Chapter 117: The Villain Talks Too Much! Bayswater China Is Finished!
February 24th, afternoon.
Bayswater China's match kicked off later than Manchester United's.
Yang Cheng had no idea what was unfolding at Craven Cottage in London.
He certainly didn't know that while Cristiano Ronaldo was sprinting seventy meters and blasting an unstoppable goal into Fulham's net, over at Riverside Stadium, Australian striker Viduka had just scored a header against Bayswater China.
1–1.
The two sides were now level.
Gareth Southgate's team was clearly performing much better than in the first leg.
The addition of central defender Jonathan Woodgate had greatly improved Middlesbrough's defensive solidity.
Yang Cheng immediately reacted with a substitution.
He called captain Modrić over from the bench.
The Croatian had already finished warming up.
"When you get on, tell Lambert to push up and put more pressure on their backline. Their defense in front of the box is weak. You and Andrey take control of that area and try to make something happen."
"And tell Gökhan: if he gets the chance outside the box, let it fly."
"Understood."
Yang Cheng stared into Modrić's eyes.
The Croatian met his gaze, gave a small nod, and jogged to the sideline.
He didn't say anything.
But inside, he was determined.
...
The final thirty minutes felt like pure agony for both teams.
Southgate's game plan was smart—he knew Bayswater China had to win and had just played in the Champions League midweek. So he opted to sit back and hit on the counter.
It was his style, and Middlesbrough's strength.
Yang Cheng had anticipated it, which was why he specifically marked danger men like Downing closely.
In fact, Bayswater China had scored early—in the 7th minute, with a goal from Lambert.
But the rest of the game, Lambert couldn't get the better of Woodgate.
The relentless schedule was also taking a toll.
For the players, this was a true test of character.
Only those who could push through deserved to fight for the title.
Modrić came on with 30 minutes left, delivering Yang Cheng's message:
Stay calm, control possession and tempo, and find the openings.
In response, Southgate made two substitutions within five minutes.
One was a like-for-like midfield swap to inject energy.
The other saw a forward come off for a midfielder—to reinforce the defense.
Now, Viduka was the lone striker up top.
It was clear: Southgate was going all-in on defense.
Time ticked away, and tension mounted.
Bayswater China kept pressing, kept searching for cracks in the defense.
In the 75th minute, Yang Cheng used his third substitution.
Di María came on for Yaya Touré.
Before he went on, Yang Cheng grabbed him by the neck, pulled him close, and whispered in his ear:
"When you get on, go down the right."
Di María nodded intently, listening closely.
"Taylor's just 20. He loses track of his mark all the time."
"And Pogatetz? He plays way too deep. Try cutting inside from the right toward the arc or left side of the D—hit them there!"
"Understand?" Yang Cheng asked firmly.
Di María's face still had teenage acne, but his eyes were sharp and focused.
"I got it."
"Remember, Ángel—we need a goal!"
"Got it!"
"Bring us a miracle, Angel!"
Yang Cheng patted him hard on the back and sent him on.
...
With Di María's entry, Bayswater China now had a loaded front line.
Lambert occupied the center, Ashley Young on the left, Di María on the right.
In midfield, it was Inler, Modrić, and Arshavin.
Seeing how the game had unfolded, Modrić dropped a bit deeper to pair with Inler.
The Swiss midfielder was off today—his shots were high and wild.
After the changes, Bayswater China shifted their attacks to the right.
Piszczek got more involved, making overlapping runs and joining the attack frequently.
From the 80th minute onward, he was almost exclusively in the attacking third.
Middlesbrough dropped into a full defensive shell.
That made the match even more suffocating, even more frustrating.
Time crawled past 85 minutes, and the breakthrough still hadn't come.
Attack after attack was blocked.
Every time Bayswater China got into the final third, Boro had at least five defenders in the box, sometimes six.
It was practically a siege.
Still, every player on Yang Cheng's side kept pushing forward, hoping for an opening to shoot.
Di María remembered what the coach told him.
