Godfather Of Champions

Chapter 859: The Explosion in Silence

When the second half began, the Forest fans were still paying close attention to the latest developments in the other game. When they heard from the radio that Robinho had been taken off at the start of the half, they started to scold McClaren. Taking off the main striker for a young player, even an idiot knew what that meant.

Twain also heard about this from Kerslake and he shrugged. They could not depend on other people after all, they could only believe in themselves…

Sunderland started the second half as if they were on steroids and launched attacks after attacks on the Forest goal. The speech by manager Nielsen had the desired effect.

But did what Twain say had no effect?

Sunderland was very prone to unforced errors in their hotheadedness and their full pitch pressing, which meant they would “intercept the ball and lose it again.”

Forest took advantage of these unforced errors and launched a counter attack after intercepting the ball, threatening the Sunderland’s goal immediately.

The Sunderland players did not expect themselves to be the Forest team’s prey when they were dreaming of defeating Nottingham Forest once and for all in the second half. The Scottish international goalkeeper, Gordon, gave up after the second try.

Forest was launching an attack from the flank then. Bale came forward and played a one-two over the top with Fernández and crossed the ball. The ball was punched away by Gordon, but it did not go far. Gago took a long shot outside the penalty area and the ball took a deflection off the Irish defender, Paul Mcshane.

The ball did not deflect into the goal, but it fell to the Forest striker, Ibišević’s feet instead. The Bosnian did not need a second invitation and took a shot. The ball flew straight into the empty net.

“Nottingham Forest leads Sunderland by 2:0!!”

The second half had only begun for four minutes and Nottingham Forest extended their lead. This goal was a very heavy blow to Sunderland —— They wanted to score a goal, but they conceded a goal instead. So much for staying clear of relegation… It all looked like a joke at that moment.

Ibišević punched the air in celebration after scoring.

Forest could not control the match between Arsenal and Manchester City. The only thing they could do was to score as many goals as possible in the game against Sunderland and vent their anger on them.

However, if Manchester City could not draw or defeat Arsenal, it would not matter how many goals they scored, it would be a futile resistance.

Twain was not as agitated as before when his team scored. He merely waved his fist and sat back down to continue and wait for news from the Etihad Stadium.

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“The two goals by Arsenal brought this match to an early rubbish period. This is not what we want to see… Manchester City appeared to have no motivation at all. If the second half continues this way, the officials from the Football Association can shake the hands of Arsenal’s chairman, Hill-Wood and congratulate him early,” the neutral commentator was obviously displeased that the heavily anticipated match would be so one-sided.

What he wanted to see was an exciting match, with both sides unwilling to surrender and fight till the final moment. Add that to the match between Forest and Sunderland in the other stadium, they would be able to see the fight to the death between these four teams keep the suspense of the league winner to the final second.

This would be a deserved match fit for the intense fight for the English Premier League earlier in the season.

If Arsenal were to win the title so easily, it would be so unfair to Nottingham Forest whom had been working so hard to play catch up… At the very least, Manchester City should work hard to give Arsenal some excitement.

The Arsenal fans definitely had a totally different thinking as compared to this commentator. They were singing and dancing on the stands, jumping around and they could not wait for the referee to blow the whistle to signify the end of the match now. The beer that were prepared to celebrate winning the title were already out and there were fans who could not wait any longer, lifting up the banners and slogans to celebrate winning.

The Arsenal substitutes were chatting in a relaxed manner on the substitutes’ bench. Wenger became the person who was paying the most attention to the match. He was not overly optimistic, even if there was a 99% chance of them winning, he did not want to appear too excited before the end of the match.

Pat Rice just told him that Nottingham Forest had scored again on the other side. They were like Arsenal now, having a two-goals lead.

Wenger laughed as he knew that Sunderland would not pose much of a problem for Forest. Even if they were to perform up to 200% of their abilities in their fight for survival, they still had 300% distance between them and Nottingham Forest, what good would that do?

That was why it was enough for him to have a one point advantage for his team before the game. What remained was very simple. Arsenal just had to play their own game, ensure that they did not make any mistake and not be forced into a draw by Manchester City, they would be champions. Rice were very concerned about Nottingham Forest, but he did not really care much about the circumstances that Tony Twain was in.

Jack Reed, whom was sent on by Manchester City in the second half did not have much experience. Other than being good at running, he was not a problem for Arsenal. Wenger could not be bothered to send someone to mark him. As for that Bendtner… He was still a problematic person.

Half of the Arsenal’s defense were already marking him, and he could still be as active as the first half. He was an abnormality in Manchester City.

What was he seeking exactly?

※※※

“There is still no information from Arsenal’s side. Arsenal has slowed down their game and have started to go for ball possession. Their fans have already started the celebrations early. Manchester City still doesn’t have many chances…”

Kerslake went close to Twain’s ear and told him.

Twain remained silent for a while, then shouted the names of his players for them to continue attacking.

He could only vent his frustrations on Sunderland now…

10 minutes later, Nottingham Forest scored their third goal. Pepe was the scorer.

