Chapter 579 A Gift to Ferguson
Amid the roar of support, Wenger remained seated in the home team's coaching booth at the Emirates Stadium.
The game has been going on for nearly seventy minutes, and the score is still zero to one!
In the injury time near the end of the first half, Manchester United got a penalty kick opportunity. Van Persie, who returned to the Emirates Stadium for the first time after transferring to Manchester United, calmly took the penalty kick amid the boos of the audience, scoring the first goal for Manchester United.
Since then, neither team has had any better scoring opportunities and the game has remained deadlocked until now.
If we look at the situation alone, Arsenal undoubtedly has the advantage.
But the problem is that Manchester United played very pragmatically in this game, focusing on defense and did not give Arsenal any chances easily.
As the game time passed by, Wenger became somewhat impatient.
Of course, compared with Ferguson, who would rush to the sidelines from time to time and yell at the players and referees, Wenger seemed too calm and composed.
"Boss, should we change people?"
Assistant coach Bould, who was sitting nearby, came over and asked.
Since Les Partey retired, former Arsenal star Steve Bould has become Wenger's assistant coach.
But Wenger was never as open with him as he was with Les Partey.
"What do you think?" Wenger glanced at him, turned back to look at the field, and asked instead of answering.
When Steve Bould heard this, he immediately became excited.
"Manchester United has a lot of problems in the midfield. The central midfield combination of Carrick and Phil Jones has obvious problems, especially Phil Jones, who is very active and has a large range of activities, but often loses his position, making Manchester United's defensive midfielder position often fall into the dilemma of Carrick alone!"
"So, I think we should take advantage of it. I suggest replacing Wilshere and letting Cazorla, Rosicky and Ramsey enter Manchester United's 30-meter area to increase the number of balls and passes in Manchester United's dangerous areas and create more threats!"
Wenger turned his head and glanced at his assistant indifferently, without any comment or expression.
This made Steve Bould very depressed. What was going on?
Please tell me, can you stop looking at me like that?
But he knew in his heart that he could not become Wenger's confidant like Les Partey.
After all, he is just a thorn in Wenger's side by the team's board of directors!
From the day he joined Wenger's coaching staff, he was destined not to please the French professor.
Just think about it, who would like a guy who is always staring at them?
"Go, tell Chamberlain, Wilshere and Gervinho to be ready to play at any time!"
Steve Bould was stunned. Change three at once?
Isn't this risk too great?
But he didn't dare to ask or say more. He immediately stood up and went to the bench.
No matter what he said at this time, it would only bring down Wenger's anger.
It’s not that easy to play Infernal Affairs!
Wenger glanced at Bould's back, shook his head and smiled bitterly.
Although this assistant coach of his was a professional player, his thinking and views on things are too simple.
As one of Arsenal's former five defenders, Bould had a brilliant career.
But like all English players, his tactical skills are too rough.
Even now, he has transformed into a coach, but it is still the same!
This should be considered the biggest weakness and shortcoming of England and even British coaches!
Just like Ferguson.
After so many years of coaching, the tactics remain the same, but with the rich experience, I am better and more calm in adapting to changing circumstances.
This is also the reason why Wenger refused to accept Bould's proposal.
Ferguson wanted to extend his final pass into Manchester United's 30-meter area. Didn't he expect it or see it?
I have been fighting with Ferguson for so many years, I know this bastard too well!
As soon as you change, he will change immediately!
By then, wouldn't replacing people be a waste of time?
Thinking of this, Wenger turned his head again and glanced at Ferguson, who was chewing gum with a red face in front of the visiting team's coaching booth. For some reason, Wenger suddenly wanted to laugh.
You old guy, don't you want a glorious retirement ceremony?
Well, although we Arsenal can’t cause you any trouble now, isn’t there still a team called Southampton that is persevering behind you?
This time I will make you so angry that you vomit blood!
It would be best if you could experience what it feels like to regretfully throw away the championship trophy that you have been holding warm in your hands at the last critical moment, and see what that feels like!
Thinking of this, Wenger's whole mental state became much clearer and he stood up from his seat.
