Chapter 521: Out of Control
At halftime, the score was 2-0. Throughout the first half, Manchester United almost completely dominated the game. United had eight shots on goal, while Manchester City only managed three, clearly reflecting the first-half dynamics.
This left the journalists in the media section stunned. This was Manchester City, a team on a thirteen-game winning streak, being outplayed at Old Trafford without putting up much of a fight. How was this possible?
Since Middle Eastern oil money took over Manchester City, the Blue Moon had generally had the upper hand in their matches against Manchester United. Even if United led in terms of score, City usually dominated in terms of play. Last season's 5-0 victory for United at the Etihad Stadium was an exception, but even then, City had more possession.
Today's match saw possession almost equal, with City holding 52% to United's 48%, a negligible advantage. In terms of threats, United were overwhelmingly dominant.
Many felt like they were watching a false Manchester Derby because the reality was hard to believe.
Lineker commented, "The problem lies with Fernandinho. The Brazilian is the focal point of United's attacks, causing City's defense to be on the back foot, which in turn affects their offense."
"Moreover, Guardiola hasn't adjusted. It's not just about the timing within the first half; it's also about his overconfidence in City's attacking capabilities. He believed City could counter with their strong offense, but clearly, that hasn't happened."
During the halftime break, Mourinho praised his players but also reminded them of a crucial point.
"Football is a ninety-minute game. A 2-0 lead at halftime doesn't guarantee anything. Be prepared for City's counterattack in the second half."
"Our first-half tactics were successful. We'll continue with the same in the second half," Mourinho said, circling Fernandinho's name on the tactics board. Everyone understood the coach's message.
Mourinho paused and then continued, "But Guardiola knows his team's issues, so he will make adjustments. City might change in two ways."
Mourinho raised one finger, "Replace Fernandinho with Yaya Toure."
"Or replace De Bruyne with Yaya Toure or Mkhitaryan."
"Regardless of the change, remember this," Mourinho tapped the board, "If City switches to a double pivot, our focus shifts to marking David Silva."
"David Silva is City's brain. If we neutralize him, half of their attack is crippled," Mourinho emphasized. "Remember, this is crucial."
In the first half, City was caught off guard, and Guardiola would likely adjust. As a top team with seasoned players, City could bounce back after the halftime break.
"If City changes formation, we'll switch to counter-attacking," Mourinho said, drawing arrows on the tactics board. "With a 2-0 lead, we can afford to counter. Even if City pulls one back, stay calm. They're under more pressure than us."
Neutralizing David Silva was the key to stifling City's offense. Despite Mourinho's clear instructions, he underestimated Silva and City when they scored early in the second half.
Before the second half began, City made a substitution, replacing captain Kompany with Mkhitaryan, switching to a 3-4-3 formation. Mkhitaryan and Fernandinho formed a double pivot.
Mourinho glanced at Guardiola, surprised by the quick substitution.
Guardiola's adjustment had an immediate effect. With Mkhitaryan shielding Fernandinho, Silva and De Bruyne were freed.
In the 51st minute, De Bruyne sent a beautiful through ball between Bruno and Rashford. Silva received the ball near the penalty area, deftly maneuvered past Van Dijk, accelerated, and then suddenly stopped, changing direction. As Luke Shaw tried to block, Silva used the created space to curl a shot into the far corner.
The ball curved into the top left corner despite De Gea's efforts to save it.
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOALLLL!!!!"
"David Silva!" the City commentator exclaimed. "1-2, City pulls one back. At the crucial moment, David Silva steps up."
"This is the City we know. Silva has reignited the team, and they're back to their usual selves after halftime."
Mourinho signaled from the sidelines, feeling a mix of frustration and acknowledgment. De Bruyne's pass was excellent, and Silva's finish was superb.
Although Mourinho had warned his players about Silva, he realized he had underestimated the Spaniard's skill. Standard defensive arrangements weren't enough; special measures were needed for Silva.
Mourinho immediately made a substitution, bringing on Herrera for Rashford. Herrera and Gündoğan formed a double pivot, with Bruno shifting to right midfield.
Guardiola glanced at the United bench, smiling: Defensive.
"Defensive," Guardiola said. In his view, Mourinho was now afraid and was bolstering defense. But against City's attack, maintaining a slim lead wouldn't be easy.
Guardiola signaled for continued aggression. "Mikel, the storm is about to begin," he told Arteta.
Arteta nodded, admiring Guardiola's confidence and foresight.
However, two minutes later, Silva sat on the ground, receiving medical attention. The City doctor signaled for a substitution.
"David Silva cannot continue; the medical staff indicates a substitution is needed."
"City's luck is truly poor. Just after pulling one back, Silva is injured and can't continue."
Guardiola looked furious. The slow-motion replay showed Silva landing awkwardly after a header contest with Herrera, seemingly pulling a muscle.
Mourinho was taken aback. Just as he was strategizing against Silva, the player got injured, leaving him at a loss for words.
Guardiola hurriedly called on Bernardo Silva to warm up. Mourinho immediately signaled for an attack. With City temporarily down to ten men, United had an opportunity.
Football's charm lies in its unpredictability. A minor incident can change the game's course. Silva's goal had boosted City's morale, but his injury caused temporary chaos.
At this moment, United accelerated.
Bernardo Silva waited on the sidelines for a stoppage to enter the game. In the 56th minute, under United's high press, Otamendi, pressured by Mbappe, mishit a pass. Bruno intercepted and charged towards the box.
Facing Bruno's advance, Delph, deputizing at left-back, panicked and made a disastrous decision, pushing Bruno from behind just outside the box.
The referee blew his whistle and reached for his pocket.
City players quickly surrounded the referee, fearing a red card. Delph was the last defender, and this foul warranted a red card.
"Ref, he dived!" a City player shouted, accusing Bruno of simulation.
"Yeah, he faked it," Otamendi echoed, trying to deflect blame.
"Are you blind? He clearly pushed him!" a United player retorted.
City and United players argued intensely. The referee, separating them, issued a red card to Delph.
Delph was sent off, leaving City with ten men.
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