Chapter 360
While Li Lei and De Bruyne were talking so easily, the situation on the field suddenly changed.
Perhaps it was the early lead that made these young Manchester City players relax their mentality.
Their rhythm slowed down significantly; their passing also began to make mistakes.
Swansea seized this opportunity, and their style of play became more unrestrained and direct, which began to put a lot of pressure on Manchester City's defense.
In order to stop Swansea's attack, Manchester City's young players had to take some fouls.
But in the tense game, their actions were inevitably a bit too big.
Soon, the referee's whistle sounded, and yellow cards began to appear frequently.
In the 38th minute, facing a quick counterattack by Swansea, Bony had to make a tactical foul in the midfield.
The referee took out the yellow card without hesitation, which was also Bony's first warning in this game.
Before the end of the first half, the young defender B. Segna also received a yellow card for a tackle foul.
"This is not good," De Bruyne said with a frown.
"Our young players seem to be a little nervous and impatient."
"When they fall behind, Swansea will definitely strengthen their offense. We must stay calm and not get unnecessary cards."
Li Lei nodded. He understood De Bruyne's concerns.
The accumulation of yellow cards not only means that players may miss the next game, but also means that their actions on the field will have to be restricted.
This will undoubtedly affect the team's tactical play.
The first half ended in such a slightly tense atmosphere.
1:0, Manchester City temporarily leads.
But judging from the situation on the field, this game is far from as easy as imagined.
During the halftime break, Li Lei and De Bruyne also came to the locker room.
In the locker room, Guardiola stood in front of the whiteboard with a serious expression.
"Okay, everyone listen to me," Guardiola said, his voice was not loud, but full of majesty, "In the first half, our performance, to be honest, was not ideal. Especially after Swansea strengthened its attack, we made some mistakes and panic. This is not our Manchester City style, we must make changes."
The players listened quietly, and everyone's face was serious and focused.
Guardiola continued: "In the second half, we have to make some tactical adjustments. First, we have to strengthen the control of the midfield. David, you and Fernandinho should participate more in the attack and create more opportunities for our frontcourt."
"Secondly, our two wingers should improve the quality of the cross. Navas, Rahim, your speed is our weapon, and you should make full use of it."
"Remember, don't cross blindly, choose the right time, and look for Bony and Sterling's running position."
Guardiola glanced at the whole team and made Final arrangement: "Li Lei, Kevin, you two will be substitutes in the second half, but be ready to play at any time."
"If the situation changes, I will notify you at any time."
"Okay, everyone remember, we are Manchester City! We have the best players, we have the best team! As long as we play to our level, nothing can stop us! Now, let's fight for victory together!"
"Fight for victory!" In the locker room, neat and powerful slogans rang out, and everyone's eyes were burning with the flames of fighting spirit and faith.
At the beginning of the second half, Manchester City players returned to the field with the determination to win.
But surprisingly, their performance did not improve significantly.
Maybe Swansea made targeted tactical adjustments during the halftime break, or maybe Manchester City players have not fully adapted to Guardiola's new arrangements.
In short, Manchester City still seems a little weak on the offensive end.
But Swansea seized this opportunity.
In the 48th minute, in a quick counterattack, Fernandez made a precise long pass in the midfield.
Gomis made a timely move and shot a powerful shot 10 meters in front of the goal!
The ball whizzed into Manchester City's goal.
1:1, Swansea tied the score!
There was an uproar at the Etihad Stadium, and Manchester City fans looked at this scene in disbelief.
They never thought that their team would be tied by an opponent like Swansea at home.
In the technical area, Guardiola's face also became extremely solemn.
The current situation is very unfavorable to Manchester City.
If this game can only end in a draw, it will be a huge obstacle to Manchester City's road to the championship.
He must make changes, he must strengthen his progressAttack!
In the 50th minute, Guardiola made the first substitution decision.
Li Lei replaced Sterling who was in poor form.
As one of Manchester City's core players, Li Lei's appearance immediately brought new vitality to the team.
He constantly created threats on the left, and his breakthroughs and crosses brought huge pressure to Swansea's defense.
But this was not enough, Guardiola knew that he needed more changes.
In the 60th minute, he made another substitution decision. This time, De Bruyne replaced David Silva.
There is no doubt that this is an offensive substitution.
De Bruyne can be said to be one of the best offensive midfielders in football today.
His vision, his passing, and his shooting are all unparalleled threats.
Two substitutions, two offensive players.
Guardiola's intention is very clear. He wants to win with all his strength. He wants to use the strongest attack to tear open Swansea's defense!
Yes, for Guardiola, a draw is a completely unacceptable result.
He has always been determined to win when leading Manchester City. Only victory and three points can satisfy his desire to win and meet his expectations for this team.
The time has come to 70 minutes.
The score is still 1:1.
Li Lei is on the left, De Bruyne is in the middle, and Bony is in the forward position. The three offensive weapons have been placed in the best position.
Manchester City is using their most powerful weapon to launch the final charge against Swansea!
Gomis' goal undoubtedly brought new hope and motivation to Swansea, allowing this team that was originally struggling in the relegation zone to seem to have regained its rhythm and confidence at this moment.
In the following games, they performed extremely tenaciously.
On the defensive end, they tightly blocked Manchester City's offensive route; on the offensive end, they also constantly created threats, bringing considerable pressure to Manchester City's defense.
Time passed by minute by minute.
The score remained at 1:1.
As the game progressed, Manchester City players began to show anxious looks on their faces. They knew that time was not in their favor.
If they could not take the lead as soon as possible, they might end up with a draw at home.
And this was a result that neither Guardiola nor Manchester City fans wanted to see.
The game had come to the 90th minute.
Just when everyone thought the game would end in a draw, a miracle appeared!
At that moment, Li Lei got the ball on the left. Facing the defense of the Swansea defender, he did not choose to pass the ball, but decisively started the speed.
His breakthrough was as fast as lightning!
In the middle, Bony stepped forward in time and attracted the attention of the Swansea central defender. This gave Li Lei more space.
On the right, De Bruyne also participated in the attack at a critical moment.
Just as Li Lei broke into the penalty area, De Bruyne made an exquisite pass!
The ball accurately found Li Lei's feet. Facing the Swansea goalkeeper, Li Lei did not hesitate. He adjusted his body shape and then shot hard!
The ball whizzed into the Swansea goal! 2:1!
Manchester City, at the last moment of the game, won the game! The whole audience was jubilant, and the blue moon rose again!