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The victory over Bayern Munich had left Manchester City buzzing. It was still the main topic everywhere — newspapers, TV, social media — but there was little time to sit back and enjoy it.
The Premier League schedule didn't stop for anyone. Manchester City had to refocus quickly, traveling to London to face West Ham United away.
It was a simple fixture, but momentum was everything. A slip-up now, after such a historic Champions League night, would undo all the good feeling they had built. The players knew it. The coaching staff knew it. Even the fans knew it.
The London Stadium was packed by the time the teams walked out. West Ham fans filled the stands, making noise, waving flags. But in one corner, a large block of blue — City's traveling fans — sang loudly and proudly.
Their voices carried across the stadium, full of energy, still riding high after watching their team destroy Bayern Munich.
Adriano, Eden Hazard, Mohamed Salah, David Silva, and Kevin De Bruyne all started. Aguero was rested after his efforts in Europe, with Harry Kane leading the line.
As the players lined up for kickoff, Martin Tyler's voice came through the broadcast.
"Manchester City still riding the wave after that unforgettable Champions League night, Alan. But this is a different type of challenge."
Alan Smith, calm and thoughtful, answered, "These away games, after a big European match, are tricky. Legs are tired, minds can wander. West Ham will want to make this uncomfortable early."
From the opening whistle, West Ham made their intentions clear. They pressed high up the pitch, trying to close down City's midfielders quickly and force mistakes.
Mark Noble and Alex Song were aggressive, snapping into tackles and harassing Silva and De Bruyne every time they received the ball.
Manchester City, however, showed no panic. Their passing was crisp. Their movement was sharp. They were confident but not reckless. Pellegrini had clearly told them to be patient.
It took 16 minutes for their quality to show. Silva picked up the ball near the halfway line, spotted Hazard making a run down the left, and floated a beautiful pass over the top.
Hazard controlled it perfectly with his first touch, glided past the fullback with a quick shimmy, and curled a low shot past the West Ham keeper into the far corner.
GOAL ANNOUNCER: "GOOOOOAAALLLL! Eden Hazard! Manchester City lead 1–0 at the London Stadium!"
Hazard sprinted toward the traveling City fans, sliding on his knees before being surrounded by his teammates. The away section exploded in noise, waving scarves and singing even louder.
Martin Tyler called it: "What a cool finish from Hazard. City just too sharp in transition."
Alan Smith added, "Brilliant composure. He made it look so simple, but that's not an easy finish at all."
West Ham, to their credit, didn't fold. They responded with energy and physicality. Enner Valencia, using his pace, began causing problems down the right. He forced Joe Hart into a smart save in the 27th minute, diving low to push a shot around the post.
From the resulting corner, City cleared poorly. West Ham threw it back in with a long throw-in. The ball bounced awkwardly inside the box, bodies flying everywhere, and Diafra Sakho reacted quickest, poking it past Hart from close range.
Martin Tyler said immediately, "That's a soft one for City to give away. Pellegrini won't like that. Just too slow to react."
The West Ham fans roared. Their team was level, and for a few minutes, City looked a little rattled. Noble and Song pushed even harder, and Valencia kept trying to stretch City's backline.
But when City attacked, they looked dangerous every time.
In the 39th minute, Salah picked up the ball near the halfway line. With quick feet, he beat Aaron Cresswell down the right and sprinted toward the byline. He didn't rush his cross. Instead, he looked up, spotted Adriano darting toward the six-yard box, and drilled a low ball right into his path.
Adriano made no mistake, side-footing it into the net from close range.
GOAL ANNOUNCER: "Adrianooo! Manchester City back in front! 2–1!"
Adriano pointed up toward the sky briefly, then jogged over to hug Salah as the team celebrated in front of the jubilant City supporters.
Martin Tyler captured the moment: "Simple, ruthless football. Adriano in the right place again."
Alan Smith said, "The understanding between Hazard, Salah and Adriano — it's growing every game. Perfect timing."
