Chi Meiya
Chapter 253 Metaphysics! The Light of Anfield
Klopp couldn't stand it. He had been warning them during the halftime break to pay attention to the connection between those two!
Two of Manchester City's three goals in the first half were the direct result of Zhao-Aguero linking up.
Aguero should be marked closely on the defensive line. How did he find space again?
Were the two center-backs eating shit?
Klopp was furious. Liverpool was playing total football, pressing for the ball, but the two center-backs barely participated in the pressing, only defending, and they couldn't even defend?
These center-backs had to be replaced. With these two as center-backs, Liverpool had absolutely no chance of competing for the title!
Klopp looked at Zhao Gang. At this age, with this level of passing, was he really a former striker?
In the world of football, it's easy for midfielders to transition into strikers. Attacking midfielders can be used as forwards. Coutinho is a good example.
But it's difficult for forwards to transition into midfielders, even those supporting center forwards with comprehensive skills. They can't truly function as midfielders.
Firstly, it wastes their offensive talent, and secondly, through years of training, they lose the sense of rhythm and passing vision of a midfielder.
This Zhao, at Norwich, only had a very threatening shot. In a short time, he was transformed into an attacking midfielder by Farke. At Manchester City, he became unstoppable. With Guardiola's guidance, he had become one of the top midfielders in the Premier League!
His sense of rhythm, his passing vision, passing accuracy, and lethality...
What kind of talent and ability was this?
Now that Gundogan was injured, why not just let him play as a defensive midfielder? Klopp glanced at Guardiola, feeling resentful.
Klopp was right. If Silva hadn't been injured as well, Zhao Gang would really be standing next to Fernandinho right now.
Guardiola had already planned it. As long as it was the League Cup or the FA Cup, if Zhao Gang was in good form, he would appear in the defensive midfield position, temporarily replacing Gundogan.
Anyway, that position didn't have too many defensive responsibilities.
The fans at Anfield, who were cheering for their home team, fell silent again. Liverpool had been leading twice, and it was understandable to be tied, and acceptable to be overtaken, but how could they concede another one?
Leading by two goals now!
Manchester City fans watching the game in front of the screen took advantage of the break to buy beer, and when they came back and took a look...
Hey!
Another one went in!
They thought they were seeing things, but after carefully watching the replay and looking at the score, it was real!
They really scored at the start of the second half.
This was different from the start of the first half. In the first half, Manchester City was almost overwhelmed by Liverpool's pressing, and the Manchester City fans watching the game were constantly on edge, before Liverpool finally breached their goal!
At the start of the second half, Manchester City scored one right away!
Now the mood for watching the game was much better.
"So awesome!"
"Aguero really steps up in the league!"
"Give it to them hard. Aguero hasn't had a four-goal game this season! Keep scoring another one. Give some love to your good brother. He's really passing the ball to you!"
After conceding the goal, Liverpool had no other choice but to continue to strengthen their attack.
If they were one goal behind, there was still time to fight back. If they were two goals behind, they had to score one first to ease the pressure.
Because the referee had shown seven yellow cards in the first half, the players' actions had been somewhat restrained. Now that Liverpool was behind, their actions became more aggressive again.
In the 56th minute of the game, Emre Can committed another foul by pulling someone down. The referee finally couldn't stand it and gave him a yellow card warning.
Now Lallana didn't dare to make any big moves against Zhao Gang easily, in case he got another yellow card and was out of the game, so he was substituted to defend Zhao Gang.
Liverpool's counter-pressing was very fierce, and they had a few counter-attack opportunities, but Mane's shot didn't change the score.
And Firmino was limited by Stones and Otamendi, and he hadn't had any outstanding performance in this game.
Liverpool became more and more anxious, and Manchester City's rhythm began to stabilize.
De Bruyne began to consciously retreat to receive Zhao Gang.
If Gundogan or Silva were still there, Manchester City's rhythm would be even more stable.
Now they could only let De Bruyne retreat and cooperate with Zhao Gang to stabilize the rhythm.
