[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-start-with-r9-template":3,"chapter-start-with-r9-template-start-with-r9-template-chapter-175":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Start with R9 Template",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1388640,1840,"Chapter 175 - 175","start-with-r9-template-chapter-175",175,"\u003Cp>Half an hour later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the player tunnel, the two teams stood facing each other, the air thick with tension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone stared straight ahead without glancing sideways, the hatred palpable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ling!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly a voice echoed through the tunnel—and in familiar Chinese at that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ling instinctively turned to look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A ball boy with distinctly Asian features was waving at him enthusiastically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Zhang family's son?\" Ling thought for a moment before asking with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, I'm Zhang Yang!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young ball boy flashed a bright grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had previously applied for Manchester United's youth academy but failed to get in, which left him dejected for quite some time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, he caught the attention of a Manchester City youth coach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, his outstanding performance in last week's internal training match earned him the qualification to serve as a ball boy for the derby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Never underestimate the role of ball boys.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They need to pay a fee to the club to be there—West Ham United charges the most among Premier League clubs, at a ridiculous £700 per match.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the Premier League's BIG 6 disdain making money this way, basically allocating their spots to youth academy players.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh, right, Tottenham isn't among them—they also charge a fee of £405.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Typical Spurs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two chatted intermittently, and the light in Zhang Yang's eyes grew increasingly bright, as if he could see his future self in Ling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, players from both teams slowly emerged from the tunnel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Etihad instantly erupted with cheers that pierced the clouds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good evening, everyone! Welcome to the Etihad Stadium!\" The poetic voice of Peter Drury rang out through the broadcast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is the 34th round of the Premier League! Manchester City versus Manchester United!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A clash of titans! A battle of the giants of the North! The result here tonight will have a seismic impact on the destination of the Premier League title.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If Manchester City wins, they will return to the top of the table on goal difference alone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But, if Manchester United wins, they will extend their lead over City to six points and could potentially clinch the title two rounds early!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jim Beglin chimed in with his analysis. \"That's right, Peter. Now, let's look at the starting lineups.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the sky blue jerseys, attacking from left to right, is Manchester City, lining up in a 4-3-3 formation—the classic Guardiola false-nine possession-based system!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Goalkeeper: Ederson!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Defenders: Kyle Walker, Kompany, Otamendi, Delph!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Midfielders: De Bruyne, Fernandinho, David Silva!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Forwards: Bernardo Silva, Sterling, Sané!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And in the red jerseys,\" Drury continued, his voice rising, \"attacking from right to left, is Manchester United, also deploying a 4-3-3 formation!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Goalkeeper: David De Gea!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Defenders: Ashley Young, Rojo, David Luiz, Valencia!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Midfielders: Pogba, Matic, Herrera!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Forwards: Ling, Lukaku, Rashford!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Peter Drury and Jim Beglin were introducing the basic situations of the two teams, fans on Twitter were passionately discussing the game, trending hashtags like #ManchesterDerby and #LingVsWalker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>@CityZen_99: The direct confrontation between Ling and Kyle Walker will be something to watch tonight! Walker needs to redeem himself after the Liverpool disaster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>@TacticalGuru: City's midfield focuses on attack, United's midfield looks set up purely for destruction and defense. It's a clash of philosophies: Pep's artistry vs Jose's bus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>@BlueMoonRising: Why isn't Laporte playing? His coordination with Kyle Walker is terrible, completely lacking any tacit understanding. Thankfully United didn't buy him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>@RedDevilArmy: Speaking of defense, United will definitely buy a center-back next season. Who do you think it will be?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>@SlabheadFan: Maguire! I have a feeling he'd be a perfect fit for this team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>@UnitedStand: I also think he's a great fit! He's got a massive head for clearing balls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the referee's sharp whistle, the match officially begins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Manchester City starts with the ball.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sterling passes back to De Bruyne.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>City immediately launches into intricate and continuous short passes—the trademark Tiki-Taka.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>De Bruyne and David Silva act like dual engines in the half-spaces, providing a constant and powerful drive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>City's progression patterns keep shifting, mesmerizing to watch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, United's entire formation quickly drops back, constructing a complete defensive system in their own half, forming one-on-one trade-offs with City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is the famous Mourinho \"Low Block.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the results are less than satisfactory so far.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>City's swift passing and movement become sharp blades, spinning wildly to slice through United's defensive line, stretching the spaces and gaps wider and wider.