City ended the half with the lead. In the dressing room, Pellegrini's message was clear: stay focused, control possession, and look for the third goal to kill the game.
West Ham came out strong after the break. They pressed even harder, looking to find another equalizer. Noble tried a long-range shot that Hart held easily. Valencia continued to be a threat, forcing Nicolas Otamendi into a risky tackle just outside the box, but the resulting free-kick was wasted.
City, showing their maturity, didn't panic. They kept the ball, slowing the tempo, forcing West Ham to chase.
In the 68th minute, the third goal came — and it was classic Manchester City.
Hazard dropped deep to pick up the ball and slid a pass into Adriano between the lines. Adriano, with his back to goal, turned smoothly, attracting three defenders toward him. With perfect vision, he threaded a pass right through them into the path of Salah, who had made a diagonal run into the box.
Salah took one touch to set himself and coolly slotted the ball past the onrushing keeper.
GOAL ANNOUNCER: "Salah gets his goal! Manchester City lead 3–1 now, and surely that's the points sealed!"
Salah ran toward the fans, arms wide, soaking in the celebrations. His teammates surrounding him hugging and celebrating.
Martin Tyler exclaimed, "And that could be the killer blow. Salah and Adriano linking up beautifully again."
Alan Smith added, "You have to admire the calmness. The first touch was brilliant, and the finish was even better."
From that point on, City managed the game professionally. They kept the ball moving, played short passes, and didn't allow West Ham any easy possession. Every time West Ham tried to push forward, City cut out the passing lanes and countered quickly.
In the stands, Kate watched proudly. She had a City scarf wrapped around her neck, and her voice was hoarse from cheering. She sang along with the traveling fans, who chanted Adriano's name long after his goal.
As the final whistle blew, the away end erupted again at the 3-1 victory.
Players exchanged handshakes and claps. Some West Ham fans left quickly, but others stayed to clap their own team's effort, recognizing that they had been beaten by a superior side.
Adriano jogged toward the away section, scanning the crowd. He spotted a young boy among the fans and tossed his jersey up toward her. He caught it after a small scramble, laughing and holding it tight.
Adriano then turned and waved towards Kate in the box, who waved back with a smile and blew a kiss.
Martin Tyler summed it up: "Another big win for Manchester City. Professional, clinical, and they march on."
Alan Smith concluded, "When they play like this, City look unstoppable. They didn't just win tonight — they controlled it from start to finish."
The team headed back to the tunnel, tired but smiling. They knew this wasn't just about one big night against Bayern anymore. They were building something stronger — something that could last all season.
Adriano disappeared into the tunnel, waving to the fans one last time, ready for whatever came next.
***
After the match, the celebration on the pitch faded into something quieter. It was time for goodbye.
Kate's filming schedule for Avengers: Age of Ultron was calling her back. She had stayed as long as she could, stretching every moment she had with Adriano, but now work couldn't wait any longer.
Adriano offered to drive her to London himself. They packed her things quickly that morning, the mood light but a little bittersweet. The drive south was calm, filled with small talk, music humming quietly from the radio. Every now and then, Kate would reach over and squeeze Adriano's hand, or lean on his shoulder without saying anything.
When they reached the filming location, the energy was completely different. It was busy, loud, and colorful. People ran around adjusting lights, hauling equipment, shouting directions. It was a different kind of high-pressure world, but somehow, Adriano felt right at home among them.
Chris Evans spotted him first and called out with a grin. "Hey, it's the goal machine!"
Adriano laughed and walked over. He exchanged a few quick hugs and handshakes. Chris Hemsworth followed close behind, clapping Adriano on the back hard enough to almost make him stumble.
"You're an absolute legend, mate," Hemsworth said, laughing. "Another goal yesterday, huh? You're not even playing fair anymore."
Adriano chuckled. "You guys make saving the world look easy. Scoring goals is the least I can do."
Scarlett Johansson wandered over, smirking. "You know," she said, crossing her arms, "we're gonna have to find a role for you. Maybe some kind of super footballer who saves the world with a ball."
