The Road to the Promised Land: Chapter 35

The Italian Job - Part 1 :Previous «Home Page» Next: SheBelieves Cup Final
== The Best Fixture in the Land ==
Any confrontation between Liverpool and Manchester United is a day to circle on the calendar. Players admit that they would always prefer to play at home and that they need to create an atmosphere for the fans in such confrontation. In the current context, Liverpool were on a long winning streak in the Premier League since Takumi Emishi joined them. The team from Merseyside was looking to cut down the deficit from 6 to only 3 points behind Manchester United at the top of the table. But regardless of the context, pride is always a serious matter for both sides. The table was set for another thriller between the best enemies of England.
Saturday March 2
The Bishop Blaize, Manchester, UK
10:29 AM GMT
Kickoff was scheduled for 12:30 PM, but the neighborhoods and the streets surrounding Old Trafford were already swarmed by thousands of people. At the Bishop Blaize pub, several United supporters already had a beer or two as superfan Pete Boyle was standing at the bar to lead the nearly nonstop singing. However, Noriko and Sarah did not need a beer to get into the buildup among their fellow United supporters. The two women, dressed with their Manchester United shirts on, have been putting their voices into the banter songs for several minutes.
Have you ever seen Gerrard win the league?Have you ever seen Gerrard win the league?Have you ever seen Gerrard? Ever seen Gerrard?Ever seen Gerrard win the league? Have you, ****?!
That song was addressing to former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, who never won a domestic league title in his career as a player for both for Liverpool and then Los Angeles Galaxy.
After the stanza on Gerrard was repeated a few times, Pete Boyle led the chanting back on a former Manchester United player and now pundit: Gary Neville.
Gary Neville is a red,Is a red, is a red,Gary Neville is a red,He hates Scousers!
"No matter how many times those songs pop up, that are a right fit with the mood." Noriko said.
"That's for sure." Sarah replied.
"But I wish Nana had her own little song for that goal against Liverpool in the FA Cup alone." 
"You never know though." Sarah said.
After the Gary Neville song ended, Pete Boyle took a moment to address his fellow Manchester United supporters.
"Alright, lads. We have a little thought for our Little Witch. She won't play today because she's in America with her national team, but we haven't forgotten the last time she played against the Scousers. Yeah?" Pete said.
"Yeah!" the Manchester United supporters replied.
"Follow me as I sing. You know the song, lads." Pete said.
Who put the ball in the Scousers' net?Who put the ball in the Scousers' net?Who put the ball in the Scousers' net?The Little Witch Mishima!
The Manchester United supporters then continued singing that stanza a few more times. Noriko took the opportunity to record the crowd singing with her smartphone until the supporters moved on with a different song.
"You've got what you wanted, Noriko." Sarah said.
"This is great. Nana will love it when she will see the video." Noriko replied just as she sent her video to Nana.
A moment later after the last song ended, the entire crowd inside the Bishop Blaize stood up and cheered as they saw the live TV news feed. The broadcast showed the Manchester United team arriving at Old Trafford.
"UNITED! UNITED UNITED!" the supporters shouted.
"COME ON, LADS!" Noriko shouted.
"I'm really happy that you spared a ticket for me today." Sarah said.
"It's always a pleasure. You can also thank my mom for the ticket. She was okay with you attending the match today since you were not here to see the FA Cup match from inside Old Trafford."
"Let's hope we will have a good match for today... and that we win too."
"I have a feeling that it will be a good one." Noriko said.
"By the way, where is Nana now? Do you know where her national team is spending the night?" Sarah asked.
"She's at the Hyatt Place in Downtown Nashville."
"I hope she won't oversleep. I don't think the sun will rise until close to kickoff time over there."
"Trust me, Sarah. She won't miss one bit of it even with a 6-hour difference." Noriko finished.
Hyatt Place Nashville Downtown, Nashville, Tennessee
6:05 AM Central Time (12:05 PM GMT)
In Nashville, the sun was set to rise in only a dozen minutes later. With a match in the SheBelieves Cup due later on that day at the nearby Nissan Stadium, Nadeshiko Japan were lodged in a three-star hotel located in the heart of the city. The players could all watch the Manchester United vs. Liverpool match on NBC Sports from the 42-inch flat screen TV in each bedroom.
On the night before, the players slept at an earlier time than usual. Nevertheless, Nana and Mai Murasaki were joined in their bedroom by long-time teammates Taeko Isshiki, Mina Nakae, Chika Nakamura, and Sakura Otsuki.
