Green Field Eunuch

Chapter 481 He must be forcing himself to stay strong

The second half of the game began soon amidst the anticipation of many fans.

Everton started the game in attack mode, as they were down 0-3 and had no choice but to go all out on offense.

Everton attacked fiercely, so much so that Manchester City was hit hard from the start, making them very passive and forced to defend in their own half.

During this period, many people also noticed Shan Yongzhuo.

Shan Yongzhuo barely made any moves, but he still attracted the defensive attention, and his running distance noticeably decreased.

In the first half, Shan Yongzhuo even participated in the defense, constantly using chasing the ball to cause trouble for the opponent.

Although it may seem useless, it is actually still useful.

In professional football, chasing the ball might seem mindless, but in reality, it's because physical limitations prevent players from doing it continuously. On a professional field, players are already doing their job well and managing to get through the entire match. Using such a clumsy method is too physically demanding and ultimately counterproductive.

However, if this method can be effectively utilized, its power is actually quite significant.

Borussia Dortmund is a team that uses similar tactics. They don't just have a few players running like this; the whole team coordinates effectively to run and press.

Therefore, in Dortmund's matches, you can often see one or two of their players pressing the opponent's player with the ball, resulting in many immediate counter-pressing maneuvers.

For the attacking team, whoever has the ball will be closely followed, and even if the opponent is just standing still, it will block some of the space for breakthroughs and passing.

Manchester City only had Shan Yongzhuo doing this, which obviously didn't have a significant impact.

In the second half, Shan Yongzhuo stopped running to conserve his energy.

Shan Yongzhuo's performance in the first half can only be described as phenomenal. He scored three goals and made significant contributions to both the attack and defense with his continuous running, creating a truly stunning visual experience.

He was the most active player on the field, and now he's quietly standing in the frontcourt waiting for his chance, returning to the Shan Yongzhuo he used to be.

On the field.

Everton's performance has improved significantly.

Although Anichebe has suffered a serious injury, his height and strength still make him a significant threat in the penalty area. More importantly, the constant attacks on the penalty area by Fellaini give Everton two very tall players in Manchester City's box.

Everton's attack mainly consists of crossing from the byline.

With two towering figures constantly attacking inside the penalty area, even the simplest tactics can pose a threat to Manchester City.

In the 58th minute, Everton found a good opportunity.

Pienaar crossed from the wing, and a group of Manchester City players leaped high to head the ball inside the penalty area.

Finally, Fellaini seized the opportunity, his tall, bushy hair pressing down on Nastasic, and unleashed a powerful header that breached Manchester City's goal.

1 is better than 3!

"The ball is in!"

"Beautiful header, Fellaini, he's pulled one back for Everton!"

Fellaini's goal finally brought some excitement to Goodison Park, and Everton fans seemed to see a glimmer of hope. Fellaini didn't do any celebration; he simply carried the ball back to the center circle and urged the referee to restart the game.

After the game restarted, Everton's attack slowed down slightly.

After all, they couldn't keep attacking like that without sparing any energy, and the two teams gradually became evenly matched.

Moyes looked at Fellaini on the field and nodded in satisfaction.

This Belgian was brought to Everton from Standard Liège by Moyes, who had previously used him as a defensive midfielder. However, this season, Moyes changed Fellaini's role, involving him more in the attack and using his height to attack the penalty area.

The effect is also very obvious.

In the previous 29 rounds, Fellaini scored 9 goals, making him the team's second-highest scorer, and also provided 4 assists, 3 of which were header assists.

Although all his goals involved his head, that was enough.

This is a great addition for Everton, whose attacking capabilities are lacking.

Fellaini's attack boosted Everton's morale, but football is a game of attack and defense.

Everton's hot attack was due to their defense. Shan Yongzhuo wasn't running much anymore, so their defense was a little lax, which led to their hot attack.

Everyone thought that Shan Yongzhuo was out of energy.

After all, Shan Yongzhuo has always been synonymous with poor physical fitness since his debut.

His standing still in front was no longer interpreted as laziness, but rather as physical exhaustion.

The commentator was saying, "He's used up too much energy in the first half; he looks like he can't run anymore. Maybe Guardiola should substitute him. There's not much point in him staying on the field..."

Guardiola thought so too.

When Guardiola saw Shan Yongzhuo's performance, he couldn't help but make a substitution. Compared to the game, now that we're in the final sprint of the season, Shan Yongzhuo's health is the most important thing.

He seized the opportunity to call out, "Shan, do you want to come down and rest?"

"I'm OK."

Shan Yongzhuo replied decisively, appearing energetic and spirited.

Everton's players naturally saw this and believed that Shan Yongzhuo was out of energy and was just putting on a brave face.

So, one Heitinga should be enough, right?

As a result, Everton no longer worried about defense and devoted all their energy to attack.

Then they paid the price.

In the 70th minute, Fellaini's pass was intercepted, and Javi Garcia launched a long ball into the attacking third, sending it across the halfway line and flying directly toward the center circle.

Heitinga spotted Shan Yongzhuo sprinting at high speed immediately and quickly followed him back to defend.

At that time, the two were not on the same level in terms of speed, and he was quickly left behind.

"How can it be!"

"Wasn't he out of energy?"

"He must be putting on a brave face!" Hai Tingqiang explained, hoping that once Shan Yongzhuo got the ball, his sprint speed would slow down instantly, and then he would be able to catch up.

However, Shan Yongzhuo did not give him that opportunity. He rushed to the ball's position first and then dribbled the ball across the midfield line.

At this point, Everton had no defenders left in their half.

Everyone at Everton was chasing back, but no one could keep up with Shan Yongzhuo's speed.

Dan Yongzhuo took a long stride and rushed forward at high speed. When he was about five meters away from the penalty area line, he changed direction and got past the onrushing goalkeeper.

boom!
A shot on goal!
Shoot straight into an empty net!
(End of this chapter)