Don Carlo's Everton

After West Ham's disappointing 0-1 loss to Sheffield United, they are determined to bounce back when they host Carlo Ancelotti's Everton at London stadium. The defeat to Sheffield United serves as a wake-up call for Kai Chiu and his team, reminding them of the importance of staying focused and maintaining their tactical discipline.

As the match against Everton approaches, Kai conducts intense training sessions, emphasizing the need for a strong defensive structure and effective counter-attacks. He instills confidence in his players, reminding them of their capabilities and the importance of executing their game plan flawlessly.

Kai's strategy is simple, with him reverting the team into playing the simplest form of football —— traditional English long-ball! His demands are uncomplicated, with him demanding the West Ham players to defend as a unit in a standard mid-block. And upon stealing the ball, devastating counter-attacks would be sent to their powerful striking duos of Haller and Antonio. Kai's West Ham is playing direct football in its simplest form.

In an era where elite European football teams are playing possession and positional football, Kai is like the antithesis of modern managers. Patient build-up? Playing from the back? Tiki-Taka? Sorry fans, my West Ham team only knows counter-attacking football!

~~~

18 January, 2020

London Stadium

The atmosphere at the stadium is electric as the fans rally behind their team, eager to witness a redemption performance. The commentators discuss the significance of this match, highlighting Everton's strong start to the season and the challenge they pose for West Ham.

"——I'm forever blowing bubbles, pretty bubbles in the air. They fly so high, nearly reach the sky..."

The West Ham crowd sang their chant passionately as the players marched onto the pitch. The iconic bubbles that were unique to London Stadium formed around the area. A few fans even took the incentive to pop the bubbles in the air in delight.

"——forever blowing bubbles, pretty bubbles in the air..."

Kai Chiu stood on the touchline of the London Stadium, taking in the vibrant atmosphere that enveloped the stadium. The air crackled with anticipation, and the cheers of the passionate West Ham supporters reverberated through his being. It was a moment he had dreamed of, leading his team in front of their loyal fans.

The familiar tune of "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles" echoed throughout the stadium, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The melody seemed to carry the hopes and dreams of the West Ham faithful, as if they were willing their team to victory.

The sight of the bubbles floating gracefully in the air added a touch of magic to the scene. It felt surreal, as if Kai was living in a moment straight out of his childhood dreams. The bubbles danced with joy, reflecting the optimism and excitement that filled the hearts of the fans.

*PHWEET*

The whistle blows, and the game begins. West Ham demonstrates their resilience and determination, pressing Everton high up the pitch and denying them space to build their attacks. The midfield duo of Mark Noble and Declan Rice work tirelessly to regain possession and launch quick, incisive counter-attacks.

On the wings, Kai opted to use the explosive and direct Jarrod Bowen on the right wing. The left winger position was instead filled by Manuel Lanzini, an attacking midfielder turned winger in Kai's current system. The strikers were none other than the robust combination of Sebastien Haller and Michail Antonio. Both players are tall, physical players that are capable of functioning as the target men in their 4-4-2 formation.

"——And West Ham United, like a pack of hungry wolves, relentlessly charged forward on the counterattack, searching for that elusive goal. They're throwing everything they've got at Everton's defense, weaving direct long-passes, probing for gaps behind Everton's backline. Every West Ham counter is sending the crowd into a frenzy. Will they find the breakthrough they so desperately desire?"

The home side creates several scoring opportunities, testing Everton's defense and goalkeeper. Jarrod Bowen, hungry to make amends for his performance in the previous match, showcases his speed and skill, causing problems for Everton's backline.

However, Everton, under the experienced guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, prove to be a tough nut to crack. Their defensive organization and disciplined approach make it difficult for West Ham to find the breakthrough they seek. The commentators discuss the impressive defensive display by Everton, acknowledging their ability to absorb pressure and limit West Ham's attacking threats.

"Carlo Ancelotti, a true master of the game," Kai mused silently, his gaze fixed on the esteemed manager. "Look at his resume, the trophies he's won, the teams he's transformed. He's one of the greats."

Kai recognized the wealth of experience and wisdom that Ancelotti brought to the pitch. The Italian's managerial journey had taken him to the pinnacle of success, leading some of the world's most prestigious clubs and guiding them to glory. AC Milan, Real Madrid, Juventus, Chelsea, Paris Saint German, etc... Just some of the prestigious clubs he once managed in his past. His calm demeanor and strategic prowess were evident, serving as a constant reminder of the depth of his knowledge.

"What is Ancelotti thinking?" Kai silently pondered, his eyes fixed on the Italian tactician. "What adjustments is he making to counter our attacks? Is he anticipating our moves?"