"What do you think about the lineups?" Taeko asked. She and Nana were already wearing their red Manchester United shirts.
"Looks good to me. Yusuke's return will definitely help, especially if he has to shut down their striker." Nana replied.
"You talk about that self-proclaimed Assassin, right?" Mai asked.
"Yeah, Takumi Emishi. The last time Yusuke faced him, Kamakura High destroyed Yoin Academy 5-0."
"I should call Emishi as ‘Little Big Mouth' instead." Mai said. "He was such an annoying character when I played against him not so long ago. I hope Kakerucchi will kick his butt."
"Mai-chan." Nana said between chuckles.
"We are 6 in this room, but we have a little room for more. Think anyone else might come?" Mina asked Nana.
"I already told everyone that they can watch the game in their rooms, but I wouldn't be against having a few more people."
Then someone knocked at the door.
"I'll get it." Nana said.
Nana looked through the hotel door peephole, and recognized 3 of the youngest players on the Nadeshiko Japan team in Yui Hasegawa, Jun Endo, and Saori Takarada. Then Nana opened the door.
"Ohayou (Good morning), girls." Nana greeted.
"We thought we'd come here although we can watch the game in our room." Yui said.
"Do you have room for just us?" Jun asked.
"Sure, come in." Nana let her teammates come in.
"You're already dressed up for the occasion, Mishima-san." Saori said.
"Sure! And so is Tae-san. It's the biggest rivalry for us who play in England."
"With 9 of us in this room, we will need plenty of coffee." Taeko said.
"Good thing they have that coffeemaker and a good variety of k-cups right here." Nana replied. "What flavors do you want, girls?"
Manchester United vs. Liverpool (Premier League match 29)
Old Trafford, Manchester, UK
12:23 PM GMT
In the players' tunnel, both teams stood ready to walk out. United and Liverpool wore the same kits they wore in the FA Cup fixture back in January. Just as back then, Takumi Emishi started using snarky remarks to try unsettling Kakeru before kickoff even started.
"You must be feeling lonely, Aizawa. Your fiancée is not there today." Takumi said.
Kakeru did not reply, but that silence was not going to stop Takumi at all.
"How do you manage your... needs when she's not there? Do you do it on your own? Or do you find other women to put in your bed?"
Kakeru stood as frosty as he could, but the temptation of picking a fight with Takumi was growing stronger. Fortunately, Matthias and Yusuke broke silence.
"Did you lads hear something?" Matthias asked.
"Looks like a little duck has escaped the farm." Yusuke added. The Japanese midfielder was making a return after his 3-match ban.
The last remark from Yusuke got a few Manchester United players laughing out loud. Kakeru chuckled when he heard the remark.
"It's the first time I have heard that." Kakeru said.
"You can have a laugh, Aizawa. Today, I will settle the score between us." Takumi said to Kakeru.
"The last time I played against you, Emishi, I put you through the most humiliating day of your playing career. It was just great, and I would be happy to repeat it again today." Yusuke said.
"I'll show you what I'm made of." Takumi retorted.
Then Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson had enough with the chit-chat.
"Emishi... I don't know what you are babbling in Japanese, but you better keep quiet. Stay focused!" Henderson said.
Takumi went back in line, and said no more after his captain's order. Nevertheless, Yusuke took one more verbal taunt at Takumi.
"Always quacking like a little duck." Yusuke said before he made the quacking duck's sound in Japanese. "Ga... ga... ga."
Then the referee and the linesmen arrived in front of the two teams. At 12:26 PM, the referee ordered both starting lineups to walk out of the tunnel. The substitutes from both teams and the managers followed behind.
"We'll see you out there, Emishi." Yusuke said.
"You will." Takumi dryly replied.
As both teams walked out, Kakeru remembered a quick conversation he heard between Andrew Butler and Yusuke just after the pre-match speech.
Flashback – A few minutes ago
"Yusuke, come here a second." José said.
"Yes, Boss."
"Remember what I told you: I'm putting you up against Emishi because you shut him down like so few have done before. But be careful as well. If he plays like Roberto Firmino as a false 9, he will support the midfielders and put pressure on you."
"I'll get the job done, Boss." Yusuke replied.
"You mess his head up. You do anything you want. I don't want to see him have a shot against us. You can do this, so let's go." Andrew finished.
Present time
'Emishi will taste hell against Yusuke. I can feel it, you big mouth.' Kakeru thought.