Crosses wouldn't work.
Pogatetz and co. were sitting way too deep, swarming the box with bodies—nothing was getting through.
They were even blocking long shots from outside the box.
Inler had tried a few. All failed.
There was only one way.
Force them into the box—then shoot from the outside.
Di María looked at Piszczek nearby and gestured sideways with his hand.
The Pole understood instantly and nodded.
Worth a try.
Moments later, Di María signaled to Arshavin.
They talked.
Agreed.
"Where's your sweet spot?" Arshavin asked.
"Right side of the arc. Left foot, curler to the far post."
"I'll get it to you. Piszczek plays me in, I set it for you."
...
Another attack began.
Di María received a pass from Modrić in the right channel and drove forward, forcing Taylor to retreat.
Boro's backline kept falling deeper.
Just outside the top-right corner of the box, Di María drew two defenders.
Alcaraz, the left midfielder, had tracked back too.
The Argentine faked a move, slipped past Alcaraz, and shielded the ball.
Piszczek overlapped, charging past him.
Di María laid it off and immediately cut diagonally toward the top of the arc.
Taylor and Alcaraz were both dragged wide, following him.
Piszczek took the ball to the right byline, pushed it deep, then caught up.
Now at the edge of the box on the right, he scanned quickly.
Lambert was crashing the six-yard box,
Arshavin pointed behind himself—a subtle gesture, but clear.
Piszczek saw a passing lane.
Arshavin's run had created space.
So the Pole whipped in a fast low ball, threading through Boro's backline, skimming across the top of the penalty area.
Everyone expected a cross to the center.
But that wasn't where it was going.
Woodgate was already in position at the edge of the six-yard box, ready to intercept.
But he didn't expect Piszczek to play a low-driven cross.
At the edge of the right side of the penalty spot, Arshavin twisted his body, turning his back toward the left side of the pitch and controlled the ball with his right foot.
The moment he stopped the ball, Boateng and the rest of Middlesbrough's defenders closed in fast.
Arshavin turned again, shielding the ball with his back to goal. It looked like he was simply holding up play.
He had two options.
Inler was positioned just outside the left of the penalty area, but he was far and had Downing tracking back on him.
The better option was Di María.
Arshavin gently pushed the ball forward, slipping it into the seam where the arc met the top of the box.
All the defenders had collapsed into the area, leaving that pocket wide open.
Di María had been waiting for this.
He burst forward, using his momentum, and swung his left leg through the pass without hesitation.
Arshavin's delivery had been soft, with no spin—perfectly teed up.
Di María struck it cleanly.
The ball exploded off his foot, soared over the crowd in the box, bent into a graceful arc, and curled just inside the left post.
Goal!!!
87th minute!
From Argentina, the 19-year-old Di María scores a screamer from the top of the box!
2–1!
My god—Bayswater China score again at the death!
A golden goal! A wonderstrike from Di María!
Di María was so stunned that he just stood there for a second, mouth agape in shock, before screaming in joy and sprinting off the pitch.
His teammates chased after him, swarming around him.
Someone—no one quite knew who—was so excited they even planted a big kiss on Di María's acne-covered cheek!
...
Final score: Bayswater China 2–1 Middlesbrough.
A narrow victory!
Yang Cheng felt utterly drained—the pressure of this match had been excruciating.
"What a great game. You deserved the win," Gareth Southgate said as he came over to shake Yang Cheng's hand.
"Thanks, Gareth. You guys played very well—gave us a real challenge."
"But we still lost," Southgate sighed, a bit helpless.
"Keep pushing. Hope you finish strong this season," he added encouragingly.
Yang Cheng thanked him.
As Southgate walked away, Yang Cheng headed back to the bench and signaled for a bottle of water.
"What's the United result?"
Gianni Vio already had it.
"Also 2–1. Ronaldo scored a solo goal in stoppage time to win it."
Yang Cheng was momentarily stunned.
Then it all made sense.
Bayswater China felt the weight of the pressure—but so did United.
