Chapter 442: Premier League Third vs

"Blue is the colour, football is the game!"

"We're all together, and winning is our aim!"

"So cheer us on through the sun and rain!"

With some time still remaining before kickoff, fans of both teams had gathered outside Stamford Bridge.

In the current standings, Chelsea sat just one place behind Manchester United.

The gap between the two sides was a full five points!

But!

Chelsea fans remained relatively optimistic; believing that accumulated strength would eventually lead to a soaring breakthrough, they felt that if they could defeat Manchester United in this match, the gap between the two would shrink directly to two points.

A five-point gap is significant, but two points is not much!

"This could be Chelsea's best opportunity to break into the Premier League's top tier," the editor-in-chief of *442* stated in the new issue of the newspaper.

Of course, an opportunity is merely an opportunity; actual execution still depended on the specific circumstances.

After the *442* editor-in-chief briefly analyzed the tactical characteristics of both sides with the fans, the final conclusion reached was: a disparity in strength between Chelsea and Manchester United did exist; if Chelsea wished to defeat Manchester United, they would need to neutralize the point that was Tang Ye, which would be the key to this match.

"The full-backs must push up to provide cover, and the defensive midfielders must push up as well. We need to separate Tom from their midfield defenders."

Ten Hag was making his final emphatic points before the match.

"Total Football, do you understand what I mean? When we attack, every outfield player must contribute; our defenders must push forward and create a numerical advantage!"

As passionate as ever, merely sitting on the bench listening to Ten Hag speak had already set Tang Ye's blood boiling!

"Three, two, one!"

"Manchester, advance!"

After organizing their gear, the starting players from both sides gathered in the tunnel.

【Financial Progress: Points (3/5)】

This was a crucial match, not only for his World Cup champion treasure chest but also to protect the team's position in the standings.

Sandwiched between Mancheng and Chelsea, Manchester United absolutely could not lose to Mancheng, nor could they lose to Chelsea!

"China Central Television! Here is the live broadcast bringing you..."

"The match has begun! I will now introduce the starting lineups for both teams, starting with the home side, Chelsea, currently fourth in the Premier League!"

Chelsea (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Goalkeeper Kepa

Defenders: Azpilicueta, Lu Lu Dige, David Luiz, Marcos Alonso

Midfielders: Kante, Jorginho, Kovacic

Forwards: Willian, Morata, Hazard

Head Coach: Sarri

Chelsea's lineup today was truly luxurious!

Moreover, their desire to win was extremely strong!

Bang!

Only seven minutes into the match, Tang Ye was directly fouled down by Kovacic.

"Damn it!"

Tang Ye was currently feeling quite helpless.

Actually, if he insisted on charging, he could have collided with Kovacic, but since he needed to shield the ball, there was no other way.

"Watch this!"

Ten Hag shouted from the sidelines.

Rodri and Valencia were now under immense pressure.

In Ten Hag's tactics, these two were required to provide cover for Tang Ye!

"Push the attacking line forward a bit; Frankie, you go up first!"

Ten Hag continued shouting loudly.

"Wow, it's clear that Ten Hag is under quite a lot of pressure today."

"Yes, currently both Manchester United and Mancheng have 20 points; Mancheng suppresses Manchester United by virtue of a superior goal difference. Neither side can afford any mistakes now, because as soon as one side makes an error, the side that didn't will seize the chance to move up."

A three-way struggle between Liwupu, Mancheng, and Manchester United, with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur chasing from behind—one could only say the Premier League remained as full of highlights as ever.

Slowly moving to the right flank to receive the ball, Tang Ye controlled it on the spot, searching for an opportunity.

Kovacic came straight at him!

Chelsea had clearly decided not to give Tang Ye any possession, so the latter was now under considerable pressure as well.

Pulling the ball and turning, using his body to shield it!

Tang Ye attempted to break through on his own, but Kovacic was marking him so closely that he couldn't find even a sliver of an opportunity.

"Here!"

Valencia came over to support, and Tang Ye decisively passed back.

Turning forward to prepare to receive the ball!

Bang!

On the flank, Kovacic reached out and pulled Tang Ye down.

"Beep!!"

The referee quickly ran over and showed a yellow card to the offending Kovacic.

It was now the 14th minute of the match; from the current situation, fans could roughly sense it.

Sense what?

He felt this absolutely would not be the only yellow card of the match!

"Damn it!"

Tang Ye pointed at Kovacic, utterly furious.

But since this was ultimately a tactical foul, he held himself back in the end.

Slap!

After exchanging a high-five with Kovacic, Tang Ye sprinted forward to join the attack.

A set piece for Manchester United!

Slap!

De Jong launched the ball from the backfield, sending it directly to Haller inside the penalty area.

Azpilicueta won the first header!

The ball was cleared out!

Luke Shaw brought the ball under control, and immediately came Tang Ye's voice:

"I've got it, I've got it!"

He played a through pass to Tang Ye.

