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***
The biting cold of Merseyside hung thick in the air as Goodison Park slowly filled with fans wrapped in layers of scarves and heavy coats. Steam rose from concession stands, mixing with the scent of fresh pies and hot chocolate.
Everton supporters, draped in blue, huddled together in anticipation, their voices growing louder as kickoff approached.
The City faithful, packed tightly into the away section, were far from quiet. Flags waved proudly, and chants of "Blue Moon Galacticos!" rang out, cutting through the icy wind.
Martin Tyler's voice broke through the broadcast, his tone steady and familiar.
"It's a chilly afternoon here at Goodison Park, but you can feel the tension, Alan. City come in riding a wave of momentum, but Goodison is never an easy place to visit."
Alan Smith nodded in agreement.
"Absolutely, Martin. This is the kind of place where big teams can slip up. Everton will try to make it as uncomfortable as possible for them. The crowd is right on top of you here—if City aren't sharp, it could be a long afternoon."
The two teams emerged from the tunnel, the captains shaking hands under the watchful eye of the referee. Pellegrini stood on the touchline, hands buried in his coat pockets, nodding as his players took their positions. His decision to stick with the familiar 4-3-3 spoke of confidence—no surprises, just ruthless execution.
Manchester City's Formation and Strategy
Goalkeeper: Joe Hart, the ever-dependable shot-stopper, stood vigilant between the sticks, his voice cutting through the noise as he organized his backline.
Defenders: Joshua Kimmich and Andy Robertson flanked the defensive line, their instructions clear: push high and overlap when possible. At the heart of defense, Mats Hummels and Eliaquim Mangala towered over Everton's front line, ready to snuff out any aerial threats.
Midfield: David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne operated as dual playmakers, orchestrating the rhythm with slick passes and clever movement. Just ahead of them, Adriano dropped deep to link the midfield and attack, his sharpness and vision a key part of Pellegrini's plan.
Attack: Up front, Harry Kane led the line, his presence physical and imposing. Eden Hazard was stationed on the left, ready to cut inside and drive at defenders, while Mohamed Salah played by the right touchline, primed to use his blistering pace to exploit any gaps.
"City's setup is aggressive," Tyler observed. "Pellegrini clearly wants to take the game to Everton early. Kimmich and Robertson are practically playing as wingers when they have possession."
"It's bold," Smith responded. "They know Arsenal and Chelsea are coming up, and a win here would keep the momentum going. But Everton's no pushover. Look at how they've set up."
Everton's Game Plan
Everton, clearly aware of the firepower they faced, lined up in a disciplined 4-5-1:
Goalkeeper: Tim Howard, experienced and resolute, commanded his box, barking orders to his defenders.
Defenders: Coleman, Jagielka, Stones, and Baines sat deep, almost in a straight line, ready to absorb City's pressure.
Midfield: The Toffees packed the center of the park, five deep, with Gareth Barry and James McCarthy sitting just in front of the back four to shield the defense.
Forward: Romelu Lukaku, isolated but powerful, stood alone up top, waiting for any chance to break on the counter.
"You can see the strategy right there," Tyler remarked as the camera panned across Everton's tightly packed lines. "They're going to sit deep, absorb the pressure, and try to release Lukaku on the break. It's classic Goodison Park grit."
Smith added, "And it's effective too. City will have to be patient here. One mistake, one slip in concentration, and Everton will pounce."
On the touchline, Pellegrini pulled Adriano aside for a final word.
"They're going to park the bus. Patience, understand? You and Silva—find the pockets. Stretch them out."
Adriano nodded, eyes focused.
"We'll break them," he replied confidently.
In the huddle, Kompany clapped his hands together, addressing the team.
"Keep the ball, don't rush it. They'll try to hit us on the counter, so watch your back. Let's silence this place early!"
The players broke the huddle, moving into their positions with purpose. Kane exchanged nods with Hazard and Salah, while De Bruyne tapped the ball gently with his boot, eyes locked on Everton's defense.