It came from a corner this time. Bale took the corner and Pepe leapt for the ball and headed it into the goal close to the post.

Three goals down, Sunderland had completely lost their will to fight. Their lofty sentiments and aspirations from halftime had been dispersed by the two goals in the second half. It was to be Nottingham Forest’s time to perform next.

※※※

When news of Nottingham Forest going 3:0 up reached Portsmouth’s Fratton Park, there were thunderous cheers. The Portsmouth fans knew their team were sure to stay in the Premier League and Sunderland would take their place to be relegated to the Championship. Everyone were grateful to Nottingham Forest for their “magnanimous act” and hoped that they would win the league title as they wished.

The Tottenham fans also did not wish to see their city rivals lift the Premier League Champions’ trophy. Since the results of this game did not matter anymore, there was no need for them to continue facing each other with enmity on the stands. Therefore, the Tottenham fans cheered along the Portsmouth fans, congratulating them for staying up and cursing Arsenal to lose the league title at the same time.

The only thing lacking was the fans from both sides hugging each other and cheering together.

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“67 minutes have gone in the game. Nottingham Forest is leading Sunderland 3:0 while Arsenal is still leading Manchester City 2:0. There are 23 minutes to the end of the match. Earlier I said that Arsenal had a 99% chance of winning the title, I have to correct myself, this chance is now 99.5%,” the commentator commentating on the Arsenal and Manchester City game said.

“The fourth goal is coming… It’s in! Nottingham Forest is leading Sunderland 4:0… Poor Sunderland,” the commentator commentating on the Nottingham Forest and Sunderland game did not sound that enthusiastic. He also felt that there was no point for Nottingham Forest to score so many goals. In his mind, Twain’s team had already lost their sense of reasoning and are now just venting their frustrations without care for Sunderland’s feelings. Not only were they causing them to be relegated, they were venting their anger at not being able to win the title on the poor Black Cats (Sunderland’s nickname).

The Forest fans were not cheering much for the goals now. Their attentions were all away from this match, they had already flown to London. If Manchester City did not buck up, it would not matter how many goals Forest scored.

Fat John stood there watching the game. His butt had left his seat ever since the game started and he was surrounded by his friends. All of them had the same feeling of worry for the future of the Forest team.

Someone even thought about the personal grievances between Manchester City and Forest.

“I heard that Ashley Young did not start and Bendtner is the only ex-Forest player on the field… Would that fellow throw the game on purpose?”

“Manchester City does not have a good relationship with us, it’s hard to say, something like this…”

“Is it because we’ve been too arrogant previously, making enemies everywhere…”

“Bullshit!” The direct Skinny Bill stared angrily at the person saying that, “The victors have the rights to be arrogant. It’s their problem for hating us, does that have anything to do with us? Damn it!” He was also worried for Forest and he frowned and did not care about that unlucky chap anymore.

“Actually…” The fatty started to speak. His voice was low, just like his mood, “We should do something to cheer the team on, but I don’t have any mood to sing at all…”

“Sing, John! Do what we have to do! Don’t let those rascals treat us as a joke!” Bill was angry again, he clenched his fist and said to John, “Even if Forest doesn’t win the title this season, we’ll walk out with our heads held high! Sing!”

John took one look at his partner and nodded furiously, “Sing!”

Following that, the songs cheering Nottingham Forest rang out from the stands. Their singing woke many indecisive fans up and drew their attention back to this game. More and more people joined in, the voices became louder and clearer.

“With the game down to the last minute, do you think it’s over?”

“There’s little time left as the referee looks at his watch and your heart goes, ‘Forget it, we still have the future’—”

“The cheering song gradually loses its voice, and some people begin to leave early. A bunch of beer cups are strewn about in the stands, and it’s a mess!”

“The Forest team’s number 11 steps forward and he said, ‘No! The game isn’t over yet! Don’t be too happy!’”

“Don’t—Be—Happy—Yet!”

“Don’t be too happy! Don’t be happy yet!”

The Forest fans seemed to be roaring at Arsenal.

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The Nottingham Forest fans roared hysterically in desperation, whereas in the Etihad Stadium, the song “We are the Champions” rang out from the stands.

“…We are the champions, my friends! And we’ll keep on fighting ’til the end! No time for losers, ’cause we are the champions of the world!!”

Of course, there were some Arsenal fans who put out banners mocking Nottingham Forest to save their efforts.

Bendtner could not see their banners, nor did he mind them, but the some “We are the Champions” really agitated him.

His hard work served as the greatest contrast for the celebration banquet of others. He seemed like a clown for running his lungs out for 70 minutes.

What am I working so hard for?

Look around me, look at my teammates, they are all just putting on a show without having to suffer. Under such a hot weather, I’ve been running until I’m on the verge of cramping up whereas their jerseys are not even wet with sweat!

Bendtner felt unhappy about it, what kind of teammates were he playing with?

Why is he playing with these people…

When the Arsenal defenders were passing the ball back and forth at will in front of him, Bendtner clenched his fist.

