Man City went over Manchester United to the finals… Heung-min Son

“Manchester City (Man City) is England’s best team.” Manchester United (Man U) coach Ole Gunnar Solsk, who lost to Manchester City, said immediately after the match. Man City beat Manchester United 2-0 in the Carabao Cup semi-final of the 2020-21 season, held as an away game on the 7th (Korea time). It is unusual for Jin praised the opponent in the so-called’Manchester Derby’.

This time it was worth it. In Man City, nearly half of the players in the lineup before the start were infected with Corona 19. On the 24th of last month, goalkeeper Ederson, defender Kyle Walker, midfielder Tommy Doyle, Fernandinho, and striker Gabriel Jejus were infected. Due to such a large number of confirmed cases, the Premier League Man City-Everton match scheduled to be held on the 29th of last month was canceled.

Goalkeeper Scott Carson, who was scheduled to start a few hours ahead of the game, was confirmed as Corona 19 due to a convulsion. Goalkeeper Sergio Aguero was struggling with an injury. The only comfort was that Fernandinho had completed self-isolation. “Man City coach Guardiola doesn’t have many players,” said Skysports of England. In Man City, the only goalkeeper is Jack Stefan.”

Guardiola showed wit. He came up with a tactic of “fake nine” (a tactic in which the midfielder instantly penetrated the attack without a striker), putting flank striker Riyadh Marez and midfielder Kevin De Brawiner in the forefront. Guardiola emphasized his mental power by saying to the players, “If you concentrate, you can accomplish the impossible.”

Anomalous tactics were successful. With a large number of midfielders, Man City led the game with a 60% market share. Luck followed. In the 38th minute of the second half, which was anxious 1-0, Fernandinho, who returned from corona, scored a key goal. Even though he suddenly took on the goal, goalkeeper Stefan played a clear goal. After the game, Guardiola turned the ball to the players, saying, “If they have the will, they can do great things.”

Man City will challenge for 4 consecutive wins (8 times in total) in the final (Wembley Stadium) on April 26. The opponent is the tricky Tottenham that’Man City Killer’ Son Heung-min endured. Son Heung-min recently scored five goals (6 goals in total) in five matches against Man City. Jamie Body (9 goals, Leicester City) is the only one who has more goals than Son Heung-min against Guardiola’s Man City. If Tottenham wins, it will be his fifth victory in 13 years since the 2007-08 season.

Guardiola and Tottenham coach Jose Mourinho’s battle is also a point of watching. The two previously played a hot’El Clasico’ (Rival Battle between Barcelona and Real)’ in Barcelona (Guardiola) and Real Madrid (Mourinho) on the Spanish stage (2010-12). In the opponent’s record, coach Guardiola leads with 11 wins, 6 draws and 7 losses.

Reporter Pee Ju-young [email protected]