Sometimes, football has a way of creating the strangest coincidences.
It was the Merseyside Derby, Liverpool visiting Goodison Park to face Everton — a match always loaded with tension, pride, and history.
Barely ten seconds after kickoff, Yang Yang stunned the entire stadium. From outside the box, he unleashed a thunderous long-range strike that tore through the air and smashed into Everton's net.
The ball hit the top corner like a meteor.
The Everton fans froze in disbelief; the red half of Merseyside exploded in celebration.
That opening goal was nothing short of earth-shattering — a statement strike that announced Yang Yang's authority and immediately shattered Everton's rhythm. The home side looked rattled, unable to settle into the match.
For the rest of the ninety minutes, Liverpool maintained control of possession and tempo. They dictated the play, pinned Everton back, and seemed destined to walk away with all three points.
But football, as always, has a cruel sense of humor.
Despite their dominance, Liverpool could not find a second goal. Yang Yang worked tirelessly, pressing, running off the ball, and constantly trying to create space for himself. Yet Everton's defenders marked him tightly, double-teaming whenever he received possession.
At the same time, Liverpool's attacking support was lacking. His teammates either hesitated to pass or failed to deliver the right ball. Crosses were overhit, through-passes too heavy, and build-up play often broke down at the final moment.
No matter how hard Yang Yang tried, the second goal simply refused to come.
Benítez, frustrated by the lack of attacking output, made changes in the second half. Robbie Fowler and Luis García came off the bench in succession, but neither substitution managed to change the rhythm of Liverpool's offense.
Still, with a one-goal lead heading into stoppage time, victory seemed certain.
Until disaster struck.
It was the 94th minute — the final seconds of added time. Everton launched a hopeful long ball forward, more desperation than design. A half-cleared rebound fell kindly to the edge of the box, where an Everton player struck a speculative long shot.
It wasn't even a particularly threatening attempt.
But somehow, Pepe Reina made a mistake that left everyone speechless.
He had stepped slightly off his line, and as the shot came in, he scrambled back towards goal to save it near the line. He could have tipped it over the bar or pushed it wide for a corner — either would've been simple.
Instead, he hesitated.
In that split second, he decided to try and catch the ball outright.
But momentum betrayed him. His body, still carrying the force of his backward run, made it impossible to hold the ball securely. The impact jarred it loose — it slipped from his grasp like a live grenade.
If he didn't release it, he would have carried it into his own goal. So, instinctively, he let it go.
And that's when disaster completed itself.
The ball dropped perfectly at the feet of Andy Johnson, who had been lurking nearby. With Reina out of position and the goal wide open, the Everton striker stooped forward and nodded it in from point-blank range.
1-1!
Three points vanished in an instant.
The Liverpool players froze in disbelief as Everton celebrated wildly. Yang Yang buried his face in his hands, while Reina stood rooted to the spot, knowing exactly what he'd done.
The commentators couldn't believe what they had just seen.
"Oh, that is absolutely unbelievable!" one exclaimed. "I can only say this — that has to be the most bizarre mistake we've seen in the Premier League this season!"
"You said it," his partner replied. "Reina's just shown everyone how costly one lapse in concentration can be. He's been solid all evening, but that's a moment he'll want to forget in a hurry."
"And it's such a cruel twist," the first voice added. "Yang Yang gave Liverpool the dream start — the fastest and most stunning goal of the Premier League season so far — and yet it ends with a gift at the other end."
"Benítez will be furious," came the closing remark. "Three points were already in their hands… and Reina's just handed Everton a lifeline."
The referee's whistle cut through the evening air, bringing the match to an end.
Liverpool's players stood frozen for a moment before slowly lowering their heads. The mood on the pitch was heavy, the air thick with frustration. What should have been a hard-earned victory had turned into bitter disappointment.
A derby away to Everton — a point wouldn't normally be a terrible result. But when you've already held the lead for ninety-four minutes, a draw feels like defeat.
Reina sat down inside his own goal, motionless. He pulled off his gloves, dropped them beside him, and buried his face in his hands. The image said everything — regret, disbelief, and self-blame all at once.
Yang Yang stood nearby, equally disheartened. He had poured every ounce of energy into this match. For ninety minutes, he ran, pressed, and fought for every chance. Liverpool had controlled possession, but their rhythm was off, their finishing blunt.
Reina's mistake came at the worst possible moment — but could he really be blamed for everything?
