Football: My AI System Provides Max-Level Predictions-Chapter 825 - 581: "Die Standing? No, You’d Better Die Kneeling!"_2

In the locker room, teammates chatted around Tang Long.

In their eyes, Manchester United seemed to be lambs to the slaughter, while Tang Long was the butcher with the knife!

Ranocchia observed this and, with a serious expression, reminded everyone:

"I think we shouldn't underestimate Manchester United. Although they're struggling, their lineup is solid, and their deep history cannot be ignored. This match will be intensely contested. In my view, Manchester United is at a point of no return; they'd rather die standing than live kneeling."

Tang Long listened, his lips curling into a slight smile as he responded coldly:

"Die standing? Haha, I'll show them that in front of me, they can only die kneeling!" His tone was full of confidence and dominance.

In reality, Tang Long was not just boasting.

Previously, he led Manchester City at Old Trafford, delivering a crushing 7-1 defeat to the Red Devils Manchester United.

That day, Old Trafford was shrouded in sorrow and despair, marking one of the darkest and most miserable days in Manchester United Club's history.

The heavy defeat even angered Sir Ferguson, causing him to faint and be hospitalized.

Now, the second round of this season's encounter between the two teams returns to Manchester City's home ground at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City is well-prepared, inhabiting a favorable position. They have no reason to lose this match and no reason not to claim a resounding victory, proclaiming to all of England and indeed the entire world—who is truly the dominant force in English football?

—Is the Manchester sky red or blue?

At the pre-match press conference, camera flashes flickered continuously.

Guardiola attended with Tang Long, becoming the focal point of the event.

Reporters, like sharks sensing blood, focused intently on Tang Long, posing a sharp and highly topical question:

"From 7-1 to 5-1, this game is pivotal in Manchester City clinching the title three rounds early, coinciding with a clash against Manchester United. Given your special sentiment towards Manchester United, are you planning another goal spree in this match?"

Tang Long heard this, smiled faintly, and righteously waved his hand.

"I've never really had any animosity towards Manchester United. Of course, I want to score many goals, but that's purely because of the fierce European Golden Boot competition between me and C Luo; don't overinterpret it."

Nonetheless, everyone present detected a deeper meaning behind his words.

Reporters at the scene took a sharp breath.

C Luo, a legendary football figure, last season's Golden Ball Award winner.

Currently, he has scored a staggering 46 goals in La Liga, edging close to Messi's record of 50 league goals in a single season.

The remaining rounds in the top five leagues are slim, yet Tang Long is also relentless, tightly chasing C Luo with 44 goals, unwilling to fall behind.

To claim the European Golden Boot successfully, he must continue to unleash his firepower in the upcoming matches and score more goals.

And at this crucial moment, Manchester United, as if delivering themselves on a silver platter, steps right into Tang Long's crosshairs.

Does this imply that Manchester United is merely a stepping stone for Tang Long in his quest for the European Golden Boot, to be battered and bruised by him?

Just the thought is terrifying.

...

...

"CCTV!"

"CCTV!"

"You're now watching live coverage of the 2016 - 2017 Premier League season, Round 35, Manchester City vs. Manchester United."

"This is a globally watched Manchester Derby, and also a key battle that could decide this season's Premier League champion ahead of time!"

CCTV's golden commentator He Wei's voice was filled with passion and anticipation.

"Manchester City is leading the table with 91 points, a substantial 10 points ahead of Chelsea behind them!"

"If Manchester City can defeat Manchester United in this match, they will clinch the Premier League championship three rounds early!"

"This will greatly aid their focus on the Champions League and FA Cup matches later on."

"However, their arch-rival Manchester United absolutely doesn't want this scene to happen."

He Wei's tone suddenly grew heavier, seemingly empathizing with Manchester United's difficult predicament.

"Manchester United will give it their all, using every last ounce of energy to prevent Manchester City from securing the title this round."

"Meanwhile, Manchester United is teetering on the edge of the Champions League zone, and securing points from Manchester City is crucial for their journey in next season's Champions League!"

"Moreover, having commentated on numerous matches, no matter the country or league, derby battles always feature intense, fiery confrontations like colliding planets!"

"Thus, we have every reason to believe that, despite the vast points and ranking difference on the table, they will surely deliver an exciting and thrilling match for us!"

"And our Chinese player Tang Long is destined to be a crucial figure in this match."

As soon as He Wei's words fell, the referee decisively blew the whistle to start the match!

The piercing whistle cut through the sky like a bolt of lightning, instantly igniting the stadium's passion.

However, an unexpected scene unfolded.

Tang Long, representing Manchester City in the initial kickoff, received the ball without hesitation and instantly struck it from the midfield, forcefully kicking it towards the opposing half.

"Ah!" He Wei couldn't help but exclaim, his voice full of shock and confusion, "Tang Long, is this an attempt for a goal right from the start!?"

Amidst such a crucial Derby match, Tang Long's sudden action left everyone baffled.

He unexpectedly chose to shoot from midfield at the start of the match, which was considered an insult to United's star goalkeeper De Gea!

Then, something even more incredible occurred.

Tang Long's shot had immense force, the football streaked forward like a cannonball.

But oddly, the ball did not head towards Manchester United's goal but instead directly flew towards the corner flag area.

???

In the end, the football nearly brushed the corner flag, slowly rolling out of bounds.

The linesman was initially stunned, seemingly shocked by the sudden scene;

It took him two full seconds to snap back to reality, then quickly raising the flag to signal the ball out of bounds.

Within the Etihad Stadium, the over 60,000 Manchester City fans' previous boisterous cheers, like surging ocean waves, seemed muted, abruptly coming to a halt in an instant!

The whole stadium fell into a dead silence, everyone wide-eyed.

In fact, the fans weren't entirely opposed to Tang Long choosing to shoot right from the start.

After two seasons alongside Tang Long, they were accustomed to his unorthodox, unpredictable playing style.

Tang Long on the field consistently made unexpected moves, often thwarting everyone's expectations.

Even seasoned fans who had watched for decades struggled to anticipate Tang Long's next action.

But this time, what left them dumbfounded was, shooting is one thing, but how could the ball mysteriously end up near the corner flag and then roll straight out of bounds?

This simply does not align with Tang Long's skill level; what on earth happened?

Even Manchester United's captain Rooney was equally bewildered, his expression full of confusion.

Each player beside him also stared dumbstruck at Tang Long's strange action.

Yet, before they could recover from the shock, Tang Long suddenly waved grandly like a general commanding an army on the battlefield.

Manchester City's midfield and forward players already knew what to do next; they instantly advanced aggressively, swiftly surrounding the Manchester United players preparing to receive the throw-in.

Only then did commentator He Wei realize, excitedly slamming his hand down and shouting:

"I understand, viewers, I understand. Do you see what I see?"