Chapter 570: One Step Away
Two days after receiving Manchester United's contract renewal offer, Bruno and the team faced Arsenal in their 36th Premier League match of the season at Old Trafford.
United's match was scheduled for late in the weekend, taking place on Sunday at 4:30 PM. Before United's match, Manchester City had already played. After suffering a heavy defeat in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, City vented their frustration on West Ham, winning 4-1 at London's Olympic Stadium.
So, before Manchester United's match started, City, having played one more game, were only six points behind United.
Here was the current Premier League standings:
Manchester United, 34 matches, 31 wins, 3 draws, 96 points, 93 goal difference.Manchester City, 35 matches, 29 wins, 3 draws, 3 losses, 90 points, 71 goal difference.
If United won their match against Arsenal, they would secure the league title early. With three matches left, a nine-point lead and a significant goal difference meant City would only have a theoretical chance of winning the league. City would need to win all their remaining matches by large margins while hoping United lost all theirs by large margins to tie on points and potentially win on goal difference, similar to the 2011-2012 season.
Given the upcoming Champions League semi-final second leg against City, Mourinho decisively rotated the squad against Arsenal. Despite a 3-0 first-leg win, no one at United was complacent. This season had seen numerous comebacks in the Champions League, notably Roma's 3-0 home victory over Barcelona after a 4-1 away loss.
Additionally, with less than 72 hours between the matches, rest time was minimal. Considering United's comfortable league position, Mourinho rested key players like Harry Kane, Mbappe, Rashford, Gundogan, Kante, Luke Shaw, Cancelo, and De Gea. Players like Ibrahimovic, Mahrez, Valencia, Ashley Young, Herrera, Mata, Lingard, McTominay, and Romero started instead.
Despite Arsenal's reputation as a strong team, the gap between them and United was clear. Even with significant rotation, United, led by Bruno, were not seriously threatened by Arsenal.
United took an early lead in the 16th minute. Bruno's pass to Mahrez led to a cross from the right side of the penalty area. Lingard's header was blocked by Bellerin and hit the left post, rebounding for an unmarked Bruno to volley into the net.
This was the only goal in the first half, giving United a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Early in the second half, United scored again from a corner. Mahrez's delivery was met by Maguire's header, which was initially saved by Arsenal's keeper Ospina, but Lingard was quick to react and score from the rebound, making it 2:0.
Arsenal pulled one back in the 51st minute when Xhaka's pass found Sanchez, who struck from outside the box into the bottom left corner, making it 2:1.
Arsenal then pressed for an equalizer, posing a threat to United.
However, United sealed the win in stoppage time. Ashley Young's cross from the left found substitute Fellaini, who headed in from close range, making it 3:1.
With goals from Bruno, Lingard, and Fellaini, United won comfortably, taking their points tally to 99, just one step away from breaking 100 points and securing their 15th league title.
After 35 matches:
Manchester United: 32 wins, 3 draws, 99 points, 93 goal difference.Manchester City: 29 wins, 3 draws, 3 losses, 90 points, 71 goal difference.
After the Arsenal match, United focused on the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against City.
Before the match, Guardiola told the media, "I am satisfied with our attacking capabilities, but against United, we must be cautious. To score and break down United's defense, we must first get past Kante."
The media agreed with Guardiola. Kante's excellent form made him a crucial part of United's recent success, providing a strong defensive shield. They also shared Guardiola's confidence in City's attacking power, having scored over 100 goals this season, making them one of the best teams in the world.
Despite City's slim league title hopes, their impressive performance with 90 points in 35 matches still marked them as an elite team. With home advantage in the second leg, the media widely expected City to seek revenge at the Etihad. The precedent of Roma overturning a three-goal deficit against Barcelona added to this belief.
Mourinho, however, focused on the opportunity to win again at the Etihad. While acknowledging City's strong attack, Mourinho was confident in United's superior scoring ability. United had 115 goals in 35 matches, compared to City's 102.
Most importantly, United had conceded only 20 goals in the league, the fewest, compared to City's 31. Despite City's excellent goalkeeper Ederson, their defense was their weak point, especially their fullbacks who liked to attack, leaving gaps.
Mourinho's strategy for the match was clear. "We need to attack," he stated. "We can't just defend against City; we need to attack and outscore them."
City's media interpreted Mourinho's words as a sign of fear of their attacking prowess, confidently predicting victory. United's media countered by emphasizing Mourinho's point about City's defensive vulnerabilities.
The match at the Etihad Stadium started at 7:45 PM on May 2nd.
Half an hour before kickoff, the stadium was already nearly full.
"Ji Hai, who do you favor? Haha, I know your answer," commentator Zhan Jun joked with guest commentator Sun Jihai.
"This match puts the pressure on City. They can't afford a fifth loss to the same team in one season or another trophyless season," said former City player Sun Jihai. "But beating United isn't easy. Mourinho has built a well-rounded and tactically astute team."
As the commentators chatted, time passed, and soon the players were on the pitch. As the PA announced the City lineup, cheers erupted around the Etihad.
"Let's look at the starting lineups."
The TV broadcast showed the starting XI for both teams:
Manchester City (3-4-3):
Goalkeeper: EdersonDefenders: Kyle Walker, Otamendi, LaporteMidfielders: Fernandinho, De Bruyne, David Silva, Bernardo SilvaForwards: Sane, Jesus, Sterling
"City's lineup…" Zhan Jun paused, searching for the right words.
"They want to swallow United whole," Sun Jihai said. "This is a very aggressive and risky setup."
"Guardiola is being arrogant," Mourinho told Faria, waving a piece of paper. "Three forwards — no, with Bernardo Silva, it's practically four. And only Fernandinho in defensive midfield? Hah."
Shaking his head, Mourinho continued, "Is he overconfident, or does he underestimate us?"
"You look very pleased," Faria noted.
"The starting lineup is the first step in a tactical battle. Luckily, I'm prepared," Mourinho said smugly, eager to see Guardiola's reaction to United's starting lineup.
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