Chapter 573: Good Beginning

The two teams switched sides to play again in the second half. Beckham was closely marked by Everton. Moyes saw that Twain wanted to use Beckham to launch a direct and rapid precision strike. Setting an offside trap was feasible, but the risk was too great. There had to be another layer of precaution.

Therefore, they stepped up their defense against Beckham.

Fortunately, Twain also made adjustments during the halftime interval. Beckham’s passes were no longer the only means of attack by the Forest team. Since the opponent wanted to set an offside trap, then the team would strengthen the coordination of the straight passes in front of the opponent’s rear defensive line. They were made up of short passes which van der Vaart could complete. However, Twain was happy that Moyes put his defensive focus on Beckham.

After van der Vaart and Ribéry coordinated on the flank, Ribéry doggedly plugged ahead and lured Everton to put its focus on him. Van der Vaart suddenly passed the ball to the middle and van Nistelrooy was unexpectedly onside, charging ahead. He received the ball from van der Vaart in an onside position!

The Dutch striker dribbled the ball and rushed straight into the opponent’s box.

Another shocked hiss erupted at the Goodison Park Stadium. If he scored a goal, Everton would be out of commission.

Fortunately, Howard’s strike defused the danger. He blocked the angle of van Nistelrooy’s shot. The Dutchman’s shot hit his left foot on the ground and changed direction, which caused it to fly out of the end line.

Nottingham Forest’s pass was offside nine times, and it finally worked the tenth time. However, they did not score. Twain, who was watching off field, was a little annoyed.

What annoyed him even more was Van Nistelrooy on the field. He shot that kind of sure shot only for it to inexplicably strike Howard’s leg.

There would not be many opportunities like that.

Moyes quickly discovered Twain’s objective. He began to recall the defensive line so as not to give the Forest strikers such chances to easily face off with the goalkeeper one-on-one.

The Forest team played at an even speed since they were in the lead. They just needed to waste time.

Twain shifted to a more comfortable position. Everton’s biggest threat to the Forest team was Arteta. As for the players such Tim Cahill, Andrew Johnson, Yakubu… it would have been much easier for the Forest team to defend against them without Arteta’s support from the back of the field.

George Wood was as steady as ever, which saddened the opponent.

Wood made Arteta suffer in the first half and Moyes asked Arteta to avoid Wood in the second half.

However, was such a matter up to him to decide? Now that he was targeted by Wood, it was not going to be easy to outrun him.

Arteta was not good at breaking through. His stamina was not good enough to the point of being able to confront George Wood head-on. To avoid Wood, he could only try to dispatch from the back without going up in person. In this way, Wood would worry about the gap behind him and not dare to come closer to press and grab.

But as a result, Arteta, who was far away from the Forest goal, had no means of organizing an attack other than a dull long pass, and the Forest team’s defense also had an easier time.

What was the purpose of defense? It was not to intercept the opponent’s ball on a one-on-one defensive basis, but to stop the opposing team’s offense and cause their offense to lose its threat. From that point of view, Wood’s defense was a success. As long as the opponent was afraid to confront him head-on and had to bypass him in a roundabout way, he was considered to have done his job.

“Half the battle is won when Mikel is afraid to come up.” Twain grinned at his assistant managers, and the two men nodded in agreement.

Moyes picked the wrong opponent to build his core. Nottingham Forest was too familiar with Arteta. Arteta could not play to his standards in this game.

Just fifteen minutes into the second half, Arteta, who had failed in his normal performance, was brought off. Although he had largely failed to contribute to the team’s offense in these sixty minutes, the Everton fans applauded to thank him for his merciless foul on George Wood. It was a move that found favor with the home team fans. The English fans’ opinions did not solely depend on the player’s ability. In their view, there were many heartfelt ways to express allegiance and goal scoring was just one of them.

Just like the Chinese player, Li Tie, who had joined Everton. During his first appearance for the team, he fiercely shoved the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, Redknapp, to the ground in less than five minutes. Because of this move, it earned him great acclaim from the Everton fans. However, it was unintentional on Li Tie’s part. He did not plan to curry favor with the home team fans with this tackle. He just did what a defensive midfielder was supposed to do in a game. But the Everton fans would never forget that Redknapp was once the captain of their fellow city’s nemesis, the Liverpool team.