"Goodison Park is loud today," Salah muttered to Hazard as they lined up.
"Won't be for long," Hazard replied with a grin.
The referee checked his watch, blew his whistle, and the ball rolled into motion. City began their typical short-passing rhythm, probing Everton's lines, looking for the first crack. The away fans in the corner erupted into song, scarves held high, their faith unshaken.
Martin Tyler's voice hovered over the action:
"Here we go then. Everton looking to frustrate, City looking to break them down. It's the irresistible force against the immovable object… something's got to give."
***
The referee's whistle cut through the crisp Merseyside air, and instantly, City were on the front foot. Pellegrini's side pushed Everton back with a wave of high pressing and slick passing. Kevin De Bruyne orchestrated the midfield like a conductor, spraying pinpoint passes across the pitch, shifting Everton's defensive shape with every switch of play.
Martin Tyler's voice came through the commentary, rich with anticipation.
"City are moving it beautifully, Alan. They're stretching Everton, pulling them from side to side."
Alan Smith agreed, "It's relentless, Martin. Hazard and Salah are hugging the touchlines, and with Adriano dropping deep, they're finding pockets of space. You feel it's only a matter of time."
City's first real opportunity came in the 14th minute. David Silva, floating between the lines like a ghost, spotted Hazard darting behind Coleman. Silva's chipped ball was inch-perfect, dropping over the defender's head and into Hazard's stride. The Belgian controlled it expertly, cushioning the ball with his first touch and unleashing a driven shot towards the bottom corner.
Tim Howard, seemingly inspired by the occasion, flung himself across the goal, fingertips brushing the ball just enough to send it wide. The City fans groaned, while Everton supporters erupted in applause.
"Howard's looking sharp today, Alan. That was a superb save!" Martin Tyler remarked.
"He always seems to pull off his best against City," Alan Smith replied. "It'll take something special to beat him today."
On the field, Hazard clapped his hands in frustration.
"Next one's going in," he muttered to Adriano as he jogged back.
Adriano grinned, slapping him on the back. "You keep knocking. That door's coming down."
The tempo did not relent. In the 27th minute, Adriano found himself in space thirty yards from goal. He glanced up, saw Howard off his line, and unleashed a venomous strike. The ball swerved through the air, destined for the top corner before Howard, once again, palmed it over the bar.
"What a strike from Adriano! And what a save from Howard!" Tyler exclaimed.
"It's like he's got springs in his boots today," Smith added. "Everton are holding on, but just barely."
Adriano shook his head, smiling as he jogged back into position. Salah jogged up beside him, chuckling.
"You're gonna have to break out some magic to beat him today," Salah teased.
Adriano grinned. "I've got plenty of magic. Just watch."
As the clock ticked towards halftime, City's pressure only grew. Salah, who had been dancing down the right flank all half, finally found the angle he wanted. Cutting inside on his left foot, he curled a shot that arced towards the far post. Howard, defying age and expectation, dove once more, his fingertips grazing the ball and sending it wide.
"He's done it again! Howard is single-handedly keeping Everton in this match!" Martin Tyler exclaimed, admiration clear in his voice.
"You get the feeling he's in one of those moods, Martin. City might need something spectacular to get past him," Smith replied.
Salah walked back to the halfway line, shaking his head.
"That guy's a machine," he muttered to Hazard.
Hazard laughed. "I know. Maybe we need to buy him just to bench him."
The halftime whistle blew, leaving the scoreboard locked at 0-0 despite City's relentless assault. As the players walked off, Adriano jogged up alongside Howard near the tunnel, shaking his head .
"What is up with you whenever you face me? You become a Superman or something," Adriano laughed.
Howard chuckled, his gloves slung over his shoulder.
"Still, you guys toyed with us and won the World Cup," Howard shot back with a grin. "Maybe go easy on me since you're dating an American girl now."
