Chapter 359: Digging a Pit
Fernandinho closed in on Bruno, but Bruno used his heel to pass the ball to Kante nearby. Bruno could confidently use such a heel pass because Kante and Gündoğan, the two defensive midfielders, were always close to him.
The heel pass earned Bruno applause from the stands. Performing such a move against a team known for its technical skills like Manchester City was indeed a proud moment.
"A heel pass! Haha! This shows he's very relaxed. Being able to stay calm and composed in such an important match is crucial!"
After passing the ball to Kante, Bruno evaded Fernandinho and moved to another position, with Fernandinho following closely. However, Kante didn't pass the ball back to Bruno; instead, he passed it to the overlapping right-back, Valencia.
This series of quick passing and movement left City chasing shadows. So far, they hadn't even touched the ball.
Most United players were just running according to their positions. For example, the full-backs shuttled up and down, and the wingers alternated between the flanks and the center. This wasn't particularly special, and most teams could do this.
But what made United different was Bruno.
While other United players ran within their designated routes, Bruno's range was vast, almost covering the entire field. His movement connected his teammates' positional runs.
For example, a right-back wanting to pass to a left winger would usually use a long diagonal pass, but these passes were less accurate and easily anticipated by the defense. With Bruno, the right-back could transition the ball to him, and Bruno could then pass or carry the ball to the left wing, increasing accuracy and unpredictability.
When the ball reached Bruno, United's attack had numerous possibilities, making City's defense face multiple choices. A long diagonal pass is a question with only one answer, while passing to Bruno turns it into a question with multiple answers. This showcases Bruno's role in United's tactical system.
Without Bruno's exceptional stamina, vision, and technical skills, this tactic wouldn't work. Bruno's unique abilities made United's style of play unique.
United used their speed to constantly pressure City. City found themselves struggling as their attacks were interrupted by the need to defend. When they lost the ball upfield, they couldn't organize a high press quickly enough and had to retreat rapidly.
They tried pressing after losing possession but found that United would pass the ball away quickly, launching fast breaks. This left City's defense vulnerable, and if not for Bravo's excellent performance, they might have already conceded.
Bruno noticed City's predicament. Believing in striking while the iron is hot, he knew now was the time to score. City, thrown off balance by United's quick play, seemed unprepared for such speed. If they let this opportunity slip, it would be harder to score once City adjusted.
Determined, Bruno began looking for an opportunity. City's defense wasn't impenetrable.
Stones played a crucial role in City's defense, but he also had duties in attack. When struggling to break through, Stones would move up to support the offense, often with great effect. Now, with City and United at a standstill, Stones would likely push forward, presenting United with a chance.
Indeed, Stones was preparing to move up, wanting to shift the game's momentum. City's attacking players had been thoroughly analyzed by United.
David Silva was closely marked by Gündoğan, who had even made a strong tackle earlier, sending Silva to the ground. The referee only gave a verbal warning. This showed Gündoğan's dominance in front of the penalty area.
Sterling, although able to break free, found it increasingly difficult and time-consuming, which wasn't beneficial for City's overall attack. De Bruyne, Nolito, and Iheanacho were also caught in United's defensive web.
Currently, the attack-defense balance in the front was stable, but City needed to break this stalemate.
Stones moving up was a key strategy to disrupt this balance. Observing and waiting for the right moment, he planned his move.
United had just finished an attack and quickly retreated to defend. They were known for their swift transitions, attacking in waves and retreating quickly after a dead ball.
Bravo kicked the ball to the front. Bruno won an aerial duel against David Silva, heading the ball back. It landed at Fernandinho's feet. Just as he was about to pass it forward, Stones called out, "Fernando! Pass it to me!"
Fernandinho knew Stones was going forward, so he passed the ball and moved back to cover Stones' position. Stones advanced with the ball.
Bruno's eyes lit up, seeing an opportunity. Fernandinho filling in at center-back didn't worry him; he didn't rate Fernandinho as a specialized defender.
Facing Ibrahimović, Stones easily got past him with a feint and acceleration. Despite being a British center-back, Stones had exceptional ball control, which Guardiola highly valued, justifying the hefty price to bring him to City from Goodison Park.
Bruno looked for Sterling, who was waiting on the left wing. Whether Stones would pass to Sterling wasn't certain, so Bruno positioned himself between the center and the wing, blocking Stones' passing route to Sterling.
If Stones passed, Bruno would intercept. Stones surely knew this, given his footballing IQ. Bruno signaled Gündoğan to stick close to David Silva, forcing Stones to continue dribbling forward. Once he reached the penalty area, he'd have no clear path.
Stones bypassed Ibrahimović, leaving only Bruno and Gündoğan in front of him. He noticed Bruno focusing on Sterling, evidently trying to block the pass. If he passed to Sterling, it would be intercepted.
He glanced at David Silva, marked closely by Gündoğan. De Bruyne, Iheanacho, and Nolito weren't in optimal positions to receive a pass either.
However, right in front of him was an open corridor, free from any United players. He could run straight to the penalty area, facing United's center-backs directly. This was a tempting opportunity; breaking through could disrupt United's defense.
Stones didn't think there was any trap. Even if there was, he could quickly pass the ball away. City's overall strength assured him of this.
Stones feigned a pass to Sterling, causing Bruno to step back, then pushed the ball forward, breaking through the middle.
"Stones! He's breaking through! Charging forward!"
"This is City's specialty! A center-back advancing to disrupt the opponent's defense!"
"United's defense seems unprepared for Stones' advance...they seem unsure of what to do."
But United's players had thoroughly studied City's matches. They knew Stones' characteristics well.
Seeing Stones advance, Gündoğan immediately moved up. As he closed in, Stones passed to David Silva and continued forward.
A one-two pass!
(End of Chapter)
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