Although everyone in Manchester City had the ability to pass the ball, in the face of Liverpool's pressing, the only ones who could really hold the ball steadily were Zhao Gang and De Bruyne.
The others could be used as passing points, but taking the ball forward a few steps made people nervous, as if Liverpool would snatch it at any moment.
In the 67th minute of the game, Mane, who was pressing Zhao Gang, stepped on Zhao Gang's foot, resulting in another yellow card!
This was already the fourth free kick Manchester City had won in the second half, but the positions were relatively far away, and there were basically no good opportunities to score.
In the next few minutes, Manchester City continued to control the rhythm, and Liverpool waited for opportunities.
And Zhao Gang began to consciously seek physical contact, looking for opportunities to get the Liverpool players with yellow cards sent off!
If successful, it would be a big blow to Liverpool.
Klopp seemed to have discovered the problem. He quickly made adjustments, directly replacing Emre Can with Henderson, and Firmino with Origi.
Firmino, as an attacking pivot, hadn't played much of a role, and had been constantly tracking back to press, consuming a lot of energy, and basically had no great impact.
Origi's individual ability was a little worse than Firmino's, but he had plenty of energy and his speed was quite good, and he could have a better effect by sprinting up.
"Lucky Koi Origi replaces Firmino!
Jade-faced Gentleman has been almost lost in Manchester City's two center-backs in this game, and his performance has not been very good. Let's see if there will be any unexpected effects by replacing him with Origi!" As a die-hard Liverpool fan, Zhan Laoshi breathed a sigh of relief, still feeling a bit uncomfortable watching Liverpool lose the game like this.
Zhao Gang's performance was very good, continuously linking up with Aguero and assisting Aguero for a hat-trick.
But Liverpool's loss was too incomplete for him.
Henderson and Origi had just come on the field, and their energy was extremely abundant and excellent. Liverpool's counter-pressing continued.
And Origi, who had always had metaphysical blessings, didn't disappoint Klopp this time.
His positive attitude had an effect five minutes after coming on the field.
His tireless running allowed him to steal the ball from De Bruyne's feet!
After getting the ball, he didn't try to take the ball himself, but decisively passed the ball to Henderson, who was also in very good condition!
Then he quickly moved forward to support and create space.
Henderson got the ball, and there were no Manchester City players around. He turned around, swung his arms, and charged forward!
Anfield's red sea boiled again.
Those fans who took off their shirts and shouted like crazy, shouted for victory!
And the Manchester City fans' hearts skipped a beat at this time. Once this ball went in, Liverpool would only be one goal behind, and the situation would be bad.
Liverpool's players rushed forward to support, and Manchester City's players of course had to desperately chase back.
The game had reached the 78th minute, and their energy was at its limit, but they had to defend desperately!
Henderson dribbled the ball forward and kept observing his teammates. With Firmino off the field, there was no particularly good opportunity in the middle. He sent a long pass to Mane.
Mane swayed a few times, and Zabaleta, whose focus was not enough, was directly dizzied by Mane and could only use his hands, but still couldn't hold Mane back.
Mane rushed all the way into the penalty area!
Stones quickly made up for the defense, while Otamendi and Zhao Gang, who had rushed back from behind, quickly filled the gap in the middle!
Mane raised his foot, seemingly to shoot, but actually did a fancy move, a fake shot and a real pass!
Stones was knocked to the ground, and the ball was directly pushed by Mane to the middle!
Zhao Gang and Otamendi almost simultaneously stretched their legs to steal the ball, but the ball was too fast, and neither of them touched the ball!
Bravo quickly turned around. Years of training had made him almost react subconsciously. Since the ball had passed in front of the goal, regardless of whether there was anyone at the far post, he had to make this turn and prepare to save!
Sure enough, a red light flashed at the far post!
Origi!
Origi, who had quickly moved forward to support after passing the ball, found the best opportunity!
After receiving Mane's cross, Origi stretched out his right leg and slammed it on the ball.
