Chapter 547: The League Cup Final
Arsenal earned a free-kick in a dangerous area. Sanchez, eager to take it quickly, found Ibrahimovic standing in his way. He gestured for Ibrahimovic to move, but the Swede ignored him. Frustrated, Sanchez appealed to the referee, who then ordered Ibrahimovic to step aside. Ibrahimovic reluctantly complied, slowly retreating to form a two-man wall with Cancelo.
"The Swede is quite fired up today; he even tracked back to defend, which is rare," commented Andy Gray.
Arsenal's free-kick was now taken by Özil instead of Sanchez. Özil delivered a cross into the box, aiming for Aubameyang, but Maguire leaped higher and cleared the ball.
"Maguire! What a great header!" the commentator exclaimed.
The danger was not over for United. Xhaka controlled the clearance and, seeing Ashley Young rushing towards him, quickly passed to Ramsey. Ramsey dribbled sideways, feigning a shot before slipping the ball to Sanchez, who had moved up. Sanchez crossed it into the box, causing chaos as Özil flicked it, leading to a scramble. Aubameyang, seizing the moment, turned and shot.
"Shot!"
The ball struck Maguire and was cleared. Mourinho was relieved but clearly rattled by Aubameyang's attempt. United quickly transitioned into a counter-attack, but their efforts were thwarted as Mustafi intercepted the ball past midfield. Chambers and Monreal quickly retreated, nullifying United's break.
Seeing how Mustafi played a versatile role, effectively acting as both center-back and defensive midfielder, Mourinho had to acknowledge Wenger's tactical acumen.
The match had been underway for over twenty minutes. United appeared more defensive, only managing two unsuccessful counter-attacks aimed at Ibrahimovic.
"Twenty-five minutes in, Arsenal dominate the game. They've had six shots, three of which were very dangerous. If not for Romero's saves and Maguire's goal-line clearance, Arsenal would be ahead. Given the current momentum, it's only a matter of time before Arsenal score," said Henry, speaking rapidly with excitement.
"Doesn't this scenario seem familiar to you?" Lineker asked, interrupting Henry.
"It reminds me of the United vs. Liverpool game, where Liverpool dominated but United won," added Rio Ferdinand.
"This is different. Wenger won't make Klopp's mistakes," Henry countered, shaking his head.
At that moment, United thwarted an Arsenal attack, and Romero's quick throw launched a counter-attack. As Arsenal's defense shifted left, Bruno sent a diagonal pass to the right side.
"Watch out, United's counter-attack is on!" Ferdinand shouted.
Wenger's expression turned serious, knowing United's counter-attacking prowess. Despite his awareness, countering it was another challenge entirely.
Rashford, after drawing Chambers, passed to Kane, who shielded the ball from Mustafi's tackle and turned swiftly to shoot from outside the box.
Mustafi, expecting Kane to dribble or pass to Ibrahimovic, was caught off guard by the immediate shot. The ball flew past the unprepared Ospina into the net.
For a moment, time seemed to stand still. After dominating for so long, Arsenal found themselves trailing.
The silence was shattered by the roar of United fans.
"Harry Kane! What a strike from outside the box!" Ferdinand cheered, though his voice was soon drowned out by the celebrations.
Kane, roaring like an enraged lion, ran with arms wide. United players swarmed him, celebrating the opening goal.
Mourinho, on the sidelines, pumped his fist. With a lead, United could play to their strength in counter-attacks.
As United celebrated, Arsenal players were left in disbelief, their early dominance undone.
Kane's goal shifted the game's dynamics. With a one-goal lead, United focused more on defense, inviting Arsenal to attack.
Arsenal's pressure led to several dangerous moments. Ramsey's pass found Özil, whose shot was narrowly wide, causing Mourinho to shout urgent instructions to his players to stay tight.
Sanchez, in one notable play, faced off against Young but couldn't find a way past. Wenger's frustration was palpable as he shouted for a pass instead of a dribble.
Mourinho, though unhappy with the close call, noted the skill in Özil's playmaking and instructed Kante to mark him more closely.
Despite the close calls, United held firm. Mourinho's tactical adjustments were evident as his team soaked up pressure and aimed for swift counters.
At one point, Sanchez, trying to beat Young, was dispossessed, leading to a United counter-attack that Arsenal scrambled to stop.
Sanchez's persistent attempts to dribble past Young rather than passing seemed personal, each duel intensifying the match's atmosphere.
As the first half progressed, the match's intensity showed no signs of waning, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion.
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