Yang Yang let out a slow breath and forced himself to calm down. Everyone makes mistakes.
He remembered last season: Liverpool had conceded only 25 goals in the entire Premier League campaign — just four more than champions Chelsea. Reina had kept 20 clean sheets, the most in the league. That record alone had silenced countless critics.
His quality was unquestionable. Yet, his form could fluctuate — brilliant one week, erratic the next. Tonight, the spotlight just happened to shine on one of his rare lapses.
And in truth, Reina wasn't alone at fault. The goal had started with a long-range effort that should never have been allowed. Carragher, only recently back from injury, was a step too slow to close down the shot. The vice-captain's positioning and timing weren't up to his usual standards.
But that's football.
If you want the brilliance of Reina's match-winning saves and Carragher's heroic blocks, you must also accept the occasional night when things go wrong.
Even Yang Yang wasn't immune. He missed chances too, squandered openings, made wrong decisions. Sooner or later, every player did.
With that thought, he inhaled deeply, straightened his shoulders, and started walking toward the goal.
Almost at the same moment, Steven Gerrard moved in the same direction.
"Pepe," Gerrard said firmly as he reached the distraught goalkeeper, placing a hand on his shoulder. "That's not on you. No need to beat yourself up."
Reina didn't answer. He just kept his head down, breathing heavily.
Yang Yang didn't speak either. He simply stood beside him in silence — a quiet show of solidarity.
Because he knew what was coming next.
By tomorrow morning, every newspaper headline and television segment would replay the blunder again and again. Reina would be blamed, dissected, and criticized by people who had never stood in goal under that kind of pressure.
And when the storm hit, he would need his teammates more than ever.
...
In the locker room after the match, the atmosphere was still heavy. The players were quiet, the sound of running showers and boots hitting the floor echoing faintly in the background.
Benítez stood in front of them, arms folded, expression stern. His dissatisfaction was clear.
He didn't single out Reina for criticism — instead, his words were aimed at everyone else.
"This game should've been won comfortably," he said flatly. "We had the advantage from the first minute. We controlled possession, territory, and tempo. And yet, we never killed the game. That is not acceptable."
His tone carried more disappointment than anger, but it hit every player hard.
Benítez paused, letting the silence sink in before continuing. "That said… a draw away to Everton isn't a disaster. They're tough, they fight, and we knew this would be physical. Plus, many of you just returned from international duty — the fatigue shows."
No one could deny that.
From Crouch up front, to Gerrard, Xabi Alonso, Hyypiä, and Carragher at the back — Liverpool's entire spine had looked sluggish and out of rhythm. If not for Yang Yang's stunning early goal, they might not have left Goodison Park with even a point.
Still, Benítez finished on a different note.
"Yang Yang," he said, his voice softening slightly, "three games since your return from injury — two goals and one assist in the first, another assist in the second, and tonight, the fastest goal of the Premier League season. You've been our biggest positive."
Yang Yang nodded modestly but said nothing.
Benítez smiled faintly. "You told the media your goal was to match Henry's numbers from last season, right?"
Yang Yang nodded again.
"Good," Benítez said. "Henry scored ten goals in the first nineteen rounds last year. Round nineteen this season comes just before Christmas. So here's my promise — if you can reach ten goals by then, and we qualify from the Champions League group stage, I'll give you a holiday before Christmas."
The dressing room erupted.
A Christmas break — the most coveted gift a Premier League player could hope for.
Laughter, cheers, and teasing filled the air. In an instant, the gloom from Reina's error lifted. Players clapped Yang Yang on the shoulder, jokingly calling him "Santa." Even Reina managed a faint smile.
Yang Yang laughed. "Alright, deal," he said. "I'll take that challenge."
Who would say no to a holiday? And it gave him an extra push to perform.
Paco Ayestarán, the assistant coach, stepped in with a grin. "Come on, ten goals for a player like you? That's nothing! You'll have it done by November!"
Laughter broke out again. The tension that had hung over the team since full-time began to melt away.
Christmas breaks weren't unheard of in English football — Sir Alex Ferguson had long been known to give Manchester United players short holidays around Christmas so they could spend time with their families before the congested winter schedule.
But for Benítez, this was a surprise. He was known for his strictness and discipline, rarely bending rules for individuals. The fact that he was offering Yang Yang such a reward showed exactly how much faith he placed in him.
Yang Yang could feel the envious glances around him. So he turned to Benítez and smiled.
