Su Luo have to admit, Manchester United has proven to be the toughest opponent Su Luo has faced this season. Not even Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium or Liverpool's high press have applied as much pressure.
Since Mourinho's influence took hold at Manchester United, Su Luo can feel the intensity reminiscent of the peak Barcelona versus Inter Milan clashes. Chelsea's most dangerous attack so far has been Su Luo's volley, but the players and coach Conte remain patient.
The game is only 20 minutes old, providing an opportunity to test the 3-4-3 formation against Manchester United's dense defense. Chelsea is evaluating how to maximize results in such situations.
While Chelsea was attacking and defending in the first half, Manchester United's attack wasn't idle. They seized every chance to counterattack.
"Su Luo's cross... Lukaku misses it! Smalling heads it clear!"
"Fellaini scrambles to reach it and passes to Pogba!"
"What a brilliant ball from Pogba!"
"Rashford races down the wing!"
"Chelsea's midfield barrier is broken! Rashford attempts to cut inside!"
"A cross into the middle, Ibrahimovic receives it and completes a shot!"
"Courtois dives to save it!"
"Manchester United's counterattack is quite threatening, and Courtois is tested!"
Zhan Jun was on edge, impressed by Manchester United's sharp counterattacks. Pogba evaded Kante's defense and sent a precise through ball to Rashford. Rashford, calm under pressure, linked up with Ibrahimovic, who managed a powerful shot. If not for Courtois' impressive save, the goal might have been conceded.
This game is shaping up as a duel between Ibrahimovic and Su Luo, as well as a contest between goalkeepers Courtois and De Gea.
Mourinho's defensive strategy remains solid. Herrera's relentless marking of Su Luo has made it difficult for Chelsea to exploit gaps in Manchester United's defense. Similarly, Manchester United struggles to breach Kante's blockade. Every counterattack attempt is thwarted by Kante.
With the first half ending in a 0-0 draw, Mourinho is satisfied. Even if only one point is earned, it's still a success.
"Keep going, hold on!" Mourinho urged his players with fervor.
"It looks like the first half will end in a draw," said Zhan Jun.
"Chelsea had seven shots against Mourinho's defense, two on target which were saved by De Gea. Su Luo managed three shots from distance, with one on target despite being tightly marked by Herrera."
Director Zhang pondered the possibility of adjustments in the second half. "Do you think there will be personnel changes? Can substitutions help free up Su Luo?"
Director Zhang shook his head. "Herrera's sole focus is on marking Su Luo. He will follow him wherever he goes. Any substitution would likely push Su Luo further back, reducing his opportunities. Ajal should have taken more initiative, but his performance hasn't been impressive recently."
Director Zhang suggested that unless Ajal steps up, Manchester United will continue to focus on Su Luo, limiting his impact. It's a shame Ajal's form has dipped, possibly due to recent international fixtures.
To break the deadlock, Chelsea will need a moment of brilliance from Su Luo.
"Hoo hoo..."
Beside Su Luo, Herrera was visibly exhausted. This was undoubtedly the most tiring match of his career. Su Luo seemed to be unfazed, but Herrera's concentration was stretched to the limit. A slight slip could allow Su Luo to make a decisive impact.
As the first half approached stoppage time, Cesc Fabregas controlled the ball in midfield. Facing Rashford's pressure, Su Luo quickly dropped back to support. Fabregas passed the ball to Su Luo, who was about to receive it with his back to the goal.
Herrera, near the middle circle, pulled Su Luo down. The referee blew his whistle, awarding Chelsea a free kick from over 45 meters out.
"Herrera fouled decisively. If Su Luo manages to get past, it could be a significant threat," Zhan Jun commented. "With the goal so far away, Manchester United has time to organize their defense."
Zhan Jun praised Herrera's tenacious defense. With the first half scoreless, Fabregas was set to take the free kick. He could deliver the ball into the penalty area or pass it to Su Luo for a play.
Manchester United, with most players retreating, left Ibrahimovic alone in front of the ball. Everyone else moved back to defend.
Su Luo approached the ball. "Cesc, let me take this one."
"Eh?"
Fabregas was surprised. Su Luo, known for his exceptional skills, rarely takes free kicks himself, which made this choice intriguing.
"Are you sure? Alright, give it a try," Fabregas agreed, stepping back to participate in the set piece.
"Su Luo is taking the free kick? It's quite far from the goal, making it unlikely he'll score directly."
Zhan Jun thought Su Luo might aim to pass rather than shoot. However, seeing Su Luo take a few steps back to prepare for a run-up, it became clear he intended to shoot.
"I've had three shots so far; this one should be a direct attempt!" Su Luo thought with determination.