Arteta walked off the field amidst the applause and adoration from the Everton fans. He was unhappy with his performance. Moyes went up and patted him on the shoulder to comfort him. It was just his luck to run into George Wood. This man’s defensive ability had been proven in the UEFA Champions League. Countless of midfielders more powerful than Arteta had taken a fall at Wood’s feet.

“You did a great job, Mikel. But it will take some time to integrate into the team.”

The lack of rapport with the team was also an important reason why Arteta did not play well.

Arteta nodded and returned to the substitutes’ bench to sit down. Then he turned his head to look at the Forest team’s technical area. He saw Twain sat in the chair at the technical area with his legs crossed, looking pleased.

He was no stranger to this action. When the Forest team’s situation in the game was good, he would use this way to relax himself. He used to see the boss sat like this from the team’s substitutes’ bench. When he was still a Forest player at the time, he would feel at ease to see the boss adopt this posture because that meant the game was in the bag.

However, as an adversary now, it made him wary. The posture seemed to imply contempt.

In an interview before the game, the questions he was asked the most were about his thoughts on Twain as a player who transferred from the Forest team to Everton. He had said, “I think the boss is a very nice guy,” which was not a lie. When he was on the Forest team, he did think so, even if he could only be a substitute player.

But it was different now. As an opponent, he felt the boss was a little too arrogant. Everton was not a weak team in the Premier League either. Why did his action give off the feeling of belittling other people?

Manager Tony Twain was indeed a very strange man. While standing with him on the same team, he would staunchly follow him. But once he was on the other side, he realized that the guy was detestable. He used to think that his extreme, brash, and arrogant ways were endearing, but now he felt like it was insulting to his opponents.

Perhaps he found it intolerable, but looking at the score, the Forest team was in the lead.

To be fair, the man had the right to be arrogant.

Arteta averted his gaze away from Twain and decided not to care what happened in the Forest team. He would cheer for Everton wholeheartedly from now on and stand with Everton because he was now an Everton player — at least for the next four years.

※※※

Moyes’s replacement for Arteta was an old acquaintance of Beckham and van Nistelrooy — Phil Neville, who transferred from Manchester United to join Everton.

It was not a transfer deal that was done that summer. Phil Neville had transferred to Everton from Manchester United two years ago. He was twenty-eight years old and chose to join Everton, which guaranteed his appearances, in order to play for the World Cup on behalf of England.

He had been a versatile player when he was at Manchester United and could play as a full back or midfielder when the team needed. Now at Everton, he was largely fixed in the defensive midfielder position by Moyes and used his experience to help the team move forward.

Beckham’s attention was caught when he saw Neville came on. His gaze followed his former friend. The fans in the stands rose to applaud his former Manchester United teammate. Phil had long won the love of the Everton fans. This love was different from the love shown to Arteta. It was deeper.

This was Beckham’s first return to the English Premier League since he left Manchester United. Many of the former Manchester United players were now playing for the other teams. There would be more instances in the future where he would reunite with a former old friend who played for a different team on the field.

When he saw Neville come on the field, Tim Cahill, who wore the captain’s armband, ran up and removed the armband from his arm to hand it to Everton’s number 18.

Neville did not refuse. He took the armband and bowed his head to put it on.

He was the Everton captain.

Beckham sighed. How many players from the Red Devils team of 1999 were still at Old Trafford?

Neville’s short passes were impressive, and he was far more familiar with the team than Arteta. He understood the characteristics of every teammate and knew the most effective way to pass the ball to them.

And most importantly, he was not afraid of a head-on confrontation with George Wood. He might lose, but he would never run away.

After he came on, Everton’s offense began to perk up.

The entire team was like a completely different team from when Arteta was on the field. Playing for two seasons was indeed different from playing for about ten days.

