Chapter 157: Facing Manchester United, Explosive From the First Whistle
Where people gather, there is always a world of rivalry.
Xia Qi couldn't figure it out. Winning the title undefeated was just his own beautiful vision or goal. How did it become arrogance and disrespect for opponents in the eyes of Ferguson and Mourinho?
The two publicly criticized Arsenal, Wenger, Vermaelen, and Xia Qi in the media.
They believed that with the Premier League only ten rounds in, and Arsenal only having won ten straight games—having beaten only Liverpool among the Big 6 members—shouting about an undefeated title so early was disrespectful to their opponents.
Both declared publicly that they would never let Arsenal take a single point from their hands.
Cheryl came to interview Xia Qi about this again. Xia Qi paid ten thousand in gold (a figure of speech for a large sum) and commissioned Cheryl to send them each a jar of vinegar.
Foreigners didn't get the "eating vinegar" (jealousy) meme. Ferguson and Mourinho thought Xia Qi was "suing for peace," happily accepted the gifts, and posted photos on their social circles.
They intended to show off that Wenger's beloved disciple had admitted defeat and softened his stance, backstabbing his mentor, thereby driving a wedge between them.
But they inadvertently exposed their own ignorance!
First, the Chinese community laughed themselves silly, and then it slowly spread outward...
The "truth" about the vinegar gradually surfaced and quickly hit the trending searches. For a time, Ferguson and Mourinho became synonymous with "stupidity."
Chinese "vinegar" culture inadvertently became an instant hit across European countries.
Xia Qi's counterattack was praised and imitated by Arsenal fans. In the days that followed, Ferguson and Mourinho received several jars of vinegar every day.
The furious Sir Alex ordered security to smash all the vinegar jars. It was said that even Manchester City next door could smell the vinegar wafting from Carrington.
The "Double Red" meeting (North-West Derby) between Manchester United and Arsenal began in this less-than-friendly atmosphere.
Before the two teams fought, the fourth round of the League Cup kicked off first.
Premier League teams only entered the competition in the fourth round of the League Cup.
Manchester United and Arsenal both defeated their respective opponents, advancing to the fifth round of the League Cup, which is the semi-finals.
The format of the League Cup is interesting. Apart from the semi-finals, which are two-legged home and away knockout matches, all other rounds are single-match knockouts.
The opponents for the two teams in the semi-finals were Newcastle and West Ham United, so it was extremely likely that the two teams would meet again in the final.
Having finished the aside, let's return to the main event: Round 11 of the Premier League.
Manchester United hosting Arsenal!
In the 2000s, with Liverpool in decline and Arsenal rising, Manchester United vs. Arsenal became the new "Double Red" meeting, becoming another "El Clásico" (National Derby).
Matches between these two teams had always been earth-shattering events.
This round was even more critical!
All of England was discussing this battle.
First, whether Arsenal could continue their winning streak or remain undefeated.
Second, Sir Alex's retirement season was like "Wang Xiao'er's New Year—getting worse each year." This battle was his "vindication match" and he couldn't afford to lose.
Third, the Chinese "vinegar" culture.
Fourth, Van Persie's championship insulator trait vs. Xia Qi's "koi fish" (lucky charm) trait.
So many topics... kept the heat of the Double Red meeting high.
Three days before the match,
"Fatty" Rooney (Little Shrek) expressed his views on the battle: "We lost the title last season, and we had a bad start this season.
Right now, Arsenal is ranked first in the table while we are eighth, and they did the double over us last season.
I know none of you are optimistic about us. I just want to tell everyone that in the previous 12 meetings between the two sides, Arsenal has only won four times.
At Old Trafford, we have achieved a good record of 5 wins, 0 draws, and 1 loss.
In 2011, we even massacred them 8:2..."
Rooney, who had been talking eloquently to the camera, suddenly couldn't continue. He remembered the 7-Up (3-7 loss) from last season...
Last season, they were avenged by Arsenal 3-7 at home. He cried very sadly after that match...
But, a cooked duck still has a tough beak (stubborn).
"Anyway, we still have a psychological advantage over Arsenal."
Van Persie supported Rooney's statement: "We are currently ranked eighth in the league, but we are only 10 points behind Arsenal. The league is only one-third over; the one who laughs last is the true winner.
And we are at home. No matter what impressive results Arsenal has achieved, at Old Trafford, they have to kneel.
Because we are Manchester United! We have the characteristic of soaring against the wind."
Van Persie spoke impassionedly, brimming with confidence. Many Manchester United fans liked his post on Twitter.
On the afternoon of their arrival in Manchester, reporters from L'Équipe caught Xia Qi at the hotel entrance and relayed Van Persie and Rooney's views.
"Yes, Manchester United is a great team, and Sir Alex is indeed the No. 1 coach in England, but what does that have to do with him?"
The reporters burst into laughter.
