Chapter 105: The King of Crosses! The Fastest Goal in Premier League History
A truly consistent, elite team is one that can grind out victories—
Even when they're not playing well.
Even when the game isn't going their way.
That's exactly what Manchester United were.
With a squad full of internationals just returning from national duty, and a looming Champions League fixture midweek, Ferguson was forced to rotate and reshuffle his squad.
As a result, in their Matchday 4 home game against Tottenham Hotspur, United looked... average.
But they still won—1–0—thanks to a goal from Ryan Giggs in the 9th minute.
Bayswater Chinese were no different.
In their home match against Manchester City, Yang Cheng rested several starters.
Unlike United, however, Bayswater Chinese used their midfield dominance to pin City back.
The Blue Moon played almost entirely on the counter.
Defenders like Distin, Dunne, and Micah Richards all had excellent performances.
But in the 32nd minute, a well-placed free kick near the edge of the final third found José Fonte, who scored the only goal of the match.
Bayswater Chinese won 1–0 at home.
Chelsea's game was even more curious.
Mourinho started Shevchenko on the left wing, trying to maintain his 4-3-3 setup.
The result? A complete disaster.
The Ukrainian looked utterly lost.
Chelsea scraped by with a 2–1 home win over Charlton Athletic, thanks to goals from Drogba and Carvalho.
But it was Liverpool and Arsenal who really suffered.
Liverpool were thrashed 3–0 away in the Merseyside Derby against Everton.
Arsenal, at home, could only manage a 1–1 draw with Middlesbrough.
Some say the Gunners were cursed after moving into their new stadium.
But in reality, it had only been two home games.
Still, it was a disappointing start.
After four rounds:
United sat top with four straight wins.
Portsmouth, Everton, and Bayswater Chinese followed with 10 points apiece.
Chelsea had 9.
Liverpool had slipped to 8th.
And Arsenal? Down in 11th.
…
September 13th, evening. Wembley Stadium, London.
Champions League group stage, Matchday 1:
Bayswater Chinese vs. Sporting CP.
Thirty-seven-year-old Paulo Bento walked confidently into England's football cathedral.
He'd been eager to see this £800 million (1.2 billion euro) stadium for himself.
But as soon as he stepped inside, he couldn't help but feel a bit let down.
According to pre-match reports, attendance had reached 50,000.
It sounded like a lot, but standing inside Wembley, there were still noticeable empty patches.
The atmosphere wasn't all that electric.
Still, the female singer who performed pre-match was impressive—her voice powerful, the song beautiful.
He just didn't know her name.
This was Paulo Bento's first European match as a manager.
And also his first full season in charge of Sporting.
So far, Sporting had won both of their opening league matches in Portugal.
Despite being drawn into a group of death, Bento had come to London with absolute determination.
Real Madrid and Bayern were clearly out of reach.
So his plan? Fight like hell—but at minimum, secure third place.
Which meant—beating Bayswater Chinese was a must.
He had watched their 4–0 win over Barcelona in the Super Cup and found the media hype ridiculous.
Any real football mind could see—Barça had been in poor form, physically drained.
Bento believed his Sporting side could've done even better, scored more.
Even away from home, he stuck to their trusted diamond 4-4-2 from the league.
Sporting lineup:
Goalkeeper: Ricardo
Defense: Marco Caneira, Anderson Polga, Tonel, Abel Ferreira
Midfield: Miguel Veloso (DM), Nani and Leandro Romagnoli (wide), João Moutinho (AM)
Forwards: Liedson, Yannick Djaló
Bayswater Chinese:
Goalkeeper: Neuer
Defense: Leighton Baines, José Fonte, Pepe, Maicon
Midfield: Yaya Touré (DM), Modrić, Lassana Diarra
Attack: Arshavin, Rickie Lambert, Ashley Young
Back in the dressing room, Bento had fired up his players.
"No matter what happens, take control early. Keep the pressure on."
"This is their first time in the Champions League. They're young. They'll make mistakes."
"And that Pepe? Always rash in Portugal."
"José Fonte? He couldn't even cut it in our youth academy—now he's at Bayswater?"
"Even away from home—we go for the first goal!"
"Let's kill them early!"
The players were fired up.
Marching out of the tunnel, heads high and eyes sharp.