Arteta acknowledged it, but he was not discouraged. He knew that Phil Neville was already going to be a thing of the past at Everton, while he belonged to the future at Everton.

Although Everton was less powerful than the Forest team and had little chance of competing for the UEFA Champions League, even sitting on the substitutes’ bench made him feel hopeful whereas in Nottingham Forest, a team with ambitious goals, he was on the bench from the beginning and could have still been on the bench in the future, because the boss would always tirelessly chase after the popular players in the transfer market. This was a trait of the powerhouse football clubs.

Led by Neville, Everton launched a counterattack on the Forest team. The Forest team did not have time to seek any gaps behind their rear defensive line. Their full defense was the top priority during this time.

George Wood’s target became Neville, but he found that the target in question was not one player, but an entire team — When Neville took the ball, the Everton players around him would move to assist him.

One-on-one defensive breakout was easy, but it could be difficult to prevent the opponent from passing the ball.

Everton did a short pass play led by Neville, which was different from Arteta’s frequent long passes. Neville was more patient and spun around the Forest team in search of opportunities. They also gradually regained control of the game amid the deafening shouts of the fans.

“The Forest team’s defense was bowled over. I think it’s time for Twain to consider a replacement to strengthen his defense. After all, they are now leading with one goal.”

This commentator did not know the real Twain. During training and explanation of the tactics to the team, he always said to the Forest players, “the riskiest score in the world is 1:0.”

As a former Chinese fan, he had suffered enough of defending to the death with a one goal lead. For some people, the defense was about defending, but for Twain, the defense was for the offense.

He turned and asked Kerslake to summon Bale.

During his warm-up, Bale heard Kerslake call his name and happily dashed back.

“Boss!” He looked at Twain with a smiling face.

Twain liked Bale’s childlike character. He could play at his normal standard because he was not nervous. Newborn calves are not afraid of tigers and all that.

He nodded approvingly. “You know why I called you, so I’m not going to waste my breath. After you get on the field, actively plug ahead and don’t worry behind you. George’s there to help you fill in your position. You go tell Ribéry to lean toward the middle and give way in the left flank. You know what to do next, don’t you?”

Bale nodded vigorously. “I know, boss!”

“Go on.” Twain said and Bale ran toward the fourth official. After a series of safety checks, he was allowed on the field.

The Forest team was awarded an out-of-bounds ball and took the opportunity to bring on Bale to replace Leighton Baines.

“A change to a side midfielder who is more proficient in offense… Looks like Twain isn’t contented with a one-goal lead!”

That was nonsense. Of course, he would not be satisfied. Twain was going to make Everton, who intended to counterattack, completely give up any hope of a reversal. Was there any better way other than to score another goal?

※※※

After Bale came on, he actively assisted on the left flank and Ribéry moved to the middle. Van der Vaart stayed behind to organize the attack. The Forest team’s formation looked somewhat strange. On the right flank, Beckham and Chimbonda were not very far up. Not only Beckham did not go up much, he was also very dedicated in helping Chimbonda with the defense. Everton’s offense on this side met with a huge amount of resistance. They intended to focus their offense on the Forest team’s left flank, which made it their right flank.

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However, when Twain changed the player, the Forest team decided to focus on this side. Bale and Ribéry took turns to strike this side. Everton was too overwhelmed to attack. Could they rely on offense to push them back? Everton’s strength on the flanks was less powerful than that of Nottingham Forest, which depended on the flanks for its success.

Ribéry leaned toward the middle and let go of the left flank. As long as the Forest team had possession of the ball, Bale did not hesitate to rush forward.

He did not think about losing the ball because he trusted Wood.

Van der Vaart sent the football to Ribéry, who crossed toward the middle to break through. When he saw that there were two opposing players in front, he diverted the football to the flank. Bale followed up in time and received the ball.

Instead of stopping the ball, he poked the football forward. Then he accelerated and rushed forward. He shook off the Everton right-back, Tony Hibbert, who had reacted quickly. Hibbert immediately turned around to give chase and the distance was not widened by Bale.

As he was about to force Bale toward the sidelines, Bale rushed in front of him and cut inside. He blocked Hibbert’s running route with his body and forced him to slow down.

