The last game of the sixth round of the 2008-2009 English Premier League season kicked off at three o 'clock in the afternoon in the United Kingdom.
By lunchtime, fans from all over the country were already pouring into the City Ground Stadium on the banks of the Trent River.
Those who came early did not have to worry about not having anything to do. On match days, the field outside the stadium was simply a huge football theme park. There were people eating, drinking, playing football together by the river, peddling small goods, sightseeing … There were all kinds of people, so there was no need to worry about not having fun here.
The City Ground Stadium on the day of the home game was as lively as the "bull market" more than a hundred years ago. Although the "bull market" was still there, the bustle of people from all over the country more than a hundred years ago could only be compared to the fanaticism of the fans following the team.
The Manchester City fans were the first group of people to come. Most of them were in groups, wearing light blue jerseys, holding light blue Manchester City flags, waving light blue scarves, and gathering together was quite imposing.
But compared to these guests, the hosts were slightly more relaxed. Because the real hardcore fan groups had not yet appeared, they were the main force in the stadium to create a commotion in the stands of the stadium.
Although the two teams had been somewhat hostile to each other recently. But for most of the fans, this did not affect them from gathering together and chatting. Of course, they supported each other. The Manchester City fans excitedly announced that Manchester City would win the game with two goals, while the Nottingham Forest fans shook their heads and denied his statement, claiming that Nottingham Forest would win with two goals.
Then, the two groups of people got together to drink and continue to talk about their own things.
After two o 'clock, more and more media came to the stadium. Before the team appeared, the fans gathered here became the focus of their attention. The reporters who had not started work were in the mood to watch the show, while others were busy interviewing the fans to prepare first-hand material.
At two fifteen, Fat John and Skinny Bill appeared outside the stadium with a bunch of bundled white banners, which immediately attracted a lot of people's attention. Everyone was a Forest fan and knew each other's fan groups in the city. In addition, John and Bill were quite famous when they were with Michael in the football hooligan group. At this time, there were naturally many veteran fans who came forward to say hello. A little further away also sat on the stool and raised their glasses as a greeting.
The roll of white cloth they were carrying attracted everyone's attention.
"Hey, Fat John. What are you carrying? "A middle-aged man came forward to greet them.
"Good stuff." John, who was carrying the item, tilted his head and chuckled.
It was a long banner, and when it had been displayed in the bar the night before, it had sagged to the floor between him and Bill. Now that it was completely pulled open and rolled up, folded in half from the middle, and then tied up with a rope, it was still a little difficult for four strong men to carry it.
"Don't be so mysterious. Just tell me, what's inside?"
"You'll know when the competition starts. It's pointless to say it now. Also … "John pointed at the reporters and television reporters who were hovering nearby. "We're going to give Manchester City a big one!"
The man stopped following them and watched as John and the others entered the stadium through the ticket gate. While carrying such a big thing, they were asked to open it for inspection. John called the other party over, then lifted a corner and mysteriously showed it to the other party.
That person smiled happily and waved his hand to let them pass.
From the looks of it, there would be some beautiful scenery to watch from the stands later …
※ ※ ※
At half past two, the two teams' buses drove into the designated parking area outside City Ground Stadium, one after the other. When they passed by the fans, they were warmly welcomed.
Ashley Young had a year's experience and did not have any special feelings about returning to Nottingham Forest's home ground to play a game. Bendtner was different. At first, he treated the fans wearing the red jerseys outside as his own supporters. He had just raised his hand to wave when he saw a few fans pursing their lips — they wanted to boo him. Only then did he realize that blue was his color now.
What would the fans, who once cheered for his goals, use to welcome him now?
Bendtner was not depressed by the attitude of those few fans. On the contrary, he was looking forward to the upcoming game even more. Even if the whole stadium kept booing him, he would use practical actions to prove how serious of a mistake Tony Twain made in not paying attention to him at the beginning!
In the words of Caesar the Great, that was —
I came, I saw, I conquered, I left, you all regret it!
Well … did Caesar say the last sentence? But that's not important. What's important is that I conquered you.
Ashley Young saw that Bendtner was distracted and nudged him, "What are you thinking about? Are you worried about what they'll do to you? "He pointed out the window. "Don't be afraid, they'll boo. It was the same when I first came here. Later on, when I thought about it … When we played for Forest, how many times did we get booed by the fans of other teams?"
