Chapter 691 Who Is the Winner?
There were thunderous cheers in the stands, because this goal meant that Manchester United had taken the lead, and the fans were even more happy.
The cheers at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium lasted from Harry Kane's goal until the end of the game.
Trailing 1:2, one man was sent off. Although Southampton was unwilling to fail, their head coach Hasenhuttl wanted to continue attacking, but Manchester United obviously would not give him a chance. In the subsequent games, Manchester United firmly controlled the situation on the field, and they once formed a siege on Southampton's goal.
In the 89th minute, Kanter's direct pass from the center was blocked and slowed down. Harry Kane turned around and shot from the top of the arc. The ball hit the lower right corner of the goal. Manchester United led Southampton 3:1.
When the referee blew the whistle to end the game, the score of the game did not change. Manchester United defeated Southampton 3:1 at home and got three points.
This is Manchester United's 25th victory in the league this season, which also brings their league points to 79 points, 10 points ahead of Manchester City, which is second in the standings.
Liverpool, on the other hand, is 12 points behind Manchester United because this round of the game will be played one day later, with one game less.
Southampton coach Hasenhüttl came down from the visiting team's coaching bench. He shook hands with Mourinho with a straight face and said: "I still don't think it was a penalty kick."
"In my opinion, that is a definite penalty." Mourinho also said with a serious expression.
The two people looked at each other and laughed.
Yes, from their respective perspectives, their views and persistence are correct.
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At the post-match press conference, Mourinho took the initiative to apologize to the visiting team coach Hasenhuttl for the altercation between the two. He said that he was too emotional at the time, so he also understood Hasenhuttl's impulsive behavior.
"This is the head coach. We are all eager to win and are easily nervous." Mourinho said, "This is a good thing. It shows our desire for victory and our respect for the team's efforts. From this point of view, I admire Mr. Hasenhüttl and wish him good luck.”
This greatly changed Hasenhuttl's impression of Mourinho. He immediately said: "This was a wonderful game. Mr. Mourinho is an amazing person. It is a pity that we are A losing side but I'm pleased with the effort of my players."
Finally, Hasenhüttl once again questioned the penalty kick: "From my point of view, it was not a penalty kick. Lingard's fall to the ground was a bit exaggerated."
Before he finished speaking, Mourinho, who had been very humble and polite just now, immediately exploded: "In my opinion, it is a penalty kick. Lingard is a strong young man. He will not dive. He never did before. Not now and not in the future. If possible, he would like to score all the balls!"
Mourinho's words, actions and attitude impressed the reporters at the scene. This is a coach who will do his best to protect his players. Such a coach is admirable.
Of course, what attracted the most attention after the game was Bruno's injury. Mourinho also answered reporters' questions. He said that he did not know the specific situation yet and had to wait for the hospital's diagnosis results.
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One day later, the team doctor informed the Manchester United club that Bruno's injury was not serious. There was no fracture as originally imagined and he would need to recover for about a week.
Because Manchester United did not play in midweek, he did not even have to miss any games. However, for insurance reasons, the team doctor advised Bruno not to play in the game against Arsenal next weekend. As for the subsequent second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals with Roma, it will depend on the situation at that time.
Mourinho agreed with the team doctor's advice. Although this game against Arsenal is very important and Bruno's injury may cause Manchester United to lose, Manchester United still has a relatively large lead in the league and can fully afford to lose one or two games.
Moreover, Manchester United's current unbeaten record has extended to 69 games. Whether it can continue to remain unbeaten is no longer important to Mourinho and Manchester United.
Even losing a game at this time may allow Manchester United players to take off the mental burden of being undefeated and go into battle lightly.
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However, the media is very concerned about this focus war. On the one hand, it is because Bruno's absence has a great impact on Manchester United, and on the other hand, it is the grudge between Manchester United and Arsenal.
After all, Arsenal's 49-game unbeaten run was ended by Manchester United. Now if Arsenal can end Manchester United's 69-game unbeaten run, it will be considered revenge for the original defeat.
Originally, in early December last year, Arsenal had a chance to end Manchester United's 55-game unbeaten record. However, Arsenal failed to live up to their expectations. Instead of defeating Manchester United at Old Trafford, they were defeated 1:7. , it is really a new hatred that has not been avenged.
Now, Arsenal once again have an excellent opportunity for revenge, it depends on whether they can seize it.
Although the media is hyping up this so-called revenge battle between Manchester United and Arsenal, Mourinho is very calm.