Observing De Gea in goal, Su Luo smiled subtly. His focused expression hinted at a decisive moment.
"Does he really intend to go for the goal?" Zhan Jun wondered.
In the stands of Stamford Bridge, the audience sensed something extraordinary was about to happen.
Su Luo's run-up was rapid, clearly signaling that he intended to strike the ball with full force.
"Shoot!!!" the crowd chanted in unison.
Su Luo unleashed a powerful strike from a long distance!
The ball soared with incredible speed and precision!
The Chelsea fans erupted in excitement, standing up in amazement.
In front of Manchester United's goal, De Gea was still directing his teammates and focusing on the box.
Suddenly, Su Luo's movement made De Gea alert!
De Gea quickly prepared to make a save, but the ball was traveling fast and had no spin!
In an instant, it hurtled towards the goal.
Initially, the football seemed to head toward the right side of the goal, but then it took an unexpected S-shaped curve in mid-air, veering to the left!
"Shit!" De Gea muttered under his breath, crouching and diving toward the ball.
But the speed of the ball exceeded his expectations.
De Gea desperately tried to touch the football but could only watch helplessly as it flew past his fingertips, hit the post, and bounced into the net!
Stamford Bridge fell silent for a brief moment, and then erupted in a roar!
"Goooooooooal!!"
"Incredible! This free kick is a miracle! What a miracle!"
Martin Taylor, a long-time Sky Sports commentator, had seen many things in his career, but this was the first time he witnessed such a confident free kick from mid-field.
The speed and unusual curve of the ball reminded him of Roberto Carlos's legendary shot in the 1998 World Cup.
Indeed, Su Luo's strike was flawless!
Zhan Jun shouted with even more excitement.
"What a fantastic direct free-kick goal!"
"A cannon shot that pierced through the defense like an arrow! What a strike from Su Luo!"
"Another masterpiece from the heavy gunner Su Luo! The Chelsea defense has scored a crucial goal before halftime!"
"Su Luo's 18th goal in the Premier League! Simply amazing!"
As a Chinese, Ling couldn't have been prouder seeing a compatriot shine so brightly in the Premier League!
"Damn it! Fuck!" Mourinho exclaimed angrily, kicking a water bottle.
The first-half stoppage time had concluded, and although the Manchester United players had performed well, it was hard to fault them.
Mourinho could only be frustrated with himself and headed to the locker room with a scowl.
On the pitch, Ibrahimovic was still in shock, unable to come to terms with the power of Su Luo's shot.
He knew Su Luo was strong, but he hadn't expected him to be this formidable.
The ball had whizzed past his face, and Ibrahimovic realized just how intense Su Luo's strike was.
For the first time, Ibrahimovic thought about retiring.
"This kid is terrifying," he muttered.
The first half ended with Su Luo's stunning long-range free kick leaving the crowd in awe.
Back in the locker room, Mourinho adjusted his mindset and refrained from criticizing the players.
Instead, he praised Herrera's defensive effort.
"We need to keep defending like this in the second half. Being just one goal behind, we still have a chance to equalize."
Facing Chelsea was tough, and the only hope was to find an opportunity through a solid defense.
While fans enjoyed their drinks and discussed Su Luo's amazing goal, the second half was about to begin.
With less than a minute on the clock, many fans were away from their seats, grabbing snacks or using the restroom.
Suddenly, Chelsea launched a quick attack!
Pogba, too slow to react, lost the ball to Pikaner who promptly passed it to Su Luo.
Before Herrera could intervene, Su Luo delivered a precise 45-degree diagonal pass!
De Bruyne's control, combined with Modric's vision, allowed the ball to create a beautiful arc as it sailed towards Lukaku!
Due to the speed of Su Luo's pass and its unexpected trajectory, neither Manchester United's defense nor Lukaku himself were prepared.
Lukaku, caught off guard, could only watch as the ball came toward him.
"What?" Lukaku thought, standing there in disbelief as the ball accurately struck his head.
The ball took a small arc and fell into the back corner of the goal.
De Gea could only watch in confusion as the ball sailed into the net.
De Gea: ???
Baileys Morin: Huh???
Lukaku: Uh? What's happening?
Ibrahimovic: You've got to be kidding me! What just happened?
Zhang Lu: "Oh? Hehehe! This ball...hahaha, what a goal!"
Zhan Jun's jaw dropped as he marveled at the scene:
"Lukaku was perfectly positioned in the penalty area, and the ball came straight to him!"
"With less than a minute into the second half, Chelsea took the lead again!"
"Su Luo with an assist at a nanny level! It's 2-0!!"
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