Bendtner shook his head and said, "No, I'm not worried about them booing me."
"Then you're …"
"I'm imagining how I'll perform in the game later."
"You're such a weirdo!"
"Boss … Didn't Twain always say something? The enemy's boos and insults are the best praise and acknowledgment for you. I think I understand the meaning of his words now. "Bendtner pointed to the people wearing the red jerseys outside and said," They're all my enemies. "
Ashley Young was stunned by what he saw. When he came to the City Ground stadium for the first time as a guest, he was so frightened by the boos that he could not play at all and was substituted early on. He was really not used to the sudden change in role. He did not expect Bendtner to have already completed the role reversal and acted like a loyal veteran who had played for Manchester City for twenty years … He wanted to click his tongue in wonder.
The world is really big, there are all kinds of people …
※ ※ ※
The first to arrive was Manchester City's bus. After all of them entered the locker room, Nottingham Forest's bus drove over as if it had been calculated.
In the parking lot, Twain was the first to jump off the bus. With a serious face, he faced the waves of cheers and the swarms of microphones from the reporters.
"I have nothing to say. This is just an ordinary league match."
Some of the reporters shushed him softly. Only a fool would believe this person's words.
The players who got off the bus did not have the intention to be interviewed by the reporters. They lowered their heads and ran quickly into the dedicated passageway.
The surrounding Forest fans gathered together and chanted slogans like "Nottingham Forest will win". The atmosphere at the scene was very lively. It did not look like an "ordinary league match" at all.
After all the players left, Twain waved to the reporters who were still waiting. "See you after the game, everyone. If I'm in a good mood, I can answer any of your questions. "
※ ※ ※
Fat John and the others were already standing in their own stands, preparing for the game that was about to begin. The tied banner was thrown at their feet and ignored for the time being.
The players from both sides were warming up on the field. There were already sporadic boos. The target was naturally Bendtner, who was wearing a vest with Manchester City's logo.
Looking at his performance, he did not care and did his own warm-up.
After four years of following Twain, his rich experience in fighting against foreign opponents told him. In the face of those who booed him, if he really flew into a rage, then he would lose.
So at this moment, his heart was as calm as water.
When could he explode and vent this anger to his heart's content? After he scored a goal in the game, he would teach those who booed him a lesson.
You all … have to pay the price!
※ ※ ※
"Look at that kid's nonchalant look. I feel uncomfortable just looking at him!" Bill pointed at Bendtner in the stands and said unhappily.
John glanced at him and laughed. "When he was still around, you would be the happiest when he scored a goal. You would say something like 'Nottingham Forest's future depends on him'. "
Bill's expression was not very comfortable. "It's because I once had high hopes for him that I can't tolerate his betrayal!"
John stretched. "I don't feel anything about him leaving the Forest team. Anyway, there are always some people who leave and some who come every summer. I'm tired of seeing it over the past few decades. So what if they are talented players? No one can guarantee that they can be tied here for a lifetime. Anyway, as long as that bastard Tony is around, Nottingham Forest will not die no matter how many people leave. "Then he pressed his hands on the railing and looked down at the field below. "I'm just upset that he shouldn't have said something like 'at least two goals against the Forest team'. What does he think he is? What does he think Nottingham Forest's defense is? "
"Actually, I think Tony's lungs must be exploding with anger now."
"I think so too. How can he tolerate others being so arrogant? "
"No, it's not 'him' in his eyes."
The two men looked at each other and smiled.
"Let's wait and see this game."
※ ※ ※
In the locker room, after Dunn repeated yesterday's tactics, Twain appeared on the field.
"Pepe." He called the main center back's name.
Pepe stood up, a little confused.
"I forgot to say something yesterday." Twain raised his left index finger. He was referring to the matter of explaining his response to Bendtner to Pepe and the other defenders.
"I believe in my team's defensive ability very, very much. You are the best defensive line in Europe. But … "He pointed to the team's captain. "George."
Wood also stood up.
"If you let Manchester City score two goals in this game, all the players in charge of defense will run back to Wilford from here!"
Some people's faces changed, but Wood nodded calmly. "Okay."