Inside the stadium, the war of decibels had already started between both sets of supporters long before the players came on. At the very same time the Nadeshiko Japan players were watching the match on NBC Sports, live British commentary of the match was provided as usual by Martin Tyler and Gary Neville.
Martin Tyler: Hi there, everyone. This is a clash between two most decorated clubs in English football once again, but both teams are looking up at different objectives in this season. Manchester United are still fighting a battle to the finish against Arsenal and Manchester City. Liverpool are playing catch-up against the top 3, but they have been red hot as of late. A Liverpool win today would take them back to 3 points behind United.
Then on all broadcasts from all over the world, the starting lineups were shown. For Manchester United, the starting lineup used a 4-1-2-1-2 formation: Jan Farkas (goalkeeper), Joel Muamba (right-back), Erik Johansson (centre-back), Matthias Köhler (centre-back and captain), Andrew Shaw (left-back), Yusuke Saeki (central defensive midfielder), Francisco Serrano (right midfielder), Nikolaj Kristiansen (left midfielder), Aidan Whelan (central attacking midfielder), Kakeru Aizawa (striker), and Marius van Leeuwen (striker).
Martin Tyler: Andrew Butler has made 3 changes from last Tuesday at Watford, where Jan Farkas recorded his 11th clean sheet of the Premier League season. Andrew Shaw is back at left-back; he starts next to Matthias Köhler, who scored what proved to be the winning goal against Watford. Yusuke Saeki makes his return from a 3-match ban in midfield. With Nana Mishima on international duty, Aidan Whelan fills in behind the forwards. Kakeru Aizawa and Marius van Leeuwen start up front. Aizawa scored one at Anfield in the Premier League and twice in the FA Cup against Liverpool this season.
As for Liverpool, their starting lineup looked as followed: Alisson Becker (goalkeeper), James Milner (right-back), Joël Matip (centre-back), Virgil van Dijk (centre-back), Andrew Robertson (left-back), Jordan Henderson (central midfielder and captain), Fabinho (central midfielder), Georginio Wijnaldum (central midfielder), Mohamed Salah (right winger), Takumi Emishi (striker), and Sadio Mané (left winger).
Martin Tyler: Arguably the most significant domestic game in Jürgen Klopp’s time at Liverpool. Alisson in goal has been a key element in taking Liverpool closer to the top. Experience gives James Milner the edge over Trent Alexander-Arnold. Virgil van Dijk starts after nursing a minor injury in midweek. Fabinho, who filled in well... he returns to midfield. And Jordan Henderson, who had his best game of the season against West Ham, keeps his place. Emishi, Salah, and Mané all start. Emishi has played a vital role in Liverpool's ongoing success since January. And on the bench, Roberto Firmino, who has been out with a knee injury since December, is now available from that bench.
After the handshakes, players from both teams went to their assigned positions. The Manchester United field players were wearing their customary red shirts, white shorts, and black socks. On the other hand, the Liverpool field players wore an all-grey kit.
"Give Emishi hell to pay." Kakeru said to Yusuke.
"I will make him swallow his tongue, I swear." Yusuke replied.
Kakeru gave Yusuke a good luck hug before the latter walked towards the midfield.
Martin Tyler: Two players from the same prefecture in Japan. Kakeru Aizawa, current leading scorer in the country, starts for the 11th consecutive match in all competitions... and up against one a striker in an incredible form at the moment, Takumi Emishi. It's a very Japanese flavour to a global fixture... and IT'S LIVE!
The coin toss gave United the right to kick the match off. United were set to attack towards the East Stand for the first half while Liverpool would go towards the Stretford End. When the clock hit 12:30 PM, the referee blew his whistle under the roars of a vast majority among the 74,000+ spectators in the attendance.
Both teams looked more like studying the other in the first few minutes. Although United controlled most of the early running with the ball, the Liverpool players countered with high pressure on the ball carrier.
In the 6th minute:
Martin Tyler: Johansson... Köhler...
The ball was being passed around by the Manchester United defenders inside their own half. When the ball arrived to Matthias, Salah and Takumi both put pressure on him. As a result, an attempted pass to Nikolaj was intercepted by Henderson. Then the ball went towards Takumi.
Martin Tyler: Couldn't quite reach Kristiansen. Emishi...
Yusuke tried to intercept the ball, but Takumi took a quick scooping touch on the ball before he started running towards the Manchester United penalty area. Then the pass was made from Takumi towards Sadio Mané, who ran near the edge of the penalty area. Fortunately, 2 Manchester United defenders came in front of Mané to deny further entry.
Martin Tyler: Mané...
