Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
After a crazy injury stoppage time in the post-match press conference, both sides were still talking about the two goals in stoppage time. Twain was happy to level the scores at the last minute, so he did not mention that he was hoping to win the game before the game.
“What is there to be not satisfied with this performance? This result is a great demonstration of Nottingham Forest’s style and I am very happy. ”
The draw and last-minute goal of the game were important for Forest as it further boosted the team’s morale and confidence, setting the groundwork for the upcoming Liverpool and the devil’s calendar during Christmas.
Ferguson was a little annoyed, but he still accepted the result, “There is nothing I can do but to accept the results. This is football. I really didn’t think they’d be able to level the scores at the last minute…”
To say Ferguson’s face, when Ibišević shot the ball into the door of Foster’s goalmouth, was ashen was an exaggeration, but saying he was ugly was apt. Ferguson had on the same expression until he shook hands with Twain. He was not in the mood to trash talk with Twain; he quickly shook hands with Twain and left.
The last-minute counter-score and levelling the score in the last minute. These ups-and-downs really challenged one’s heart. The only good news was that this game was just a league game, not a Champions League or a FA Cup knockout match.
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Ibišević, who scored the last-minute equaliser for Nottingham Forest, only played for a short time but was named the best player of the game, receiving a bottle of champagne. He was happy that he was able to score the last goal, but he did not take all of the credit, instead modestly expressing that it was a team effort. Without Captain Wood’s long pass, he would not have had the chance to score.
He also mentioned another hero who helped levelled the scores, “When I was still adjusting to the Premier League, the head talked to me alone. He told me that Nottingham Forest was unwilling to lose and one that would not give up under any circumstances. I’m happy I lived up to this reputation.”
The Manchester United players interviewed were a little upset. “I really didn’t think they’d be able to get force a front-court press at that time. We were a little flustered…” Anton Ferdinand explained the loss of possession for his central defender.
Vidic, who lost the ball, rushed into the dressing room with his head down and did not give an interview to any of the reporters. It was certain that Ferguson would not let him off after returning to the changing room, it was at least a bad scolding.
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Twain was all smiles throughout the press conference, and he did not hide his happiness behind the results. Ferguson, on the other hand, looked so sombre that everyone knew he was upset and unhappy.
At the end of the press conference, Twain headed back to the dressing room to find the players still talking about the two goals from the game’s injury-time break. Obviously they’re excited about it, too. Twain clapped and motioned for the players to be quiet, as he had something to say.
“The last-minute tie was exciting, isn’t it? ”
A group of people laughed. It really was exciting.
“I’m proud of your performance in the last three minutes and that’s what I want to see in Nottingham Forest. But…” His tone changed and his face calmed down, “I still want you guys to know, if we could have scored earlier and taken the situation into our own hands a little earlier, then none of us would need to experience this excitement.”
Twain touched his heart, “I have a problem here, and I do not wish to experience anymore ups-and-downs like this. This match is a lesson for you to never entrust your fate to something that you can’t see. We were able to level the scores because Vidic made a low-level mistake at the last minute. You can’t always expect your opponents to make such a mistake. Your own destiny should be placed in your grip, to be steady.” He clenched his fist, as if he had his fate in his palms.
Having said that, the smile returned to his face, “But the last ball was great! Everyone did great! Now you guys just celebrate!”
Playing both the good cop and the bad cop prevented the players from being too complacent and also would not let them think that the coach would be too strict. With their high morale, Twain was not worried about their next home game against Liverpool.
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When Ferguson invited Twain to drink after the game, his mood seemed to return to normal. On the surface, he did not seem angry. He looked a little helpless, actually.
The media was unanimous in their praise after the game that Ibišević had given Forest an important goal. But Ferguson disagreed.
“They said Wood’s kick was just a clear forward, but I don’t see it that way. He thought he premeditated it to be a long pass.”
Twain laughed slyly, neither denying nor confirming. Wood always had that touch of genius to pull of stunts he technically should not be able to with his skill level.
“Really not considering about coming to Manchester United to coach?” After this game, Ferguson thought Twain was the best manager for Manchester United.
“No, Sir.” Twain shook his head while swirling the liquor in his flass.
Since he had a heart attack, he had basically stopped drinking. However, he had to have a drink with the opponent after the game, out of courtesy. He should be fine if it was just one cup, so Shania and the doctors did not stop it as he also knew his only condition only allowed him to drink one glass. His early days of abstinence had been hell, but he had no reaction to drinking now.
“It’s a shame…” muttered Ferguson.
Twain again turned down Ferguson’s invitation. Ferguson knew that, with Twain’s personality, he would not accept it again. So will the Premier League champions continue to shine when he retired? Although he knew that there must be a trough after a peak, which is the law of nature, but it happening to his own team, he did not know if his emotions could accept it. He wanted someone to continue his glory at Manchester United, but the most talented man had turned him down twice.
Twain read the old man’s mind. He advised, “I think you’re in good health, why not keep coaching?” ”
“You don’t seem to want me to retire, and I think it’s a strange thing. Aren’t we rivals, Tony?” Ferguson looked at Twain.
Twain smiled, “It’s not like I’ll win a lot more championships if you leave, because I’ll still win lots even if you’re here. Ha ha! But without you, I always feel like something is missing.”
Ferguson finished the glass, “Rest assured, there is still Wenger. You wouldn’t be lonely.”
“Professor, I’m not going to have a war of words with him.” Twain shrugged, “It’s more interesting to bicker with you. ”
Ferguson suddenly understood what Twain meant by “missing”. Mourinho’s absence gave him one less target to bicker with, and if he retired, none of the people left would be as thick-skinned as him. No wonder he would feel lonely.