At this stage, every single match could go sideways.
Whoever slipped first would lose the title initiative.
Right now, Bayswater China's biggest advantage was being in the lead.
As long as they didn't falter, the pressure would shift to United.
Next round: United go to Anfield, while Bayswater China visit Arsenal.
Both matches would be immensely difficult.
...
After Matchweek 28, the media went wild—not just in the UK, but around the world.
No one had seen a Premier League title race this intense in years.
The past few seasons had lacked suspense—Arsenal's unbeaten year, Chelsea's back-to-back dominant titles.
But this season?
Bayswater China and Manchester United were neck and neck, and the entire football world was electrified.
In this same round, Liverpool smashed Sheffield United 4–0 at home.
Arsenal won 1–0 away at Aston Villa.
Both sides were finding form at the right time.
Benítez, Liverpool's manager, even declared that he would not let United leave Anfield with a single point.
When reporters jokingly asked Wenger if his grudge against Ferguson might lead him to "go easy" on Bayswater China...
He snapped back, "Are you kidding? They're our rivals here in London!"
All of England was watching the title race unfold.
Ferguson, meanwhile, ramped up the mind games in the media.
On one hand, he publicly praised Bayswater China's success this season.
"Last year, they fell out of the title race early. This year, they're still pushing. That alone is a great achievement."
The implication?
Even if they lose the title, they've done well enough. Don't be disappointed.
He also highlighted their upcoming brutal schedule.
After Arsenal, they'd face Lyon in the second leg, followed by the FA Cup quarterfinals, and then Portsmouth at home in Matchweek 30.
Harry Redknapp's Portsmouth had one of the best defensive records in the league.
Then came two weeks of international fixtures.
And when they returned?
Away to Tottenham.
Ferguson said confidently:
"We have the easier schedule, but that doesn't mean we'll relax. We'll give everything in every match."
"I believe the title is calling out to us!"
...
March 3rd, afternoon — Emirates Stadium, London.
Premier League Matchweek 29: Bayswater China away to Arsenal.
In the 51st minute of the second half, Gilberto Silva calmly converted a penalty, beating Neuer.
At the home dugout, Wenger clenched his fists and shouted with all his might in celebration.
Then he turned, coolly walked back to his seat, and sat down.
The scoreboard changed: 1–1.
Arsenal had equalized.
Bayswater China had scored first, back in the 16th minute.
It was a corner.
Pepe met Leighton Baines' delivery and headed it in.
After that, the game tightened up.
Arsenal couldn't score, but their defense was solid.
Until the second half.
Rosický, drifting into the left channel, received a pass from Fàbregas, then laid it off to Clichy, who charged into the box.
Skrtel clipped him on the right edge of the box.
Wenger knew—it was a bit soft.
Clichy might've exaggerated it.
But this was professional football.
Why was Skrtel even that close?
"Any update from Anfield?" Wenger asked Pat Rice, his assistant.
"Yeah—1–0. United scored in the second minute of stoppage time."
Wenger paused, then gave a bitter smile.
"Damn, that's cutting it close!"
"Tell me about it," Pat Rice muttered, still shaken.
If something like that happened to Arsenal… he couldn't imagine.
Over the years, Wenger had clashed with Ferguson more than once.
But he always came up short in these endgame battles.
Those defeats still haunted him.
One heartbreak was bad enough.
Wenger had endured several.
"Get the fans in the back to start shouting—let them know the result," Wenger said with a sly grin, face full of cunning.
Pat Rice was momentarily stunned, but quickly followed through.
There's nothing scarier than a cultured scoundrel.
Wenger playing mind games? What's scarier than that?
Soon enough, a few fans in the stands began chanting: "United won!"
At first, it was just a few scattered voices—but more and more people joined in.
On the pitch, Bayswater China's players clearly heard it.
Yang Cheng immediately shouted from the sideline, signaling for his players to stay focused and ignore the noise.
That made Wenger chuckle from the Arsenal bench.
