In the Sky Sports live broadcast room, Martin·Tyler and Rob·Hawthorn are doing pre-match warm-ups.
"Viewers, welcome to watch the focus of the 21st round of the 2010-2011 season Premier League, Manchester United challenges West Bromwich away from home."
Martin·Tyler opened the information in his hand and held up the headphones.
"Let's look at the standings first. Manchester United is currently the only undefeated team in the league, leading the second place Arsenal by 22 points.
We have rarely seen such a huge points lead in Premier League. This kind of point difference is often found in leagues like Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Eredivisie, etc., where one team dominates the other.
I hope this Premier League point difference will not expand, so that the league will lose its suspense.
Compared to Manchester United, West Brom is stuck in the relegation zone and is currently ranked 18th. It has lost three games in a row and is in urgent need of grabbing points to get out of the quagmire."
Rob·Hawthorn answered, "The two teams have played against each other in the past 13 league games, Manchester United has won 11, drawn 2, and never lost.
The last time West Brom defeated Manchester United in the league was way back in 1984. At that time, Ferguson hadn't even come to Manchester United yet.
However, this season Manchester United was tied 2-2 at home by West Brom. Red Devils has drawn three consecutive away games in the past. Today they need to break the curse of away draws."
Martin·Tyler nodded. "Look at the starting lineup of both sides first: West Brom forms a 4-5-1 formation, goalkeeper No. 1 Scott Carson (captain); defense No. 12 Steven Reid right back, No. 33 Marcus Scharner and No. 6 Pablo·Ibáñez partner as central defender, and No. 4 Thomas·Čech left back.
Five midfielders: No. 21 Youssef Mulumbu is deep behind, No. 17 Graham Dorrans and No. 7 James·Morrison are in the middle, and No. 14 is in the middle Jerome·Thomas and No. 11 Cris·Brunt are separated on two wings. The single arrow is No. 24 Peter·Odemwingie."
Rob·Hawthorn added, "West Brom has two main defenders suspended, and Di Matteo is forced to adjust the defense. The good news is that the midfielders Morrison and Brunt are in good condition, and they have strong long-range shooting ability. This is what Manchester United needs to be careful about.
In addition, Thomas is very fast. Today he faces Gary·Neville, a 35-year-old veteran captain. Thomas will definitely use his speed to attack Manchester United's right wing."
Martin·Tyler turned to the Manchester United lineup. "Manchester United has arranged their most commonly used 433 formation this season. The goalkeeper No. 29 Kuszczak and Van der Sar take turns to rest.
Defense line: No. 2 Gary·Neville right back, this is also his 400th personal Premier League start, a milestone battle; No. 5 Rio·Ferdinand and No. 15 Nemanja·Vidić partner as central defenders, and No. 3 Pa Terrys·Evra is left back.
Three midfielders: No. 26 Gabriel Obertan on the right, No. 24 Darren·Fletcher and No. 16 Michael·Carrick In the middle, there are three people in the frontcourt: No. 33 Zhang Kuang is on the left, No. 9 Dimitar er·Berbatov is in the middle, and No. 10 Wayne·Rooney is on the right."
Rob·Hawthorne: "Manchester United is rotating extensively today, Van der Sar, Rafael, and Giggs are all taking turns. Gary·Neville has reached a milestone, but at the age of 35, speed and turning are hidden dangers.
West Brom's Morrison and Thomas will definitely focus on the right wing. Obertan starts today. This is his chance to prove himself. After all, Nani may have to go, and someone needs to take up the position on the right wing."
The screen cuts to CCTV-5, He Wei and Xu Yang who are also warming up before the game.
He Wei: "Viewers, welcome to watch the live broadcast of the 21st round of Premier League in the 2010-11 season. Manchester United challenges West Bromwich in an away game.
The Hawthorns Although it is not big, the atmosphere has always been hot, and with the New Year's Day festive atmosphere, this game is destined to not be easy. The temperature at the venue is only four degrees, it is raining, and the venue is slippery, which is a test for the technical performance of both players."
Xu Yang: "Manchester United has something to watch today. Gary·Neville Premier League started the 400th game, but West Brom midfielder Morrison said before the game that he would focus on attacking the right wing guarded by Neville.
Ferguson also said before the game that West Brom's long-range shots from the midfield pose a huge threat, and Manchester United must control the space at the front of the penalty area to reduce the opponent's chances of kicking."