“If not being scolded is going to upset you, I can still scold you plenty even after I retire, Tony.”
Twain laughed when he heard this. What an interesting old man!
He also leaned and finished the wine in his glass, “If your successor has potential, do you mind if I teach him a lesson? ”
“As long as you can.”
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Nottingham Forestwelcomed Liverpool shortly after they were back in Nottingham. Nottingham Forest wasback in fourth place in the league after being overtaken by Liverpool thanks to a draw with Manchester United. Liverpool was back in third place after a 3-2 win over Everton at home, but they also paid a heavy price for the Derbi victory.
Centre-back Agar, for elbowing Everton striker James Vaughan, drew a red card on the spot and was subsequently suspended for three games. Dutchman Ryan Babel left the game with an injury and will miss three weeks’ worth of games. Pennant was also injured, although it was not too serious, but he definitely could not play in the match against Nottingham Forest. Adding Xabi Alonso and Dirk Kuyt who were already injured before the match, there were not many people Benítez can use.
With that in mind, Benítez kept a low profile on the away side, putting on a defensive display and aiming to get a point as a win. The team lost too many players on offense, but defensively they basically retained their original strength. Aguero was shown a red card but was suspended for the next game, so he was still able to play against Nottingham Forest.
So in midfield Benítez had a very thick defensive formation. Lucas, Mascherano’s double back-up configuration with Gerrard in the center, forming a triangle. Gerrard was on the main offense while Mascherano and Lucas lead the defense. It was clear Benítez was wary of Nottingham Forest’s attacks.
Twain could cry at this — after so many years have passed, there were finally opponents who adjusted their defensive arrangements because of their fear of Nottingham Forest’s attacks.
Despite Benítez’s adjustments, his team did not get what they wanted in the stadium. Benítez’s thick defenses lasted only twenty-seven minutes before it fell apart. Lucas and Mascherano’s matching error was seized by Žigić to intercept the ball, and then he used his own body to shield the ball from the two defender’s surround attack, until Cohen ran up to support. He got into position to pass the ball to Cohen, but took advantage of the moment the circle loosening to pass the ball to Shahin who was running the opposite direction.
Sahin picked up the ball and passed it to Lennon, who was inserted from the left, but instead of passing the ball directly to Lennon’s feet, he imaginatively passed the ball in front of him, which could take full advantage of Lennon’s speed.
Lennon picked up his speed and snatched the ball right in front of Liverpool right-back Álvaro Arbeloa, directly breaking through Liverpool’s defensive line. Afterwards, he did not dribble downwards but instead immediately through the penalty area, and shot steadily through Agger’s defenses, and past Reyna’s hands.
Nottingham Forest was ahead,1:0.
The game did not send Eastwood and Van Nistelrooy, who were less confrontational, but instead two strong, tall forwards, Ibišević and Žigić. It’s about playing against Liverpool’s tough midfielders.
He succeeded.
This lost goal put Liverpool in a difficult position. They certainly could not solely defend; they would have to come out and attack. This must have been what Twain wanted.
Both the narrator and Benítez thought Tony Twain would let his team play defensively. But they all forgot Tony Twain was a coach who liked confrontation.
This time, Nottingham Forest was playing against Liverpool who is going all out at home. The game was quite exciting and intense. Both sides had plenty of chances and the goalkeepers from both teams were the busiest and most brilliant players for some time.
Ibišević grabbed an opportunity from Reina’s loose save before the end of the first half and fired the reflected ball into the net, this was his 11th league goal of the season and his 14th overall goal. Nottingham Forest headed into the half-time break with a 2:0 lead.
The team’s extraordinary optimism at half-time forced Twain to become the villain again, warning them not to take it lightly.
“Who do you think your opponent is? It’s not a cat or a dog, it’s Liverpool! They have a captain like us who doesn’t lose — Gerrard! Even if we lead by three goals, we might still lose in the second half if we’re too complacent.”
He was not wrong. Ten minutes into the second half, Liverpool relied on a free-kick to score a goal from a powerful long shot by their captain, Steven Gerrard. The ball boosted Liverpool’s morale because it was really beautiful. The force was heavy, the angle was drilled. Akinfeev was stunned and at a loss. If Liverpool was allowed to play like this, it was only a matter of time before the scoreline levelled. Twain had to make adjustments and replace Sahin with Thiago to strengthen the midcourt.
Thiago went up and used his aggressive pace to allow for fair competition between the midfielders of both teams. It also took back a little flair and destroyed the fighting spirit of Liverpool players. Their attacking momentum finally waned after another ten minutes where Liverpool could not score. Would Nottingham Forest miss such an opportunity?
They launched a counterattack.
Cohen and Barnes hit a one-two on the left, and Žigić again displayed his aerial dominance and pressurized Aguero and Martin Skrtel, heading the ball into the net. The score gap grew to 3:1.
Just two minutes later, Ibišević made a comeback, firing a long shot from outside the penalty area which pierced Reina’s reach. 4:1!
The game had basically lost its suspense, but Gerrard was still looking for a chance to score. In the 86th minute, he finally scored his second goal for the team. But the score of 2:4 was only four minutes from the end of the game and nothing else could change.
Nottingham Forest was not Manchester United and they would not let Liverpool be themselves in the last league match. In the final moments, the Nottingham Forest team all came back to defend and resist Liverpool’s fierce attacks. Keeping the score of 4:2 till the end and successfully getting the three points!
Now, Twain and his lads could have a good Christmas.