Let's see how Tang Ye handles this!

Slap!

With a light long pass, Tang Ye sent the ball to Mata, who was pulling wide on the right flank.

Controlling the ball plus a feint to cut inside!

Although a midfielder, Ten Hag had always used Mata as a winger, which meant Mata had now cultivated a whole arsenal of dribbling skills.

Pushing into the penalty area!

Haller charged in to contest the point!

But the Manchester United striker's shot hit Goalkeeper Kepa's hand!

"Shit!"

Haller clutching his head roared in frustration, while Rodri's voice came from behind: "Get back, get back quickly!"

A rare counter-attack opportunity, and Chelsea was executing their play.

Goalkeeper Kepa threw the ball out with pinpoint accuracy to find Kante, the Blues' defensive midfielder carrying the ball on a long-range raid.

Rodri slowed down to prepare for an interception, but Kante made an obvious change of rhythm while dribbling.

Playing it safe, Rodri still didn't commit, instead hurrying back to cover the gap in the defense.

The Blues' defenders were pushing up!

Kante played a through ball!

Chelsea's passing and movement in transition were extremely fluid, and finally Jorginho successfully found Hazard with the ball.

Hazard!

Dribbling alone straight into the penalty area, Hazard wanted to show the fans his individual ability.

But Manchester United's response was perfect; the two center-backs shut the door, trapping Hazard outside.

Whoosh!

Ten Hag let out a huge sigh of relief.

On the surface he still looked quite calm, but only he knew how panicked he was inside.

His ankle injury had just healed, and Haller had not yet reached his peak condition.

Then there was Valencia; although he was the captain, due to his age, Valencia's form was gradually declining.

Check Dongqiu Di live match report: De Jong pushes the ball to set up the cannon, Rashford's long-range shot flies wide.

【Chelsea is kind of fierce, damn it; can we pull Hazard over?】

【Both Rashford and Hazard play on the left; if you bring Hazard over, what happens to Rashford?】

【Go Manchester United, take down Mancheng!】

【Both are blue; just treat Chelsea like Mancheng. If we win, we're second, brothers!】

Fans at this marquee match were still full of passion!

Entering the 25th minute!

The current score on the field was still 0:0.

As for possession...

CHE: 62%.

MUN: 38%.

Actually, Manchester United's possession play in this match was quite good, but they still were no match for possession experts like Chelsea.

"Looking at it this way, the gap in strength between the two sides isn't very obvious; Chelsea also has a chance to defeat Manchester United..."

Just as the commentator was speaking, Kovacic, under pressure, passed the ball to Kante.

!

The instant Kante received the ball, Tang Ye seized the opportunity and charged straight at him.

Boom!

Although he wasn't running fast, the muscles on Tang Ye's body were no fake; a shoulder charge successfully knocked Kante aside.

"Wow!!!"

Look for an opportunity, look for an opportunity!

Gradually slowing down, Tang Ye quickly scanned the attacking third with his eyes.

Let me calculate...

Oh, no need to calculate!

Seeing Rashford's forward run, Tang Ye knew this attack would become very simple.

Bang!

【De Bruyne Curved Through Ball Lv5: Replication (Transcendent State)】

Proficiency: 723/3500

The driven through ball rushed past Lu Lu Dige.

Lu Lu Dige still wanted to intercept, but the ball speed was simply too fast.

Rashford!

Controlling the ball plus flicking it inside, Rashford made his preparations.

Bang!

A pushed shot toward the far corner!

The ball bounced once inside the six-yard box, then rebounded into the goal.

"That's a goal!"

"Rashford!"

"Hey, what a tricky angle!"

They had just said both teams were evenly matched, yet Tang Ye and Rashford connected once and directly broke open Chelsea's goal.

【You obtained 10 Counterattack Points】

"Marcus!"

Sliding on his knees before standing up, Tang Ye embraced Rashford from behind.

Just as Rashford tilted his head back, their heads collided directly.

"Damn!"

"Hey, are you okay?"

"Haha, I'm fine, I'm fine!"

Shaking his head, Tang Ye and Rashford went together to the area below the stands.

"Fuck you!"

"Trash!"

"Trash Manchester United!"

Tang Ye cursed right back: "Fuck you too!"

A mineral water bottle was thrown down; Tang Ye lifted his thigh to control the ball, then kicked it back into the stands with one foot.

Under the gaze of over 40,000 fans on site, the mineral water bottle kicked by Tang Ye precisely struck the head of that Chelsea fan who had thrown the bottle.

"Little noob."

Tang Ye muttered.

That fan's aim wasn't even as good as his footwork.

Thinking they could frame Ggbond with this?

Dream on!

"Wow!!"

"Beep beep beep beep!!!"

The stands suddenly erupted; the referee rushed over quickly and showed Tang Ye a yellow card.

"Hey!"

"No need to come after me like this."