He Wei: "Looking at the frontcourt trident, Zhang Kuang, Rooney, and Berbatov are still the offensive combination that Manchester United relies on most.
Zhang Kuang has been in hot form recently, UEFA Champions League scored 12 goals and 7 assists in the group stage, and even scored an astonishing 37 goals and 16 assists in the league. He just won Golden Boy Award on Boxing Day. If he continues to score in this game, he will continue his terrifying scoring momentum.
West Brom coach Di Matteo said before the game that he 'will not retreat on defense but will actively create shooting opportunities' - this attitude is admirable, but for Manchester United, the opponent's pressure gave Trident room to counterattack."
Xu Yang: "Yes, Manchester United's current counterattack efficiency is the highest than Premier League's. With the speed of Zhang Kuang and Rooney, and the ability of Berbatov to hold the ball, as long as they are given space, they can score goals at any time."
The turf of the Hawthorns has been wet by the drizzle, and the ball has a layer of water splashing when it rolls, making a "chichi" sound.
Players from both sides were already lined up in the tunnel. Zhang Kuang stood in the middle of the team, lowering his head and moving his ankles gently.
Next to him is Berbatov. The Bulgarian looks lazy as always, as if he is not going to play a Premier League game, but to have afternoon tea.
Rooney stood behind Zhang Kuang, muttering something, not knowing what he was muttering. Gary·Neville stood at the front of the team, wearing the captain's armband on his right arm. Today he not only started the 400th game, but also temporarily served as the captain on the field. Vidić gave him the armband as a souvenir.
"Gary, today is your big day." Zhang Kuang patted Neville on the shoulder.
Neville looked back and smiled, "A big day? If you win, it will be a big day. If you lose, it will be black history."
Zhang Kuang: "Don't worry, you will win."
"Ha, yes, you are here!"
The referee Cris·Foy walked at the front, looked back at the players on both sides, and after confirming that everything was correct, walked out of the tunnel.
The Hawthorns boils instantly.
The song "The Lord's My Shepherd" was mixed with whistles and applause. Nearly 30,000 home fans sang in unison, and the sound almost brought down the roof of the stadium.
Blue and white flags were flying in the stands. The expedition Manchester United fans were squeezed into a corner of the visiting team's stands. There were less than 3,000 people, but their red flags were still eye-catching.
Players from both sides enter the stadium, line up, shake hands, and guess sides.
When Zhang Kuang and Morrison shook hands, Morrison stared at him for two seconds, said "Happy New Year, but I won't make it easy for you today", then let go and walked away.
Zhang Kuang smiled but did not respond.
Martin·Tyler: "Players from both sides have entered the stadium. West Brom is wearing a blue and white striped home jersey today, and Manchester United is wearing a classic red away jersey.
Zhang Kuang is standing on the left wing. Today he faces the joint defense of West Brom's right back Reid and right midfielder Thomas. Mulumbu will also help defend at any time.
Judging from Zhang Kuang's expression, he was very relaxed. During the warm-up before the game, he competed with Rooney to see who could hit the goal post. Zhang Kuang hit two of the four kicks, while Rooney missed all of them."
Rob·Hawthorn: "Haha, I hope Rooney's state will not be like this in the game."
The referee Cris·Foy looked at his watch and blew the opening whistle.
The Hawthorns exploded instantly, and the cheers of the fans poured into the stadium like a tide.
He Qigang and Hong Kong Football Team's group were all inspired by this atmosphere and were quite excited.
From the beginning of the game, West Brom showed a strong desire to attack, not like a relegation team at all.
In the 1st minute, after Morrison got the ball in the midfield, he saw that Manchester United's defense was not fully established yet, so he directly took a long shot. The ball flew to the center of the goal, and Kuszczak firmly confiscated it.
The whole audience sighed, and then burst into applause!
"Morrison started with a show of force," Martin·Tyler said, "West Brom really did not intend to defend today. They knew they were facing the top team, but Di Matteo said before the game, 'We will not shrink on defense.'"
In the 3rd minute, Manchester United's first attack turned into a goal.
Carrick took the ball in the center circle, observed the movement in the frontcourt, and passed the ball to Obertan on the right.
Obertan stopped the ball and took two steps laterally. He saw Zhang Kuang on the left moving towards the ribs and passed the ball back to Carrick.
Carrick didn't stop the ball and directly passed the ball diagonally to the left.
Zhang Kuang took the ball in the left rib, and West Brom's right back Reid and midfielder Thomas immediately double-teamed them.
