After spending a pleasant Chinese New Year's Eve with Nicole, Zhang Xu returned to his intense preparation for upcoming matches.
January 28th was originally scheduled for the 28th round of the league. However, as Sheffield United had successfully advanced to the fourth round in the previous FA Cup match, the league game on this day was replaced with an FA Cup match against the Championship team Birmingham.
Undoubtedly, Birmingham was a formidable opponent, a team studded with stars, mostly former players of top clubs, but their abilities were unquestionable. Players like Upson, Melchiot, Pennant, Butt, Heskey, Dunn, and others had joined this team.
Despite a decline in strength after Hong Kong tycoon Yang Jiacheng's investment, Birmingham still boasted players like US national team's main defender Jonathan and Serbian tall striker Jikić.
Hence, for this FA Cup match, even though it was a home game, Sheffield United wasn't viewed favorably. Moreover, coach Wilson decided to prioritize the Championship and let go of the FA Cup.
Regardless of Wilson's decision, Zhang Xu remained diligently training, always preparing for the next game.
On the day before the match against Birmingham, Wilson announced the starting lineup, and Zhang Xu's name was prominently included.
Later, Wilson specifically explained his reason to Zhang Xu: "Zhang, tomorrow's match against Birmingham, you'll start. It's an opportunity for you to officially debut in front of the fans! How about it?"
"Thank you, boss, I will cherish this opportunity!" Zhang Xu thought Wilson expected him to perform well and assured there would be no problem.
"Uh, Zhang, don't worry too much about the result. I think even if we lose, it's not a big deal. We need to focus on the league!" Seeing Zhang Xu's eager expression, Wilson awkwardly explained.
Zhang Xu was a bit confused. Isn't the purpose of a match to pursue victory? How could losing not matter?
Birmingham? Even if they are a Championship team, I must fight to the end! Zhang Xu silently vowed.
On January 28th, despite the cold weather, the fans' passion was undiminished. By 1:30 pm, Bramall Lane Stadium was packed with red-clad Blades fans, turning the venue into a sea of red.
Before the match, Wilson casually outlined tactics, emphasizing two points: experiencing and understanding Birmingham's strength and the gap between Sheffield United and top teams, and focusing on protection and safety, to avoid injuries and harmful actions from opponents.
It was clear from Wilson's intent that the match was meant for training the team.
Zhang Xu, not one to admit defeat, decided to discuss privately with Wilson.
After the team left the dressing room, Zhang Xu approached Wilson, whispering, "Boss, I want to give it a try!"
"Try what?" Wilson was puzzled.
"I want to see the gap between myself and Birmingham's players. I want to fight hard; I won't be content otherwise. Is that okay?"
Wilson fell silent, seriously looking at Zhang Xu's determined eyes, and sighed, "Okay, but you have to promise me one thing."
"Great, tell me, boss, I'll do it!" Zhang Xu eagerly agreed.
"You must promise not to get injured, no matter what."
"No problem!" Zhang Xu confidently patted his chest, "Boss, I'm not bragging, but with my physique, the person who can injure me hasn't been born yet!"
"You cheeky kid, go on! The match is about to start!" Wilson playfully kicked Zhang Xu.
At 1:50 pm, led by Wilson, Zhang Xu walked onto the pitch alone for his first meeting with the fans at home.
The reporter Robin cooperatively introduced Zhang Xu and then handed him the microphone.
Zhang Xu took the microphone, saying loudly, "Blades fans, I'm Zhang Xu from China. You can call me Zhang Xu or just Zhang!"
"I'm honored to join Sheffield United this cold winter! Although it's cold, my heart is burning with passion, as I'm amidst a sea of red!"
"To be honest, I'm excited because my first meeting with you is against a strong opponent - Birmingham! They are indeed powerful, but so what? I won't submit just because they are strong, as I've become part of the Blades! I can proudly say: I'm a Blade, and I—fear nothing!"
Zhang Xu's final words instantly won over all Blades fans, and Bramall Lane erupted with chants: "I'm a Blade, I—fear nothing!"
Amidst the fans' chants, Zhang Xu took the footballs handed to him one by one and kicked them into the stands around the stadium, concluding the meeting ceremony.
At 2:00 pm, with the referee's whistle, the match officially began!
From the start, Birmingham leveraged their strong attacking force, launching a fierce offensive against Sheffield United.
In the 7th minute, Charlton's number 7 Chris took the ball, passed by Michael's attempt to defend after coordinating with number 12 Joton, and advanced past the midfield towards Zhang Xu's area.
Williams was the first to confront, trying to control the opponent's momentum, but Chris, unfazed, executed another one-two with Joton, shaking off Williams.
Zhang Xu, sensing trouble, immediately stepped up. Instead of directly confronting like Williams, he maintained a distance, subtly blocking the passing lane.
Chris tried several maneuvers but couldn't shake off Zhang Xu and had to pass the ball back to Kies. Kies, receiving the ball, made a long pass to the "lighthouse" Jikić.
The towering Jikić, over two meters tall, effortlessly controlled the ball with his chest, then calmly brought it down. Matthew, defending him, stayed close to prevent a turn and breakthrough.
Jikić didn't intend to turn; known for his shooting and precise passing, he flicked the ball past Francois to the center of the penalty area.
Marlon from Birmingham raced forward, meeting the ball with a powerful shot!
The shot was fast and tricky, and Simonson couldn't react in time, only instinctively stretching his arms towards the ball.
"Bang!" the ball slammed against the crossbar and bounced out of play, leaving Simonson and the Blades fans in shock.
Zhang Xu, frustrated with his team's performance, knew Francois could have done better. But he couldn't blame his teammates and instead tried to stop the opponents' powerful offense with his active movement and tackling, hoping to inspire his teammates.
As the match resumed, Zhang Xu expanded his defensive range across his half, intercepting any opponent entering their territory.
Under Zhang Xu's relentless tackling, Birmingham felt pressured.
If Zhang Xu only had physical strength, they wouldn't worry, but unfortunately, he also possessed impressive tactical skills. Despite some shortcomings, he already caused significant trouble for them.
The match turned into a fierce battle in Sheffield United's half, with Zhang Xu clearing the ball in critical moments.
Impressed by Zhang Xu's dedication, Blades fans chanted: "Go on! Zhang Xu! Go on! Zhang Xu!"
Such coordinated chanting for a new player was unprecedented in Sheffield United's history, indicating Zhang Xu had earned the fans' full acceptance.
Hearing his name chanted, Zhang Xu's blood boiled with passion. He ran more actively, tackled fiercely and accurately, and moved as fast as lightning.
However, football is a team sport. Despite Zhang Xu's efforts, a single player couldn't compete against Birmingham's collective strength.
In the 32nd minute, Birmingham's number 12 Joton, after crossing midfield, drew Zhang Xu to the left, then suddenly passed the ball to the right.
Chris easily received the ball and made a diagonal pass towards the penalty area before Zhang Xu could return.
There, the two-meter-tall "lighthouse" Jikić was ready. He met the incoming ball with a header.
Though Zhang Xu hurried back, Jikić had already headed the ball, which bounced off the ground and into the net.
Goal!
Sheffield United fell behind 0:1 to Birmingham!