Sweat dripped down from his forehead, down his cheeks. He felt that the inside of him was hotter than this weather.

Play if you want! I’m not playing anymore!

Arsenal’s attack ended. Joe Hart pumped the ball forward with and Bendtner worked hard to get the first ball. He headed the ball to Jack Reed at his side, the young man who just came on in the second half.

This kid could run, had speed and stamina, but his technique and sense were very lacking. He was already 20 years old and who knew if he had a future. He wanted to dribble by himself and shoot after getting the ball —— He already wasted so many such opportunities previously —— He wanted to prove himself in front of McClaren. Him, along with Bendtner might be the only ones left in the Manchester City team who still had the will to fight.

But he heard Bendtner roar, “Give me the ball!!”

To Reed, Bendtner was an authority figure in the team, and he was one of the steadiest strikers in the team. His status and authority were not something that a rookie like him could challenge.

Hence, when Bendtner roared like this, he could only pass the ball over as instructed.

But he kept running forward after passing the ball with the intention of playing a one-two with Bendtner. He did not dare to roar, “Pass me the ball back!” Like what Bendtner did, he only ran forward, hoping that Bendtner could understand his intention.

It did not matter if Bendtner could understand his intention, but the Arsenal defenders certainly did —— This pass and run’s intention was too obvious, only a fool would be fooled.

The Arsenals drew back along with Reed and there was a space in between Bendtner and the Arsenal’s backline. What was worse was… Bendtner was totally unmarked.

This kind of chances did not come often, especially when your opponent was Arsenal. It might be because Arsenal slacked off due to their two-goals lead and they thought that they could win easily, and that Manchester City would not be a threat to them. That was why there would be such a space in defense. Bendtner did not even have a chance to think about how that happened. He moved the ball forward, took a step and lifted his leg…

He was 32 meters away from goal…

An outstanding long shot!

Almunia dived and stretched his arm as long as possible, his body extended but he did not touch the ball. Nobody in the penalty area touched the ball.

The silver ball flew across the grass of the Etihad Stadium, across the players and penetrated the defense of Almunia’s fingers!

The ball hit the net ferociously with a “whoosh”.

“Ah… Ahhh! It’s a goal! It’s a goal!!” The commentator jumped from his seat and roared with his arms raised.

The Arsenal fans watching the game on the TV were a little unhappy at this outburst of his —— Why were you not so agitated when our team scored?

“Nicklas Bendtner! Nicklas Bendtner!! A beautiful goal! He shocked everyone! Including his teammates!”

After scoring, Bendtner ran towards the stands where there were the most Arsenal fans, put his left hand behind his back and planted a right finger on his pursed lips to make a “shut up” sign.

His teammates were all stunned where they stood, they did not expect the goal to come so suddenly, so much so that none of them ran forward to embrace him and celebrate his goal. Only when the loud boos from the Arsenal fans started did they react to it and rushed forward to embrace Bendtner tightly, patting his head and congratulating him for his goal.

Even though Manchester City had no desire to get anything from this game, it did not mean that they wanted to throw the game. If their teammate scored, it was still something to be happy about.

Facing his teammates rushing over to celebrate with hi,, Bendtner gritted his teeth as he wanted to get rid of them and continue his celebratory action. But they really embraced him too tightly…

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“Tony!” Kerslake, who was listening to the radio, shouted suddenly.

However, Twain waved at him and made a “shh” sign with his hand. At the same moment, there was a loud cheer from the stands. Sunderland had possession of the ball then…

“I already know, David.”

Twain turned back and smiled at him.

David Kerslake was so agitated that he clenched his fist, almost jumping up, “Bendtner! It’s a goal by that kid, Bendtner!”

The name of the scorer surprised Twain a little.

The cheers were still continuing as the voice of the broadcaster came up over the live broadcast in the stadium, “73rd minute, Arsenal 2: 1 Manchester City, scorer… Nicklas Bendtner!”

Hurray——!!” The Forest fans shouted together, totally forgetting the hatred they had for this traitor when he left.

At that moment, they worshipped Bendtner as if he was still the Danish kid in red. Back then, he was still thought to be the main striker for Nottingham Forest for the next 10 years…

※※※

Wenger was furious about the goal that they conceded. He kept waving his arms towards his assistant manager Pat Rice as he sat next to him, complaining, “What’re our defenders doing? What’re our midfielders doing? Did they think we’ve got this in the bag? Five seconds before Bendtner took his shot, we had no one within a 10 meters vicinity to him!”

After he finished complaining, he stood up and walked to the sideline, putting up two fingers on his left hand and his index finger on his right as he shouted to the field, “The score is 2:1 now! 2:1!”

This score line made him nervous. The explosion of Bendtner after being oppressed for 70 minutes made him uneasy too.

He did not know why, after all, his team was still in the lead and other than Bendtner, the rest of the players in Manchester City were not a threat.

Yet his heartbeat hastened without warning. He was a very rational manager, but sometimes he would trust his instincts.

His instinct was: They could not let the Dane continue his performance!