770 Red War

The post-match press conference took place after the crazy events of injury time. Both sides were still talking about the two goals in stoppage time. Twain was happy to level the scores at the last minute, so he did not mention that he had been hoping to win the game before the match had kicked off.

"What is there not to be satisfied with this performance? This result is a great demonstration of Nottingham Forest's style, and I am very happy. "

The draw and the fact that they had been able to score in the last minute were important for Forest as it further boosted the team's morale and confidence, setting the groundwork for the upcoming match against Liverpool and the devil's calendar over the Christmas period.

Ferguson was a little annoyed, but he was still fairly upbeat. "There is nothing I can do but accept the result. That's football. I really didn't think they'd be able to level the score at the last minute..."

To say that Ferguson's face was ashen when Ibišević shot the ball into Foster's goal was an exaggeration, but he had certainly looked angry. Ferguson's expression remained the same until he shook hands with Twain. He was not in the mood to trash talk with Twain; he quickly shook hands with the opposing manager and left.

The last-minute equalizer and the leveling the score in the last minute were all part of the ups-and-downs of the game that really challenged one's heart. The only good news was that this game was just a league game, not a Champions League or an FA Cup knockout match.

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Ibišević, who scored the last-minute equalizer for Nottingham Forest, had only played for a short time but was named the man of the match, receiving a bottle of champagne. He was happy that he had been able to score the last goal, but he did not take all of the credit, instead modestly expressing that it was a team effort. Without Captain Wood's long pass, he would not have had the chance to score.

He also mentioned another hero who had helped to level the scores. "When I was still adjusting to the Premier League, the captain talked to me alone. He told me that Nottingham Forest were unwilling to lose me and would not give up on me under any circumstances. I'm happy I lived up to his faith in me."

The Manchester United players interviewed were a little upset. "I really didn't think they'd be able to exert that much pressure on us at the very end of the match. We were a little flustered..." Anton Ferdinand explained the loss of possession by the central defender.

Vidic, who had lost the ball, rushed into the dressing room with his head down and did not give an interview to any of the reporters. It was certain that Ferguson would not let him off once he returned to the changing room. At the very least, he was in for a telling-off.

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Twain was all smiles throughout the press conference, and he did not hide his happiness at the result. Ferguson, on the other hand, looked so somber that everyone knew he was upset and unhappy.

At the end of the press conference, Twain headed back to the dressing room to find the players still talking about the two goals they had scored in injury time. They were obviously still very excited about it. Twain clapped and motioned for the players to be quiet, as he had something to say.

"The last-minute equalizer was exciting, wasn't it? "

Many of them laughed. It really was an exhilarating feeling.

"I'm proud of your performance in the last three minutes and that's what I want to see in Nottingham Forest. But..." His tone changed and his face calmed down. "I still want you guys to know, if we could have scored earlier and taken the situation into our own hands a little earlier, then none of us would need to experience this excitement."

Twain touched his heart. "I have a problem here, and I do not wish to experience anymore ups-and-downs like this. This match is a lesson for you to never entrust your fate to something that you can't see. We were able to level the scores because Vidic made a low-level mistake at the last minute. You can't always expect your opponents to make such an error. Your own destiny should in your hands, and that way we keep everything steady." He clenched his fist as if he had his fate in his hands.

Having said that, the smile returned to his face, "But the last ball was great! Everyone did great! Now you guys should all celebrate!"

Playing both the good cop and the bad cop prevented the players from being too complacent and also did not make them think that the coach was too strict. With their morale as high as it was now, Twain was not worried about their next home game against Liverpool.

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When Ferguson invited Twain to have a drink with him after the game, it seemed as though his mood had returned to normal. On the surface, he did not seem angry. Actually, he looked a little helpless.

After the match, the media was unanimous in their praise for Ibišević and the important goal he had scored for Forest. However, Ferguson disagreed.

"They said Wood's kick was just to clear the ball forward, but I don't see it that way. I think he intended it to be a long pass."

Twain laughed slyly, neither denying nor confirming Ferguson's theory. Wood always had a touch of genius which allowed him to pull off stunts he technically should not be able to with his skill level.

"Have you really not considered coming to Manchester United to coach?" After this match, Ferguson thought Twain was the best manager for Manchester United.

"No, Sir." Twain shook his head while swirling the drink in his glass.

Since his heart attack, he had basically stopped drinking. However, he had to have a drink with the opponent after the game, out of courtesy. He should be fine if it was just one drink, so Shania and the doctors did not stop it as he also knew his only condition only allowed him to drink one glass. His early days of abstinence had been hell, but he had no reaction to drinking now.

"It's a shame..." muttered Ferguson.

Twain had again turned down Ferguson's invitation. Ferguson knew Twain's personality well enough to understand that he would not consider the offer again. So would the Premier League champions continue to shine once Ferguson had retired? He knew that there must be a trough after a peak because that was a law of nature, but he did not know if his emotions could accept it happening to his own team. He wanted someone to continue his glory at Manchester United, but the most talented man had turned him down twice.

Twain read the old man's mind. "I think you're in good health," he advised, "so why not keep coaching?" "

"You don't seem to want me to retire, and I think that's a bit strange. Aren't we rivals, Tony?" Ferguson looked at Twain.

Twain smiled. "It's not like I'll win a lot more championships if you leave, because I'll still win lots even if you're here. Haha! But without you, I always feel like something is missing."

Ferguson finished the glass. "Rest assured, there is still Wenger. You wouldn't be lonely."

"That professor! I'm not going to have a war of words with him." Twain shrugged. "It's more interesting to bicker with you. "

Ferguson suddenly understood what Twain meant by "missing". Mourinho's absence gave him one less target to bicker with, and if he retired, none of the people left would be as thick-skinned as him. No wonder he would feel lonely.

