Chapter 657: Wenger: "How Come I Didn't Know?"
As the second half began, Marco Silva glanced suspiciously at the opposing dugout.
Mourinho hadn't made any substitutions, but Manchester United's formation had shifted. Right-back João Cancelo had moved up into a right-winger position, while Marcus Rashford dropped deeper into a left-midfield role. United had transitioned from a 4-3-3 to a 3-5-2.
"A three-center-back system?" Marco Silva furrowed his brow in thought.
Though United had one fewer player in defense, the inclusion of Cancelo in midfield—bolstering their ability to intercept and press—actually enhanced their defensive stability.
Commentator He Wei explained, "Clearly, Mourinho has identified the gaps in United's midfield from the first half. With only Kanté defending, the midfield lacked sufficient coverage. By pushing Cancelo forward, Mourinho is addressing this weakness."
As He Wei spoke, United launched an attack down the left flank—Everton's right side.
Exploiting Weaknesses
Mourinho had pointed out during halftime that Theo Walcott was heavily involved in Everton's offense, leaving gaps in their defensive structure. By pulling Rashford deeper to start attacks from midfield, United aimed to exploit the space Walcott left behind.
Bruno Fernandes distributed the ball to Rashford, who surged forward behind Walcott.
Séamus Coleman, Everton's right-back, grew tense. He didn't dare commit to a challenge too soon, opting instead to hold his ground and call for Walcott to track back and help.
Rashford approached Coleman but suddenly passed the ball inward to Mbappé.
Mbappé received it, performed a quick turn, and played it forward to Bruno, who advanced through the middle. His dribble attracted the attention of Everton's defenders.
Surrounded by Idrissa Gueye and a retreating Walcott, Bruno threaded the ball through a small gap.
İlkay Gündoğan met it with a one-touch pass to the left.
Rashford came racing in from deep, cutting inside toward the penalty box.
Michael Keane hesitated, uncertain whether Rashford would shoot or pass.
Everton's defense had been stretched by Bruno and Mbappé's movements, leaving Harry Kane unmarked. Any pass to Kane would be a significant threat.
Then, Rashford raised his right leg for a shot.
A Stunning Strike
Keane hadn't expected Rashford to shoot so decisively, figuring he would drive closer to the box first. This assumption left Keane caught off guard as Rashford unleashed a curling strike.
The ball soared past Keane's outstretched leg and traced a beautiful arc. It bypassed Jordan Pickford, who could only watch helplessly as it kissed the far post's inner edge and ricocheted into the net.
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAALLLLLLL!!!!!!"
"Marcus Rashford! What a world-class strike! A sensational long-range effort to level the score at 2–2!"
Commentators erupted with praise:
"Mourinho's tactical shift has worked wonders. By pulling Rashford deeper, he's created more space for him to exploit. This stunning goal is proof of that brilliance!"
Mourinho celebrated on the sidelines, exchanging exuberant high-fives with his staff. He even whistled mockingly in Silva's direction, causing his Portuguese counterpart's face to darken in frustration.
Walcott's Revenge
Ten minutes later, Everton had a corner kick following a clearance by United's defense.
Séamus Coleman delivered the ball into the box, and Theo Walcott, unmarked, surged in to meet it with a powerful header.
"GOOOOOOOOOOAAALLLLLLL!!!!!!"
"Walcott scores! The former Arsenal star has done it! Everton are ahead 3–2!"
"Theo Walcott, who spent 12 years at Arsenal, seems determined to defend their legacy. He's playing for Arsenal's honor today!"
Commentators quickly linked Walcott's goal to Arsenal's record:
"When Wenger sold Walcott to Everton last January, many questioned the decision. Walcott was only 28 and still performing well. But perhaps the professor was playing the long game!"
Walcott celebrated wildly, ignoring the deafening boos from Old Trafford. In his excitement, he removed his shirt and earned a yellow card.
Walcott's Arsenal Pride
Although Walcott hadn't been part of Arsenal's squad during their historic 49-match unbeaten run, he had spent 12 years at the club and was proud of its legacy. Now, with United threatening to surpass that record, Walcott felt compelled to step up.
For years, any mention of the Premier League's unbeaten streak brought immediate recognition of Arsenal's achievement. If United surpassed it, Arsenal's record would fade from prominence.
This was something Walcott couldn't allow.
Having spent the best years of his career with Arsenal, making 397 appearances and contributing 108 goals and 80 assists, Walcott was deeply loyal to the club. Scoring a potentially decisive goal to end United's streak filled him with uncontainable joy.
Mourinho's Response
Mourinho spat on the ground, his expression darkening.
Everton was proving uncharacteristically resilient today, and their finishing was remarkably clinical. Meanwhile, United had squandered several key opportunities, and referee errors had only compounded their troubles.
Faced with the prospect of defeat, Mourinho decided to make a change.
United's Gamble
Two minutes later, Mourinho replaced Gündoğan with Juan Mata.
With Mata's introduction, United switched formations again, this time to a 3-4-3. Rashford moved forward into the attacking trio.
Down a goal, Mourinho and United were ready to go all out.
Despite mounting relentless attacks led by Bruno, United couldn't find the back of the net. Luck seemed to be against them, and Mourinho couldn't shake the fear that their unbeaten streak might end at 49 games.
Surveying his bench, Mourinho's eyes landed on Mason Greenwood, a young striker making his first appearance in the matchday squad.
The Debutant
Greenwood, who had just signed his first professional contract over the summer, was stunned when Mourinho called for him.
As he nervously scrambled to remove his warm-up vest, nearly tearing it in the process, the 17-year-old struggled to contain his emotions.
"This is my chance, but what if I mess up? What if I fail to deliver? Will everyone blame me if we lose? Can I handle this?"
A flurry of doubts clouded Greenwood's mind as he prepared to step onto the pitch.
(To be continued...)
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