"Got you this time, kid!"
"As long as Bayswater China loses their focus, we'll get our chance."
Pat Rice nodded repeatedly.
Moments like this truly tested a manager's command over his squad.
Without enough authority, no one could control a team under pressure.
Yet from the beginning until now, Yang Cheng had been the one on the touchline directing everything. It was clear that he, not Brian Kidd as the conspiracy theorists claimed, was the true head coach.
"You know, Pat… honestly, I respect him," Wenger said out of nowhere.
Pat Rice blinked. "We?"
"Yes. Me—and David."
He was referring to David Dein, Arsenal's vice-chairman.
"I had dinner with him once, back when they were still in the lower leagues. I was eyeing Ribéry and invited him up to North London, to that restaurant near my place."
"Back then, he wasn't the confident man you see today. He was swimming in debt, the club was stuck in the lower divisions, and Chelsea had their eyes on their stadium land. Everyone thought they'd go under."
It hadn't been that long ago. Pat Rice remembered all the buzz surrounding Bayswater China.
The media had now mythologized their story—branding them as a footballing fairy tale.
Practically the entire world had heard of them by now.
"You know, I told him then—if you want to sell Ribéry, let me know."
Wenger said it with a hint of guilt.
"And would you believe it? The cheeky bastard actually called me later and asked if I wanted to buy him…"
Wenger couldn't help but laugh.
At his age, pride and shame didn't matter so much anymore.
What counted was what you held in your hands.
Ferguson was the same—he'd do anything to win. If it meant losing face, so be it.
Did the media or the fans ever mock him for it?
"We figured he'd eventually sell the stadium land to Chelsea, so we prepared a contingency plan in case they built a new ground nearby."
Pat Rice remembered that.
But Chelsea kept trying—and failed every time.
Now, Bayswater China were building their own stadium.
Only Arsenal, who had been through the hell of building a new home, could truly understand how difficult that was.
If Arsenal struggled, Bayswater China would suffer even more.
And the wildest part? They claimed it would cost £1 billion. Absolutely insane.
"No one thought he'd actually bring Bayswater China to the Premier League—let alone to where they are now," Wenger said, filled with mixed emotions.
The rise of Bayswater China had impacted Arsenal the most.
The most direct consequence? Arsenal missed out on the Champions League.
Yet despite being rivals, Wenger just couldn't bring himself to hate Yang Cheng or his team.
He was a worthy opponent.
Even Ferguson would agree.
"You think they can win the title this season?" Pat Rice asked.
He probably shouldn't have asked that.
Arsenal had always prided themselves as a top club.
If word got out that he even considered the idea, Arsenal fans would tear him apart.
But he was genuinely curious.
"No way," Wenger replied without hesitation.
"Why not?" Pat Rice asked, not surprised by the answer, but by Wenger's certainty.
Not even a pause?
"You know what makes Ferguson terrifying?" Wenger asked, not waiting for an answer.
"His ability to evolve? Tactical brilliance? Unbelievable game-reading? Squad rotation?"
Wenger shook his head.
"His tactics aren't all that special. The man's a stubborn Scotsman. Without Carlos Queiroz, I'd have shredded him years ago—me, Mourinho, Benítez…"
"So why has he still kept United so consistent all these years?"
"Because he is Manchester United. He's their ultimate spiritual pillar."
"And the best example of that is '99. All those come-from-behind wins. The mentality, the belief."
"Year after year, he used that willpower to lead United to comeback after comeback."
"People think I feel humiliated by all those collapses to United. I don't."
"Honestly, I'm proud to have faced such a coach—and even beaten him more than once."
"I'd wager he feels the same about me."
Wenger's smile softened with pride.
"When you go head-to-head with someone like that, you're not just battling tactics. It's about spirit, unity, belief, and whether your players are willing to fight for the badge until the very last whistle."
"Tactics, squad depth, fitness—those are just the foundation."
Pat Rice finally understood what Wenger meant.
"You think Bayswater China is… too young?"
