The conflict between Hao Qiang and Yaya Toure lasted from late summer to late winter.
At this stage, he himself also reflected.
He has indeed changed.
After playing in European football for so many years, at first I was just fighting for the top.
But from Leverkusen to Naples, he has been the core of the team for three consecutive years, regardless of the head coach's tactical arrangements or the concerted efforts of his teammates.
He is used to that kind of atmosphere.
When I came to Manchester City, suddenly there was a midfielder, a guy who was originally a defensive midfielder, and he seemed to have a hurdle that he couldn't get over.
Of course he will feel uncomfortable.
That is because he transferred to Manchester City and is a newcomer.
If the situation were reversed and he was in Manchester City earlier, and Yaya Toure was a new player in the team, I am afraid that Yaya Toure would not be able to compete with him.
During this period, in addition to Yaya Toure, there seemed to be a gap between Nasri and Hao Qiang that could be felt without having to point it out.
Hao Qiang didn't have time to think about the specific reason, and he didn't want to know.
Because he also looks down on Nasri.
Nasri is a capable player.
But in Manchester City's lineup, no matter how you look at the performance now, it is a bit unworthy of the main force.
At the same time, he did not make a positive transformation.
To put it bluntly, with killer forwards like Hao Qiang and Aguero, Nasri will still have a future in Manchester City if he is determined to play a supporting role.
But if you are not willing to be a helper, you are risking your own life.
Before Liverpool scored, there was no friction or spark in the cooperation between Hao Qiang and Nasri.
It also allowed Hao Qiang to further understand the situation through actual combat.
After Manchester City kicked off, Hao Qiang actively ran to expand his range of activities, and at the same time cooperated more with Silva on the right and behind him.
Liverpool's attitude became a bit conservative after taking the lead.
Sterling's impact was like a supernova, which caused a lot of trouble for Manchester City's defense. However, his immaturity was highlighted in terms of team coordination, rhythm, and timing.
Therefore, he was performing alone, and even if his teammates were nearby, he could not see textbook teamwork between him and his teammates.
In the 35th minute of the game, Navas broke in from the right and was brought down to the ground by Sissoko.
The referee blows the whistle for a foul.
Manchester City's attack on the right is simple, but the effect is very good.
Hao Qiang played the fulcrum role and connected the offensive with ease.
Liverpool's comprehensive defensive strength is really not ranked among the strong opponents he has encountered.
Besides, they are not the Iron Bucket Formation.
Give Hao Qiang enough space, and he will be able to perform to the fullest regardless of his personal performance or technical and tactical role.
David Silva takes the free kick.
When the cross ball from the wing flew over Hao Qiang's head, Hao Qiang had already jumped to the limit, but still couldn't reach it.
However, he restrained two Liverpool players from interfering with him.
When the football passed over his head and fell backwards, Kompany hit the goal with a powerful header.
Mignolet was hit in the face and subconsciously raised his hand to block the ball.
The football flies into the goal!
Rogers' expression changed slightly.
Unable to hide my disappointment.
Liverpool fans also sighed.
The lead was equalized in less than 10 minutes.
Manchester City fans are beaming and excited!
Liverpool kicks off and Manchester City is getting better.
The frontcourt offense also found its rhythm.
Hao Qiang's offensive tilt forced Nasri to play support, although he did not maximize the role of support.
But let him cut inside to attack Liverpool's defense. If he had the confidence and ability, he would not be a substitute in Manchester City.
At the same time, Yaya Toure and Fernandinho completely blocked and froze Joe Allen.
Liverpool lost their attacking centerpiece.
Therefore, backcourt defense becomes simple.
Sterling has something at the moment, but not much.
Coutinho is the target of the siege.
Instead, Suarez was left alone and helpless.
Occasionally, retreating to a large area and launching an attack again feels like starting the attack all over again. He often moves in the penalty area and cannot wait for his teammates to pass the ball, and he often sighs helplessly.