Everyone laughed. Adriano played along, pretending to juggle an invisible ball with exaggerated concentration. Cameras flashed as crew members gathered for some quick photos.
Some of the staff even brought out City jerseys and footballs for him to sign. Adriano didn't mind. It was all fun, a brief escape from the pressure of matches and training grounds.
But eventually, it was time. Kate had to get back to work. She hugged Adriano tightly, wrapping her arms around him and holding on longer than usual.
Into his ear, she whispered, "I'll be watching every match. Make me proud."
He pulled back just enough to look her in the eyes and said simply, "I will."
They kissed once, briefly but meaningfully, before she was pulled away by the crew. Adriano watched her go for a moment, then turned and made his way back toward his car.
The drive back to Manchester was quieter. No music this time. Just the road ahead, and his thoughts. He was alone again, but not lost. He knew exactly what he had to do. The grind was waiting. And he was ready for it.
***
The next challenge came quickly: Newcastle United at home. After the high of the Bayern and West Ham games, there was no room for City to ease up. The Premier League was relentless, and every point mattered.
The Etihad Stadium buzzed before kickoff, the fans loud and proud. Scarves waved, chants echoed, and the blue shirts filled every seat. There was a real belief now that this team was on the verge of something special.
As the players warmed up, Martin Tyler's voice carried across living rooms around the country.
"Manchester City flying high after an incredible couple of weeks, Alan. But this is the Premier League. No easy games here."
Alan Smith nodded beside him. "Absolutely, Martin. Newcastle may be struggling, but they won't come here and roll over. Expect a battle, especially early on."
From the first whistle, the match had a different edge. Newcastle came out with a clear plan: disrupt City's rhythm, close down the midfield fast, and don't allow time on the ball.
City tried to impose their passing game, with Silva and De Bruyne looking to find pockets of space. But every time they did, Newcastle's midfielders were quick and aggressive. Cheick Tioté and Jack Colback in particular were physical, snapping into tackles, not afraid to take a yellow card if it meant stopping a dangerous move.
By the 10th minute, Adriano had already been fouled three times. He picked himself up each time without complaint, brushing off the challenges and moving the ball quickly. It was clear Newcastle had marked him as the main threat.
In the 14th minute, Martin Tyler highlighted the trend.
"Alan, you can see the way Newcastle are targeting Adriano. Every time he gets the ball, there's immediate pressure—sometimes two or three shirts around him."
Smith agreed. "It's smart from Newcastle's point of view. If you can't stop City playing, you stop it at the source. Adriano's been sensational lately."
The first big moment came in the 25th minute. David Silva danced through the middle, only to be chopped down clumsily by Tioté. The referee wasted no time reaching for the yellow card. Just two minutes later, Colback mistimed a tackle on De Bruyne and also went into the book.
The Etihad crowd roared with frustration at the rough tactics, but City stayed calm. Pellegrini, as always, stood with arms folded, patient on the touchline.
Then, in the 31st minute, the breakthrough came.
Silva, carrying the ball centrally again, was fouled hard just outside the box. The referee blew immediately and pointed to the spot where the free-kick would be taken.
De Bruyne stood over it, his eyes scanning the crowded penalty area. Aguero positioned himself between two defenders.
Martin Tyler spoke just before the kick.
"City have the quality to punish you from these positions. De Bruyne's delivery usually inch-perfect."
De Bruyne whipped the ball in with his right foot, curling it dangerously toward the six-yard box. Aguero timed his jump perfectly, rising between defenders and glancing a header past the keeper into the far corner.
GOAL ANNOUNCER: "GOOOOAAALLL! SERGIO AGUERO! Manchester City take the lead!"
The Etihad erupted. Aguero pumped his fist toward the fans, and the rest of the players raced to congratulate him.
Alan Smith commented over the noise, "You can only keep this team out for so long. One quality delivery, one deadly finish—and Newcastle's hard work undone."
Newcastle didn't collapse though. They stayed compact, kept trying to press when they could, but now City looked sharper. Adriano still couldn't find much space; every time he dropped deep, he was shadowed. When he drifted wide, the full-backs tracked him closely.
