Football: My AI System Provides Max-Level Predictions

"Kolarov takes a powerful shot, deflecting off Agüero's face and into the net!"

"Haha, just kidding, Kolarov was crossing, but the strength of this cross was comparable to his previous 35-meter long shot on goal!"

"This choice was correct; without waiting for Tang Long's pass to land, it was a flat shot, catching the defense off guard!"

"Speaking of Tang Long's pass, it must be mentioned. Although it's just the second-to-last pass, it played a crucial role!"

"In the first half, whether it was the coach's arrangement or not, Tang Long intentionally linked with Kolarov on the left multiple times, and this time it finally succeeded!"

Regarding this goal, the Manchester City players had mixed reactions.

The midfield and forward players were all impressed by Tang's stunning outside-of-the-foot pass!

Turning his back, using the outside foot, the speed and precision of the ball was perfect to the point of perfection.

If it was too strong, Kolarov wouldn't have been able to catch it; too light, and it wouldn't have cleared the opponent's fullback's head.

"How can he pass so precisely, amazing." Silva whispered to Yaya Toure.

"He predicted in advance; he knows Kolarov would rush to that position. Actually, it's not difficult." Although Toure said it wasn't difficult, in his heart, he admired Tang Long even more.

He knew, although Kolarov assisted, and Agüero scored the goal.

In the post-match statistics, this goal wouldn't be related to Tang Long.

But from the development of the situation, having won the treble with Dream Three Barcelona, Toure understood clearly that it was Tang Long's sung pass that cleared the situation, or opened a new breakthrough!

While playing with Barça, Toure often saw such scenes.

Either it was Iniesta or Messi, at the top arc of the penalty area, they would hit a seemingly casual pass that would curve over the tops of defenders' heads into open spaces, where a player would rush in, whether it be Alves or Eto'o!

"Just now, there was a hint of that peak Barça feeling." Toure thought.

Tang Long's brilliant performance also won Manchester City's defense players' admiration, but they were more focused on Ranocchia's successful interception!

Simply amazing!

Quick and nimble Berahino's left and right turns are a nightmare for any Premier League center-back over 1.9 meters tall.

Ranocchia stands at a towering 195, the highest in Manchester City, and a key weak spot targeted by West Brom's dribbling talent.

"Manchester City has an Italian big guy, he looks quite handsome but turns slowly. Those who like breakthroughs, keep targeting him there, especially you Berahino! You are the fastest in our team, you must quickly draw a yellow card from him, making him cautious later so we can play easily!" said the West Brom manager in the dressing room before the match to his players.

But this so-called weak point existed only in theory.

Ranocchia's turning speed and absolute speed were not comparable, with Berahino being 15 centimeters shorter than him.

But this Italian center-back was strong because he maximized his height and long legs to make up for the flaws.

Your speed is an innate advantage, my long legs are equally an advantage, aren't they?

This backward-stepping bow-shaped block was executed in a completely losing position and balance, but became a killer move, half-kneeling on the ground, one leg suddenly pulling back to stretch across in front of the ball's path, achieving the miraculous effect of saving a collapsing situation!

Berahino, having often toyed with local English center-backs effortlessly.

But he never dreamed that this "Italian big guy" the coach mentioned would use a move he had never seen before, kicking a one-on-one chance nearly handed to him flying!

Kompany looked at Ranocchia's distinct profile, his forehead covered by hair not held in place by his headband, thinking, "I've seen this move before, just during Tang's joining ceremony's internal 3V3 exhibition match. At that time, he didn't use full strength; even after intercepting the ball, it was still passed to Tang Long. Just now, facing West Brom's fastest Berahino, last season I suffered against him, being tricked twice. But Ranocchia's bow-shaped backward step led to a clean interception; this Italian is no simple character; I must find the chance to learn from him."

Then quietly rubbed his shiny bald head top, sulkily cursing, "Damn, having lots of hair and playing great football, why hasn't such good fortune landed on my Kompany's head?"

The first half ended.

In the dressing room.

Agüero held ice on his swollen face, grimacing and inhaling "hissing" with pain while praising Kolarov's steady and fierce cross. Suggesting next time to keep the flat cross lower without aiming at his face.

Substitute player Klichy was whispering with starting right back Sagna, his French national team teammate.

They looked at Tang Long one moment, then Kolarov the next, murmuring non-stop.

Milner sat beside Joe Hart all along, glaring at others silently.

Tang Long started, first assisting Sterling, then passing to Kolarov, who assisted Agüero, extending the score to 2-0 and nearly securing victory.

This made Milner restless and uneasy, but there was nothing he could do because Tang Long indeed played very well, which was an undeniable fact.

"Haha, I scored, it feels so great!"

While Milner felt helpless, Sterling sipped his drink and plopped himself between Milner and Joe Hart.