Adriano raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Don't worry, I promise to score no more than a couple goals."
Howard shook his head, a grin stretching across his face. "Don't count on it, Wonder Boy. My wife works with the Marvel crew as a production manager. If you score too many, I'll tell her to nag Kate until she calls you to take it easy on an old man like me."
Adriano laughed heartily, patting Howard on the back. "Fair play, Tim. Fair play. "
The two shared a laugh before splitting off towards their respective locker rooms.
Pellegrini stood by the entrance, hands stuffed in his coat pockets, nodding at Adriano with a knowing smile.
"He's good, but he's not unbeatable," Pellegrini remarked.
Adriano grinned, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Next half, we'll make sure of it."
The tunnel buzzed with energy as City prepared for the second half. The fans in the stands huddled closer together, bracing for what was sure to be an explosive 45 minutes.
Martin Tyler summed it up perfectly:
"It's been all City, but Howard's been nothing short of world-class. If Everton are to hold on, he'll need another 45 minutes of heroics. City just need a spark... and you sense it's coming."
***
The halftime team talk from Pellegrini was sharp and direct. He paced back and forth in the dressing room, laying out the adjustments clearly. Adriano was to drop deeper, linking up with Silva and creating overloads in the midfield. De Bruyne would push higher, taking on a more traditional number 10 role to exploit the gaps between Everton's defensive lines.
"We need more direct lanes for Hazard and Salah," Pellegrini emphasized, pointing to the whiteboard where he had sketched out the changes.
Adriano nodded, stretching his legs. "Got it, boss. Deeper runs. I'll feed them."
De Bruyne grinned, cracking his knuckles. "And I'll finish the job."
The players returned to the pitch with renewed energy. The City fans in the away end sensed it too, singing louder, waving flags, and chanting with the rhythm of the game.
The adjustments proved effective. In the 63rd minute, Everton attempted a hurried clearance after relentless City pressure. The ball skidded across the wet turf, spinning right into Adriano's path near the halfway line. He took one controlling touch, raised his head, and unleashed a pinpoint long ball that sailed over Everton's backline.
Martin Tyler's voice rose with anticipation.
"What a ball that is from Adriano! He's picked out Harry Kane beautifully...!"
Kane was already on the move, timing his run to perfection. The ball dropped over his shoulder, and with a composed first touch, he brought it down smoothly. In the next heartbeat, he unleashed a thunderous strike. The ball rocketed past Howard, crashing into the back of the net with a satisfying ripple.
GOAL ANNOUNCER: "GOOOAAALLL! HARRY KANE! MANCHESTER CITY TAKE THE LEAD! 1–0!"
The City fans erupted, a sea of blue and white bouncing and chanting "Blue Moon!" with unbridled passion. Flags waved wildly, scarves were swung above heads, and the travelling supporters roared their approval.
"Adriano… what vision! What precision!" Martin Tyler exclaimed.
"That's just world-class, Martin. He spotted that run and delivered it on a plate. Kane still had work to do, but the pass made it so simple," Alan Smith added, admiration clear in his voice.
Kane pointed directly at Adriano as he sprinted toward him, a massive grin plastered across his face. As he reached the Portuguese forward, he stopped and bowed with a flourish, drawing laughter from the fans and teammates alike. Adriano laughed, patting him on the back.
"You're getting good at this," Adriano chuckled, shaking his head.
Kane, still catching his breath, grinned back. "Learning from the best, mate."
Robertson jogged over, clapping Kane on the back. "About time you found your shooting boots," he teased.
"Took long enough," Salah added, flashing a grin.
De Bruyne joined in, laughing as he threw an arm around Kane. "I'm just glad it wasn't another one of those headers. My neck is sore from watching you jump."
Kane shook his head, still smiling. "I save those for later."
Pellegrini, standing on the touchline with his hands stuffed in his coat pockets, nodded approvingly. His assistant leaned in. "That adjustment worked like a charm."