"I know Rooney likes a drink. 7-Up really isn't suitable for him. In China, there is a wine called 'Ten-Flavor Great Tonic Wine' (Shiquan Dabu Jiu). I think he would like it."
Xia Qi's remarks hit the trending searches that same night. It was heard that Van Persie was so angry he vomited blood on the spot...
Many Manchester United fans hurled abuse on Xia Qi's Twitter. Even more excessively, they blocked the hotel entrance to shout abuse, and they even crowdfunded a goal bonus—20,000 euros per goal. Of course, this was a reward for Manchester United players.
...
...
Amidst the boos of Manchester United fans, Xia Qi led the mascot onto the field...
In the northwest stand of Old Trafford, there were more than two thousand Arsenal fans who had traveled with the team. Although few in number, their voices cheering for Arsenal penetrated the entire stadium...
"Penguin Sports!"
"Penguin Sports!"
"Penguin Sports!"
"Friends in the audience, welcome to tune in on time early Saturday morning to the Penguin Live Streaming Platform for the live broadcast of the 11th Round of the 2013-2014 English Premier League season, Manchester United hosting Arsenal."
"I am your old friend, Zhan Jun."
"Hello friends in the audience, I am Zhang Lu."
"Accompanied by rousing opening music, players from both sides are entering the field..."
"Manchester United suffered a double defeat by Arsenal last season and has had a poor start this season. After ten rounds of the Premier League, they have six wins, two draws, and two losses, accumulating 20 points, while Arsenal has a ten-game winning streak."
"However, the strength of the two teams is not actually as disparate as the table suggests. Tonight's match is evenly matched; who the deer will die by the hand of (who will win) is still unknown."
"Guide Zhang, before the match, Arsenal players shouted the slogan of an undefeated season. Do you think they can achieve it?"
Zhang Lu replied: "It's very difficult. Some records are hard to surpass. The 03-04 season was actually a two-horse race, but now Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea... are all very strong. Also, players didn't play as many matches back then as they do now, and the intensity of the matches wasn't as high as it is now.
Don't look at Arsenal's overwhelming momentum now. As the schedule progresses, player fatigue will rise, records will drop, and injuries will increase..."
"Arsenal has already had a batch of injuries. Many media call Arsenal's team doctors 'veterinarians'?"
"That's taking the blame for Wenger. The Professor likes 'lolis' (young, developing players), and lolis whose bodies haven't fully matured have a higher probability of getting injured..."
"The referee is looking at his watch; the match is about to begin. Let's announce the starting lineups for both sides.
Wearing red jerseys, attacking from the left side of the screen to the right, is the home team Manchester United. Tonight's starting lineup is their usual 4-3-3:
Goalkeeper: De Gea
Defenders: Rafael, Jones, Vidić, Evra
Midfield: Cleverley, Carrick, Giggs
Forwards: Zaha, Van Persie, Rooney
On the other side, wearing yellow jerseys, is Arsenal. They are attacking from the right side of the screen to the left, playing a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Goalkeeper: Martinez
Left Back: Luke Shaw
Center Backs: Mertesacker, Umtiti
Right Back: Aurier
Defensive Midfielder: Gustavo
Playmaking Midfielder: Arteta
Attacking Midfielder: De Bruyne
Left Midfielder: Xia Qi
Right Midfielder: Gnabry
Center Forward: Balotelli
This lineup is similar to the one played against Dortmund in the Champions League. Wenger made some fine-tuning: Cazorla is resting, Arteta starts. Xia Qi returns to the left winger position, though effectively Wenger has likely defined Xia Qi as a frontcourt free man."
...
...
"Ding-dong."
"Please choose 'Training' or 'Match' mode."
"Match."
"Please choose field position: A. Striker, B..."
"A."
"Please choose striker type: A. Center Forward, B. Winger, C. Shadow Striker..."
"Detected host's team is currently in a predicament. Matching host with [Assassin Nie Yinniang] attribute."
" 'Finishing the affair, she brushes off her clothes and leaves; hiding deeply her merit and fame...' "
"Please choose 'Autonomous Mode' or 'One-Click AFK Mode'."
"Friendly Reminder: During AFK, the system will automatically complete various indicator actions for the host."
"One-Click AFK!"
...
...
On the pitch, Van Persie had mixed feelings. Many people on the opposite side were once his comrades and brothers. He had struggled with them, chased girls with them, been happy and sad with them...
Once, young and wealthy, he was the most envied among them. Now, those people on the opposite side were all driving Land Rovers (Champions League & Premier League Double Crown winners), while he was empty-handed...
Now, the whole world was laughing at his judgment...
...
...
"Beep!"
The opening whistle blew. The cheers inside Old Trafford surged like overturning mountains and seas, as if threatening to lift off the roof of the entire stadium.
"The match has started. Manchester United kicks off first.
In this stadium, the two teams once loved and killed each other. Manchester United once sent Arsenal a bottle of '82 Lafite (8-2), and Arsenal returned a bottle of 7-Up (7-goals).