Tang Ye began explaining to the referee: "Don't do this, Mr., don't do this, I just kicked the water bottle back, it wasn't intentional."

"Move, move!"

Unwilling to negotiate with him, the referee left; feeling aggrieved, Tang Ye stood alone on the grass, holding his waist with his hand.

Check Dongqiu Di live match report: Tang Ye countered a mineral water bottle with pinpoint accuracy, then received a yellow card from the referee.

It always felt like many of Tang Ye's yellow cards were somewhat inexplicable.

Perhaps this is the charm of Ggbond!

The match resumed; that previous yellow card had thoroughly inspired the Chelsea fans.

Now, whenever Tang Ye touched the ball, the Chelsea fans would make noise to interfere, as if saying: Hit me! Tom, hurry and hit me!

Two yellow cards can be exchanged for one red card.

If just one more fan in the stands got hit, Tang Ye would have to leave the field!

And the fans knew all too clearly what the result of Tang Ye leaving the field would be.

Please hit us!

Hurry and hit me, Tom!

"Calm down, calm down a bit!"

Ten Hag was also panicking, constantly emphasizing the matter of fouls to Tang Ye.

The match soon reached the 32nd minute of the first half; Manchester United received another yellow card, this one coming from Ale's attacking foul.

"Tom, hit me!"

"Tom, look here, use this water bottle to hit me!"

The Chelsea fans were still shouting.

The match has suddenly become interesting!

"Stop shouting!"

Tang Ye shouted near the baseline: "I won't hit you, I won't!"

A red card is absolutely not good for a team's victory, and Tang Ye would never make that kind of mistake!

"Hiss... the situation on the field seems a bit off."

"Yes, haha, the Chelsea fans want to get Tang Ye sent off."

Fans are the team's 12th man; today, the Chelsea fans perfectly illustrated this principle.

"Young people are prone to impulsiveness."

"Yes, especially young people with yellow hair..."

Zhan Jun joked.

The disruption caused by the fans had too limited an effect; when it was time to show off, Tang Ye would absolutely not give up the opportunity.

With a stride and a dropped shoulder, he ran straight at Kovacic's face.

After getting past him, he tapped the ball with his right foot, completing a nutmeg on Kovacic.

Haha!

Young people are still too naive!

"Oh, Tom!"

The English commentator was already on his feet!

"Tom, Tom, Tom!"

"Oh, Tom!"

"Tom!!!!"

A precise diagonal long pass found Rashford making a run down the left flank.

He controlled the ball with his chest!

The ball came to his feet; he adjusted slightly...

Bang!

A powerful shot blasted out like a cannonball.

But it was blocked by Lu Lu Dige!

Standing still, Rashford bit down on the gum in his mouth.

Then he spat a mouthful of saliva onto the grass!

It was a very good scoring chance, but alas, he just couldn't convert it!

At the 40-minute mark, Ten Hag made the first substitution of the match.

Ye He replaced Mata!

Ten Hag clearly intended to fully utilize his new signing.

"Hey!"

As soon as he came on, Ye He greeted Tang Ye, and the two shared a high-five.

Tang Ye didn't know why Ten Hag would make a substitution in the first half.

That was until Ye He gave him the answer.

"Play to my side, play to my side!"

The respected Mr. Eric actually wanted to strengthen the attack before the end of the first half!

Tang Ye patted Ye He on the back, then gave Ten Hag a thumbs-up to indicate he understood what needed to be done next.

"..."

"Wow! De Jong reacted quickly!"

Turning to shake off his opponent, De Jong decisively passed the ball to Valencia, who was sprinting out from the side.

Valencia then played a through ball to Ye He!

Manchester United's attack was underway, with Tang Ye advancing through the center.

Running without the ball carried little pressure; if there were defenders ahead, Tang Ye would simply avoid them.

But Kante was utterly detestable; he had actually chosen to mark tightly in advance!

Holding his ground near the center, Tang Ye bumped into Kante.

Kante's expression was extremely serious.

Tang Ye:...

Ye He was at the right baseline; Tang Ye ran directly to the left and signaled for the ball.

As Kante followed, Tang Ye planted his foot and pushed back, successfully completing a change of direction.

"!"

Kante reached out to pull Tang Ye down, but his arms were indeed a bit too short.

It was a great opportunity; Ye He decisively passed back to Tang Ye.

Then he cut inside toward the penalty area!

Tang Ye sprinted over quickly but did not touch the ball immediately.

He wanted to save his first touch.

Waiting until...

Okay, now it's possible!

Facing the right corner flag with his body, he actually played a straight through ball directly into the penalty area.

The one with the ball is Ziyech!

"Wow!"

Boom!

A left-footed goal!

Goal!

"Oh my god, Ten Hag's substitution worked wonders!"

"2:0!"

"Manchester United have extended their lead!"

Check Dongqiu Di halftime report: Tang Ye with two assists and a yellow card; Rashford and Ye He score; Manchester United temporarily lead 2:0.

(End of chapter)