"The players are young. The coach is even younger. Even if he started coaching in the womb, he wouldn't match Ferguson's experience. And Ferguson was a player too."
"In the most crucial moment, he'll hold firm. Bayswater China? Not so much."
Just like this very match.
But Wenger kept that last line to himself.
He knew better.
The villain always dies from saying too much.
He smiled.
"But then again, they might not have two more years…"
Pat Rice understood the implication.
That was the top clubs' usual playbook.
If they can't beat you on the pitch, they'll destroy you in the transfer market.
…
Yang Cheng started making substitutions from the 65th minute.
Walcott came on first, followed by Di María, who replaced Ashley Young this time.
Wenger had anticipated it. In the 70th minute, he made two quick subs.
Diaby came on for Rosický to strengthen the midfield's defense.
Then Adebayor replaced Aaron Lennon, partnering with Van Persie up top.
Both managers were making targeted tactical adjustments.
The game had become a chess match—razor-sharp and high stakes.
Especially once Arsenal switched to a double-pivot midfield, their defense became even harder to crack.
Gilberto Silva and Diaby formed a wall at the top of the box.
That's what set Arsenal apart from Middlesbrough.
The Gunners had more overall quality.
In the 81st minute, Yang Cheng finally made his last substitution.
Džeko came on for Skrtel.
A center-back off, a center-forward on.
Wenger immediately responded, subbing off Baptista and bringing on Senderos.
Arsenal removed an attacking midfielder and added a center-back.
This, too, was a tactical switch—designed to shut down Bayswater China's two strikers.
Kolo Touré and Gallas weren't particularly tall, and were already struggling to contain Lambert.
Now, with Džeko added, the pressure was immense.
So Wenger went with three center-backs to reinforce his defensive line.
Once the change was made, Wenger returned to his seat, waiting for the final whistle.
But in the 84th minute, Bayswater China launched another attack.
Leighton Baines overlapped on the left, received a pass from Modrić around 30 meters out, took a moment to adjust.
Once all the attacking players had pushed forward, he sent in a 45-degree diagonal cross.
Baines' crosses were always accurate.
This one was no exception.
The ball curved beautifully, landing at the edge of Arsenal's penalty area.
Džeko made a run to the near post, pulling Senderos and Gallas with him.
Then Lambert suddenly dropped back, used his body to shield Kolo Touré, and leapt high like a tree in the desert, flicking the ball backward with a glancing header.
The ball dropped behind the defense, near the right side of the box.
Clichy didn't react in time—Walcott flashed past him like lightning.
The Frenchman didn't even have time to foul him.
Walcott cut inside, chased down the flicked ball, turned his body, and controlled it with his chest.
Just as everyone expected him to shoot, the Little Tiger instead scooped it with the outside of his right foot, lobbing it back across the goalmouth.
The ball rose again, floating toward the center.
Only then did Arsenal realize—this was the real threat.
Džeko shoved aside Senderos, and from close range, headed Walcott's clever pass into the net.
2–1!
The entire Emirates Stadium went dead silent.
84th minute.
"Bayswater China have scored yet another late goal!!"
"Džeko, who came on as a sub, heads it home!"
"My god, how many times has this happened now?"
"Yang Cheng's substitutions are lethal! Every single one makes an impact!"
"Once again, it's Walcott and Džeko off the bench delivering a golden, match-winning goal for Bayswater China."
"2–1!"
Wenger shot out of his seat like he'd been electrocuted.
He stood frozen at the edge of the technical area, staring at Bayswater China's players celebrating wildly on the pitch.
He had no idea how to react.
Another late goal!
Another super-sub delivers!
How was Yang Cheng so much like that damned old man?
Wenger walked slowly back to his seat, completely deflated, and slumped into his chair.
He didn't stand again before the final whistle.
The villain always dies from talking too much.
Even if you only say it in your heart.
...
A late, game-winning goal.
Scored by a substitute.
The only difference?
United's winner at Anfield was 1–0, scored in stoppage time.