Bravo's reaction was still quick, but the speed of this ball was even faster, and it went directly into the net from under Bravo!
Instantly, Anfield Stadium was plunged into madness.
Finally, in the 79th minute, they pulled back a goal!
There was still a chance, still more than ten minutes!
Anfield never admits defeat!
Anfield never gives up!
Klopp clenched his fists and waved them vigorously, his eyes wide with anger. Beautiful!
His substitution was very successful.
Origi's steal, Henderson's pass, Mane's cross, and finally Origi scored a goal!
"Lucky Koi Origi! It's really a bit metaphysical! He stole the ball from De Bruyne just six minutes after coming on the field, and Liverpool launched a quick counterattack!
Origi has made a great contribution! He scored a goal for Liverpool!
There's still enough time, Manchester City needs to be careful!"
Zhao Gang and Otamendi sat in the penalty area. Otamendi got up first and pulled Zhao Gang up. Seeing that Zhao Gang was a little annoyed and lost, he said, "This wasn't your job in the first place. You were even further forward than me, and you retreated faster than me! It's already incredible."
Otamendi wasn't comforting him. He really found it unbelievable that Zhao Gang's speed and energy were simply not like those of an Asian.
Moreover, with this attitude of tracking back, Guardiola was right to treat him like his own son.
Any coach would hold such a player in the palm of their hand.
Origi hardly celebrated, and quickly ran into the goal to scoop the ball out. Liverpool's teammates who came to celebrate understood what he meant.
Hurry up!
They could score another goal!
If possible, they could even overtake them and defeat Manchester City!
Manchester City can overtake us, why can't we overtake them?
Liverpool's players' morale soared, and they gritted their teeth fiercely.
Origi hugged the ball and high-fived his teammates, then quickly ran to the center circle.
To prevent Manchester City from stalling for time.
Guardiola shook his head, feeling a little helpless.
De Bruyne kept raising his hands to his teammates, indicating that it was his problem, he shouldn't have forced the dribble, he should have passed the ball quickly.
Fernandinho swayed towards the center circle, Liverpool's players didn't celebrate, and the referee signaled to kick off.
After Zhao Gang received the ball, the Liverpool players, who were in high spirits, quickly launched a siege.
Zhao Gang dribbled the ball alone, moving laterally, looking for an opportunity to break through and pass the ball.
However, the three midfielders' interception prevented him from breaking through successfully.
The ball was almost poked away by Coutinho.
Helpless, Zhao Gang could only pass the ball back to Fernandinho, and Liverpool quickly surrounded Fernandinho again.
Fernandinho passed the ball back again, and Otamendi, seeing Mane rushing over, kicked the ball forward.
Zhao Gang, who jumped high, headed the ball to Sterling.
Sterling dribbled the ball along the wing.
At this time, Liverpool's defense was not solid either. If they could take advantage of this opportunity to score a goal, it would be a huge blow to Liverpool!
Liverpool fans shouted like crazy, and the players, hearing these roars, gritted their teeth and persevered in chasing back even without energy.
Sterling rushed forward, and Henderson and Clyne jointly intercepted him.
Surrounded, Sterling suddenly made an emergency stop, moving laterally and cutting inward towards the middle!
This set of operations really made him succeed.
Manchester City's support also rushed over quickly.
Sterling's inward cut and breakthrough was already at the end of his rope. He had no chance to continue forward, so he passed the ball laterally. After Zhao Gang received the ball, he launched a new round of attack!
Sure enough, Liverpool's players were like cockroaches that couldn't be killed. The midfielders who were pressing in the frontcourt had quickly returned.
Zhao Gang dribbled the ball towards the right, pulling Liverpool's defense, and then suddenly pushed the ball with his heel to Fernandinho in front of the left side of the penalty area.
"Fernandinho! A very good opportunity! He has the ability to shoot from distance! Shoot!!"
An arrow piercing the clouds!
Fernandinho didn't hesitate. At this time, he wouldn't pass the ball after receiving it.
There was a very good shooting route in Liverpool's penalty area!