Watching his fellow England national team junior score Manchester City's first home goal, a surge of jealousy rose inside Milner.

Both being English, and you are my junior, why do you start while I sit on the bench, now coming over, shouting you scored, was this meant to show off in front of me?

"Your shot was quite good, Sterling, very decisive." Joe Hart said.

"Haha, it's mainly Tang's great pass, I turned right along the ball's path, didn't need adjusting, the ball rolled right to my feet!"

Sterling seemingly didn't notice Milner's weird gaze beside him, continued chatting with Joe Hart nonstop, words full of praise for Tang's pass.

Milner's face was gloomy as he pushed Sterling, shoving him to the ground between the two of them.

Sterling was taken aback, turning to see Milner's murderous gaze, and only then did the heat from the goal cool off.

He was just about to apologize to Milner, but Milner got up and walked away.

...

In the second half, Manchester City actively slowed down the pace of their attack.

The league is a marathon, and for a team like Manchester City, aiming for the championship, they not only need to win games but also need to win with the smallest possible cost.

The ball was constantly controlled at the players' feet, and it was apparent that everyone was extremely satisfied with this match rhythm.

The opponent, West Brom, had already given up, and the players began to leisurely stroll around.

It's not that the players weren't fighting.

For West Brom, a team frequently moving up and down divisions, not fighting means they might have to return to the Championship next season, which would significantly reduce the players' salaries.

But fighting must be on the cutting edge; instead of fighting Manchester City to the death for possibly no points, it's better to go against lower league teams like Hull City, Burnley, or Sunderland, where chances of getting points are higher.

The strategy from Tian Ji's Horse Racing runs through the entire season and is a choice every coach has to make.

In the 63rd minute, seeing the overall situation lost, West Brom withdrew the former Manchester United star Fletcher and substituted Jacob, preparing for the next match.

Seeing West Brom voluntarily wave the white flag, Pellegrini also decided to withdraw his forces.

In the 64th minute, Tang Long was substituted, and Milner came on.

This time, Milner gently high-fived Tang Long, but he still avoided eye contact, not even looking at him.

According to Pellegrini's tactical plans, Milner was the first substitute for Tang Long this season.

Although Milner's passing wasn't as good as Tang Long's, and his dribbling and technique were far inferior, Milner, as a versatile midfielder, could play many positions. His strong stamina and aggressive tackling were the foundation for his long-standing position at Manchester City.

Therefore, when Pellegrini followed the pre-match arrangements and gave Tang Long 60 minutes before substituting him, his first thought was for Milner. He had to appease him and give him some time.

After coming onto the pitch, Milner was exceptionally active!

His play at the attacking midfield position was completely different from Tang Long's.

If Tang Long was a swordsman, then Milner couldn't even be called a knife-wielder; he was more like a brute wielding a massive hammer!

In the attacking midfield position, Milner stirred things up with big moves, including several flying tackles, one of which earned him a yellow card.

Pellegrini couldn't help but shout, "Watch your actions, Milner, don't get injured, it's unnecessary!"

The West Brom players had already decided to withdraw, not wanting to play, accepting their three-point loss without complaint.

But with Milner stirring things up, their spirits were revived!

Even if we've lost, and you're making such big moves, what's this about? We're all playing in the Premier League, you think I'm scared of you?

The West Brom players were fired up!

Many got into tussles with Milner.

In the 81st minute, West Brom got a rare corner kick opportunity.

The cross was cleared by Ranocchia to outside the penalty area.

Milner, stationed at the top of the box, controlled the ball, intending to pass to Agüero.

But the freshly substituted Jacob immediately stuck close.

"Quick pass! Get rid of the ball!" Ranocchia directed Milner.

However, Milner was stubbornly not passing; earlier he had tangled with Jacob outside West Brom's penalty area and wanted to dribble past him, but was overpowered and nudged away.

Now that there was finally an opportunity, and he was presenting it again, should I not try to pass you and get back my pride?

In his extreme desire to prove himself, Milner let his impulses take over his judgment, attempting a nutmeg on Jacob right at the top of the box~

Thinking he was clever, he reckoned if he couldn't compete in speed, he would use skill to win.

Without thinking, of course, he didn't get past him. Jacob turned with the ball, and amidst the crowd, without even looking, unleashed a shot!

Having just taken the corner, there were many people in the box, blocking Hart's vision, as he watched the ball roll into the net.

1-2!

In the 82nd minute, West Brom pulled one back!

Pellegrini was stunned, shaking his head at Milner continuously.

Agüero laughed, waving his hand, looking bewildered.

Kompany squatted directly on the ground, holding his face in his hands, unable to understand why this guy was trying to dribble past someone at his own box.

"Milner, what the hell are you doing!" Ranocchia yelled at him, rushing over.