Ancelotti's calm demeanor and calculated gestures hinted at a manager who possessed a wealth of knowledge and experience. Kai couldn't help but admire his counterpart's tactical acumen, aware that every decision made by Ancelotti could have profound implications for the match.

Analyzing Ancelotti's movements, Kai saw him occasionally exchanging instructions with his assistant coaches, their heads together in deep conversation. It was evident that Ancelotti was carefully orchestrating his team's approach, looking for weaknesses in West Ham's defensive structure and plotting ways to exploit them.

On the pitch, Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin, the dynamic duo leading Everton's attack, proved to be a relentless force that West Ham's defense struggled to contain. As the match unfolded, their combination of skill, speed, and clinical finishing exposed the vulnerabilities in West Ham's backline.

Richarlison, with his electrifying pace and trickery, constantly tested the Hammers' defenders. His darting runs and nimble footwork left them scrambling to keep up. His ability to find space in tight areas and unleash powerful shots put immense pressure on goalkeeper Fabianski.

Calvert-Lewin, on the other hand, showcased his aerial prowess and predatory instincts. His physical presence and impeccable positioning made him a constant threat in the penalty area. Time and again, he rose above West Ham's defenders, winning headers and creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Despite West Ham's best efforts to organize their defense and close down the spaces, Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin proved to be a formidable duo. Their understanding, movement, and ability to exploit gaps in the defense resulted in a relentless onslaught of attacks.

With each incisive run and decisive finish, Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin raised the level of difficulty for West Ham's defenders. The defensive line was left scrambling, trying to find answers to their relentless pressure. The speed and precision of Everton's attacks seemed almost unstoppable at times.

Even more troubling as Lucas Digne, who played as the left wing-back in Everton's 4-3-3. The industrious Digne would always support Richarlison down the wing, putting in dangerous crosses for the strikers in the box.

Richarlison and Digne, the dynamic duo on Everton's left flank, unleashed a series of devastating attacks that targeted West Ham's right side. Their combination play and relentless runs down the wing created a wave of danger that the Hammers struggled to contain.

It started with Richarlison, the Brazilian forward, showcasing his blistering pace and close control as he burst forward with the ball at his feet. He left West Ham's Zabaleta trailing in his wake, utilizing his quick turns and explosive acceleration to penetrate their defensive line.

"——And Richarlison burst past the West Ham right defender in a sudden twist and turn! Look at the speed of his dribble as the attack down the wing!"

As Richarlison drove towards the byline, Lucas Digne, the marauding left-back, overlapped with precision timing. Digne's overlapping runs provided an additional dimension to Everton's attack, stretching West Ham's defense and creating space for Richarlison to exploit.

The combination of Richarlison's speed and Digne's overlapping runs was a lethal weapon. They exchanged quick passes, displaying a telepathic understanding that allowed them to bypass West Ham's defenders and carve open the right side of their defense.

"——Richarlison dribbles into the congested West Ham penalty area... but he passes it out wide to the overlapping Digne."

Time and again, the duo wreaked havoc as Richarlison cut inside, drawing defenders towards him, and then cleverly slipped the ball to Digne, who whipped in dangerous crosses towards Everton's awaiting attackers. The precision and power behind Digne's deliveries put immense pressure on West Ham's defenders and goalkeeper.

"——AND HE WHIPS IT INTO THE BOX!"

The relentless nature of Richarlison and Digne's attacks down the wing overwhelmed West Ham's right-sided players, who found themselves constantly on the backfoot. Their combination play and incisive runs exploited any gaps or lapses in concentration, exposing the vulnerability of the Hammers' defensive structure.

Richarlison's directness and ability to take on defenders one-on-one proved particularly troublesome. His skillful dribbling and agility allowed him to navigate through tight spaces, leaving West Ham's defenders scrambling to keep up. His unpredictability and willingness to take risks made him a constant menace down the wing.

Digne, on the other hand, showcased his versatility as a left-back with his ability to contribute in both attack and defense. His tireless running up and down the flank provided Everton with an extra attacking outlet and ensured defensive solidity when needed.

As Richarlison and Digne continued their relentless onslaught down the wing, West Ham's right side struggled to cope with their speed, skill, and tactical understanding. The duo's attacking prowess became a focal point of the match, as their relentless pressure tilted the balance of play in Everton's favor.

Calvert Lewin isn't shabby himself. With the Everton striker having the height and goal scoring instinct to keep finding an inch of space to operate in. On numerous occasions, he was at the end of Digne's crosses and attempted to head the ball into the back of the net.

It was only due to the experienced defender of Fabian Balbuena that Calvert Lewin had yet to score in the match. Althought Everton never had a direct shot at goal, the amount of crosses into the West Ham penalty area is causing a headache for Kai Chiu.