Taking the opportunity, Bale knocked the football into the middle with the intention of dribbling the ball across to disrupt Everton’s defense. But he did not succeed, as his breakthrough was terminated by Everton’s center-back, Joseph Yobo, who obviously used a foul. He stretched his leg from the side behind to trip Bale. Bale, who lost his center of gravity, fell. A free kick was given on the left side of the goal, about thirty meters away.

“Looking at the referee’s gesture… it’s a direct free kick!” The television commentator exclaimed excitedly. He was not the only one. The Forest fans at the stadium and countless fans of Beckham in front of the television were excited as well. What had everyone been waiting for a long time? “Maybe we’ll see Beckham’s first goal back in the English Premier League?”

Bale was pulled up from the ground by Beckham. He saw Beckham holding the football. Apparently he was determined to take the kick. He used to be the first person in the Forest team to set the place kick as long as he was on the field. When Beckham came, the boss did not state exactly who was first and who was second.

Beckham bent over to place the football at the penalty spot. Bale did not leave. He stood to the side, ready to cover Beckham. His free kick was also known in the Premier League for its accuracy. One of them was good with his left foot and the other was good with his right. With the two of them standing in front of the football, it would confound the opponents.

Although the shot would be kicked by Beckham, his standing here could also play a role in confusing the opponent — After all, the opponent did not know the Forest team’s arrangement, even though there was no arrangement at all.

After Beckham placed the football, he got up and saw Bale standing next to him, so he walked over.

“Gareth, you’re going to kick this ball.” He smiled.

Gareth Bale was a little surprised. His eyes widened and his cheeks bulged.

“Why? You can’t kick it in?”

“Ah… No, it’s not like that. It’s just that…” Bale stammered for a while before he finally managed to explain, “… Doesn’t everyone want to see you play?”

Beckham wanted to laugh at what he said, but it would attract too much attention. He held back a laugh. “This is a formal game, not a commercial event. How can we go along with what the spectators want to see? Besides, because the opponent also thinks that I’m taking this shot, we should change it to you, so that they are unable to prevent.”

“But…” Bale wanted to add but was stopped by Beckham with a wave.

“Who was the number one place kick player for the Forest team before I came?”

Bale pointed to himself. “Me.”

“In that case, you do it.”

“But the boss did not say…”

“Then it will still be you. Whether I take this shot or not, let the boss decide the next time.” Beckham smiled at him. “I’ll be right next to you to help cover you.”

Beckham was adamant. Bale had also wanted to show his skills in front of him, so he stopped pushing back and accepted the task.

Gareth Bale stood on the right side of the football to facilitate his left foot, while Beckham stood on the left side of the football, which was a habitual position for the right-footed players.

Watching the two players standing in front of the football, the Everton goalkeeper, Tim Howard barely hesitated while he prepared to pounce at the right-footed curveball. With David Beckham around, how could it be up to the Welsh boy to kick the ball? Even if he wanted to, would the Forest manager agree?

※※※

Twain, who saw this off the field, turned to his two assistant managers. “Want to make a bet? The person who loses the bet will buy drinks. I bet the little monkey will kick the ball.”

Kerslake almost reflexively blurted out, “I bet on David!”

Twain chuckled. “Because he and you have the same name? Dunn?”

Dunn thought about it and answered, “Bale.”

※※※

Bale did not know that his boss had placed a bet on him and Beckham. He stood in his customary position with his head slightly down. He stared intently at the human wall and goal ahead.

David Beckham stood to the side. He observed his young teammate. He looked different from the kid who liked to laugh. The young monkey’s expression was very serious and there was a sharp and experienced look in his eyes. He was definitely not an inexperienced rookie.

When he came to the Forest team, he knew that there was a young player with excellent free kick skills on the team. He was so outstanding that a number of Premier League teams had fallen at his left foot. It would cost anyone dearly if they treated him like a young kid on the field.

After he came to the Forest team and practiced their free kicks together, Beckham knew Bale was good. Therefore, he generously gave his chance to the other party without any worry that it might affect the final course of the game.