Boom!
The ball drew a diagonal line and flew straight towards the far corner. Mignolet jumped up and didn't touch the ball!
Neither the post nor the crossbar touched it!
The ball flew straight out!
Scaring Klopp, his heart beat twice as fast!
Fernandinho covered his head and breathed a sigh of relief, just a few centimeters off.
Just a few centimeters off, if it was a little lower, the ball would have gone in!
Liverpool would have been completely finished!
Mignolet quickly held the ball and returned to the small penalty area.
Both sides' players retreated even faster.
Liverpool needed to score a goal as soon as possible, and Manchester City needed to defend to the death.
Mignolet kicked the ball high towards the middle. After Lallana stopped the ball with his chest, he didn't turn around, but passed it laterally to Henderson.
Henderson observed his teammates. Manchester City's players had quickly taken their positions to defend.
He didn't break through, but passed it back to Clyne, who kicked it to Coutinho's feet.
At this time, Coutinho was the best at breaking through for Liverpool.
After Coutinho got the ball, he quickly moved towards the middle, easily shaking off Kolarov's defense. Facing Fernando, he didn't break through forward into the penalty area, but after shaking, he moved laterally again, all the way from the right side of the penalty area to the middle, and then cut to the left.
Mane moved quickly, freeing up space.
Sure enough, Manchester City was still very wary of Coutinho's threat.
The defensive line in the penalty area quickly followed his movement, to prevent him from suddenly shooting on the edge of the penalty area.
Liverpool's players' running and interchanging were very frequent!
Coutinho made several consecutive lateral movements, and suddenly passed the ball along the ground. The ball passed through the gaps between people, and Fernando and Stones tried to intercept it, but failed.
The Manchester City players in the penalty area almost simultaneously turned their heads, watching the ball pass across the penalty area from right to left.
The entire defense was completely empty on the left side because of Coutinho's movement!
Zabaleta quickly rushed over, trying to destroy the ball, but an even faster and more powerful figure descended like a god!
Origi!
Origi, who had come on as a substitute, appeared like a ghost on the left side of the penalty area, without any stopping action, and shot with force!
Then he was knocked out by Zabaleta!
The ball went into the net!
Goal!
Liverpool tied the score!
Origi, who came on as a substitute, scored twice, scoring two goals in six minutes, completely erasing Liverpool's big disadvantage!
After scoring the goal, Origi almost bounced off the turf!
Waving his fists, his face contorted, he rushed out of the sideline.
Excited, Origi didn't go to pick up the ball this time, but directly took off his jersey and rushed to the stands.
Mane, Coutinho, Henderson, Lallana, and Wijnaldum rushed over, roaring.
Coutinho jumped directly onto Origi's back, clenched his fists and roared passionately at the fans in the entire stand.
Tens of thousands of fans at Anfield burst out like crazy.
A huge roaring sound rang out in the stadium, soaring into the sky.
The entire Anfield was like an earthquake.
The fans in the stands took off their jerseys and celebrated passionately. Those beautiful female fans with Liverpool logos painted on their faces opened their mouths wide, raised their heads, and the blue veins on their snow-white necks were clearly visible.
Someone was drumming, and someone was lighting small fireworks.
Countless fans were in tears, hugging each other.
This is football, this is Anfield!
At this moment, the soul is burning, and the faith is roaring!
"Origi! It's Origi again! In the 85th minute of the game, Origi, who came on as a substitute, scored another goal!
Never kill the unknown, never fight an unknown battle! Key player Origi! Once again becomes Liverpool's savior!
Manchester City wants to leave with victory, Origi doesn't allow it, Liverpool doesn't allow it!"
Zhan Laoshi was so excited that he almost jumped up, his voice raised eight degrees, and he almost shouted himself hoarse.
Klopp on the sidelines kept jumping and waving his fists, his eyes wide with anger.
Kill!
Kill!
Guardiola shook his head, Klopp's substitution really changed the situation on the field.
The great situation collapsed in just a few minutes.