"Boss, if I do it… instead of taking the holiday alone, what if the whole team gets it?"
The locker room exploded again — laughter, applause, shouts of approval.
Gerrard immediately wrapped an arm around him. "Now that's a teammate!"
Even the usually stoic Hyypiä cracked a grin.
Benítez's expression froze for a moment. He was about to refuse when Ayestarán tugged discreetly at his sleeve, giving a small nod. His eyes seemed to say, Let them have this. The morale's back.
Benítez caught on instantly. The idea of rejecting the request now would only deflate the spirit they'd just revived.
He sighed, then allowed a faint smile. "Alright… but ten goals won't be enough."
The locker room went wild again.
"Then tell us the target!" Gerrard called out, half-laughing.
"Yeah, boss, what's the deal?" shouted Alonso.
Benítez exchanged a look with Ayestarán, the two men thinking quickly. Finally, he spoke.
"If we're still in the top three after eighteen rounds — and we're still fighting strong in the league — then everyone gets three to four days off, depending on our schedule."
Cheers erupted. Players clapped, whistled, and celebrated as if they'd already earned it.
A proper break around Christmas — even if only a few days — was rare luxury in English football.
Yang Yang didn't mind the specifics. Christmas itself didn't hold much meaning for him compared to the Lunar New Year back home, but seeing his teammates so happy made him genuinely pleased.
He had been offered a personal privilege — but instead, he chose to share it.
That gesture didn't go unnoticed.
As the laughter continued, Gerrard caught his eye and nodded approvingly. Other teammates followed with pats on the back and grateful smiles.
Yang Yang just grinned. "Don't thank me yet," he said with a teasing tone. "You'll have to wait until I actually score ten goals and we get through the Champions League group stage. Then you can start packing."
"Then we'll make sure you get those goals!" Gerrard replied, raising his voice above the noise.
"Yeah!" several players echoed.
The mood in the room was now completely transformed — from the gloom of a late equalizer to the unity of a team with a shared goal.
Yang Yang couldn't help but smile to himself.
What began as a night of disappointment had somehow turned into something far more valuable — trust, camaraderie, and belief.
It wasn't just about the points anymore.
It was about a team learning to rise together.
...
...
"Yang Yang's Fastest Goal in the Premier League — But Liverpool Still Fail to Win! Everton Snatch a Point!"
That was the bold headline splashed across the front page of the Liverpool Echo the morning after the match.
The cover photo captured Yang Yang's long-range strike in mid-motion — his right leg extended, body twisting with power, the ball rocketing away like a missile. The image radiated energy, perfectly capturing the raw force of the moment.
The accompanying article praised Yang Yang in glowing terms.
"Three goals and two assists in three Premier League appearances — Yang Yang's impact has been nothing short of astonishing," the piece read. "Especially remarkable given that he missed the first round of the season through injury."
The Echo lauded his composure and decisiveness, calling him "Liverpool's brightest spark in an otherwise frustrating performance."
Across the country, The Daily Telegraph ran a similar story, though its tone was sharper. Its headline combined praise with criticism:
"Liverpool's Yang Yang Sets Fastest Goal of the Season — But Reina's Blunder Costs Them Victory."
The article commended Yang Yang's brilliance while dissecting the team's deeper issues.
"Benítez should count himself fortunate that he secured Yang Yang's signature this summer. Without the young forward's early strike, Liverpool might have left Goodison Park empty-handed. In their current post-international-break slump, that would've been a serious blow."
The analysis was frank and typically English in tone — pragmatic, slightly cynical, but never wrong.
"Liverpool, heavily affected by fatigue from international duty, looked collectively out of rhythm. Only two moments stood out — Yang Yang's thunderous opener… and Reina's costly assist to Everton."
Meanwhile, The Sun — Britain's most sensational tabloid — took the story in its own trademark direction.
The paper had followed Yang Yang closely ever since his arrival in England, often blending football with celebrity gossip to boost readership. This time, it didn't just focus on the derby — it stirred up fresh rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United.
The Sun ran a provocative headline:
"Fergie's Missed Gem? United's Search for Goals While Liverpool's Yang Shines."
It went on to compare Yang Yang's explosive start to the season with United's attacking woes since Ruud van Nistelrooy's departure.
"United have scored ten goals in their first three Premier League matches, but none of their strikers look capable of filling Van Nistelrooy's boots."