Three minutes later, the players came back from warming up and Wenger pulled them to his side one by one, personally gave them instructions, and finally they went on the field.
Wilshere replaced Rosicky, who was out of energy, and Gervinho replaced German striker Bordowski.
As for Chamberlain, he replaced frontcourt player Ramsey!
Three places were changed in one go, and Wenger rarely showed his courage to give it a try!
Ferguson stood on the sidelines and watched Arsenal replace three players in a row, and couldn't help being a little surprised.
"When did Wenger become so bold? He actually made such a substitution?"
More importantly, these three people are all people with strong personal abilities.
Needless to say, Wilshere is Wenger's favorite prince.
Chamberlain and Gervinho are both players with strong individual ball handling abilities.
Once these three players are on the field at the same time, Arsenal's frontcourt ball possession and individual breakthroughs will definitely be more threatening!
The old Scottish coach glanced at Wenger with a sneer, but found that the Frenchman was also looking at him.
As soon as their eyes made contact, sparks seemed to fly!
Damn it, I have to give it a try!
You are quite smart in your calculations!
"The points gap between Arsenal and Chelsea is very small now. Chelsea won this round, so Arsenal is naturally under a lot of pressure. It is natural for them to want to win." Mike Phelan said with a smile.
Chelsea's game was played the day before and Arsenal are definitely under pressure now.
It’s like, Southampton won yesterday, and Manchester United is under a lot of pressure today.
After hearing this, Ferguson sneered again, "How does he want to fight?"
Mike Phelan couldn't guess it either, but he asked, "Should we adjust as well?"
"Adjustment? Replace whom?" Ferguson asked.
Mike Phelan turned around and glanced at the bench. Damn, yeah, who should be substituted?
In the current situation, replacing defensive players is definitely not an option, but if we want to replace the midfielders, who can we choose?
Anderson? Giggs? Cleverley? Hernandez? Shinji Kagawa?
It seems that no matter who goes up, it would be unsuitable!
"Go, tell Cleverley to warm up and get ready to play!" Ferguson still made the decision.
Mike Phelan was also very curious. Replacing Cleverley would definitely strengthen the midfield, but who would be replaced?
The answer is, right back Rafael!
Ferguson moved Phil Jones to the right, with Cleverley and Carrick forming a double midfield.
However, Arsenal took advantage of Manchester United's substitution and launched a quick attack.
Especially Arsenal's entire midfield and frontcourt, Gervinho, Cazorla, Chamberlain, Wilshere and others, are all players with strong personal abilities, plus the incredibly fast Walcott in front, it's a headache just to think about it.
Once the ball reaches Manchester United's 30-meter area, these guys' ability to get the ball is terrifying.
"Tell them to slow down and not make such big moves, especially Phil Jones, don't foul easily!"
Ferguson was a little impatient on the sidelines.
Phil Jones is known as the Flying General. To put it nicely, he is arrogant. To put it bluntly, he is reckless!
If it was near the penalty area and gave Arsenal a chance for a set piece, wouldn't that be very dangerous?
Not to mention, before Ferguson's instructions were passed to the field, the referee Philip Dodd, who had previously awarded Arsenal a penalty, blew the whistle. Phil Jones made too big a move when defending and was awarded a card.
Arsenal won a set-piece opportunity on the left side of the penalty area!
Damn it!
Ferguson was so angry that he was about to vomit blood on the sidelines, and kept shouting at the players to be careful.
Goalkeeper De Gea also felt like he was facing a formidable enemy. From that position, he could just shoot directly!
Cazorla was standing near the penalty spot and it was obvious that he would take the penalty.
With players like Mertesacker and Koscielny coming up, there was a sudden panic in Manchester United's penalty area.
Everyone was on edge, looking at the stadium.
The referee blew the whistle and Cazorla quickly took a free kick, which landed right in the middle.
But Ferdinand positioned himself very accurately, got the first chance and headed the ball away.
The ball went out of the penalty area, but not too far.
Walcott rushed out quickly, received the ball before anyone else, took a look at the penalty area, and kicked a curve ball into the penalty area again.