The referee gave Origi a yellow card. Origi put on his jersey, obviously still excited, and his mind was a little blank. He saw the Manchester City players standing on the field, frustrated and depressed.
Suddenly, he jumped twice, turned his back to the camera, and pointed his thumb at the number on his back.
Anfield Stadium roared again.
"Oh, this... Origi is a little too excited. This action is a bit provocative. With the booing of the audience, this is a bit inappropriate..."
Origi had never had such a celebration action before. He had already finished celebrating, but when he saw the Manchester City players and Zhao Gang, he suddenly did this.
Everyone present knew that this was a common action of Zhao Gang.
Just like scoring against Real Madrid, imitating Ronaldo's *siu*, this kind of behavior on the field represents mockery and provocation.
Wijnaldum quickly ran over and pressed Origi's hand down.
Don't mess around!
Zhao Gang shook his head, holding his waist in silence.
Listening to the roaring sound of Anfield, he slowly exhaled a breath.
Soon, Manchester City kicked off in the center circle, and Liverpool's players' morale was even higher.
If they could score two goals to tie the score, why couldn't they score three to overtake them?
Including stoppage time, there might be about ten minutes left.
Go!
Steal!
Liverpool's players ran all over the field like they were injected with chicken blood.
And Manchester City obviously didn't plan to go back with a tie.
Zhao Gang and De Bruyne's cooperation, plus the two defenders on the wings, passed the ball to Liverpool's dangerous area several times. After the cross, it was headed out by Liverpool.
Liverpool's players were eager to attack. As long as there was an opportunity, they would quickly move forward.
Henderson and Origi were both very energetic and repeatedly attacked Manchester City's penalty area.
Both sides played aggressively, and in the final period, they played a very fierce and exciting attack.
The cheering and cheering sounds of Anfield never stopped.
The two coaches on the sidelines kept shouting, extremely nervous.
This ordinary Premier League game was played like a Champions League final.
No one wanted to lose, and no one wanted to settle for a draw!
In stoppage time, Zhao Gang picked a pass to Sterling, who tried to cut inside and attract the defense.
Lovren, who hadn't had much performance, suddenly tackled directly and destroyed the ball at Sterling's feet.
Lallana led the ball, turned around, and dribbled quickly.
Instantly, two waves of red and black players quickly approached Manchester City's half.
One side wanted to seize the opportunity and launch a fatal counterattack.
The other side wanted to defend desperately and block the opponent's attack.
Zhao Gang also quickly turned around and rushed towards Lallana.
In the process of advancing, Lallana saw the Manchester City players approaching and passed to Coutinho, and then accelerated to support.
"Liverpool's counterattack opportunity! Manchester City's defense is very unstable! There are only two center-backs left in the backcourt, but Manchester City's retreat speed is very fast!"
Coutinho dribbled past the midfield line. Of course, Manchester City's center-backs wouldn't rush over to stop him at this time, otherwise they would completely lose their defensive position.
So Coutinho dribbled all the way into Manchester City's hinterland.
Klopp on the sidelines leaned slightly, clenched his fists tightly, and didn't blink.
If this counterattack was successful, they would be the first team to defeat Manchester City!
Guardiola stood upright, expressionless, with his right hand on his chin, unable to see his joy or sorrow.
Manchester City's attacking players retreated extremely quickly, and Liverpool's attacking players were even faster!
Origi in the middle quickly passed through Stones and Otamendi, reaching out for the ball.
Coutinho didn't hesitate. Since Origi had scored twice today and almost collapsed Manchester City, he had enough confidence in Origi!
Coutinho passed directly, Origi received the ball through the defense, was squeezed by Otamendi, forcing him to only go to the outside, losing the shooting space.
In front of the penalty area, Origi rushed to the left, preparing to flash a small angle and shoot!
If he failed, his two goals in front would be enough to make him the most focused player today.
Moreover, it was normal to fail in this kind of opportunity, it was just a little regretful.
But if he succeeded, he would be today's best player!
The King of Anfield tonight, the Star of the Future!