But then…
…
"OHHHH!!"
The crowd gasped as Rickie Lambert's screamer flew over the crossbar, crashing into the stands and sending fans into a frenzy.
"Just 36 seconds in, Bayswater Chinese take the first shot."
"A swift attacking move—Ashley Young's cross from the right was pinpoint. Lambert met it first-time on the volley, but couldn't keep it down."
On the touchline, Yang Cheng applauded, urging his players to press on, keep the pressure high.
Ashley Young—nicknamed "Lord Yang" by fans—was known for his erratic but dangerous crosses. Even he couldn't predict their trajectory.
But few knew that Young made his name at Watford and Aston Villa specifically because of his crossing.
In 2007/08, he notched 17 assists—second only to Arsenal's Fabregas.
He ranked third in total crosses that year, but first in crossing accuracy. A true King of Crosses.
Why he lost that touch at Manchester United?
Well... that was a question for United to answer.
Yang Cheng's plan was simple:
Use home advantage to steamroll Sporting.
Make them understand what Premier League pace felt like.
…
After the restart, the midfield became a battleground.
Sporting used a four-man diamond.
Not a wide diamond, but a narrow one.
Nani operated mostly in the left channel.
Modern football had moved on—playing a wide diamond was suicidal.
Yang Cheng had positioned Lassana Diarra on that flank to neutralize him.
In the 3rd minute, José Fonte picked his moment.
He stepped up and intercepted a pass meant for Djaló from Moutinho.
The Portuguese center-back—once rejected by Sporting's own academy—was hungry to prove himself tonight.
He carried the ball forward two steps and laid it off to Arshavin on the left channel.
The Russian took it on the half-turn, flicked it past Abel Ferreira, and surged forward on the counter.
Just as he entered the final third, Tonel came crashing in with a foul on the left side of the 30-yard zone.
Free kick.
Leighton Baines jogged over.
He placed the ball on the turf, took a few measured steps back, and got ready.
At that moment, José Fonte, Pepe, Yaya Touré, and Lambert—all towering figures—rushed into Sporting's penalty area.
Only then did Paulo Bento on the visiting bench begin to panic, yelling at his players to stay alert and mark their men properly.
The height difference was obvious.
Anderson Polga and Tonel barely stood above 1.80 meters.
In terms of size and physical strength, they had no advantage at all against Bayswater Chinese's aerial threats.
And that damned Italian set-piece coach was at it again, shouting instructions on the sideline.
Paulo Bento felt a chill of foreboding sweep over him and cursed silently under his breath.
Leighton Baines took a quick run-up and whipped in a perfectly arcing free kick.
Chaos erupted in the box. Players jostled for position, darting in and out.
Somehow—José Fonte was left unmarked.
The Portuguese center-back took three big strides forward and launched himself into the air, heading the ball in from close range—powerfully driving Baines' cross from the center into the net.
The stadium exploded!
Barely three minutes into the match, Bayswater Chinese had taken the lead!
"Goal from José Fonte!"
"The Portuguese center-back came through Sporting's academy, but was never promoted to the first team. He left on a free and signed with Bayswater Chinese."
"Now, with a powerful header, he delivers his response to his former club."
"In the three years he's been in England, his progress has been undeniable."
"He might not be a top-tier Premier League defender, but he's one of Yang Cheng's most trusted lieutenants at the back."
"Just three days ago, it was also Fonte's header that gave Bayswater Chinese all three points in the league!"
Two goals in two games—Fonte was in red-hot form.
After celebrating, he waved his arms toward the stands as he jogged back, urging fans to bring even more energy.
It earned a thunderous ovation.
…
With the opening goal secured, the match entered high gear quickly.
Though it was only a group stage game and away goals didn't carry the same weight, Sporting had come here determined to take all three points.
After conceding, they changed their approach, becoming more aggressive.
Bayswater Chinese weren't backing down either—midfield pressure, attacking runs, and full-backs pushing high made for relentless attacking football.
It turned into a true back-and-forth.
Not only was the tempo high, but the passing and movement from both sides was sharp.
And inevitably, more goals came.
In the 16th minute, despite José Fonte's recent form, he and Pepe had a miscommunication while defending.
Nani cut in from the left, picked up the ball and played a clever pass to Moutinho, who had surged into the box unmarked.