Despite not scoring or assisting, his movement stretched Newcastle's defense, opening gaps for others. But those subtle things often go unnoticed.
Halftime came with City leading 1–0.
After the break, Newcastle tried to push higher. They pressed aggressively, trying to force errors and hoping to catch City on the counter.
But pushing forward left them vulnerable, and City's experience showed.
In the 58th minute, Hazard picked up the ball on the left. With a quick burst of pace, he skipped past Janmaat, reaching the byline.
He cut the ball back low across the box. Silva arrived, unmarked, and smashed a left-footed shot high into the roof of the net from close range.
GOAL ANNOUNCER: "GOOOOAAALLL! DAVID SILVA! 2–0 to Manchester City!"
The fans behind the goal went wild. Blue flags waved, chants broke out again.
Martin Tyler called it perfectly. "That's the danger for Newcastle. You push too many bodies forward against this City team, and they'll punish you."
Alan Smith added, "Silva's movement there was fantastic. Hazard did brilliantly down the flank, and Silva finished it like a striker."
With a two-goal cushion, City managed the game professionally. They moved the ball around calmly, forcing Newcastle to chase. Adriano continued working hard, always looking for space, but the ball never quite broke for him.
In the 72nd minute, he made a clever dummy run that pulled two defenders with him, allowing De Bruyne to slip in Harry Kane, but Kane's shot was saved well by the Newcastle keeper.
Martin Tyler noted, "It may not show on the scoresheet, but Adriano's impact is still huge. His movement, his awareness, it's creating chances for others."
Alan Smith agreed. "It's part of growing as a player. You're not always going to score. Tonight he's showing maturity—helping the team in other ways."
The match ended 2–0. A solid, professional win, even if it wasn't the fireworks show fans had grown used to.
After the final whistle, the players applauded the fans. Adriano walked around the pitch, smiling and clapping. He hadn't scored, but he knew the role he'd played. Not every game could be a headline night. Sometimes, it was about doing the work no one else saw.
But not everyone outside the Etihad understood that.
By the next morning, some media outlets pounced. Headlines like "Has the Magic Worn Off?" and "Adriano Blanked by Newcastle" made the rounds online and in papers. Some tried to suggest it was the start of a decline.
City fans weren't having it.
Within hours, clips of Adriano's best moments from the game flooded social media. Fans posted his passing stats, his runs dragging defenders out of position, his link-up play. Hashtags like #AdrianoMasterclass trended.
They defended him fiercely, knowing what he had given the team even without a goal. They saw the bigger picture.
Inside the club, there was no panic either. Pellegrini had seen enough football to know the truth. In the dressing room, he simply shook Adriano's hand, patted his shoulder, and nodded. No speeches, no lectures.
Adriano stayed quiet, packing up his boots. He didn't need headlines to know his value. He was already looking ahead to the next match, ready to prove it all over again.
The grind continued.
***
The next match for Manchester City took them to Loftus Road to face Queens Park Rangers. On paper, it looked like a game they should win, but everyone inside the City camp knew it wouldn't be that easy. Loftus Road was a different kind of ground. Tight, compact, and hostile. The fans were practically on top of the pitch, and the playing surface itself was smaller, leaving little room for the flowing football City loved to play.
Martin Tyler set the scene as the teams lined up.
"Manchester City on the road again, Alan. Loftus Road is a tricky place to come, isn't it?"
Alan Smith agreed. "Very tricky, Martin. It's tight, noisy, and QPR always make it uncomfortable for the visitors. City will have to be sharp, especially after a tough run of games."
From the first whistle, it was clear QPR had come with a plan. Play aggressively, press high, and disrupt City's rhythm by any means necessary. Tackles came fast and hard. Clint Hill and Richard Dunne set the tone early with strong, physical challenges on City's attackers.
Still, City started brightly. They kept the ball moving quickly, looking to open up the spaces despite QPR's pressure. David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne tried to orchestrate from midfield, while Hazard and Salah stretched the play wide.