He was calm not because he was sure of winning the game, but because Mourinho knew that in the absence of Bruno, it would be too difficult for Manchester United to win against Arsenal. He even wanted to win at the Emirates Stadium. A draw is difficult.
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In fact, this was the case. When the 90 minutes of the game ended, commentators from all over the world expressed sympathy for Manchester United.
"Obviously, Manchester United had bad luck. They encountered Arsenal when Bruno was injured." Andy Gray shook his head and said, "Bruno's absence has a great impact on Manchester United. Manchester United without Bruno is like The lost battleship, they couldn't find the direction of attack at the Emirates Stadium. "
In the East, He Wei's voice also rang in the ears of fans: "Manchester United showed their strength and fighting spirit at the Emirates Stadium, but it is a pity that they had to suffer their first defeat of the season in the 29th round of the league! They created The unbeaten record in the five major leagues has stopped at 69 games. In a causal loop, 14 years ago, Rooney's goal helped Manchester United defeat Arsenal with a score of 2:0, ending the Gunners' 49-game unbeaten record. 14 years later, Aubameyang’s penalty also helped Arsenal defeat Manchester United 2:0 at home, ending the Red Devils’ 69-match unbeaten record!”
Yes, Manchester United lost. Manchester United, which lacked the absolute core of Bruno, faced Arsenal who had the strongest lineup and played at home. They lost 0:2 in the away game.
In the 12th minute, Lacazette scored and Xhaka shot a powerful long-range shot with his left foot from 25 meters away. The ball went into the lower left corner of the goal. 1:0, Arsenal took the lead at home.
Manchester United had hoped to equalize the score in the 19th minute, but the Emirates Stadium goalpost missed Fred's push in front of the penalty area.
In the 69th minute, Fred knocked down Lacazette in the penalty area and fouled. Aubameyang scored a penalty kick, 2:0!
In the end, Arsenal defeated Manchester United with 2 goals at home. While avenging the defeat 14 years ago, it also stopped Manchester United's unbeaten record in the five major leagues at 69.
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Lost to Arsenal and suffered his first defeat of the season. At the post-match press conference, Mourinho looked calm. When reporters asked him if he was angry because of the loss, he spread his hands and said: "Why should I be angry?" ?I'm proud of the players' performance and effort."
A reporter from Les Echos immediately asked him if he was pretending to be fine, but was actually very unhappy.
The reporter said: "This is your first defeat in the league this season, and your unbeaten record has been ended. How can you not be angry?"
Mourinho immediately shook his head and said: "No one can be undefeated for a long time, so any record will be ended one day. We now have 69 unbeaten games. I am very satisfied. This result is very good."
"It took three seasons and a total of 69 league games before we lost." Mourinho pondered for a moment and continued, "You know, before this, I was so nervous that I couldn't sleep. I was always thinking, Oh my God, we haven’t lost yet. How is this possible? Isn’t this a dream?”
Mourinho shrugged and said: "Well, now that I have lost, I have relaxed and woke up from the dream, so you should stop talking about the unbeaten record."
The reporters listened to the Portuguese man's talk and wanted to refute, but for a moment they didn't know where to start.
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Reporters slapped Mourinho hard from time to time and asked questions about him.
The other protagonist at the press conference, or the Arsenal coach Emery who was supposed to be the protagonist, was completely dumbfounded. His team defeated Manchester United and broke Manchester United's unbeaten streak. He and his ball The team is the winner. As the head coach, shouldn't he be the real protagonist and win praise and words of praise? Why are all these reporters surrounding that loser? And leave him, the winner, aside?
Emery was puzzled and unhappy, but he had no choice but to look at the guy talking sourly to the reporters. There were actually reporters applauding the guy as an encouragement.
Emery couldn't stand it anymore. He won the game, but he couldn't feel the joy of praise and adulation. Instead, he had to watch the loser become the darling of the media. He felt aggrieved.
Looking at the frustrated host coach, Mourinho pointed at Emery and said: "Gentlemen, Mr. Emery is the protagonist today, what are you doing around me?"
After hearing this, Emery's impression of Mourinho improved a lot. This guy is still very sensible and humble. Forget it, he didn't mean it. If you want to blame it, it's those reporters who have no discernment.
Then, the reporters asked two perfunctory questions, and before Emery could finish the conversation, they turned their target to Mourinho again.
Emery suddenly felt that this was even more embarrassing than just now when no one noticed...