With nowhere to go forward as more Manchester United midfielders arrived to protect their own penalty area, Mané ran backwards and then across with the ball for a few more yards to buy some time. For a few seconds, the Liverpool players passed the ball around as they laid the siege on the Manchester United penalty area. But then the ball was passed form Henderson to Matip.
Martin Tyler: Liverpool getting into these kinds of positions easily enough.
Everyone expected Matip to pass the ball to someone else, but the Cameroonian defender made a bursting run with the ball past both Aidan and Nikolaj through the middle.
Martin Tyler: Matip trying to open it up...
Feeling that danger was coming up, Francisco stuck his leg out to stop Matip. However, the Spaniard also conceded a free kick to Liverpool at an interesting distance from goal, only a handful of yards outside of the penalty area.
Martin Tyler: He's been fouled by Serrano.
The referee gave the free kick, but did not issue a yellow card against Francisco.
Gary Neville: Well, Manchester United dropped so far deep in a point that it was inviting Matip to go forward. He does really well, almost making to the edge of the box. And Serrano felt the need to make the foul before Matip goes in further. It's a very dangerous free kick for Liverpool from that distance.
United set up a 5-man wall in front of goal while 6 Liverpool players gathered around to discuss strategy. Kakeru was standing in the wall while Yusuke was man-marking Takumi, who stood a little astray inside the penalty area. Both teams finally set up for the upcoming kick, which was about to be taken either by the right-footed Fabinho or the left-footed Mohamed Salah.
PEEP!
Martin Tyler: Salah... Oh.
Salah ran first and then took the kick. The ball went above the wall, but also high above the goal. The home supporters sarcastically cheered in response.
Gary Neville: It's really poor from Mo Salah. He had to go low on Farkas' side and try to get that deflection or something. Too close to go above the wall.
Meanwhile in Nashville:
"Phew! That could have been costly to us." Nana said.
"Yeah, it was always going to be difficult to get a shot above the wall." Taeko replied.
"Anyway, that's definitely not an area to concede a free kick." Mina said.
"I thought he would have aimed a shot or a pass at Emishi." Mai said.
"I thought the same thing, but Yusuke was marking him ever so well." Nana replied.
"Hope we will take the game straight to them soon." Taeko said.
"Same." Nana finished.
Manchester United didn't get the first chance of the match, but they were about to get into a groove as they moved forward. A few minutes later, United took the attacking initiative.
In the 16th minute:
Martin Tyler: Serrano... Muamba...
From just inside the Liverpool half, Francisco passed the ball a few yards back and towards Joel. The English right-back took a quick look for passing options, and then saw Marius attempting a run between Van Dijk and Robertson. Without a moment of hesitation, the dinked pass was launched forward into Marius' run in full speed.
Martin Tyler: Van Leeuwen. He's run past Van Dijk...
Entering the Liverpool penalty area, Marius ran faster than his fellow Dutchman. However, Van Dijk was also pushing the Manchester United striker into a very acute shooting angle. Marius tried to fire the ball into a pass/shot towards the front of the goal, but Alisson deflected the ball with his hand.
Martin Tyler: Caught out... towards Whelan...
The ball bounced further away from goal, still inside the penalty area. Aidan restrained himself from shooting on the spot, and thus had to run along the edge of the penalty area before he tried to shoot the ball himself.
Martin Tyler: ...who looked for a shot or a pass. Blocked.
Aidan tried to send a through ball towards Marius, but Van Dijk headed the ball some distance away from the penalty area. Nevertheless, Yusuke recovered the loose ball a split second before he looked at a teammate on the right.
"Spider! Spider!" Yusuke shouted.
Then Yusuke made the pass into Joel Muamba's run, on the right wing. The English right-back ran with the ball until he arrived around 10 yards from the byline.
Martin Tyler: Saeki... Muamba...
Robertson arrived in front of Joel Muamba, but the latter managed to cross the ball inside the Liverpool penalty area.
Martin Tyler: Well forward, crossing the ball in...
Kakeru stood in a position to received the ball, but then he got pushed in the back by Matip. The vast majority among the 71,000+ Manchester United supporters in the stands shouted for a penalty kick, but Matip was allowed to head the ball outside of the penalty area.
Martin Tyler: United shouting for penalty. Aizawa went down.
Nevertheless, Francisco recovered the ball before he ran with the ball on the nearest side of the Liverpool penalty area. Wijnaldum gave chase on Francisco, but the Spaniard managed to keep himself half of a yard ahead of the Dutch midfielder. Arriving in a good position, Francisco made a low cross towards the 6-yard box.