Zhang Kuang didn't stop the ball. He moved his left foot and passed the ball to the middle of the penalty area. The ball was neither too fast nor too slow. The height was just right and it landed on Rooney's running route.
Rooney crossed diagonally from the right to the center, jumped in front of the ball, and hit the goal with a powerful header. The ball bounced on the ground, bypassed Carson's fingertips, and penetrated into the lower left corner of the goal.
0:1.
The Hawthorns was silent for a second. Only the Manchester United expeditionary force in the visiting team's stands were shouting crazily.
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Rooney!" Martin·Tyler shouted, "Manchester United took the lead in the first 3 minutes!
Zhang Kuang's pass accurately found Rooney, and Rooney's header was powerful! Carson was completely unprepared for this bounce!"
Rob·Hawthorn: "Zhang Kuang's horizontal pass from the left was just right. The speed and height of the ball were just right for Rooney to take off and exert force."
This combination seems simple, but the timing is very precise. When Reid and Thomas double-teamed Zhang Kuang, Zhang Kuang had already seen Rooney's movement, and his decision-making speed was too fast."
He Wei: "Lightning goal! Rooney's header opened the scoring for Manchester United! Zhang Kuang's cross was well placed, Rooney's charge to the top was so powerful that Carson had no time to react. As soon as the Hawthorns finished singing the New Year's song, Manchester United poured cold water on the home team fans."
Xu Yang: "Zhang Kuang passed the ball very smartly. He did not force the ball down, but directly kicked the ball from the left rib. West Brom's defense Still retreating, Rooney moved forward to grab the landing spot. This style of 'shooting from the ribs + heading the ball from behind' is one of the tricks that Manchester United's frontcourt trident is best at."
He Wei: "It's the connection between the Manchester United trident again. This season they have a tacit understanding and are invincible. Manchester United's attack power is the strongest in history."
Xu Yang: "Yes, since Zhang Kuang joined, he can both score goals and assists. There are not many Europe like him like him. Messi counts as one, and the others are useless. It is difficult to find another one as efficient as this."
He Wei:"Hey..."
Zhang Kuang ran towards Rooney, and the two high-fived in celebration. Rooney smiled and pointed at Zhang Kuang: "Good pass!"
Zhang Kuang gave a thumbs up. "That's even better! Carson was dumbfounded when you jumped up."
Di Matteo stood on the sidelines with his hands on his hips and a solemn expression. He lost the ball in the first three minutes, which completely disrupted his plan. But he did not panic and shouted a few words on the court, asking the players to continue attacking.
West Brom did not panic after losing the ball, but launched a more violent counterattack.
In the 6th minute, Morrison made a pass from the right. Thomas moved forward to receive the ball. Gary·Neville followed the defense closely. Thomas stopped the ball too much due to interference and the ball went out of the baseline.
West Brom player raised his hand to signal a corner kick, but Foy signaled a goal kick, and the home fans booed dissatisfiedly.
Neville gasped and glanced at Thomas.
At that moment, Thomas's starting speed was obviously one step faster than him. If it weren't for his experience and his position, Thomas might have already shot.
In the 14th minute, West Brom made a long pass from the backcourt directly to Manchester United's penalty area. Vidić headed the ball to clear the ball during the competition for the top, but the ball did not go far and landed at the top of the penalty area.
Morrison rushed over, faced the bouncing ball, and volleyed with his left foot. The ball drew a weird arc, splashing on the slippery turf, and went straight to the upper right corner of the goal.
Kuszczak made the save with all his strength. His body was completely stretched out and his fingertips were stretched to the limit, but the ball still got through the gap between his fingertips and the goal post.
1:1.
The Hawthorns exploded instantly.
The home fans burst into loud cheers, and Morrison rushed to the corner flag area and knelt down to celebrate. His knees drew two long water marks on the slippery turf.
Di Matteo raised their arms and shouted on the sidelines, and all the players on the bench rushed to the sidelines to hug and celebrate.
"GOOOOOOOOOAL! Morrison! World wave!" Martin·Tyler shouted, "This goal is so exciting, the volley hit the dead center! Kuszczak has no choice! This is one of the most beautiful goals so far this season!"
Rob·Hawthorn: "Manchester United's midfield defense had a loophole. Although Vidić won the header, the clearance was in the wrong direction and the ball fell directly in front of Morrison.
