Analysis: Paulinho display helps dispel Guangzhou doubts

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Analysis: Paulinho display helps dispel Guangzhou doubts

Hong Kong: Since their last meeting with Hong Kong champions Eastern, Guangzhou Evergrande have struggled to impress in the 2017 AFC Champions League with three straight draws leaving Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side at risk of missing out on the knockout phase of the competition for the second year in a row.

But with Paulinho and Alan both claiming braces and further goals for Ricardo Goulart and Yu Hanchao, the two-time champions put themselves back on top of Group G with a 6-0 thrashing of an Eastern side finding out the hard way just how big the gap is between themselves and the continent’s finest.

All-action Paulinho delivers again

Paulinho pushed any early Guangzhou nerves aside with his fine eighth minute header when his late run into the box to meet Zhang Linpeng’s cross from the right set the Chinese Super League side up for what turned out to be a comfortable win.

It was the first visible sign of what was another impressive performance by the Brazil international, who has done much this season – both for club and country – to establish himself as one of the best players currently plying their trade on the continent.

With 102 touches, 89 total passes, a passing accuracy of 96.6 percent and two goals – the second coming eight minutes from time – this was a performance that saw Paulinho in dominant mood.

Midfield duo take control

Paulinho’s performance once again marked him out as one of the men who makes a difference for Guangzhou, but it is his partnership in the central positions that really makes the Evergrande team tick.

While the former Tottenham Hotspur man does most of the running – and chips in with vital goals – it is Zheng Zhi who conducts the Guangzhou orchestra from a slightly deeper position, surveying the game in front of him while giving his back four vital protection.

Four tackles and a passing success rate of almost 85 percent saw Zheng provide the calm assurance at the base of the midfield that allowed Guangzhou to stifle an exubert if limited Eastern.

Zhang's delivery makes the difference

Twice Zhang Linpeng delivered the killer pass that opened up the Eastern defence for a team mate to score, underlining once again his value to his side in the attacking third despite featuring on the right side of defence.

With more than 100 touches of the ball and a pass completion rate above 85 percent, the 27-year-old had the left side of the Eastern team permanently on the back foot as he put his crossing ability and athleticism to typical good use.

\n\n

But with Paulinho and Alan both claiming braces and further goals for Ricardo Goulart and Yu Hanchao, the two-time champions put themselves back on top of Group G with a 6-0 thrashing of an Eastern side finding out the hard way just how big the gap is between themselves and the continent\u2019s finest.

\n

All-action Paulinho delivers again

\n\n

Paulinho pushed any early Guangzhou nerves aside with his fine eighth minute header when his late run into the box to meet Zhang Linpeng\u2019s cross from the right set the Chinese Super League side up for what turned out to be a comfortable win.

\n

It was the first visible sign of what was another impressive performance by the Brazil international, who has done much this season \u2013 both for club and country \u2013 to establish himself as one of the best players currently plying their trade on the continent.

\n

With 102 touches, 89 total passes, a passing accuracy of 96.6 percent and two goals \u2013 the second coming eight minutes from time \u2013 this was a performance that saw Paulinho in dominant mood.

\n

Midfield duo take control

\n\n

Paulinho\u2019s performance once again marked him out as one of the men who makes a difference for Guangzhou, but it is his partnership in the central positions that really makes the Evergrande team tick.

\n

While the former Tottenham Hotspur man does most of the running \u2013 and chips in with vital goals \u2013 it is Zheng Zhi who conducts the Guangzhou orchestra from a slightly deeper position, surveying the game in front of him while giving his back four vital protection.

\n

Four tackles and a passing success rate of almost 85 percent saw Zheng provide the calm assurance at the base of the midfield that allowed Guangzhou to stifle an exubert if limited Eastern.

\n

Zhang's delivery makes the difference

\n\n

Twice Zhang Linpeng delivered the killer pass that opened up the Eastern defence for a team mate to score, underlining once again his value to his side in the attacking third despite featuring on the right side of defence.

\n

With more than 100 touches of the ball and a pass completion rate above 85 percent, the 27-year-old had the left side of the Eastern team permanently on the back foot as he put his crossing ability and athleticism to typical good use.

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