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a series of passes, the ball reaches Bernardo Silva on the right flank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Portuguese player, who joined City from Monaco for 50 million euros this season, was originally intended as Aguero's successor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His recent performances have been quite impressive, excelling at combining quick footwork with changes in rhythm, using high-tempo dribbling to break through defenses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, he can utilize his vision to guide the midfield and forward line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It must be said Guardiola has a keen eye for talent. B Silva receives the ball, feints continuously, creates space, and drives down the outside toward the byline.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But today he encounters trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ashley Young, as a seasoned veteran, has unique experience defending against such players.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He neither presses aggressively nor retreats, maintaining a certain awkward distance from B Silva.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>B Silva's attempt to glide past Ashley Young fails, forcing him to whip in a desperate cross.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But how can Manchester City's strikerless formation compete for aerial duels?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sterling is nearly 20cm shorter than David Luiz—equivalent to missing an entire head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a mismatch of comical proportions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid the roaring cheers of Manchester City fans, hoping for a miracle...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>David Luiz comfortably headed the ball clear, his frizzy hair bouncing as he dominated the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second ball was booted out of play by Matic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Manchester City's forwards are struggling to win the first ball against United's 'Land of Giants' formation,\" Beglin noted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"United's tactics are very targeted, but City can also exploit this by utilizing their advantages of being small, quick, and agile to break through the ankles of these giants.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It all comes down to which team executes better and has superior tactics!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, on the sidelines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mourinho subtly glanced at the adjacent dugout and noticed Guardiola's expression was particularly grim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could tell the Manchester City players weren't at their best.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boss, we've got the upper hand!\" Rui Faria exclaimed excitedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mourinho remained silent, tacitly agreeing with his assistant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first half would likely be tightly contested, with the real outcome decided in the second half.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The on-field situation seemed to confirm his thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After several possession changes, Matic gained control and immediately played a piercing through pass to the left flank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the ball raced across the turf.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ling quickly adjusted his position to receive it while using his peripheral vision to track Kyle Walker behind him—unsurprisingly, the defender was pressing forward aggressively like a mad dog.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Truth be told, Walker had numerous defensive flaws: reckless challenges, unorthodox defensive movements, and clumsy clearances among them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But his explosive acceleration allowed him to recover and compensate for mistakes. He was a physical freak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Ling shifted his weight left, feinting an inside cut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Walker committed to the defensive follow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ling's left foot subtly swung, his center of gravity reversing in an instant—transitioning from complete stillness to explosive motion!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glided past Kyle Walker as if the defender wasn't even there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then his legs pistoned against the grass, calf muscles bulging as he unleashed terrifying speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Etihad Stadium erupted in gasps of astonishment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walker appeared prepared, swiftly turning to give chase at full sprint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His sprint speed was rated 93 in FIFA—the highest among active fullbacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having previously played for Tottenham, he held particularly negative memories of Ling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today would be his revenge!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He believed he could surpass Lahm or Dani Alves to become the greatest fullback in Guardiola's coaching career.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pitch suddenly hosted what appeared to be two F1 cars racing, displaying breathtaking speed that amazed over 50,000 spectators.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the blink of an eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pair entered the final thirty meters, with Ling maintaining his narrow lead but unable to shake off Walker's dogged pursuit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With no time to adjust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ling whipped in a cross from the left side of the penalty area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The same position and angle, the delivery dropping dangerously near the penalty spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this time United's tactics produced different results.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having slowed his weight gain program, Romelu Lukaku had gradually balanced physical presence with speed, his form significantly improved from earlier periods when he looked like he was towing a caravan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Using his momentum to overpower Otamendi like a tank crushing a sedan, he powerfully met the spinning ball with his forehead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ball rocketed toward goal like an artillery shell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ederson had too little time to react, ultimately failing to keep the ball out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>0-1!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"LUKAKUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!\" Drury screamed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid thunderous cheers from the traveling United fans, Lukaku exuberantly sprinted dozens of meters before sliding into a knee celebration—announcing his return with this crucial goal.\u003C\u002Fp>",1489,"2026-06-05T22:48:23.062Z",1,"novelbin.me","e2ea762ac07c2780b2438a32a3bb79e95ea07dc35c09a77bac938294a147cbd1","start-with-r9-template-chapter-176","start-with-r9-template-chapter-174",371,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fstart-with-r9-template-cover.jpg"]