At this distance and angle, the shot quality of Morrison is perfect. The key is the trajectory of the ball. In slippery weather, this kind of curved ball is even more difficult to save."
Vidić stood in the penalty area with his hands on his hips and a look of annoyance.
He shouted to Fletcher, "Mine!"
Fletcher waved his hand, indicating "It's okay, come again".
He Wei: "Morrison's volley is one of the best candidates for this year's Premier League! The ball almost didn't spin and hit the dead center. Kuszczak didn't even have time to finish the save.
Manchester United's defense was all lost at that moment. Zhang Kuang looked at the shot from the left and probably thought, 'This is a beautiful goal.'"
Xu Yang: "This goal is indeed beautiful, but Manchester United's midfield defense needs to be strengthened.
Fletcher and Carrick were not protected enough at the top of the penalty area, giving Morrison room to kick.
West Brom's home momentum has been fully restored, Manchester United now needs to stabilize the rhythm."
Zhang Kuang stood on the left side with his hands on his hips and shook his head.
He glanced at Rooney in the distance, and the two exchanged glances, as if to say, "Hold on, don't be in a hurry."
In the 19th minute, Morrison tried a long shot again, but the ball missed the right baseline.
In the 22nd minute, Thomas stole the ball from Fletcher and then shot low from 25 yards. He lacked strength and was easily caught by Kuszczak.
West Brom's momentum completely overwhelmed Manchester United.
At the 26th minute, a controversial scene appeared.
Morrison kicked the ball towards the penalty area. Dorrans caught the ball in the penalty area and prepared to shoot. Gary·Neville tackled the ball from the side and back. Dorrans fell to the ground in response.
More than 20,000 the Hawthorns fans collectively stood up and booed Foy, and the harsh boos resounded throughout the stadium. Di Matteo frantically slapped the fourth official's baffle on the sidelines, and all West Brom fans on the bench stood up and roared.
But Foy indicated that there was no foul and the game continued.
"Neville escaped a penalty kick," Martin·Tyler said, "Looking back, his tackle did hit the ball first, but then brought down Dorrans.
This penalty was between fifty and fifty, Foy chose to believe in his own judgment.
But Neville's defense this time is really risky. If Foy is awarded a penalty kick, he can't complain."
Ferguson was chewing gum on the sidelines. There was no trace of emotion on his expression, but his hands were slightly clenched into fists.
Rafael, who was sitting on the bench, leaned forward nervously.
In the 28th minute, Manchester United's offense was suppressed for a while and then came out.
Manchester United patiently tipped the ball in the backcourt, and Vidić pushed the ball to Fletcher.
After Fletcher took the ball, he took a step laterally, knocked the ball back and forth with Carrick twice, and suddenly made a precise through ball, sending the ball to the feet of Berbatov.
Berbatov picked up the ball with his back in the midfield, and West Brom's midfielder Mulumbu was close to him.
Berba did not turn around forcefully, but moved his left foot, swept the ball to the left, then quickly turned around and sprinted into the penalty area.
Zhang Kuang receives the ball on the left wing.
He took the ball and sprinted forward a few steps, and West Brom's right back Reid blocked him.
Zhang Kuang stepped on a bicycle with his right foot, and Reid shifted his center of gravity slightly to the right.
Then Zhang Kuang stepped on a bicycle with his left foot. Reid was shaken, and his feet were briefly confused.
At that moment, Zhang Kuang moved the ball sideways with his left foot, creating a tiny gap, and kicked the ball hard towards the middle and lower part with his right foot.
The ball flew out like a cannonball, with splashes on the wet turf, drawing a straight trajectory and going straight to the upper right corner of the goal.
Carson flew to save. His body was completely stretched out and his fingers stretched to the limit, but he couldn't even touch the edge of the ball. The ball was too fast. He could only watch the ball whizzing past his fingertips and hitting the net.
1:2.
After Zhang Kuang scored, he rushed to the away team's stands, pointing his hands towards the stands, and Manchester United's expeditionary force shouted his name in unison, "SuperZhang! SuperZhang!"
He Qigang They also shouted together, "SuperZhang! SuperZhang!"
"GOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Zhang Kuang! Heavy artillery long shot!" Martin·Tyler shouted, "Drift away from the defense with two bicycles, and then hit a powerful and heavy long shot! The power and angle of the ball are impeccable! Carson could only watch the ball hit the net!"
Rob·Hawthorn: "Zhang Kuang's dribbling ability is getting stronger and stronger. In the past, he relied more on speed to overpower his opponents, but now he has learned to use changes in rhythm.