The Sporting captain slotted it past Neuer.
1–1!
Back to level terms.
But just six minutes later, Ashley Young beat his man on the right and whipped in a cross.
Lambert outmuscled both of Sporting's center-backs and headed it into the net.
2–1!
The lead was restored!
The crowd roared as the match turned into a genuine thriller.
End-to-end action, goals, high stakes—what more could fans want?
Both teams refused to yield.
Sporting desperately looked for another equalizer.
On the touchline, Yang Cheng was constantly urging his players to attack, to keep the pressure high.
Sporting wasn't going to admit defeat easily—
They'd only stop fighting once they were crushed.
But it was becoming a physical war too.
Sporting's Liedson, Moutinho, and Veloso all picked up yellow cards.
On the Bayswater side, Pepe and Yaya Touré were also booked.
Five yellow cards—all between the 25th and 40th minutes.
That said everything about the intensity of this phase.
Then, in the 41st minute, Bayswater Chinese executed a clean midfield press.
Modrić played a ball forward to Lambert, but the English striker couldn't control it cleanly.
Tonel poked it away—but it rolled straight to Arshavin.
The Russian drove forward down the left channel, broke into the box, and with Ricardo rushing out, calmly slotted the ball past him with a smooth finish.
3–1!
At that point, the match's momentum was clear.
In the second half, Paulo Bento learned from his first-half mistakes and told his side to pull back and defend.
Sporting focused on counterattacks through Nani and Yannick.
But Yang Cheng responded as well—slowing the tempo, holding possession, dictating rhythm.
Sporting tried to mount a couple attacks during Bayswater's substitutions.
But both times, Bayswater countered with lightning speed and nearly scored.
Paulo Bento stood on the sideline, his expression grim.
Yang Cheng glanced over and smirked.
"I think he's finally realized what he's dealing with."
In this group of death, the only teams worthy of sitting at the table were Real Madrid, Bayern… and Bayswater Chinese.
Sporting?
Back to the Portuguese league you go.
…
After Matchday 1 of the Champions League, Bayswater Chinese had started with a 3–1 home win over Sporting CP.
The British media weren't too surprised.
A loss at home would've been news.
After last season, most people accepted that Bayswater Chinese were no fluke.
The real shock was in Germany.
Bayern defeated Real Madrid 2–0 at home—goals from Ribéry and Pizarro.
Now that was unexpected.
After finishing with Sporting, Yang Cheng immediately got hold of the match footage and reviewed it carefully.
After all, both teams were future group opponents.
What he saw was… baffling.
Capello had lined up in a 4-4-2.
The back four?
Roberto Carlos, Cannavaro, Ramos, and Cicinho.
And how did they concede?
Bastian Schweinsteiger crossed from the right, and Pizarro outjumped both Cannavaro and Ramos to score.
Neither of Madrid's center-backs were tall.
Pizarro was only 1.84 meters.
These weren't numbers you could just look at on paper—you had to feel the difference on the pitch.
But the strangest part was Real Madrid's midfield.
Cassano, Diarra, Emerson, Beckham.
Up front?
Raúl and Van Nistelrooy.
"How is it that Bayern always gets the easy ones?" Yang Cheng muttered.
Capello's lineup had no business beating Bayern.
No wonder his teams—Roma, Juventus—could dominate domestically but collapse in Europe.
Why?
Because he was playing with a prehistoric approach.
No pace, no technique, no dynamism.
At least the original Galácticos had creativity and fluidity in attack.
This team?
Nothing.
So it was no surprise Bayern completely outclassed them in the first half.
Yang Cheng honestly wanted to grab Bayern's forwards and shout,
"How could you waste so many of Ribéry's brilliant chances?!"
With how things were going, it wouldn't have shocked Yang Cheng if Madrid were down 5 or 6 by halftime.
Capello did make adjustments in the second half.
The defense tightened up.
He brought on Reyes and Robinho.
Finally—some speed.
"See? Even when they were down 0–2, Capello still wouldn't touch his double pivot—Diarra and Emerson played the full 90. They only switched to a 4-2-3-1 after the 65th minute," Brian Kidd pointed out.
Capello subbed off Cassano, Beckham, and Raúl, bringing on Reyes, Guti, and Robinho.
