In the 16th minute, Zhang Kuang got the ball again near the sideline, and it was a pass from Cleverley. It seemed that not only Pogba knew how to hug Zhang Kuang's thigh, but the newly returned Cleverley also knew how to hug Zhang Kuang's thigh.
Although Cleverley had the same defensive problems as Pogba in the first ten minutes, Manchester United has always given room for newcomers to make mistakes. They have just returned and need to get used to it.
After Zhang Kuang got the ball, Reid stayed close to him and prevented him from turning around.
But after Zhang Kuang used his body to hold Reid, he moved the ball with his left foot, and then suddenly stopped and ran back. Reid was shaken forward, and Zhang Kuang had already slipped past him.
Shorey came to defend from the inside, but Zhang Kuang looked up and glanced at the penalty area before Shorey arrived.
Hernández is cruising in the center of the penalty area, and Olsson is sticking close to him.
Rooney inserted diagonally from the right to the middle, taking Tamaș a step away.
Zhang Kuang kicked off, rubbed the ball with the outside of his instep, and the ball followed an arc around Shorey's body and flew to the front of the small penalty area.
Hernández made a beautiful sudden stop and retreat, shook Olsson half of his body, and then volleyed with his right foot.
The ball changed direction and entered the lower left corner of the goal from the left hand side of Foster.
0:2.
Martin·Tyler burst into a long tone again. "GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Hernández! Manchester United leads by two goals! Zhang Kuang's assists are as accurate as measuring them with a ruler! Little Pea's movements are always so smart!"
Neville: "This cooperation is so tacit. Zhang Kuang knew where Hernández would run before he got the ball. He didn't need to look, he just passed it out.
Hernández also believed that Zhang Kuang would get the ball to his feet, so he didn't hesitate at all when running. This is the chemical reaction between top offensive players."
The Hawthorns's away team stands are boiling again.
Manchester United fans chanted the nickname "Little Pea", and a red wave of people passed in the stands.
Hernández ran to Zhang Kuang, the two high-fived and hugged, Rooney also ran over, and the three of them completed the celebration in the corner flag area.
Ferguson applauded on the sidelines, then turned back to the coaching bench and sat down with a calm expression.
The stability of the frontcourt's offensive ability can provide him with huge room for error in making adjustments to the midfield and backcourt. This has been Ferguson's secret all along. He has been committed to ensuring the offensive power of the frontcourt, and then making appropriate adjustments and cultivating new players in the midfield and backcourt.
Therefore, Manchester United can often cover up the team's problems by scoring more goals, and then Ferguson can quietly solve the problems in the midfield and backcourt.
Manchester United has always had a lot of first-class attackers in the frontcourt, so many that they usurped the quota of personnel in other positions.
But Ferguson has always done this, just like the current Manchester United. The current Manchester United has a hot frontcourt trident, Zhang Kuang, Berbatov, Rooney, there is also Hernández who can take the position at any time, and the perennial substitute Owen, as well as Valencia, Giggs, Welbeck who has entered the first team and many other offensive players with strong offensive ability.
There are almost 7-8 attackers piled up in the frontcourt, all of whom have to occupy first-team spots.
But Ferguson has a natural symptom of "fear of insufficient firepower", and he likes to hoard offensive players to ensure the team's offensive firepower.
This is also the reason why Manchester United was successful in the past, and also the reason why Manchester United was unable to achieve results later.
After Ferguson left, there were only 5 forwards during the Moyes period.
In the Van Gaal period, there were 4 people per season and 3 people per season.
During the Mourinho period, there were also 3-4 people. In one season, there were 3 people, and in another season, there were 4 people.
The following Solskjær period started with 4 people, but in the 2020-21 season it increased to 6 people. That season Manchester United finished second in the league.
Although it is not said that more offensive players in the frontcourt will necessarily lead to results, but when there are not many offensive players in the frontcourt, there will not be many goals, the scene will not look good, fans will criticize, and the head coach will be easily criticized.
People like Ferguson will not be criticized. It is for this reason. What does it matter no matter how bad the backcourt is? As long as the frontcourt is picturesque and there is De Gea in the backcourt (formerly the goalkeepers Schmeichel, Barthez, Van der Sar).
That's too far.