Bayswater China's goal at the Emirates was 2–1, just slightly earlier.
But the result?
Exactly the same.
When the results of Matchweek 29 came in, the football world erupted again.
Too intense. Too brutal.
Bayswater China and United both fought to the final minute.
Both faced tough away games, and both emerged victorious.
Alan Hansen and Gary Lineker were full of praise for the two title contenders on BBC's Match of the Day.
"This is the most thrilling title race the Premier League has seen in years."
"United have the edge in star power."
"Cristiano Ronaldo has been sensational for two straight rounds. In this one, O'Shea's late goal came from a Ronaldo free kick, which forced a fumble from Reina—O'Shea pounced in the chaos."
"In recent games, United have relied heavily on the explosive brilliance of Ronaldo and other stars."
"Bayswater China, on the other hand…"
"This team from West London relies on collective strength."
"They have standouts like Arshavin, Džeko, Ashley Young, but no one at Cristiano Ronaldo's level."
"But that's exactly why their run is so impressive. They're the story of a working-class uprising."
Then Lineker chimed in with a different view.
"You're absolutely right—but if they keep playing like this, I worry they won't last."
"Their schedule is tougher. Spurs, Liverpool, and two weeks of international fixtures—it's a nightmare for Bayswater China."
"Yes, United still have to visit Chelsea, but I have to say—Bayswater China's road is harder. I don't think they'll last to Round 34."
"But even so, what they've done is already legendary."
"Just two years ago, they were still in the Championship."
...
March 6 – Champions League Round of 16, second leg.
Bayswater China vs. Lyon at Wembley.
After winning the first leg 2–0, and battling Arsenal over the weekend, Yang Cheng had to rotate.
But in the 8th minute, Juninho Pernambucano struck a direct free kick and scored.
1–0!
Bayswater China were struck down by their own trademark opening blitz.
After that, no matter how hard they pushed, and despite 60,000 screaming fans behind them, they couldn't break Lyon's defense.
They had fought so hard in the league—it had affected their Champions League form.
But at least the team stayed disciplined, and didn't concede again.
Down by one at halftime, the second half began with the same frustration.
Until the 61st minute.
Yaya Touré played a through ball.
Arshavin timed his run, broke the offside trap, and went one-on-one.
He beat Coupet to equalize.
1–1!
Wembley exploded with emotion.
Even at 0–1, Bayswater China would have still gone through on aggregate.
But that would've meant losing their unbeaten home record.
Now, 1–1 at home—everyone could accept that.
Fans understood how grueling these last few weeks had been.
Especially in the league.
United were still just one point behind.
Every match felt like a final.
The pressure that hung over the squad?
Everyone could feel it.
Just when everyone thought the match would end in a draw, in the 82nd minute, Džeko held off Cris inside the box, tried to turn and shoot on Maicon's right-wing cross, but was wrestled down by Cris.
The referee didn't hesitate—penalty!
Modrić was the team's designated penalty taker.
But this wasn't a decisive goal, and since it was Džeko who had won the penalty, Modrić gave him the chance to take it himself.
The Bosnian striker didn't hold back.
He took a deep breath, ran up, and blasted the ball decisively into the net.
Coupet guessed the wrong way.
2–1!
The Bayswater China fans at Wembley erupted in celebration.
They had thought a draw was acceptable—but they won!
4–1 on aggregate, Bayswater China advanced to the Champions League quarterfinals!
…
Manchester United won 1–0 at home against Lille, completing a 2–0 aggregate win.
Liverpool lost 0–1 at home to Barcelona, but their 2–1 away win carried them through on away goals.
Chelsea drew 1–1 away and won 2–1 at home against Porto, advancing 3–2 on aggregate.
All four Premier League teams made it to the Champions League quarterfinals, accounting for half the final eight!
The remaining four were:
From Serie A – AC Milan and Roma
From Bundesliga – Bayern Munich
From La Liga – Valencia
And the draw?
Bayswater China drew AC Milan, led by Kaká.