"Real Madrid's backline is a mess. Capello didn't dare take any risks," Yang Cheng said, trying to read Capello's mindset.
Then he paused, a confident smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"But after watching that match, I think I've figured out exactly how we should play at the Bernabéu."
…
September 16th, afternoon. Matchday 5 of the Premier League.
Bayswater Chinese traveled to Bramall Lane to take on Sheffield United.
When referee Andre Marriner blew the whistle to start the match, no one—absolutely no one—had any idea what was about to happen.
Not even Bayswater Chinese themselves.
From the kickoff, Džeko tapped the ball to Arshavin and immediately sprinted forward.
It was a move prearranged by Yang Cheng.
He wanted a fast start—an all-out opening blitz.
And this match was perfect for it.
Sheffield United's center-back Jagielka wasn't tall, and Roger Johnson—Džeko's former teammate—was someone he knew how to handle.
The Bosnian striker charged straight at Jagielka, ignoring the ball behind him.
Sheffield United's defenders focused on Džeko.
Arshavin played a quick return pass to the deeper Yaya Touré and bolted forward.
Not just him—Ashley Young on the right wing had already sprinted ahead.
Inler and Modrić were both surging forward too.
Yaya received the ball with ample space.
One smooth touch with his left, a half-turn, and then—
A pass down the left side into open space.
Leighton Baines sprinted to meet it, took a touch, looked up, and saw Džeko closing in on Jagielka.
He swung his left leg and launched a long ball forward.
It was quick. Unexpected.
At that moment, Sheffield United's left-back David Unsworth had yet to recover his position.
And the ball was already flying.
The 32-year-old England defender, standing at 1.87 meters, was bulky and long past his peak in terms of speed.
He had no choice but to gamble.
He jumped early, hoping to intercept.
But the ball grazed just over his head.
He mistimed it.
At the same time, Džeko cut inside to Jagielka's left, used his body to pin the defender, and muscled him toward the box.
Jagielka, only 1.80 meters tall, couldn't match up.
He tried everything just to stay between Džeko and the goal.
That was all he could do.
As the ball dropped, Džeko stopped it cleanly with his left foot.
Jagielka, being right-footed, couldn't reach it.
Džeko didn't even look back—he simply shoved Jagielka in the chest with his right shoulder, spun with the ball on his left foot, and charged into the box.
Jagielka chased back hard.
Seeing Džeko about to shoot, he lunged in to block.
But the Bosnian faked it—cutting the ball back with his left.
Now Jagielka was out of position.
Džeko delivered a right-footed pass across the box.
At that exact moment, Roger Johnson and Chris Morgan had finally arrived—but it was too late.
On the far side, Ashley Young—who had been lurking near the touchline—charged in.
He reached the ball first and slammed a powerful right-footed shot past Bennett.
Only then did the Sheffield United fans erupt in a stunned gasp.
And then—Marriner's whistle: Goal confirmed.
The boos started rolling in.
"Oh my God, unbelievable!"
"13 seconds—wait, to be exact: 13.45 seconds! Bayswater Chinese take the lead at Bramall Lane!"
"Goal by Ashley Young!"
The English winger sprinted off the field in celebration, arms raised.
Džeko and the others chased after him, completely lost in the moment.
13 seconds.
What could be faster?
"It's not the fastest goal in Premier League history, but it might be the fastest of the season!"
"Sheffield United were clearly caught napping."
"But credit where it's due—what a pass from Leighton Baines."
"And Džeko's physical dominance has clearly improved since last season. He held off Jagielka completely."
"The height and strength difference was massive."
"It was all so sudden, so unexpected."
Yang Cheng was shocked too.
He had planned for a high-tempo start, yes.
But not this fast.
A goal like that wasn't something a manager could just script.
…
A goal after 13 seconds—undeniably a good thing.
But what Yang Cheng appreciated even more was how well that opening blitz was executed.
In fact, that goal made Sheffield United even more alert—
They tightened their defense significantly afterward.
Their manager, Neil Warnock—an old Championship rival—came into this match fully prepared.
He even deployed a 4-4-2 defensive counter strategy.
But in the 25th minute, Bayswater Chinese broke them again.
Modrić lifted a beautiful chip forward.