'I'll have that.' Kakeru thought.
The ball appeared to be rolling towards Van Dijk for an upcoming easy clearance. But Kakeru, who got up from the previous contact with Matip, made his way in front of Van Dijk.
Martin Tyler: Aizawa's got in front there...
In a single split second, Kakeru got one first touch on the ball with the left foot and swiveled to strike a right-footed shot that found the top corner of the goal at the near post and above the goalkeeper. In a flash, Old Trafford erupted as the home team took the 1-0 lead.
Gary Neville: OOHHHH!!!
Martin Tyler: OOHHHH!!! He's found the goal! The Japanese striker strikes against Liverpool again, Kakeru Aizawa!! In a game of high magnitude, he wasn't fazed by the tight angle. What a moment for him to reach a milestone for the first time in his career – 30 goals in the season for Manchester United, and it may not get any bigger than this.
Kakeru celebrated by running towards the crowd to receive a few hugs from the United supporters before he turned towards his teammates.
"COME ON! YEAH!!" Kakeru shouted
"Well done!" Marius congratulated Kakeru.
"Get in! Nice!" Francisco added.
"Great pass, Frankie!" Kakeru thanked Francisco for the pass.
"Attaboy, Knight!" Nikolaj exclaimed.
"Great job, guys! Great job!" Matthias added.
Gary Neville: Well, Aizawa has been lively. He gets a little touch in his back when Matip, and it wasn't a penalty. But Serrano kept the play alive on the attack, ...and he gets one across. That is world class by Kakeru Aizawa. He gets across Van Dijk, and there was nowhere to hit it except that top corner at the near post above Alisson. He sets himself up absolutely brilliantly to swivel and hit the shot. It's wonderful from Aizawa.
Martin Tyler: And the Premier League leaders have taken the lead against their historical rivals with a little more than a quarter of an hour gone.
Meanwhile in Nashville:
"What a shot, Kakeru! Well done!" Nana exclaimed.
"Great goal! That's now 30 in the season for him!" Taeko added.
The Nadeshiko players in the room applauded the goal.
"He made it look so easy." Mai said. 
"That's a striker's dream goal." Saori said.
"Yeah, but nothing would have been possible if he didn't get up first." Nana replied.
"Right. He had to stand up and then get there first. That was good awareness." Chika said.
"What should we expect now?" Yui asked.
"Things will get tight, but I expect my team to keep pushing forward." Nana replied.
"It's about doing more of the same against Liverpool from now on." Taeko finished.
Even with an early goal in the bank, nothing was taken for granted for United as they continued to play without showing any complacency. But on the other hand, the Liverpool players had strong belief in their attacking ability. The team from Merseyside was pushing to move closer to the Manchester United goal.
In the 22nd minute:
Martin Tyler: Fabinho... Henderson...
Liverpool retrieved the ball inside their own half after a battle for possession took place in the middle of the park. Fabinho then made a pass across the halfway line and towards Henderson, who then spotted Takumi dropping almost in midfield to receive the pass.
Martin Tyler: Now Emishi. Salah is on the move...
As Yusuke was torn for a split second between covering Salah and covering Takumi, the Japanese striker made a pass towards his Egyptian teammate. Then with one skillful dribble, Salah bent his run past Shawzy from the outside to the inside. Danger was coming against United.
Martin Tyler: Salah is in here...
At the moment Salah entered the penalty area, Yusuke came in with a solid shoulder-to-shoulder charge from the blind side. As a result, Salah lost control of the ball, allowing Jan to rush forward. The Slovak tried to smother the ball as Salah was forced to jump over him. However, the ball bounced off the Slovakian goalkeeper and into a dangerous position as Takumi was lurking around.
Martin Tyler: Emishi coming... Covered by Farkas.
Jan put both hands on the ball. Takumi jumped to avoid the diving Manchester United goalkeeper. However, Jan felt that Takumi's studs went a little too close to his head when the near-collision was quite avoidable. The big Slovak was not happy at all.
"HEY! Look at where you're going!" Jan shouted, holding onto the ball.
"You've got some nerve, you little twerp!" Matthias added.
"I'm sorry. I didn't try anything." Takumi was pleading his innocence.
"Rule number 1: studs off our goalkeeper. The next time you do that, you will get some from me." Yusuke said.
"Oh, make me. Make me." Takumi stood in defiance.
"Hey! Just leave him alone." Henderson came in to pull his teammate away.