"If not being scolded is going to upset you, I can still scold you plenty even after I retire, Tony."

Twain laughed when he heard this. What an interesting old man! He leaned back and finished the wine in his glass, "If your successor has potential, do you mind if I teach him a lesson? "

"As long as you can."

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Nottingham Forest welcomed Liverpool shortly after their return to Nottingham. After their draw with Manchester United, Nottingham Forest were back in fourth place after being overtaken by Liverpool. Liverpool were back in third place after a 3-2 win over Everton at home, but they also paid a heavy price for the derby victory.

The Liverpool center-back, Agar, had been shown a straight red card for elbowing the Everton striker James Vaughan, meaning he was subsequently suspended for three games. Dutchman Ryan Babel also left the game with an injury and was predicted to miss three weeks' worth of games. Pennant was also injured, and although it was not too serious, he definitely could not play in the match against Nottingham Forest. Including Xabi Alonso and Dirk Kuyt, who were already injured before the match, there were not many people left for Benítez to use.

With that in mind, Benítez kept a low profile on the away side, putting on a defensive display and aiming to get a point, which would be tantamount to a win. The team had lost several of their attacking players, but defensively they basically retained their original strength. Aguero was shown a red card but was suspended for the next game, so he was still able to play against Nottingham Forest.

So, in midfield Benítez had a very thick defensive formation. Lucas and Mascherano's double back-up configuration with Gerrard in the center formed a triangle. Gerrard was on the main offense while Mascherano and Lucas lead the defense. It was clear Benítez was wary of Nottingham Forest's attack.

Twain could cry at this — after so many years had passed, there were finally opponents who adjusted their defensive arrangements because of their fear of Nottingham Forest's attack.

Despite Benítez's adjustments, his team did not get what they wanted in the stadium. Benítez's thick defenses lasted only twenty-seven minutes before they fell apart. Žigić seized on Lucas and Mascherano's error to intercept the ball, and then he used his own body to shield the ball from the two defenders as they surrounded him. Cohen ran up to support and Žigić got into position to pass the ball to Cohen. He then took advantage of the moment the circle loosened to pass the ball to Shahin who was running the opposite direction.

Sahin picked up the ball and passed it to Lennon, who was inserted from the left, but instead of passing the ball directly to Lennon's feet, he imaginatively passed the ball in front of him, which could take full advantage of Lennon's speed.

Lennon accelerated and snatched the ball from right in front of Liverpool right-back Álvaro Arbeloa, directly breaking through Liverpool's defensive line. Afterward, he did not dribble downwards but instead headed immediately for the penalty area. He shot steadily through Agger's defenses, and the ball flew past Reina's outstretched hands.

Nottingham Forest was ahead,1:0.

The game did not suit Eastwood and Van Nistelrooy, who were less confrontational, but instead was perfect for the two strong, tall forwards, Ibišević and Žigić. Their game was all about playing against Liverpool's tough midfielders, and they succeeded.

The goal they had conceded put Liverpool in a difficult position. They certainly could not solely defend; they would have to come out and attack. This must have been what Twain wanted.

Both the commentators and Benítez thought Tony Twain would let his team play defensively, but they had all forgotten Tony Twain was a coach who liked confrontation.

This time, Nottingham Forest were playing against Liverpool who were going all out against the home team. The game was quite exciting and intense. Both sides had plenty of chances and the goalkeepers from both teams were the busiest and most brilliant players on the pitch for some time.

Ibišević grabbed an opportunity from Reina's loose save before the end of the first half, and he fired the deflected ball into the net. This was his 11th league goal of the season and his 14th overall goal. Nottingham Forest headed into the half-time break with a 2:0 lead.

The team's extraordinary optimism at half-time forced Twain to become the villain again, warning them not to take it lightly.

"Who do you think your opponent is? It's not a cat or a dog, it's Liverpool! They have a captain like us who doesn't lose — Gerrard! Even if we lead by three goals, we might still lose in the second half if we're too complacent."

He was not wrong. Ten minutes into the second half, Liverpool relied on a free-kick to score a goal from a powerful long shot by their captain, Steven Gerrard. The ball boosted Liverpool's morale because it was really beautiful. The force was heavy, and the angle was drilled. Akinfeev was stunned and at a loss. If Liverpool were allowed to play like this, it was only a matter of time before they leveled the scoreline. Twain had to make adjustments and decided to replace Sahin with Thiago to strengthen the midfield.

Thiago moved up the pitch and used his aggressive pace to allow for fair competition between the midfielders of both teams. It also took back a little flair and destroyed the fighting spirit of Liverpool players. Their attacking momentum finally waned after another ten minutes where Liverpool failed to score. Would Nottingham Forest miss such an opportunity?

They launched a counterattack.

Cohen and Barnes hit a one-two on the left, and Žigić again displayed his aerial dominance and pressurized Aguero and Martin Skrtel, heading the ball into the net. The score was now 3:1.

Just two minutes later, Ibišević made a run, firing a long shot from outside the penalty area which was just out of Reina's reach. 4:1!

The game had basically lost its suspense, but Gerrard was still looking for a chance to score. In the 86th minute, he finally scored his second goal for the team. But although the score of 4:2, there were only four minutes left until the end of the match and nothing else could change.

Nottingham Forest were not Manchester United and they would not let Liverpool play as they themselves had in the last league match. In the final moments, the Nottingham Forest team all came back to defend and resist Liverpool's fierce attacks. They kept the score of 4:2 till the end and successfully got the three points!

Now, Twain and his lads could have a good Christmas.