Pellegrini just smiled. "There's more to come."
Everton, visibly shaken by the goal, tried to muster a response. Barkley and Coleman pushed higher up the field, attempting to force City back. But Kimmich and Robertson held their lines, snapping into tackles and pushing the ball wide to restart City's attacks.
Martin Tyler picked up on it immediately.
"You can see Everton trying to press higher now, but City just look so composed," he noted.
"It's the difference in quality, Martin. City are comfortable under pressure. Everton are just trying to react," Smith replied.
City, now with momentum, continued to dictate the tempo. Adriano dropped into the pocket, linking up with Silva, who weaved through Everton's midfield like a thread through a needle. De Bruyne floated just beyond the midfield line, always ready to spring forward at the first sight of a gap.
As the game settled, City's control grew stronger. Everton's fans grew restless, while the City supporters only grew louder, chanting for another goal to seal the game. Kane glanced over at Adriano during a pause in play.
"Another one for good measure?" Kane asked, still buzzing from his strike.
Adriano smirked, cracking his knuckles. "Why stop at one?"
With the lead now established, City smelled blood. Everton, desperate to claw their way back into the game, began pushing higher up the field. Their defenders, previously compact and disciplined, started to drift forward, leaving inviting pockets of space in behind. Pellegrini, standing on the touchline with arms crossed, motioned for more width. His instructions were clear: exploit the gaps.
"They're opening up now, Alan," Martin Tyler noted from the commentary box.
"This is where City can be lethal. That high line against the pace of Hazard and Salah is asking for trouble," Alan Smith replied with anticipation.
The opportunity came in the 76th minute. Robertson won a crunching tackle on the left, sending the ball down the line where Hazard was lurking. With that familiar low center of gravity, Hazard danced past Coleman with a slick step-over, leaving the Everton full-back grasping at thin air. The Belgian surged forward, cutting inside onto his right foot as the City fans behind the goal stood in anticipation.
"He's beaten him for pace there... Coleman's struggling to keep up!" Martin Tyler's voice lifted with excitement.
"This is danger for Everton... Hazard's got the angle!" Alan Smith added.
Hazard unleashed a venomous, swerving strike aimed towards the far post. Tim Howard, who had been outstanding all game, leaped like he was wearing a Superman cape, stretching his fingertips to just barely push it wide. The parry sent the ball spinning into the six-yard box, but before anyone else could react, Adriano was already on the move.
"Adriano's there! He anticipated that brilliantly!" Tyler shouted.
The Portuguese forward read the play perfectly, sprinting into the box just as Howard's hand touched the ball. Without hesitation, Adriano swung his right leg, connecting sweetly with the dropping ball mid-air. The volley was struck with precision and power, fizzing past Howard before he even had a chance to react.
GOAL ANNOUNCER: "GOOOOOAAALLLLL! ADRIANO MAKES IT TWO! MANCHESTER CITY ARE IN COMPLETE CONTROL!"
Adriano jogged toward the corner flag, his eyes locked onto the City fans who had made the journey to Goodison Park. He raised his hand to his ear, cupping it as if to ask for more noise, and the City supporters responded with a deafening roar. The chant began to echo around the stadium, "The King is Here! The King is Here!"
Adriano turned, pointing to the crown etched on his back just above his name. His teammates rushed to him—Kane was first, throwing an arm around his shoulders.
"Mate, you're obsessed with that crown," Kane laughed, patting him on the back.
Adriano smirked. "Gotta remind them sometimes."
Hazard jogged over, still catching his breath. "You do that on purpose? Just sniffing out goals like a bloodhound?"
Adriano grinned back. "Howard always palms them that way. Call it research."
De Bruyne shook his head, arriving just in time to join the celebration. "More like pure instinct," he said, clapping him on the back.
"Nah," Adriano replied, "Just making sure my promise to Howard comes true."
As Adriano jogged back to the halfway line, he locked eyes with Tim Howard, who was sitting on the turf, shaking his head with a grin.