"You're lucky, Emishi. Yusuke would have decked you cold if you met him in a dark alley." Matthias added his grain of salt.
Finally, the confrontation ended with no further incident. However, the tens of thousands Manchester United supporters inside the stadium were not happy with what they just saw. The crowd shouted angry words at both the opposition and the referee.
"He wanted to play dirty there." Sarah remarked.
"Aye! There was plenty of space and time for Emishi to make a full stop. He knew what he was doing." Noriko replied.
"He's lucky that he doesn't play against Roy Keane in his prime. Ol' Irishman would have killed him on the spot." Robert added.
"Now, now. No need to get violent just yet even if that's Liverpool." Harry frowned.
"Yusuke will take care of him. He knows enough tricks to make someone's life miserable out there." Noriko said.
Managers on both sides may tell as much as they want about the need to remain disciplined. But in a rivalry such as this, a number of nasty incidents can take place. Neither side is about to hold back anything. After Takumi drew the ire of his rivals once, the intensity in the match was about to increase by a few notches.
In the 26th minute:
Martin Tyler: Farkas with the goal kick.
In a situation of a goal kick, Jan punted the ball far away from his goal and a cross the halfway line. Then Marius, who dropped a little deeper in midfield, jumped high in the air to let the ball bounce off his head and forward. Kakeru ran after the loose ball towards the corner flag on the left wing, but Milner also gave chase.
Martin Tyler: Here's Aizawa. Milner's gone with him.
Kakeru attempted to dribble his way to shake Milner off, but the veteran Englishman managed to stand his ground. With no good play to make, Kakeru chose to make a step back before he passed the ball 20 yards back to Nikolaj.
Martin Tyler: Now to Kristiansen...
After receiving the ball, Nikolaj shifted his movement with a 90-degree turn to his right. Henderson rushed towards the Dane to try correcting his own positional mistake, but Nikolaj promptly launched a long aerial ball to the far post.
Martin Tyler: Van Leeuwen coming to the back post where he can be so dangerous...
The ball was intended for Marius, who went alongside Van Dijk. Both Dutchmen were trying to get to the ball for opposite reasons. By the time the ball was in a descending trajectory, Van Dijk took no chance by jumping up and deflecting the ball out of bounds.
Martin Tyler: ...but it was well watched by Van Dijk.
It was a corner kick for Manchester United, and the home supporters roared in expectation of the upcoming corner kick. Both teams sent players inside the Liverpool penalty area, and Nikolaj stood as the designated corner kick taker in Nana's absence.
Martin Tyler: Manchester United have a corner.
PEEP!
Nikolaj whipped the ball towards the mass of humanity inside the penalty area, but Takumi managed to stick his head out and deflect the ball outside of the penalty area. Nevertheless, Kakeru recovered the ball just outside of the penalty area.
Martin Tyler: Aizawa working on the edge...
Just as Kakeru recovered the ball, he was confronted by both Wijnaldum and Salah only 2-3 yards in front of him. Kakeru dribbled his way past Wijnaldum, but not past Salah. Liverpool were about to begin a counterattack.
Martin Tyler: He couldn't get past Salah as he tried to dribble inside the penalty area.
After Salah poked the ball away, Wijnaldum led the counterattack for Liverpool. When the Liverpool midfielder arrived at the level of the center circle, Shawzy attempted to tackle the ball away from him. However, Wijnaldum managed to pass the ball towards Salah on the right, setting up a 3v2 situation in Liverpool's favor.
Martin Tyler: Liverpool with numbers, counterattacking...
Salah continued his run forward with the ball until he entered the final third of the pitch and then passed the ball into Takumi's run. Yusuke was also hustling back to close the gap between him and Takumi.
"Come on!" Yusuke challenged Takumi.
"I'll show you!" Takumi eclaimed.
Martin Tyler: Emishi...
Takumi tried to dribble his way past Yusuke to enter the penalty area. However, the former Kamakura High School midfielder welcomed him with a solid and clean standing tackle that sent the former Yoin Academy striker down.
Martin Tyler: Saeki with the challenge. No foul...
The crowd cheered on as Yusuke successfully tackled the ball away from his opponent. Takumi felt he was impeded, and he made himself heard to the referee. However, the referee was having none of it despite pleas from the Liverpool players.
"Well done, Yusuke!" Noriko shouted from her seat.
"Good tackle!" Sarah added.
Running with the ball for a few yards ahead of him, Yusuke looked to start a counterattack of his own. The Japanese midfielder passed the ball ahead to Nikolaj, who then attempted a 180-degree turn on his right to move past Milner. However, Milner came sticking the leg out to sweep Nikolaj down.