In the 22nd minute, the breakthrough came.
Silva drifted inside, picking up the ball just past the halfway line. He threaded a precise pass forward into the feet of Adriano, who had dropped between two defenders.
Martin Tyler's voice lifted. "Adriano on the turn here... he's got space!"
Adriano took one touch to control, another to shift the ball away from Dunne, then shrugged off a desperate lunge before rifling a fierce shot into the top corner from the edge of the box.
GOAL ANNOUNCER: "GOOOOOAALLL! ADRIANO! WHAT A FINISH!"
The traveling City fans erupted in the corner of Loftus Road, singing his name as Adriano pointed to the badge on his chest. No wild celebrations, just a nod to the team and to the supporters who had made the journey.
Alan Smith was impressed. "That's pure class. Strength to hold off two defenders, and the composure to finish it like that. He's special, Martin. No doubt about it."
City seemed to settle after the goal. Their passing became crisper, their movement sharper. They looked likely to extend their lead, but QPR kept their shape, sitting deep and waiting for counterattacks.
The problem was the fouls. Every time City looked to break at speed, a QPR player brought it to a halt with a tactical foul. The referee gave free kicks, even brandished a couple of yellow cards, but it wasn't enough to stop the flow of stoppages.
Just before halftime, disaster struck. Clint Hill, already booked, went in late on Adriano near the halfway line. A heavy, reckless tackle.
Adriano tried to get up but limped visibly, clutching his ankle.
Martin Tyler immediately caught the mood. "Oh, that's not what City wanted to see. Adriano is struggling."
Pellegrini reacted quickly. As soon as the halftime whistle blew, Adriano was surrounded by medical staff. They tested his ankle, and though he insisted he could continue, the manager wasn't willing to risk him.
Five minutes into the second half, City made the change. Adriano came off, giving a polite wave to the away fans, replaced by Toure.
The entire atmosphere shifted after that.
Without Adriano's movement and directness, City's attack lost its cutting edge. QPR sensed it. They started pushing higher, gaining confidence.
In the 64th minute, the pressure told.
QPR swung a long throw into the City box. It was half-cleared by Kompany, but the ball fell kindly for Charlie Austin, who poked it home through a crowd of legs.
GOAL ANNOUNCER: "Charlie Austin levels it for QPR! 1–1!"
Loftus Road exploded. The home fans roared their team forward, sensing that the balance had tipped.
Alan Smith captured it well. "You can feel it, Martin. City look vulnerable without Adriano. He pulls defenders around, creates space. Without him, QPR are growing in belief."
City tried to regain control. De Bruyne and Silva attempted to slow the tempo, but QPR's energy was relentless.
In the 75th minute, disaster struck again.
A long ball from the back wasn't dealt with properly. Zabaleta tried to clear but misjudged the bounce. Leroy Fer pounced, nipping in behind and calmly slotting the ball past Joe Hart.
GOAL ANNOUNCER: "LEROY FER! QPR lead 2–1!"
The home fans could hardly believe it. Loftus Road was shaking with noise.
Martin Tyler summed it up. "City have been punished for their mistakes. From a position of strength, they now find themselves chasing the game."
Pellegrini responded immediately. He threw on another striker, bringing Harry Kane off the bench, and pushed more men forward. City now committed bodies into attack, desperate to avoid a damaging defeat.
The minutes ticked away. City hammered at QPR's box, but time after time, the final ball wasn't quite right, or the shot was blocked.
Finally, in the 88th minute, the breakthrough came.
Silva slipped Hazard into space down the left. Hazard fired a shot that the QPR goalkeeper parried awkwardly into the middle of the box. Harry Kane was quickest to react, smashing the rebound high into the net.
GOAL ANNOUNCER: "KANE! Manchester City are level! 2–2!"
The City fans behind the goal went wild. Kane pumped his fist as teammates surrounded him.
Alan Smith praised the resilience. "That's the spirit you need to challenge for titles. Even on a tough night like this, they find a way back."