"I thought you promised me you'd score two! You guys look like you wanna score four!" Howard called out with a laugh, still catching his breath.
Adriano raised his hands innocently. "I guess I'm just a liar," he shouted back with a grin.
Howard chuckled, getting back to his feet. "Next time, tell Kate I'm charging you extra for these saves. My back's killing me," he joked.
Adriano laughed. "You'll have to take that up with her. I'm just here to score."
Martin Tyler captured the moment as Everton prepared to restart.
"That's the difference in quality right there, Alan. Everton had done well to hold City back for so long, but when you give players like Hazard and Adriano half a chance, it's in the back of the net."
Alan Smith responded with a nod. "Absolutely. That goal was all about anticipation. Hazard's shot was brilliant, but Adriano's reaction was world-class. He was there before the defenders even realized where the ball was going."
"And now," Tyler added, "Everton have a mountain to climb. City look like they're just warming up."
The match resumed, but the energy in the stadium had shifted. City were in full control, and the away fans sensed blood. Everton's defense looked weary, and Pellegrini stood on the sideline with a satisfied nod, knowing his men were executing the plan to perfection.
With the two-goal cushion firmly in place, Pellegrini rose from his seat, signaling for a change. Casemiro was prepped and ready, his presence on the touchline a clear indication of City's intent: control the game and see it out professionally. De Bruyne jogged off to a rousing reception from the away fans, exchanging a firm handshake with Casemiro as he came on.
"Solid decision from Pellegrini there, Alan," Martin Tyler remarked. "De Bruyne's done his job—now it's time to close up shop."
"Absolutely, Martin. Casemiro's the kind of player you bring on to tighten things up. Everton are going to have to dig deep to get back into this now," Alan Smith replied.
From the moment Casemiro stepped onto the pitch, City's control was evident. He operated with calmness and composure, spraying short, sharp passes to retain possession while barking instructions to Kimmich and Robertson to hold their positions. Everton pressed, but it was like chasing shadows. Silva and Adriano dropped deep, linking up seamlessly to keep the ball ticking over.
"You can see the frustration in Everton's faces now, Martin. They're chasing but not getting close. City are just knocking it around with such ease," Smith observed.
"It's a masterclass in game management. Pellegrini's men know exactly what they're doing," Tyler added.
Everton, with the clock ticking into the final minutes, earned a corner after a deflected shot from Barkley. Goodison Park held its breath as Baines stepped up to deliver the set piece. He whipped it in with precision, the ball arcing dangerously towards the back post.
Jagielka, towering above Hummels, rose to meet it. The header was struck with power, thundering towards the bottom corner. Martin Tyler's voice jumped in pitch:
"Jagielka! Oh, what a header!"
But Joe Hart, sharp and alert, reacted instinctively. Diving low to his right, he stretched out a strong hand, palming the ball away just as it seemed destined for the net. The City defense scrambled to clear, with Robertson booting it upfield to relieve the pressure.
"What a save! Joe Hart, take a bow!" Alan Smith shouted.
"That is world-class, Alan. In the dying moments, with everything on the line... you need your keeper to stand up. And Hart did exactly that," Tyler praised.
When the referee finally blew for full-time, the City players raised their arms in triumph. The scoreboard at Goodison Park read:
Everton 0 – 2 Manchester City
Adriano jogged towards Hart, clapping his gloves in appreciation.
"That was some save, Joe," Adriano grinned, offering his hand.
Hart gripped it firmly. "I like to keep you lot entertained," he replied with a smirk.
"Almost gave me a heart attack," Robertson added, shaking his head.
"Hey, it's all part of the fun," Hart laughed.
City's players gathered in small groups, exchanging handshakes and pats on the back. Hazard and Salah shared a laugh near the touchline, while Kane ruffled Adriano's hair as they walked towards the away fans. The City supporters, packed tightly in the corner of Goodison, erupted in chants of "Blue Moon!" and "The King is Here!" as their heroes approached.