Džeko once again muscled Jagielka aside, controlled the ball with his chest inside the box, and smashed a shot past Roger Johnson.
2–0!
Against Bayswater's style, Sheffield United had no answers.
They just had to drop deeper and deeper.
By the end, they couldn't mount any serious pressure.
The final score remained 2–0.
After the match, Warnock walked over, full of complaints.
The 57-year-old English coach didn't hold back.
"Your midfield's suffocating," he told Yang Cheng bluntly.
Yang Cheng heard the compliment buried in the frustration—and smiled.
He wanted to show off and say:
"You know, I didn't even play Lassana Diarra today—our best ball-winner."
But... he didn't want to get punched.
"Honestly, you've improved so much since the Championship," Warnock admitted.
How could they not?
One of their former center-backs, Roger Johnson, had barely gotten any playing time last season at Bayswater.
Now, at Sheffield United, he was a nailed-on starter.
That said everything.
Truth be told, Warnock came over with a purpose.
He wanted to get closer to Yang Cheng.
Because with a club like Bayswater Chinese, there would be more players like Roger Johnson in the future.
And if Warnock could pick up the ones Yang Cheng no longer needed—
He'd have a steady stream of talent.
…
Matchday 5 of the Premier League also featured two big clashes.
The Two Featured Matches Were Chelsea vs. Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, and Manchester United Hosting Arsenal at Old Trafford
Both games ended 1–0.
Chelsea edged Liverpool with a goal from Drogba.
At Old Trafford, United fell 0–1 to Arsenal, with the winner scored by Adebayor.
These results reflected a growing trend in modern football:
The role of the central striker is becoming more important and more irreplaceable.
Each match had its own nuances.
Liverpool actually played better than Chelsea, despite the loss.
Mourinho's team still couldn't figure out how to use Shevchenko properly.
But he was too expensive and too high-profile to bench—
Which made Chelsea's setup awkward.
And yet, somehow, they still won.
That's football.
United and Arsenal's match was different—
Arsenal didn't just win the scoreline—they won the performance too.
United's biggest issue?
Vidic had only just recovered from a knee injury, so Ferguson left him on the bench.
The starting duo of Wes Brown and Ferdinand couldn't handle Adebayor.
In midfield, despite having added Hargreaves and Carrick, Ferguson still insisted on rotating.
Veterans like Giggs and Scholes were rotated in and out—so was O'Shea.
Ironically, once Carrick replaced O'Shea, United's midfield finally looked balanced.
But with Carrick only coming on in the 75th minute, it was too little, too late.
Losing this match cost United the top spot.
Harry Redknapp's Portsmouth rose to the summit with 4 wins, 1 draw, 9 goals scored, 0 conceded.
Bayswater Chinese sat second.
United and Chelsea were right behind.
According to this season's League Cup rules, teams involved in European competitions skipped the second round.
That gave Bayswater Chinese a full week of rest between Matchday 5 and Matchday 6.
But then, things got serious—
Matchday 6: home against Manchester United.
Followed by an away match in Madrid against Capello's Real Madrid.
Back-to-back heavyweight battles.
…
September 23rd, evening. Wembley Stadium.
Premier League Matchday 6: Bayswater Chinese vs. Manchester United.
Pre-match. Dressing room.
Behind Yang Cheng, the tactics board was covered in player numbers—both starting elevens fully mapped out.
Manchester United (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Van der Sar
Defense: Heinze, Vidic, Ferdinand, Gary Neville
Midfield: Carrick and Hargreaves as holding midfielders; Giggs, Scholes, and Cristiano Ronaldo ahead
Forward: Rooney
Bayswater Chinese (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: Neuer
Defense: Leighton Baines, José Fonte, Skrtel, Piszczek
Midfield: Yaya Touré holding; Modrić and Lassana Diarra in central roles
Forward: Arshavin, Džeko, Ashley Young
The team had faced United several times before—familiarity was on their side.
More importantly, in Yang Cheng's three years in charge, Bayswater Chinese had built a reputation for always delivering in big matches.
That confidence now pulsed through the squad.
Everyone in world football knew—
Bayswater Chinese's midfield was relentless, aggressive, and balanced.
And tonight, all three starting midfielders were ready.