Those two bicycles were not very fast, but they completely messed up the defender's center of gravity. By the time he got out of the space and kicked off, the defender could no longer block him. Reid was shaken so much that he almost lost his balance. This goal is a complete reflection of his personal ability."
He Wei: "It's in, it's in, it's in, the ball is in, Zhang Kuang hit the ball decisively! He swung his bicycle out of the way twice and hit the goal hard with his right foot. Carson couldn't make the save.
This is his 38th goal in the league this season, but Zhang Kuang I'm afraid he has lost count. The key is that the two bicycle kicks before he started were so rhythmic that the defensive players were completely deceived by him."
Xu Yang: "This is the scariest thing about Zhang Kuang now. The defensive players know that he is going to cut inside and shoot, but they just can't prevent it.
His explosive power is so strong that once he starts, the defender can't keep up.
In addition, the field was slippery today and the defensive players did not dare to take a shot easily. Zhang Kuang seized this opportunity and shot."
West Brom's players stood in the center circle, looking at each other. Di Matteo bit his lip on the sidelines and frowned.
In the 33rd minute, Manchester United once again threatened.
Zhang Kuang picked up the ball on the left wing, glanced at Berbatov's movement, and sent a long-distance through ball. The ball accurately passed through West Brom's defense and landed at the feet of Berbatov.
Berba ran for more than ten meters after receiving the ball. Facing a volley from Carson, Carson fought hard to save the ball and blocked the ball from the baseline.
"Zhang Kuang's through balls are too deadly," Martin·Tyler said, "He has sent at least three threatening passes from the left today. West Brom's defense was disrupted by him alone."
In the 34th minute, Manchester United corner kick.
Everyone knows that the ball will look for Zhang Kuang's head, but they just can't prevent it.
Giggs is not here, so the corner kick is taken by Carrick.
The ball flew to the center of the penalty area, and Zhang Kuang jumped high in the crowd. His jumping height was obviously higher than that of all the defensive players around him, and he hit the goal with a powerful header.
Carson made the ultimate save, his fingertips touched the ball, and the ball missed the post and flew out of the baseline.
"Zhang Kuang's header almost extended the score!" Martin·Tyler said, "Carson's amazing save today was so crucial, otherwise Manchester United would have been 3 to 1."
Zhang Kuang's bounce was so terrifying, the three defensive players around him took off at the same time, and no one could hold him down."
After Zhang Kuang landed, he patted the turf and gave Carrick a thumbs up. "Good pass. Be more accurate next time."
Xu Yang: "Wow, West Brom's goalkeeper played really bravely today. He has saved Berbatov's volley and Zhang Kuang's header. Both of them are must-goals."
He Wei: "It is said that a weak team has a good team, and this is true."
Xu Yang:"Haha..."
In the 43rd minute, West Brom almost equalized the score.
Morrison sent an exquisite through ball in the midfield. Odemwingie successfully countered offside and formed a single shot, facing Kuszczak with a push shot.
The ball went straight to the lower right corner of the goal. Kuszczak had already made a save, but the ball bounced slightly on the slippery turf and changed direction. The ball missed the goal post by less than five centimeters.
Odemwingie knelt on the ground with his hands on his head, West Brom fans collectively held their heads and sighed, Di Matteo kicked away the water bottle on the coaching bench.
"What a pity this goal is!" Martin·Tyler shouted, "Odemwingie's single goal missed by a hair! If it had scored, the score would have become 2 to 2! Kuszczak had surrendered, but the turf saved him."
At the end of the first half, Manchester United led 2 to 1.
But West Brom's 9 shots data shows everything, Manchester United's defense is not safe.
In the locker room, Ferguson said with a straight face, "We played too passively in the first half. West Brom's long shot is a great threat. Fletcher, Carrick, you must tighten the defense at the front of the penalty area."
Gary, you have been passed over by Thomas three times, so you can't give him that much space anymore."
Neville nodded and said nothing.
The sweat on the 35-year-old veteran's forehead has not yet dried, and his breathing is heavier than the others.
Ferguson turned to Zhang Kuang and Rooney: "When you counterattack, hit them behind. Ibáñez and Scharner turn slowly, take advantage of this. Zhang Kuang, your through ball on the left is very effective, keep doing this."
Zhang Kuang took a sip of water and nodded.
In the second half, the team changed sides and fought again.