Mertesacker in the penalty area seemed to have a telepathic connection and had blocked his position in advance. With his tall and strong body, he firmly suppressed Evans, faced the incoming ball, and headed for the goal!
The ball hit Ferdinand's body and changed direction slightly when flying towards the goal, but De Gea reacted quickly and blocked the ball with one hand, barely averting a goal crisis.
But the ball did not fly too far and landed near the penalty spot.
The young player Chamberlain, who had not appeared all of a sudden, rushed up and directly shot the falling ball.
The ball went in a straight line and hit the goal guarded by De Gea, making it one to one!
The Gunners fans in the back of the stands at the Emirates Stadium jumped up from their seats and shouted Chamberlain's name.
The sturdy Chamberlain grinned and laughed, celebrating excitedly with his teammates.
Manchester United goalkeeper De Gea angrily kicked the ball towards the midfield, muttering something in his mouth as if he was cursing!
Ferguson was furious on the sidelines.
It's been over 70 minutes, and we lost the ball and the game was equalized?
How can we play a game like this?
Looking at the frustrated looks of Manchester United players on the field, Ferguson really felt that he had the will but not the ability!
I turned around and glanced at the bench, and there was really no one there!
Hernandez is a very efficient scorer, but in this situation, who is he going to take down when he goes up?
Shinji Kagawa's coordination with his teammates is problematic, so it's not appropriate for him to go up now.
Then who else?
"Tell Giggs and Hernandez to warm up immediately, now, quickly!" Ferguson was a little impatient.
Damn, if Arsenal equalized at the last minute, Manchester United’s good situation would be over!
Southampton beat West Bromwich Albion in this round. If Manchester United draws with Arsenal, it means that the points gap between the two teams will be shortened to three points!
With three rounds left in the league and Manchester United still having to face Chelsea, their three-point lead is almost in jeopardy.
Because Benítez's team is not easy to play against, even at Old Trafford!
Thinking of this, Ferguson became angry.
Do you really think you're the only one who'll give it a try?
Manchester United has been leading the Premier League standings since the start of this season.
It can be said that Manchester United has been at the top of the table for a season. If Southampton only makes a comeback and win the championship at the last crucial moment, wouldn’t Manchester United’s efforts for a season be in vain?
Where would Ferguson put his reputation?
Even if I retire, I will not be willing to do so!
And if I stay another year...
Ferguson really couldn't imagine it, because he had regretted it several times!
Therefore, this time, I have to retreat, and I have to win the championship!
"I've always been the only one who defeated others to win the championship. No one else can defeat me to win the championship!"
Ferguson couldn't help but grit his teeth when he thought of this.
"If you really want to do this, I will fight you!"
Two minutes later, Manchester United made a substitution.
Ferguson replaced Nani, who had a poor performance in this game, with Giggs, and replaced Evans, who also performed poorly, with Hernandez.
As a result, Manchester United's tactics changed.
Carrick retreated to the central defender position, Giggs and Cleverley partnered in midfield, Rooney retreated, and Hernandez and Van Persie partnered in the front line.
Although it was a hasty change of formation, in fact, Carrick had played as a central defender in the past, and the effect was a bit similar to Bielsa arranging Javi Martinez as a central defender and Guardiola moving Mascherano to the central defender position.
After all, it’s all about strengthening the team’s ability to get and pass the ball in the backcourt!
Wenger, who was standing by, was also a little surprised when he saw Manchester United's formation change.
"Fuck, this old guy is crazy!"
Having said that, Wenger looked a little excited.
It was as if he was hoping Ferguson would get angry!
"Oh, I haven't seen him so ruthless in a long time. This is a bit like Sir Alex Ferguson!"
Wenger looked at Ferguson roaring and yelling on the sidelines and laughed.
"But, I'm sorry, Sir Ferguson, I must do my best to stop you!"
In Wenger's creed, he has been fighting with Ferguson all his life.
Now that Ferguson is retiring, he will definitely give a gift.
Is there a better farewell gift than for Ferguson to lose the league title?