Despite the looming Champions League clash at the Bernabéu next Wednesday, Yang Cheng wasn't resting anyone.
But even so, there were tactical reminders to go over again.
"Our attack is still based on the wings," Yang Cheng said. "Andrey, Ashley, I don't care which side you're on during the game—you must constantly pressure Gary Neville and Heinze."
"Especially Heinze!"
The Argentine was just returning from injury—this was his first match of the season.
Ferguson might've picked him to neutralize Bayswater's flanks, or simply for rotation—but Evra didn't even make the bench.
"Heinze defends well. He's aggressive, strong. But his attacking? Mediocre at best."
"He doesn't like to push forward."
"Gary Neville, on the other hand, loves to join the attack."
"We need to exploit that."
Arshavin and Ashley Young both nodded.
"When United are in possession at the back, don't be afraid to press Heinze."
"In midfield, the key is Carrick. Whenever he has the ball, someone must be pressing him. Even if you can't win it, disrupt their rhythm."
That job fell to Lassana Diarra and Modrić.
"Defensively, we need to be extremely alert to Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo."
"Rooney has been completely silent since his brace and assist in the first match—no goals or assists since."
A strange drought.
One Champions League match, five league games—no impact.
For a striker United had invested so heavily in, it was baffling.
Yang Cheng, of course, wouldn't mock it.
After all, Džeko had only scored two goals so far.
Arshavin had a brace in the opener, another in Matchday 2, but not much since.
But he had assists.
So really, Bayswater had no room to mock Rooney's dry spell.
"Never underestimate Rooney. The longer he's quiet, the more dangerous he becomes."
Saha, like Maicon, had a slight calf strain—both were rested for the Champions League.
Yang Cheng had Piszczek starting instead.
"Lukasz, your job tonight is to stick to Cristiano Ronaldo—if he's on your side."
Yang Cheng trusted Baines to handle him on the left.
He'd done it before.
But with Piszczek, Yang Cheng had to emphasize it.
Cristiano was unpredictable—he roamed freely.
But the one thing he always did—he tried to get to goal, one way or another.
"Stick to him. Don't let him get away. Don't give him time to shoot. Not even from distance!"
Piszczek nodded hard.
"OK!"
Yang Cheng clapped his hands, bringing the whole team's attention back.
"Guys, we're facing Manchester United tonight. One of the strongest teams in the Premier League."
"This will be fast, intense, and physical. It'll test our stamina, our tactical discipline, and our chemistry to the limit."
"But this isn't our first time. We've never feared big matches—have we?"
His voice rang out.
"No, never!" the players shouted in unison.
"Good. I believe you won't let me down. You won't let the 50,000 fans here tonight down either!"
"Let's go beat United!!"
Wembley Stadium was packed again—50,000 strong.
Big matchups like this?
They always drew a crowd.
Especially in London.
…
And just as Yang Cheng predicted—
From the very first minute, it was war.
Rooney clearly knew about the criticism surrounding his goal drought—
He came out like a man on fire.
Just 1 Minute and 30 Seconds In, Rooney Let Fly from 23 Meters Out
And it was a thunderous strike.
Neuer managed to stop it, but only just—he nearly spilled it.
Bayswater Chinese responded almost immediately. Arshavin fired a powerful shot from the left channel that missed just wide.
Perhaps feeling his shot lacked the same quality as Rooney's, Arshavin, only a minute later, broke down the left, then floated a lofted pass into the middle.
Džeko rose between Vidic and Ferdinand, got to the ball, but couldn't direct his header on target.
And this was still only the fifth minute of the match.
Yet the two sides had already produced three shots.
The crowd was absolutely loving it.
And the shootout wasn't slowing down.
United had no real answer to Bayswater Chinese's midfield dominance.
Even in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with two holding midfielders—Hargreaves and Carrick—they still couldn't establish control.
The Times had published a feature on Yaya Touré, noting that while the Ivorian loved to surge forward, he was also perfectly capable of staying disciplined when the team needed him to.
A Yaya Touré focused on defense resembled the old Patrick Vieira.
But once he charged forward, good luck stopping him.
Tonight, early in the game, Yaya was sitting deep, anchoring the midfield.
United couldn't get anything going through the middle and resorted to long shots.
After a couple of those didn't come off, in the 11th minute, Cristiano Ronaldo threaded a pass into the box for Rooney.