The article revisited the early rounds:
"In the opening match, a 5–1 home demolition of Fulham, both Louis Saha and Wayne Rooney scored braces. It looked like Sir Alex Ferguson had already solved his striker problem. But in the following two fixtures, both men went silent. Against Watford away, United struggled and nearly dropped points — it took veteran Ryan Giggs to rescue them."
The tone turned critical.
"Neither Saha nor Rooney has shown the consistency or cutting edge to decide matches under pressure. Even Cristiano Ronaldo, whom Ferguson fought hard to keep, has yet to score in the league this season."
And then, with the blunt flair The Sun was infamous for, the article twisted the knife:
"While United's front line still searches for a saviour, Yang Yang has already become Liverpool's most decisive player. Two goals and one assist in Round Two secured victory, another crucial assist in Round Three, and now a record-breaking goal inside ten seconds at Goodison Park."
"Perhaps Ferguson should be asking himself if the successor to Van Nistelrooy's throne wasn't lost to him — only to end up strengthening his biggest rival instead."
Because the Merseyside Derby between Liverpool and Everton was the opening fixture of the Premier League's fourth round, it naturally drew attention from fans and journalists all across England.
The rivalry itself guaranteed headlines, but Yang Yang's lightning-fast goal — the fastest in the league so far that season — made the story even bigger.
Across newspapers, television broadcasts, and radio shows, praise poured in for the young forward. His explosive start had not only caught England's attention but had also forced pundits to take him seriously as one of the Premier League's rising stars.
Still, admiration for Yang Yang was mixed with growing concern about Liverpool's overall form.
Many analysts pointed out that while Yang Yang had adapted brilliantly since his arrival, the rest of the squad seemed to be struggling for rhythm. The team's attack, in particular, lacked the fluency and sharpness expected of a side chasing the title.
Among the voices weighing in was Alan Hansen, Liverpool's legendary defender and one of the country's most respected football pundits. Writing in his regular newspaper column, Hansen offered both praise and constructive criticism.
"Three goals and two assists in his first three Premier League appearances — Yang Yang's record speaks for itself," Hansen wrote. "For a player who's just joined the club, his performances have been close to flawless. But it's clear that he hasn't even reached his full potential yet."
He continued with an insight into the team's tactical situation.
"Liverpool haven't truly activated Yang Yang or the full potential of their attacking unit. Benítez's structure remains cautious, and that limits how much freedom Yang Yang can use to influence the game. The moment this balance is found, Liverpool's offense will look completely different."
Then came a prediction that drew plenty of attention.
"Both Kenny Dalglish and I firmly believe that Yang Yang has the qualities to become one of the greatest signings in Liverpool's history — perhaps even the greatest. But that depends on one thing: Benítez must help him integrate fully and give him the environment to thrive in the Premier League."
Hansen concluded his column on a note of optimism:
"We all remember how he tore through defenses in the Netherlands. Now, everyone at Liverpool is waiting for the same thing — to see Yang Yang gallop through England's pitches with that same unstoppable drive, and conquer the Premier League."
...
...
Manchester United's fixture in the fourth round of the Premier League was scheduled a day later than Liverpool's — an evening kickoff under the Old Trafford lights.
As usual, the squad checked into their team hotel the night before. By morning, the players were quietly going through their routines — breakfast, light stretching, and relaxation before the pre-match meeting.
In the hotel lounge, Cristiano Ronaldo sat by the window, flipping through the morning papers. His expression darkened with every line he read.
Page after page was filled with glowing praise for Yang Yang. Headlines hailed the Liverpool forward as "the Premier League's new phenomenon," "Benítez's best signing," and "the future of Anfield."
But it wasn't just the compliments that stung — it was the comparison.
Several outlets had mocked Manchester United's attack, even singling him out.
"While Liverpool's Yang Yang dazzles, Manchester United's young star Cristiano Ronaldo remains quiet — all flair, no finish."
The words burned.
He had worked relentlessly that summer, determined to prove himself after the World Cup and Van Nistelrooy's departure. He wanted to show Ferguson that United could build their future around him.
Yet, three games into the new season, he had zero goals and zero assists.
The frustration gnawed at him. He'd had chances — plenty of them — but something always slipped away. A mistimed shot, a deflection, a save. The more he tried to force it, the more elusive it became.
And now, while he was stuck in that rut, Yang Yang — the player he viewed as his closest rival — was stealing all the headlines, scoring spectacularly and winning adoration across England.