Manchester United leads 2:0. Hodgson stands on the sidelines and draws a few lines on the tactical board with a pen. Does he need to adjust?
He Wei: "16 minutes, 2-0, Manchester United's offensive efficiency is amazing. Zhang Kuang shot and passed, and was directly involved in two goals.
This is his value as the core of the team: not only can he score goals himself, but he can also create opportunities for his teammates."
Xu Yang: "And if you look at the way he handles the ball, whether it's the goal kick that goes straight forward without stopping, or the pass with the outside of the foot and the instep just now, he can still maintain a very high degree of technical completion in high-speed confrontations. This ability is not something you can train, it's a talent."
He Wei: "Some fans may ask, why can't West Brom guard Zhang Kuang? In fact, the reason is very simple: his first step is too fast.
You see Reid is so tight, but when Zhang Kuang makes an emergency stop and runs back, Reid's center of gravity is thrown away. This kind of explosive power is unique in the world."
"..."
On the Hawthorns, the players of West Brom exchanged glances with each other.
Trailing by two goals and less than 20 minutes into the game, the opponent's offensive core has already produced a dominant performance.
Mulumbu patted Reid on the shoulder, whispered something, and Reid nodded.
In the 22nd minute, Zhang Kuang quickly advanced after receiving the ball in the midfield. Mulumbu rushed over from the side and knocked down Zhang Kuang with the ball with a fierce tackle.
The referee Mike·Jones blew the whistle and ran over to show Mulumbu a yellow card.
Martin·Tyler said, "A typical tactical foul. If there is no foul, Zhang Kuang will form a single sword again. Mulumbu's choice is correct, but this yellow card will tie him up in the next game."
Neville: "This is also the power of Manchester United's offense. The opponent has to foul to stop Zhang Kuang, which means that the chances of set kicks will increase. The threat of Manchester United's set kicks is never small."
Zhang Kuang got up from the ground and patted the grass clippings with a calm expression.
He placed the ball at the foul spot and took a few steps back.
About thirty meters away from the goal, the angle is a bit off. Should he choose to shoot directly or pass the ball?
Foster was setting up defense behind the wall. When he saw Zhang Kuang standing in front of the ball, he subconsciously moved half a step to his left, which was the direction of Zhang Kuang's last free kick.
Zhang Kuang Run up, swing your legs!
The ball he kicked was not a shot, but was passed horizontally to Cleverley on the right.
Cleverley shot the ball furiously, but Foster flew and saved the ball from the baseline.
"Smart free kick coordination," He Wei said, "Zhang Kuang did not force the shot, but used his intimidating power to attract the defense and then chose to move horizontally. Cleverley's shot was also of high quality and almost scored."
Xu Yang: "Foster is in good condition today, and the save just now was wonderful."
When the corner kick was taken, Zhang Kuang did not grab the first point, but pulled out the defender. Ferdinand's header went wide.
The game continues.
In the 27th minute, Rooney got the ball from the right and passed it across the middle. Anderson hit the left rib with a diagonal kick.
Zhang Kuang penetrated diagonally from the outside, received the ball at the edge of the penalty area, and faced Mulumbu's defense, he made a fake shot and a real dunk: he raised his right foot high, and Mulumbu's center of gravity was thrown away, and he slipped and fell on the turf.
Zhang Kuang dunked the ball back with his left foot and pushed the ball into the far corner.
Foster made a world-class save this time.
He moved two steps laterally and then flew out to save the ball, using his fingertips to push the ball out of the baseline.
The moment the ball rolled out of the baseline, Foster got up from the ground, clenched his fists and roared towards the stands.
The entire the Hawthorns home team fans burst into enthusiastic applause, and their goalkeeper saved Zhang Kuang's inevitable goal.
Zhang Kuang stood on the penalty area line, with his hands on his hips, looking at Foster with a complicated expression.
"Foster saved Zhang Kuang's shot!" Martin·Tyler said, "This is the second wonderful save Zhang Kuang faced today.
Look at Foster's reaction, he was roaring and beating his chest! Saving Zhang Kuang's shot seems to have a special meaning for these goalkeepers."
Neville couldn't help laughing, "I think this is a 'new tradition' for Premier League goalkeepers after Community Shield. Čech also roared after Wembley saved Zhang Kuang's shot, and then said Zhang Kuang insulted him.