"HEEEEEEEEEEYYYYYYY!!!" the tens of thousands of Manchester United supporters shouted for a foul, which was signalled by the referee.
Martin Tyler: And an abrasive challenge. It's a yellow card for Milner.
Milner was quickly shown the first yellow card of the match. However, the home supporters in the stands were not done shouting at him.
"You disgusting prick!" Noriko shouted.
"Piss off back to Leeds!" Robert added.
"It could have been worse for Kristiansen. Sometimes, dangerous stuff like that should be worth more than a yellow card." Sarah said.
"It should be nothing less for that Leeds United by-product. A scumbag." Noriko angrily replied.
Gary Neville: Well, it was a bad defensive effort by Andrew Shaw. Then it came down to a 1v1 between Takumi Emishi and Yusuke Saeki on the edge of the penalty area. Saeki does well... and then Milner takes one for the team. He gets rolled.
As if it was not enough, the crowd started giving it back to the penalized Liverpool player by chanting something that reminds everyone of the historical rivalry between the cities of Manchester and Leeds that goes back to the days of the 15th century's War of the Roses.
WE ALL HATE LEEDS SCUM,WE ALL HATE LEEDS SCUM,WE ALL HATE LEEDS SCUM,WE ALL HATE LEEDS SCUM.
Gary Neville: We're looking at James Milner. He's the ultimate villain at Old Trafford; he played for Leeds, Manchester City, AND Liverpool.
Meanwhile in Nashville:
"Geez! Milner is such a disgusting player." Nana said.
"Kristiansen could have had a serious knee injury with that. I also hate that kind of purposeful and dangerous foul." Taeko added.
"Agree. Meanwhile, I must say that Saeki stood his ground well against Emishi." Mai said.
"Yeah, Saeki-san stopped the danger on his own there." Mina replied.
"That's right. Yusuke waited and waited to see what Emishi would do, and then popped up with the tackle." Nana said.
"Yusuke-kun has the number on Emishi so far." Taeko replied. "After how he shut Cristiano Ronaldo down in the second half against Juventus, I shouldn't be surprised."
"Yusuke has put Emishi in his back pocket like no other before. It makes me feel far better than the last time when we didn't have Yusuke against him, and may it continue." Nana finished.
The match started descending into a game of chess with tight margins. Just as Nana mentioned, Yusuke continued his man-marking on Takumi. The former Yoin Academy striker was starting to feel frustrated by the tight marking coming from Yusuke and from the Manchester United defenders following Yusuke's indications. No matter what Takumi was trying to do, space was getting scarce for him.
In the 34th minute:
Martin Tyler: An attempted return ball from Henderson, but it goes for Köhler.
Henderson's attempted pass for Salah was lost. Matthias recovered the loose ball, and then passed the ball back to his goalkeeper. From just in front of his goal, Jan kicked the ball much further ahead and on the right wing where Joel Muamba attempted a headed pass towards Francisco. However, the ball was intercepted by Wijnaldum on the halfway line.
Martin Tyler: Muamba... Couldn't reach Serrano.
Just as Wijnaldum touched the ball, it was promptly passed in the opposite direction for Takumi. The Japanese striker in Liverpool's grey kit then started running across the width of the pitch and on the edge of the center circle before starting to curve the run towards the Manchester United penalty area.
Martin Tyler: Emishi trying to push forward, but Saeki's after him...
Yusuke and Takumi got involved into a shoulder-to-shoulder contact for a few seconds. Both players went down after the duel, but the referee gave a free kick for Liverpool to the great displeasure of the home supporters.
Martin Tyler: Emishi has been given the benefit of the doubt; it's a free kick going Liverpool's way.
"No! Why? That was shoulder to shoulder!" Yusuke protested.
The referee didn't reply to Yusuke's question. However, Liverpool decided to play the free kick quickly. Henderson made a short side pass to Fabinho, who then passed the ball on the left for Wijnaldum before it went towards Robertson a little forward on the left flank.
Martin Tyler: Played quickly by Henderson... Wijnaldum... Robertson...
"Viking, Skipper, watch the Liverpool 19!" Yusuke warned his teammates at the back, making signalling gestures as well.
Indeed, Takumi was moving close to the Manchester United backline. When Robertson entered the final quarter of the pitch, he launched a cross. But just as Takumi tried to reach the ball by jumping up with his foot in the air, Erik want in with a clearing header. And when Takumi's boot went really close to Erik's head as both players fell upon contact, a foul was called against Liverpool.