Even worse, the fans online were comparing them relentlessly. Some Manchester United supporters had started saying that Yang Yang looked hungrier, more decisive.
That was what cut deepest.
Cristiano clenched the newspaper tightly, his jaw stiff. Envy, irritation, and competitiveness mixed into something raw and volatile inside him.
But along with the anger came an even sharper edge of determination.
He'd never been the kind of man to crumble under pressure. The more people doubted him, the more he wanted to prove them wrong.
That was who he was.
"You're too tense again," came a calm voice from behind.
Cristiano turned to see Carlos Queiroz, United's assistant coach, standing there with a faint smile.
"The more you chase a goal," Queiroz continued, "the more it runs from you. Sometimes you just have to let the game come naturally."
Ronaldo gave a bitter laugh. "Carlos, you know me. I don't think I'll ever be that kind of player. Unless the day comes when there's no one left on the pitch worth fighting — I'll always feel restless. Always tense. That's who I am."
He paused, his eyes flashing. "And if Yang Yang's scoring, then I'll score something better. That's the only way I calm down."
Queiroz sighed softly. He knew the boy too well. The fire that drove him was both his greatest gift and his biggest weight.
"Cristiano…" he began, but the young Portuguese was already standing.
"Where are you going?" Queiroz asked, though he already knew the answer.
Cristiano didn't look back. "Gym."
And with that, he walked off, jaw set, the paper still clenched in his hand — the same paper that had just reminded him why he could never afford to relax.
...
September 10th — Old Trafford, Manchester.
The floodlights burned bright over the Theatre of Dreams. In the fourth round of the Premier League, Manchester United hosted Tottenham Hotspur.
Seventy-eight minutes had passed. The score remained locked at 0–0.
United had dominated possession but struggled to break through Tottenham's compact defense. Frustration grew among the fans — and within Cristiano Ronaldo himself.
Then, the moment came.
On the right flank, about thirty meters from goal, Ronaldo received a pass from the midfield.
He controlled it with a deft touch, lifted his head, and darted diagonally toward the penalty arc.
A white wall of Spurs defenders immediately closed in.
But Ronaldo didn't hesitate.
One feint — past the first man.
A sharp cut — the second slid helplessly by.
A sudden burst — the third defender lunged but was left grasping at air.
In a flash, he was at the edge of the box, moving left across the arc, space finally opening ahead. Tottenham's keeper Paul Robinson rushed out desperately to narrow the angle.
Ronaldo struck.
The ball rocketed off his right boot, curving violently past Robinson's outstretched arm and slamming into the far corner of the net.
Goal!
Old Trafford erupted.
"He's beaten one, two, three players!"
"Oh, magnificent! Absolutely magnificent!"
"Cristiano Ronaldo breaks the deadlock in stunning fashion — what a moment for the Portuguese star!"
Ronaldo didn't even pause to celebrate with his teammates. He sprinted down the sideline, roaring with pure adrenaline, like a stallion released from its reins. His fists clenched, his chest heaving, every shout echoing with unfiltered emotion.
Did you see that?
All of you in the media, the ones who doubted me — did you see it?
And you, Yang Yang… this one's for you.
He slid to his knees along the touchline, spreading his arms wide — a gesture uncannily similar to Yang Yang's own iconic celebration at Goodison Park.
The crowd went wild. Cameras flashed. Commentators immediately picked up the tension.
"Oh, that's a statement!"
"Look at that celebration — he's mimicking Yang Yang's pose! That's a clear message. He's saying, 'I can do it better!'"
"Brilliant solo goal! Three defenders beaten, the keeper left helpless — Ronaldo has dragged United to the lead almost single-handedly!"
"It's more than a goal; it's a duel — two young stars lighting up the Premier League, pushing each other higher!"
On the touchline, Sir Alex Ferguson had witnessed everything — the goal, the celebration, the fire.
But instead of anger at the apparent provocation, the veteran manager's face showed only approval.
This was exactly what he wanted to see — ambition, defiance, the will to challenge everything.
"That boy's been under pressure these past few weeks," Carlos Queiroz muttered beside him, shaking his head with a half-smile. "Looks like he's finally exploded."
Ferguson chuckled quietly, eyes still fixed on Ronaldo, who was basking in the roar of 70,000 fans.
"Good," he said. "Now let's see what Yang does to answer back."