ability is slightly weaker, but he penetrates into the penalty area to grab points and poses a greater direct threat to the goal. Sun Wu's The adjustments are very targeted.
Southampton coach Koeman waved his hands in disappointment, but he was not going to give up. Amid the cheers of the fans in the stadium, he shouted for his disciples to press forward and counterattack.
But this time Sun Wu changed his formation, from 4231 to 343. Coleman returned to play as a right center back, and Lingard played on the right wing and started pressing high.
Southampton, who wanted to press forward, was forced back by this chaotic rush. The pressure on the back line made them exhausted and they were unable to move the ball forward at all.
"Hehe, Best's adjustment is very interesting and targeted." Mortensen smiled: "Southampton's offense relies heavily on the two wingers, Ward Prowse and Bertrand are their attackers. important figures, but now they are suppressed.”
In the 85th minute, Manchester United killed the game.
Salah switched to the left wing and cooperated with Griezmann before entering the penalty area and shooting from a small angle. Foster barely saved the ball, but Harry Kane shot from behind to expand the score to 3-3. 1.
"Congratulations to Manchester United, they have extended their winning streak to 21 games. What an amazing record!"
"Congratulations also to Best, who surprised everyone by taking over the team for the first time."
In stoppage time, Salah finally scored his first goal at Manchester United. He was tripped by Maya Yoshida in the penalty area. Sun Wu and Griezmann both gave up the opportunity. The Egyptian took the initiative. The penalty kick was hit, setting the score at 4-1.
At the press conference after the game, Sun Wufeng said calmly that he did not value the so-called 21-game winning streak. The reporters below all felt that they had never seen such a good guy who was so advantageous.
In fact, Sun Wu really doesn't value this winning streak very much. He knows very well that in the next three-line battle, Manchester United will no longer be able to maintain the winning streak in the league. If they want to lose points, he prefers to do it in February and March. Not April or May.
Maybe Guardiola thinks the same as Sun Wu...
The next day, Liverpool and Chelsea both won the game successfully, but Manchester City was tied by Tottenham Hotspur at home.
Pochettino clearly copied Klopp's tactical thinking against Melon, quickly advancing the attack, making full use of the width of the field and personal ability, and always maintaining a numerical advantage in defense, coupled with timely high press.
Only 30 seconds into the game, Tottenham succeeded in a high-position press. Wanyama, who had just transferred to Tottenham, stole the ball. Eriksen sent a wonderful through ball. Son Heung-min broke through Otamendi and scored with his left foot.
Although the rhythm of the game later fell into the hands of Manchester City, and relying on Sterling's handball to stop the ball and Sane's diving to cheat the point, Manchester City reversed the score.
But at the last moment, Wanyama's non-stop goal from 35 meters away allowed Tottenham to take away 1 point.
Sun Wu made a congratulatory call to Pochettino in the locker room and praised the Argentine coach's discernment.
Wanyama is really outstanding.
Without Wanyama, Southampton lost.
With Wanyama, Manchester City dropped points.
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