Yang Cheng immediately felt the pressure.
According to the fixture list, the two legs were scheduled for April 3rd and April 10th.
Before the first leg, in Premier League Matchweek 31, Bayswater China had to play away to Tottenham, just after a two-week international break.
Then they'd face Liverpool at home.
So within that one week, they had to face three top opponents.
Then, around the second leg, they had to visit Charlton and then host Fulham in Matchweeks 33 and 34.
Yang Cheng's main concern was still the first leg.
Even worse, it was a home game.
In a two-leg knockout tie, playing at home first can be a serious disadvantage.
…
Weekend: FA Cup Sixth Round.
Bayswater China traveled north to face Blackburn.
Yang Cheng once again fielded an entirely youth and reserve lineup.
But even so, he didn't lower expectations.
Speaking to the media, Yang Cheng repeatedly expressed confidence in his young players and their ability to perform on the road.
"I know Mark Hughes' team is very strong this season, but we also have a group of very talented young men."
"We never give up any competition—not even a cup match."
"All of us will give our all. That's our style!"
Yang Cheng encouraged his squad to prove themselves to the world.
And indeed, they performed well.
Bayswater China dominated most of the match, with the youngsters relentlessly attacking Blackburn's defense.
Mark Hughes' side, nicknamed "Brutal Blackburn," played with aggression.
They picked up three yellow cards in the first half alone.
In the 28th minute, they scored from a set piece—center-back Mokona headed it home to put Blackburn in front.
Then, in the 65th minute, Mokona got a second yellow and was sent off.
Now with a man advantage, Bayswater China's young players pushed forward hard.
They saw hope—they smelled blood.
But Hughes had his entire team drop back around the penalty area for the last 30 minutes, completely giving up offense and focusing on pure defense.
They held out.
0–1 — Bayswater China's youngsters were eliminated from the FA Cup.
…
The FA Cup loss led to a media frenzy.
Many began comparing Bayswater China to past versions of Arsenal—when they collapsed in one competition and dragged everything else down with it.
Especially the league.
In Matchweek 30, Bayswater China hosted Portsmouth.
Their opponent deployed a 4-4-2 double pivot, clearly set on parking the bus.
Even though Yang Cheng's squad had rested for a week, they still struggled to break down Pompey's iron wall.
Meanwhile, Manchester United, who played a day earlier, thrashed Bolton 4–1, putting even more pressure on Bayswater China.
The match remained goalless until the 81st minute.
Lass Diarra intercepted a pass in the final third, quickly played it to Arshavin, then burst forward.
Under pressure, Arshavin passed to Džeko, who held the ball with his back to goal and laid it off perfectly.
Diarra ran onto it inside the box and smashed it low, just inside the right post.
1–0!
It was the only goal of the match.
That made it Diarra's second league goal of the season—and it earned the team three crucial points.
Yang Cheng showered Diarra with praise after the game.
…
After Matchweek 30, national team players from all levels left for international duty.
Yang Cheng was deeply worried.
With Bayswater China's meteoric rise, more of his players were now full internationals.
Walcott was with England U21, and Bale had already debuted for Wales under John Toshack last year.
Due to the Euro qualifiers, countries like England, France, and Croatia were playing two matches during this international break—while some had just one.
Unfortunately, most of Bayswater China's internationals had two games.
And with players from South America and Africa, the travel fatigue was enormous.
As soon as they returned, it was straight into Matchweek 31.
Bayswater China were away to Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
And in that match, they fired 21 shots, but failed to convert.
Two strikes hit the post, one was a one-on-one miss, and another goal was ruled offside.
Then, in the 44th minute, just before halftime, Robbie Keane hit them on the counter and scored.
Yang Cheng made several substitutions in the second half and even had a goal disallowed for offside.
But there would be no miracle comeback this time.
Not even an equalizer.
0–1, Bayswater China fell at White Hart Lane.
On the other side, Manchester United scored four in the second half to beat Blackburn 4–1.
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Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Canserbero10