Adriano broke away for a moment, catching Howard just before he headed off the pitch.
"Hey, tell your wife I'll buy her lunch as an apology," Adriano joked, a grin spreading across his face.
Howard chuckled, wiping sweat from his forehead. "Just keep scoring. It makes the league more interesting," he replied with a laugh.
"Deal," Adriano nodded before patting him on the back.
"Manchester City, back to their dominant best, Alan. That was as controlled a performance as you could hope to see away from home," Martin Tyler commented.
"Absolutely, Martin. They had their moments of brilliance in attack, and then closed it out with real professionalism. Hart's save at the end just put the cherry on top," Alan Smith agreed.
The City players made their way down the tunnel, clapping the away fans in appreciation. The supporters sang louder, their voices echoing across Goodison as if to remind the league that City were still very much the team to beat. For Adriano, it was just another day at the office, but for the fans, it was a day that signaled City's relentless march towards the title.
***
The City players strolled through the tunnel with wide smiles and pats on the back, the atmosphere buzzing with satisfaction. Adriano and Harry Kane laughed about their link-up play, with Kane nudging Adriano.
"You've got that radar in your head, mate. That ball over the top was ridiculous," Kane grinned.
Adriano chuckled. "You make the run, I'll find you. Simple as that," he replied confidently.
As they entered the dressing room, Pellegrini was already waiting, a proud smile on his face.
"That is how you close out a game," Pellegrini said, his voice firm but pleased. "We controlled it. We dominated it. And most importantly, we finished our chances."
The players clapped, the atmosphere light but determined. Casemiro tossed his shirt into his bag and nudged De Bruyne.
"I'm starting to like these easy clean sheets," Casemiro joked.
De Bruyne smirked back. "Easy? You didn't see me running around like a madman in the first half."
They both laughed, the tension of the match now fully dissolved.
Minutes later, Pellegrini stepped into the press room, adjusting his tie before taking a seat. The journalists were already scribbling in their notebooks, hands raised eagerly to ask their questions. He nodded to the first reporter, a familiar face from Sky Sports.
"Manuel, a solid performance today after a couple of draws. Do you feel this is the response you were looking for from your team?"
Pellegrini leaned forward, his hands clasped.
"Absolutely," he began. "The last few matches were challenging. Injuries disrupted our rhythm, but the squad showed character today. We kept possession, created chances, and defended well. This is the City I know we can be."
The next journalist quickly jumped in.
"How crucial was it to see Adriano and Hazard back to their best today?"
Pellegrini smiled.
"Very important. When you have players of that quality, it changes the game. Adriano's vision, Hazard's dribbling… they open up defenses. Today you saw that. But it's not just them. The whole team played well—Kane, De Bruyne, the defense... everyone did their part."
Another hand shot up.
"Looking ahead, you have Arsenal and Chelsea in back-to-back fixtures. How confident are you that City can maintain this form?"
Pellegrini didn't hesitate.
"We are always confident. Arsenal and Chelsea are fantastic teams, but we are Manchester City. We play our game, we go for three points. It's simple."
A final question came from the back of the room.
"Manuel, after two draws, there were whispers about City losing momentum. Do you think today silenced those doubts?"
Pellegrini's expression remained composed.
"There will always be whispers," he replied calmly. "Our job is not to listen to them. Our job is to play football, win games, and keep moving forward. Today was just one step. Now, we prepare for the next one."
With that, Pellegrini stood up, nodded to the room, and left the stage with the same measured confidence he had brought to the touchline earlier that day.
***
Current Stats of Adriano:
Premier League
Matches: 16
Goals: 20
Assists: 13
Current top scorer of Premier League, and top on Assists list.
*
Champions League
Matches: 6
Goals: 15
Assists: 5
Current top scorer, 2nd in Assists
*
FA Cup
Matches: 1
Goals: 2
Assists: 2