The stocky English forward was a physical beast.
Despite being double-teamed by José Fonte and Skrtel, he muscled his way into a shot.
But the pressure was too much—he didn't get any real power behind it.
United's push slowed, and Bayswater Chinese began to rev up.
They pressed hard and pushed United's backline to the brink.
In the 15th minute, they won the ball near midfield.
Džeko dropped deep to receive, turned, and played a diagonal pass.
Arshavin took it on the edge of the left side of the box, with Ferdinand closing in fast.
The Russian feinted once, twice—then cut inside.
Vidic stepped in to close him down, but Arshavin slipped a diagonal through-ball into the right side of the box.
Ashley Young had already shaken off Heinze and sprinted in.
He got his shot off—but Van der Sar smothered it.
Young turned and gave Arshavin a big thumbs-up.
The pass was perfect—maybe just a little too close to the keeper.
A bit farther out, and it might've been a goal.
Moments later, Young took the corner, but it came to nothing.
As he jogged back, he heard a voice from the touchline.
"Ashley! Ashley, over here!"
Since Bayswater Chinese were attacking from left to right, Young was right next to the bench.
He turned and jogged over.
"Heinze's not looking sharp tonight. Turn up the pressure—take him out!"
"I'll have them feed you the ball!"
Yang Cheng's words lit a fire in Ashley Young.
He nodded hard and sprinted back onto the pitch.
…
The message got through.
Bayswater Chinese began pushing higher.
A minute later, again from the left, Arshavin's long-range shot deflected off Hargreaves for a corner.
Young went to take it—but Skrtel headed it over.
Set-piece efficiency wasn't great.
But then came the 18th minute.
United had possession at the back.
Džeko closed down Ferdinand and Vidic half-heartedly—just enough to apply pressure.
The ball was worked to Heinze.
Just as the Argentine got it, Ashley Young appeared out of nowhere.
Heinze panicked and passed it straight to Carrick.
But before Carrick could even control it, Lassana Diarra came sliding in from the blind side, winning the ball with a perfect tackle.
It bounced out to the right flank.
Young and Heinze both chased.
The English winger got there first.
Heinze pressed from behind, trying to force him to pass back.
Young faked inside, baited Heinze's weight, then cut outward—knocking the ball behind Heinze.
Then he sprinted.
Blazing pace—he beat Heinze clean and broke into the right side of the penalty area.
Low cross.
Two Bayswater attackers were waiting.
Džeko sprinted to the near post.
Before Ferdinand could react, Džeko poked it in from eight meters out.
"GOAL!!!"
"18th minute—Džeko finds the net against Manchester United!"
"That's the Bosnian striker's third Premier League goal of the season!"
"1–0!"
"Brilliant assist from Ashley Young down the right."
"And Heinze has to take the blame for this one."
"He was fooled too easily by Young and couldn't recover in time to stop the cross—that led to the goal."
…
After conceding, United came roaring back.
They weren't a team to take setbacks lightly.
Ferguson's squads were always built on pride and aggression.
But Bayswater Chinese weren't backing down either.
The match turned into an all-out battle—no one wanted to retreat.
Starting around the 20th minute, Cristiano Ronaldo switched from the right wing to the left.
At first, Yang Cheng was nervous—he wasn't sure Piszczek could handle him alone.
He had Young drop deeper to help.
In the 23rd minute, Young clipped Ronaldo on a tracking run and conceded a free kick.
Ronaldo took it—Neuer punched it away.
But after a few more attempts, Piszczek began holding his own against Ronaldo's dribbles.
Young was free to rejoin the attack—where he resumed his duel with Heinze.
Then, in the 41st minute, Yaya Touré surged from deep.
He received a pass from Modrić, powered past Carrick, and charged toward the top of the box on the right side.
Everyone braced for a shot.
But Touré lofted a delicate chip over the defense—into the space behind Heinze.
Ashley Young burst forward again, chest-trapping the ball, then flicked it casually with his right foot.
The arc was weird—almost like a shot, but not quite.
None of United's defenders could read it.
Especially Gary Neville at the back post.
By the time the ball dropped into his zone, it was too late.
Arshavin was already there.
He darted in front of Neville and nodded it home.
2–0!
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