Before the end of the first half.
Fernandinho successfully intercepted Henderson who was rushing to support him.
Then Yaya Toure responded and sent a long diagonal pass.
Navas came in at high speed from the right, stopped the ball and quickly passed across the middle.
David Silva followed up and sent a direct pass.
As soon as Hao Qiang entered the penalty area and stopped the ball with the instep of his right foot, he was pressed by Sakho. Hao Qiang refused to advance and retreated. He stepped back and pulled the ball to dodge the opponent's pressure, then smashed the ball first and changed direction and turned inside.
After squeezing Sakho to the outside, Hao Qiang made a move and kicked the goal.
Skrtel immediately came up to block the front angle.
Hao Qiang faked the shot but actually dunked it.
After passing Scott, he volleyed with his left foot in front of the penalty spot and hit a reverse route.
The football flew into the lower right corner of the goal.
Mignolet's center of gravity was deceived, and the save was in vain.
The moment the football flew into the goal, the cheers erupted from the Etihad Stadium and were earth-shaking!
Hao Qiang turned around and jogged to the sideline to celebrate the goal.
The posture is still slightly relaxed.
He likes opponents like Liverpool who dare to play against them the most.
The tough battle is definitely the most uncomfortable.
As long as he is given space to display, he can show off all his martial arts skills.
This kind of competition will naturally make him feel happy.
The fly in the ointment is the left wing, so let’s not mention it.
"Hao Qiang! The 23rd goal in the league, the half of the Premier League is not over yet!
If this efficiency is maintained until the end of the season, it is hard to imagine how many goals he will score!
The efficiency and quality of Manchester City's forwards have been enhanced to an epic level this season!
Does anyone still think that his transfer fee of 150 million euros is expensive?
Doesn’t his £600,000-a-week salary deserve it?
The number of goals he scored alone was more than the total number of goals scored by nearly half of the Premier League teams!
Look at his performance in the penalty area, calmly getting rid of Sakho's press, and breaking through Skrtel with fake moves. This superstar is definitely not as tall and bulky as he looks on the surface. His explosiveness and flexibility in short distances are the center forward.
Extremely rare inside.
Manchester City overtook the score before half-time. This situation may make Liverpool a little disappointed.
If they want to narrow the points gap with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, I'm afraid it will be difficult.
The best result is to take a point away from here.
Let's see what kind of adjustments Rodgers will make. With Gerrard unable to play, Liverpool's offensive organization efficiency will be greatly affected."
Manchester City 2:1 Liverpool.
The half game ended quickly.
The two teams returned to the locker room.
Pellegrini naturally doesn't want to be unable to win this heavyweight clash before Christmas, so that the fans can celebrate the New Year happily.
So he gave Yaya Turell a lesson during the midfield training session.
"I hope you can concentrate on your defense in the second half, limit Liverpool's offense, reduce their threats, and at the same time sort out the rhythm of our offensive and defensive transitions in the backcourt. That's enough!"
The implication is to let Yaya Toure do the job of the defensive midfielder well.
He doesn't need to worry about the rest!
Yaya Toure agreed on the surface, but was unhappy on the inside.
Pellegrini's words seemed as if there was a big problem with his performance in the first half.
In fact, his performance in the first half was remarkable and there were absolutely no faults to be found.
But everyone is quite afraid of him now.
What if he suddenly charges forward in the second half and digs holes in the defense?
Now Pellegrini's warning satisfies everyone.
But some Manchester City players from last season looked in a daze.
I always feel that the tone and content of Pellegrini's instructions to Yaya Toure seem familiar.
Where have you seen it?!
After a while, everyone looked at each other in shock.
Remembered!
Isn't this the way Mancini always gave Balotelli's tactful advice before?
That man who is world-class from the neck down will have a brain convulsion at God knows when.
The head coach had to reiterate his tactical discipline over and over again...
When thinking of this, many Manchester City players looked at Yaya Toure with more complicated eyes.