City pushed hard for a winner in the final few minutes. Long balls, crosses, corners. But QPR dug deep, throwing bodies in front of everything.
When the final whistle blew, City players slumped slightly, knowing it was two points dropped, not one gained.
Martin Tyler signed off. "A hard-earned point for City, but they'll feel it could—and should—have been more. Injuries, missed chances, and perhaps a reminder that the Premier League gives you nothing for free."
The media, as always, were quick to react.
Some pundits praised QPR's resilience. Others turned their focus on City's dependency on Adriano.
Gary Linekar summed it up bluntly.
"City have world-class talent across the pitch. But tonight shows they rely too heavily on Adriano's brilliance. If he's missing, or not fully fit, they look vulnerable. One player can't carry a team all season—not if you want to win the biggest trophies."
Inside Manchester, though, the mood was different.
City fans flooded social media with messages of support for Adriano. They posted clips of his goal, his build-up play before he was subbed, the fouls he endured. They knew what he brought—goals, yes, but much more: structure, belief, and a way of playing that lifted the whole team.
Inside the club, there was no panic. Just lessons to be learned.
And so, as the next matchday loomed, Manchester City prepared to regroup. They were still top of Premier League with 35 points from 13 matches.
They knew they needed adjustments, needed others to step up when necessary. But they also knew something else, something simple but powerful.
As long as Adriano was on the pitch, they always had a chance.
***
After the frustrating 2–2 draw against QPR, Manchester City returned to the CFA (City Football Academy) with a clear focus. The match had highlighted a problem that couldn't be ignored any longer.
The coaching staff and analysts gathered early in the morning with Pellegrini and the senior players. They sat in the main meeting room overlooking the training pitches. Clips from the QPR game played silently on the big screen: the misplaced passes, the lack of movement after Adriano had been subbed off, the defensive errors.
Pellegrini stood at the front of the room, calm as ever.
"We must be honest with ourselves," he said. "We are strong. But we must be stronger when we are missing one player, whoever he is."
He didn't need to say Adriano's name. Everyone knew.
Assistant coach Ruben Cousillas pointed at the stats on the screen. "After Adriano came off, chances created dropped by 40%. Shots on target fell by half."
The room stayed quiet. Players exchanged glances. No one needed telling twice.
The message was clear: they couldn't afford to rely so heavily on one man—not in a season where trophies were expected.
Training that day was different. It wasn't just about drills or fitness. It was about building flexibility, making sure other players could step up when needed.
The session started with some light rondos—small circles of keep-away games to get the legs moving and the mood up. Hazard, Salah, and Silva made a tight group, zipping the ball between each other with sharp touches.
Zabaleta and Kolarov were in the middle, chasing shadows.
"Come on, old man!" Hazard laughed after nutmegging Zabaleta, drawing loud cheers.
"Wait till we switch sides, Eden!" Zabaleta shouted back, grinning.
Nearby, Adriano was jogging alongside Sergio Aguero, who bumped him lightly with his shoulder.
"One week you're the King," Aguero joked. "Next week, they're asking if the magic is gone."
Adriano smiled, shaking his head. "Let them talk. We know what we're building."
De Bruyne joined them, slightly out of breath from the warm-up. "Next time, just stay on one leg, mate. Even half an Adriano is better than none."
The atmosphere was light, but when Pellegrini blew the whistle, it shifted immediately. Now it was work time.
The coaches split the players into two groups for positional drills.
One group, with Silva, Hazard, De Bruyne, and Kane, worked on rotating positions behind the striker. They practiced making late runs into the box, switching roles seamlessly so defenders couldn't predict who would attack the space.
"Again!" shouted Cousillas, as Silva darted wide and Hazard cut inside to receive a pass.
"Think quicker! Move earlier!" added another coach, as Kane peeled away from a defender to meet a cross.
Meanwhile, Adriano, Aguero, Salah, and Hummels worked on patterns of play under pressure. Hummels organized the defensive shape, barking orders in German-accented English.
"No easy passes! Close the gaps!" he shouted as Salah tried to weave through.
