We Were Tricked!

"Manchester United tried a Through Ball Behind."

"Aurélio got there first, cutting the ball across to Skrtel."

"Liverpool's defense had possession, while Tevez launched an aggressive press up front."

"Skrtel cleared it with a massive kick, sending a long ball upfield."

When Yang Yang saw Skrtel get the chance to play a long pass, he immediately knew where the ball would land.

This had been one of Head Coach Benitez's key pre-match instructions.

The plan was to draw Manchester United's defensive line out step by step, especially Vidić, luring the Serbian center-back forward as much as possible.

Liverpool's strategy was highly targeted. As long as the players on the pitch carried it out firmly, they had nothing to fear from Manchester United seeing through it. Pressing and applying pressure had always been Liverpool's specialty, held firmly in their hands.

Once Manchester United's defensive line pushed forward and left enough space behind them, if Liverpool's midfield and defense got the chance to launch a long pass, their first target would be the space behind Vidić.

At the moment Skrtel played the ball, Evra had already crossed the halfway line, and Vidić was near midfield as well. Yang Yang had originally been close to Ferdinand, but when he saw Skrtel prepare to kick, he immediately charged toward Vidić.

The only sound in the stadium was a bang as Skrtel struck a long pass, sending the ball flying.

Anyone who did not know better would have assumed it was a rushed, hurried clearance under pressure from Tevez.

Facing the direction of the attack with his back to goal, Vidić saw Skrtel's clearance and began watching the ball's flight, anticipating where it would land.

But just then, Ferdinand, beside him, suddenly shouted a warning.

"Watch out for Yang Yang!"

Vidić was startled. He