In recent years, the duel between the two teams has always been full of drama, like the collision of heavenly thunder and earthly fire. I guess tonight's match will definitely be very exciting..."
On the pitch,
After the whistle, Rooney passed the ball to Van Persie. Xia Qi, swift as a cheetah, burst out of the Arsenal formation at astonishing speed, pouncing toward Van Persie.
Van Persie sensed Xia Qi's threat and dared not delay a moment, quickly passing the ball back...
Xia Qi didn't give up. Like lightning, he swept past Van Persie, chasing after the football.
At this moment, Manchester United player Carrick had just trapped the football under his foot.
Xia Qi pounced like a tiger descending a mountain, so fast that Carrick didn't even have time to turn around.
Fortunately, Carrick was no ordinary person. In a flash of lightning, he nimbly dodged sideways, and Xia Qi pounced on empty air.
But, Xia Qi's body rushed past, yet his right leg stayed behind.
Carrick never expected Xia Qi would save a trick.
He played a "Dragging the Saber" ploy!
At this moment, his goal (legs) was wide open, and the football wasn't protected between his feet.
Xia Qi seized the opportunity, extending his leg to sweep sideways with lightning speed. The football was swept by Xia Qi into the front court.
"Beautiful!"
"Xia Qi stole the football."
"Wow! Too sharp!"
"Xia Qi set a trap for Carrick in a flash of lightning."
On the pitch,
Xia Qi sprinted forward to catch up with the football. Vidić immediately rushed out of the penalty area.
Facing Vidić's tight defense, Xia Qi's legs swayed frantically around the football.
Step overs.
Vidić couldn't judge Xia Qi's center of gravity, so he didn't know which move was a feint and which was real. He simply chose to retreat two steps cautiously.
At this time, Carrick, having been passed by Xia Qi, also closed in quickly, preparing to "wrap dumplings" (double team/sandwich) Xia Qi.
Just then,
Xia Qi suddenly chopped the ball to a stop, tapped the football lightly with his right foot, and the ball rolled to the left.
Simultaneously, his body flashed nimbly, feinting a breakthrough to the left.
Vidić hurriedly turned sideways to block to the right.
However, this was just Xia Qi's feint. He quickly flicked the ball to the right, cleverly deceiving Vidić.
Vidić saw Xia Qi change direction and wanted to change direction too. However, his brain and limbs were uncoordinated; he stumbled and almost fell.
Xia Qi seized the opportunity to accelerate, rushing toward the Manchester United goal like a whirlwind.
Jones hurriedly came to cover for Vidić.
Sprinting forward, Xia Qi accelerated a second time at high speed. Beating Jones to it, he poked with the tip of his toe, sending the football behind Jones, while he himself went around the other side.
Knock on and run around! (Ren Qiu Fen Guo)
"Beautiful!"
"One-on-one!"
Rushing into the penalty area, Xia Qi adjusted his stride, looked up at De Gea, and immediately took a shot.
The football flew toward the goal like a cannonball leaving the chamber.
Goalkeeper De Gea leaped into the air, extending his arms.
However, the ball speed was too fast and the power was substantial. Although De Gea touched the ball, he was powerless to fully parry the football away.
The football deflected and flew toward the far corner.
On the other side of the penalty area,
Balotelli, relying on a striker's excellent sense of smell, was the first to rush toward the football.
Volley!
But Evra was the Cao Cao of "Speak of Cao Cao and Cao Cao arrives" (Johnny-on-the-spot). At the moment Balotelli lifted his leg to shoot, he timely blocked in front of Balotelli.
"Boom!"
A loud bang!
The football hit Evra and flew out of the penalty area.
Right over the head of the retreating Carrick.
Carrick jumped high, chested the ball down, and after landing, turned with the ball and launched a long pass.
The football flew toward Arsenal's goal like a cruise missile.
Near the center circle in Arsenal's half, amidst the crowd of Arsenal's defensive line, a red bolt of lightning stood out from the crowd.
"Van Persie!"
"The linesman didn't raise his flag! Arsenal is in danger."
Martinez wasn't one to sit and wait for death; he rushed out of the penalty area.
Sprinting, Van Persie glanced at the football flying in the sky, made a judgment, and adjusted his route.
Martinez gritted his teeth and sprinted, but he was clearly slower. His abandoning the goal to attack was a mistake.
Van Persie didn't choose a chip shot because Martinez came out. He went his own way—a full-power volley.
The football rushed toward Martinez and the Arsenal goal with a gust of wind.
Martinez immediately pounced.
But the ball speed was too fast!
Martinez pounced on loneliness (air).
The football drilled into the empty goal behind him.
The ball is in! It's in!
Manchester United 1:0 Arsenal.
The atmosphere at Old Trafford was instantly ignited. The cheers and applause of the audience resounded through the clouds like thunder.
(END CHAPTER)
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