Everton’s human wall was lined up. Standing in the human wall, Phil Neville reminded his teammates around him to pay attention to Beckham’s free kick.

The eyes of every Everton player — no, everyone in the stands, all the television viewers watching the opening match in front of the television — were focused on David Beckham. The commentator held his breath in suspense as he prepared to cheer for Beckham’s first goal back in the English Premier League.

The young Gareth Bale stood beside David Beckham like a neglected prop in the background.

The referee’s whistle sounded, and Beckham did not move as he watched Bale run.

The young monkey’s left foot swung, and his toes touched the ground twice behind him. Then he strode toward the football.

Everton’s human wall did not move as they knew Bale had to be Beckham’s cover. They waited for Beckham to start before they would jump. It was just that… the cover looked too real… Damn it!

It was true!

Bale kicked the football. The football arc was very low. If the human wall had jumped, the football would have been blocked by them, but no one jumped as they were waiting for Beckham!

Beckham put his hands on his hip and cocked his head with his signature smile on his face as he watched the show.

Howard could not react in time. Bale’s shot was low with a narrow arc. It was fast and brushed over the human wall. It quickly drilled into the top left corner of the goal!

Howard had no other option except to turn his head and watch the football enter the goal. His feet never even left the ground.

“David Bec…” When the commentator saw Bale started running, he got ready to shout Beckham’s name. He did not think that Bale was going to kick this ball. When he saw the football fly into the goal, he changed his words to “Bale!”

“Bale! Bale! Gareth Bale!” In order to cover up his previous mistake, he even shouted Bale’s name a few times, which made people think thecommentator was really excited.

“It’s not Beckham, but the young Bale! A beautiful direct free kick! The Everton players only thought of Beckham and ignored Bale! It cost them big time!”

※※※

Bale scored the goal and Twain did not rush out of the technical area excitedly holding his arms high, even though he was surrounded by people like that. He only reached his left hand out to Kerslake. “You can buy me two drinks tonight and I’ll drink Dunn’s share.”

Kerslake was not annoyed either. He patted Twain’s hand hard. “As long as we win, never mind two drinks. I’ll buy you twenty!”

※※※

After the goal, Bale screamed and turned to embrace Beckham. He needed to thank Beckham. How could his low-altitude ball break into the goal so smoothly without David’s presence next to him to interfere the judgement of the opponent’s human wall?

His teammates swarmed in and surrounded the two men. A pair of enthusiastic hands patted Bale on the head. The players liked to express their affection for each other like that.

“Nice job! Little Monkey!”

“Whoa, haha! You took them by surprise!”

“Hey, let me give you a pat…”

Bale enjoyed this moment. This was his first goal of the season, and his father was watching the live telecast at home. He had to have seen it and was sure to be proud of his son.

Getting out of his enthusiastic teammates’ embraces, Bale wanted to fix his hair out of habit. As soon as his hand touched his hair, he realized that the mohawk he had spent an hour on had turned into a mess.

Wood looked at the morose-looking Bale next to him and said in his usual detached voice, “It lasted more than thirty seconds, but it’s still a mess.”

“You guys!” Bale felt homicidal toward the bastards.

“Whoa!” They ran away laughing.

“Remember to put more hair gel next time, little monkey!” Ribéry also made a face at him.

David Beckham saw it all next to them and could not help laughing along with them. This team was interesting, much more interesting than a team that just got a goal in after much difficulty only for the teammates to make sport of on the bench. He understood how this team could rise from the League Two in just four years to pick up the UEFA Champions League title.

How? It was simple. They were a team.

※※※

The final score of the opening match was 2:0. Nottingham Forest obtained the first three points of the new season with a win over the well-prepared Everton team at the Goodison Park stadium.

After the game, at the press conference, when Twain was asked if he was happy with Beckham’s performance, he laughed. “I’m very happy with everyone on the team, yes, everyone, including myself.”

David Beckham did not become the star of the game because he was already part of the team. There was only one star in this game and that was the victorious Nottingham Forest.