Foster also came here today. If Zhang Kuang praises him for his good save after the game, I wonder if he will be angry too."
Martin laughed loudly, "That will be interesting. Then all the goalkeepers will line up to complain Zhang Kuang."
He Wei also laughed in the live broadcast room, "This scene seems familiar. On Community Shield, Čech also roared like this after saving Zhang Kuang's shot, and then there was a "save for the ball and make progress" controversy.
Foster also made such a move today. It seems that saving Zhang Kuang's shot has become an honorary certification move for Premier League goalkeepers."
Xu Yang: "Zhang Kuang must be very depressed now. His shooting conversion rate is not ideal today. It stands to reason that he would have been a sure shot when the ball was level just now."
In the 35th minute, Scharner stole the ball from Cleverley in the midfield and quickly played the ball. Brunt took the ball on the left and advanced forward, before Evra stepped forward to block it.
The ball crossed the gap between Vidić and Ferdinand. Shane Lang accelerated between the two, rushed to the landing point before everyone else, and headed the ball towards the goal.
The ball bounced off the ground and changed direction. De Gea couldn't make the save, and the ball went from his hand into the net.
1:2.
West Brom got a goal back.
The home fans of the Hawthorns finally burst into belated cheers. Waves of blue and white surged in the stands, and the drums beat loudly.
Shane·Long ran towards the corner flag area, and the teammates behind him swarmed up and pinned him down.
On the bench of West Brom, Hodgson stood up and shook his fist vigorously, then turned around and shouted something to the bench. They saw hope of equalizing.
"West Brom pulled a goal back!" Martin·Tyler's voice returned to calmness, "Shane·Lang scored with a header! The game is now in suspense again!"
Neville: "Manchester United's midfield defense is to blame for this ball. After Cleverley intercepted the ball, Scharner's passing speed was too fast, and Manchester United's defense was not fully in place yet.
Evra was slow to catch up, Brunt's cross was of high quality, and there was a gap between Vidić and Ferdinand."
Ferguson stood on the sidelines, his expression did not change much, he continued to chew gum.
Zhang Kuang stood near the center circle, hands on hips, watching his opponent celebrate.
He turned his head and glanced at Rooney, who shrugged and expressed helplessness.
Zhang Kuang nodded and ran back to his place.
In the 38th minute, he received a cross pass from Anderson at the top of the penalty area and made another false shot under the defense of Mulumbu.
This time Mulumbu learned the lesson and didn't mess around.
But Zhang Kuang's next step was faster. With a flick of his left foot and a flick of his right foot, the whole person passed through the gap between Mulumbu and Scharner.
He broke into the penalty area and shot low into the far corner.
Foster flew to save again, and his fingertips touched the ball, changing the trajectory of the ball.
The ball missed the far post and skidded off the baseline.
Zhang Kuang stood there, holding his head in his hands.
It was the third time today that he was saved by the goalkeeper and must have scored.
What's going on?
Are you humiliating the cultivators?
Damn, this is so embarrassing.
"Zhang Kuang really met Foster who was in hot form today," Martin·Tyler sighed, "three world-class shots were saved.
Foster seems to be competing with himself today. He must remember that he was once the goalkeeper of Manchester United, and he has to prove himself against his old club today."
Neville: "I noticed a detail: every time Zhang Kuang's shot was blocked, West Brom fans would applaud, and Foster would clenched their fists and roared.
This shows that Premier League's opponents have regarded 'restricting Zhang Kuang' as an honor. This is the same as the restriction of Cristiano Ronaldo back then."
The first half entered stoppage time.
The referee gave two minutes of stoppage time.
At 45 minutes and 30 seconds, Manchester United won a free kick in the frontcourt.
The position is on the right side of the top of the penalty area, about 25 meters away from the goal.
Zhang Kuang Place the ball, take four steps back, and take a deep breath.
West Brom formed a wall of five people, and Foster stood on the goal line and shouted loudly.
Whistle, run-up, leg swing.
The ball passed over the top of the wall and then dropped rapidly, a standard elevator ball.
Foster judged the right direction and flew out to save the ball. His fingertips touched the upper edge of the ball. The ball changed direction and bounced off the upper edge of the crossbar and flew out of the baseline.