Pepe smiled and shrugged. "What if they don't score a single goal?"
"You will have an extra half-day break tomorrow."
Pepe looked at the other defenders and snapped his fingers. "No problem!"
"If there's no problem, then come on and show them what we're made of!"
※ ※ ※
"Welcome to the final game of the 2008/09 season's English Premier League's sixth round! The two sides are the home team, Nottingham Forest, and the away team, Manchester City. Before the game, this game was widely watched, naturally because of Tony Twain. Twain was entangled with Manchester City for almost the whole of August. Because of this, he lost his highly valued young center forward, Bendtner, at the last moment before the transfer window closed. And this game is also Bendtner's first time returning to the City Ground stadium as an opponent. What is waiting for him? I hope it's not a pig's head and a lighter … Maybe Hughes can use this opportunity to take a good look at Bendtner's psychological quality. "
"The Dane vowed to score at least two goals before the game, which also added a very big highlight to this game. We all know that Nottingham Forest's defense is famous in the English Premier League. In the past two seasons, Tony Twain's team relied on their indestructible defense to win the UEFA Champions League twice in a row and the English Premier League last season. It was rare for them to let their opponents score two goals in a match, let alone the same person scoring two goals in a row. Although Tony Twain said that he believes Bendtner can do it, I'm sure of one thing: Twain must be very angry. "
"This game can also be considered as revenge for the two young men who were kicked out of Wilford by Tony Twain. Ashley Young and Bendtner are both in the starting lineup for this game. Hughes obviously also hopes that the old Forest players who are familiar with Tony Twain's tactical thinking can become a sharp blade to kill Twain. But it's hard to say how effective it will be. I still remember Ashley Young's clumsy performance when Manchester City visited the City Ground stadium last season. I wonder if he has improved after a year? "
"Mark Hughes once angrily denounced Tony Twain as an out-and-out clown and an insatiable nuisance during the transfer incident of van Nistelrooy and Bendtner. Tony Twain will also be very eager to use this game's victory to refute Hughes. "
"Will the Manchester City club, who lost a huge point in the blank cheque incident, use this game to win back what they lost?"
"It's hard to say … Anyway, no matter who wins or loses this game, there will always be people who feel angry and disappointed. So our dear media will have a lot to do. Martin, from the pre-game point of view, this game fits all the characteristics of a classic battle. As for the game itself, we'll know soon. "
Sky TV's old partners appeared in the live commentary box at the City Ground stadium again.
Martin Taylor and Andy Gray.
One was wise and steady, the other was passionate and humorous. These two men were Sky TV's signature sports commentary partners.
Martin Taylor was seen as the voice that could represent the United Kingdom. The two of them came to broadcast this game, which showed the importance that Sky TV attached to this game.
As the two of them said, with so many exciting stories and highlights, how could this game not be interesting?
※ ※ ※
The players from both teams had already come out on the field and completed all the pre-game ceremonies. Nottingham Forest was given the right to choose the side and the right to serve was given to Manchester City.
Bendtner stood in the center circle in the middle of the field, with Robinho standing next to him. He stepped on the football and waited for the referee to blow the whistle.
The game had not yet started, but the overwhelming boos had already sounded, all directed at Bendtner alone. Just because … he touched the ball.
Robinho was a little baffled by the sudden boos, and he glanced at Bendtner.
Regardless of whether Robinho could understand him, Bendtner smiled and said, "The fans here … are the clearest about their likes and dislikes."
After hearing the boos, even Martin Taylor, who was in charge of commentating the game, laughed, "Bendtner has received the warmest greetings from the Nottingham Forest fans. I hope he's used to it. "
"He'll get used to it. If he wants to score at least two goals alone. "
Bendtner did not take his foot off the football amidst the boos. He raised his head and looked at the goal in front of him, where his former teammate, Edwin van der Sar, stood. On the road from here to Edwin van der Sar, there were many former teammates in red jerseys, and now they were all enemies that he had to defeat.
Just like what the former boss said, he had to step on their corpses to achieve himself.
Thinking of this, he turned his gaze to the Forest team's technical area on the sidelines.
Tony Twain crossed his arms and sat in the technical area with his legs crossed, as if he was also looking at him.
— — Then use your methods to win the championship!
As you wish, we'll start with this game.
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