At one point, Kolarov clattered into Adriano while going for a loose ball. Adriano fell but popped up laughing.
"You call that a tackle, Aleks?" Adriano teased.
Kolarov grinned. "I'm saving the real ones for United."
The laughter around the pitch showed the spirit was strong, even after the QPR stumble.
Next, Pellegrini organized a full-pitch exercise. The setup forced the players to switch positions constantly: midfielders had to attack; attackers had to drop into midfield; defenders had to start counters.
Kompany led the backline with his usual authority, pushing Kolarov and Zabaleta to get forward when the ball turned over.
"Go, go, GO!" Kompany yelled as De Bruyne picked out Hazard with a lofted pass.
On one move, Hazard squared the ball for Harry Kane, who swept a first-time shot into the bottom corner.
"Beautiful football!" shouted Aguero from the sideline, applauding the move.
In the next sequence, Adriano dropped deep to collect a pass, spun, and fed Salah with a no-look pass that completely fooled the defenders.
Salah finished calmly, raising his arms in mock celebration.
Alan, one of the younger academy coaches watching, shook his head.
"Even in training, it's ridiculous how good he is."
During a quick water break, Kane sat down next to De Bruyne, both wiping sweat from their faces.
"You know," Kane said, catching his breath, "at Spurs, everything used to run through me. Here, it's different. It's smarter. Everyone's dangerous."
De Bruyne nodded. "That's the idea. With Adriano, it's easy to just give him the ball and watch. But we have to build something that doesn't break when one piece is missing."
Kane grinned. "Well, if we keep linking up like that last move, nobody's stopping us."
Pellegrini gathered everyone in for the final drill: a high-intensity small-sided match. No offsides, constant restarts, short goals.
The teams were split evenly: Kompany, Kolarov, Silva, Salah, and Kane on one side; Hummels, Zabaleta, De Bruyne, Hazard, and Adriano on the other.
From the first minute, it was chaos. Tackles flew in, quick passes zipped across the turf, goals flew in at both ends.
Adriano and Hazard linked up beautifully, creating space for De Bruyne to smash in a rising shot. 1–0.
Seconds later, Silva dribbled through two defenders, squaring for Kane to tap in. 1–1.
On one break, Salah nutmegged Zabaleta, only for Hummels to block the shot on the line.
"Unlucky, Mo!" shouted Kompany, clapping.
Near the end, Adriano picked out Hazard with a clever chipped pass. Hazard volleyed it across goal where De Bruyne bundled it over the line.
Final score: 3–2 to Adriano's team.
The players laughed, clapped each other on the backs, and slowly jogged into a warm-down.
Before they broke up, Pellegrini spoke to the group.
"This," he said, gesturing around the players, "is what makes champions. Not just eleven players. A team. A squad."
He looked directly at Adriano. "You are special. But we win together. All of us."
Adriano nodded. He knew it better than anyone.
As they stretched, Hazard threw an arm around Adriano's shoulders.
"You know you make it look too easy, right?"
Adriano laughed. "That's the trick. Make it look easy. Even when it's not."
Salah came up, smiling. "And when you're tired, just pass it to me."
Kane added, jokingly, "Or me! I don't mind stealing the headlines once in a while."
The players laughed, the mood easy now, the frustrations of QPR behind them.
As they walked back to the changing rooms, Kolarov, always the joker, shouted from behind:
"Hey Adriano, if you get too many goals, we'll have to carry your golden boots for you!"
Adriano turned, smiling, and pointed at the group.
"You'll all have golden boots if we play like that."
The message was clear. The focus was clear. City knew what they had to do.
Not just win because of one player. Win because of each other.
The long season was still ahead. The real tests were coming. But after that session, one thing was obvious:
Manchester City were building something bigger than any one man.
***
Current Stats of Adriano
Premier League
Matches: 11
Goals: 12
Assists: 10
Current top scorer of Premier League and top Assists list.
Champions League
Matches: 1
Goals: 5
Assists: 1
Current top scorer.