Zhang Kuang stood there, stunned for two seconds, and then looked up at the sky.
A muffled sound of "Dang!" still echoed in the stadium.
That was the sound of the ball hitting the crossbar, and it was also like the sound of Zhang Kuang's door to luck being locked today.
He shook his head, turned around and walked back.
When passing by De Gea, he said in Spain dialect, "Am I cursed today?"
De Gea was stunned for a moment, and then showed a dumbfounded expression.
Yes, what Zhang Kuang thinks of is: is he cursed? Maybe it has something to do with the fact that he killed a few bad guys? Will he lose his luck by killing people?
Frightened, Zhang Kuang immediately looked at the sewing system. After checking both sides for a long time, no abnormalities were found.
Is it just plain bad luck?
Zhang Kuang ended the first half with doubts.
At the end of the first half, the score was 2-1.
The Hawthorns announced the half-time score on the radio, and the home fans applauded louder than at the start.
Although they were one goal behind, Shane·Lang's goal and Zhang Kuang's consecutive missed must-goals gave them hope.
The whistle at the end of the first half echoed over the Hawthorns, and players from both sides entered the tunnel one after another.
Zhang Kuang walked in the middle of the team, walking unhurriedly and not showing much emotion on his face.
No frustration, no impatience, just calm concentration.
When he lowered his head and walked into the passage, the light above his head stretched his shadow very long, reflecting on the gray cement wall.
Hodgson's shouts came from West Brom's locker room, and the sound was still clearly audible through the wall.
Manchester United's away locker room was much quieter. Ferguson waited until all the players were seated before speaking. He first drew two lines on the tactical board, then turned and looked at the players.
"There are two problems in the first half," Ferguson's voice was not loud but very clear, "The first problem, Cleverley, you and Anderson did not cover enough in the midfield, giving Scharner too much space to pass forward.
The second problem: Our offensive efficiency is too low."
When he said "the offensive efficiency is too low", his eyes glanced at Zhang Kuang and Rooney, especially Zhang Kuang.
Zhang Kuang was drinking water. Hearing this, he raised his head and glanced at Ferguson, then nodded.
"Don't have so many complicated coordinations," Ferguson continued, "As long as there is a chance in the second half, just hit behind.
West Brom's high defensive line is very high, and there is a huge space behind them. Park Ji-sung, your task is to be a good barrier in the midfield and don't let Morrison easily get the ball.
Zhang Kuang, Wayne, Little Pea, the three of you are always ready to sprint, especially when it comes to counterattack."
Ferguson paused and added, "Also, Zhang Kuang, you are indeed not very lucky today, but don't change your playing style. Keep shooting, keep breaking through, and those goals will always go in."
Zhang Kuang put down the water bottle. "I got it, BOSS."
Rooney interjected from the side. "If you save your luck until the second half, then West Brom will be in trouble."
There were a few chuckles in the locker room, and the atmosphere became more relaxed.
On the other side, in West Brom's locker room, Hodgson was using a tactical board to show the players the plan for the second half.
He drew a big arrow pointing to the left side of Manchester United, which is the position of Zhang Kuang.
His tactics are simple: continue to use Reid and Shorey to flank Zhang Kuang, but as long as Manchester United transfers the ball to the right, the entire team's defense must quickly move laterally to block Rooney's inward route.
"A score of one to two is not the end of the world," Hodgson said, "As long as we continue to implement our tactics and seize the opportunity to counterattack, we will definitely equalize the score.
Shane, you continue to attack their central defender combination in the frontcourt, Ferdinand is old and turns slowly. As long as you run out of the gap, the ball will come to your feet."
Before the start of the second half, the West Brom players gathered in a circle, shouted a slogan vigorously, and then filed out of the tunnel.
The players of Manchester United followed closely behind. Zhang Kuang walked in the middle of the team, his expression still calm but his eyes had changed. The sense of relaxation during the pre-game warm-up disappeared and was replaced by a cold and sharp focus.
The scoreboard of the Hawthorns showed 1:2. Manchester United fans in the away team's stand kept singing, while West Brom fans in the home team's stand beat the drums hard, trying to use their momentum to pressure their opponents.
He Wei: "Okay, audience friends, welcome back to the game, the second half of the first round of the 2011-12 season England Premier League West Bromwich versus Manchester United..."