PEEP!
Martin Tyler: Headed away by Johansson, and a high boot against Emishi.
The Old Trafford crowd cheered the decision with a little bit of sarcasm as they thought the previous foul called against Yusuke was a soft decision. Takumi could only grimace when he saw the foul given against him.
Meanwhile in the stands:
"That will make up for the soft call against Yusuke." Noriko said.
"I know. I thought Yusuke did very well with the shoulder play against Emishi." Sarah replied.
"Sometimes, we don't know what referees are thinking." Robert said.
"Nevertheless, Yusuke did well to redirect his teammates at the back to play it tight against the Liverpool striker after the soft call." Harry said.
"Yeah, he remained focused on the danger. Even from here, I can feel that Emishi is not feeling really happy today." Noriko finished.
The game of chess continued between the two sides as halftime loomed closer. Liverpool looked to find a way to score the equalizer before halftime, but United played a proactive and aggressive defense as a countermeasure. Nevertheless, Liverpool got themselves a chance.
In the 42nd minute:
Martin Tyler: Mané... just kept the ball in. Now Henderson...
Inside the Manchester United half, Mané managed to keep the ball in play before he ran with it on the width of the pitch. Then Mané passed the ball towards Henderson, who then attempted a through pass towards Salah. The Egyptian was arriving dangerously close to the Manchester United penalty area.
Martin Tyler: Now Salah giving chase... 
Salah tried to get to the ball, but Matthias arrived first. The German defender chose to kick the ball away to concede the corner kick.
Martin Tyler: And Köhler... a little bit of a sticky moment for him.
Gary Neville: Well, I'm just thinking that 40 minutes in, we've not seen Liverpool play many of those little passes in-behind the defenders where those runs from Salah, Emishi, and Mané would have caused problems. Köhler had to defend well there.
Both teams moved into positions inside the Manchester United area. When the referee felt ready, he made the signal for Milner to take the corner kick.
PEEP!
Milner whipped the ball towards the front of the goal where Van Dijk was making his run. Having escaped his marker for a split second, the Dutch centre-back threw his head in to fire the ball towards the goal. However, Jan parried the shot from point blank.
Martin Tyler: Van Dijk! Terrific stop by Farkas!
The ball landed a little further to the side, allowing Kakeru to kick it out on the side. Takumi quickly ran to fetch the ball, and quickly proceeded with a throw-in. However, the referee blew his whistle.
Martin Tyler: Whistle's gone. It's a foul throw by Emishi.
"Oh, come on! I can't believe it!" Takumi lamented to the referee.
In his haste to keep the attack alive, Takumi threw the ball from over his head with both hands. Although referees often close their eyes on the transgressions, some of them can signal the foul throw. Takumi could only walk away in disgust and under the jeers from the Old Trafford crowd as the result was a Manchester United ball.
"Looks like someone forgot the rules." Yusuke quipped.
"No one asked you." Takumi dryly replied.
Despite the brief exchange, Yusuke still continued shadowing Takumi. The former Kamakura High midfielder was like a predator stalking its prey in the shape of the former Yoin Academy striker. Meanwhile, the play was shifting deep inside the Liverpool half of the field.
Martin Tyler: Serrano... Muamba...
Facing Robertson, Joel Muamba had nowhere to go. The English right-back chose to send a long cross towards Kakeru on the opposite edge of the Liverpool penalty area. The Japanese forward waited for the split second of hesitation from the nearest Liverpool defender. And when that happened, he made a clever chip pass towards a totally unmarked and yet onside Aidan.
Martin Tyler: In by Aizawa... WHELAN!!!
Seeing that the ball was slightly behind him, Aidan attempted an audacious bicycle kick. Unfortunately, the Irishman's shot flew barely wide to the post. In a flash, the vast majority of the 74,000+ inside Old Trafford put their hands on their heads in disbelief.
Gary Neville: Big moment.
Martin Tyler: He had time for a touch, but he couldn't have known that, really.
Gary Neville: No, big moment. I have to say it's a wonderful pass and a wonderful touch by Aizawa. And what about this pass from Aizawa to Aidan Whelan? Not sure where was the Liverpool defence. But Whelan finds himself on his own, thinking it's 2-0. It should be 2-0. Big moment, that.
Meanwhile in the stands:
"Bloody hell!" Noriko cursed.
"I agree. He had all the time and space in the world there. That's sad." Sarah said.
"It's easier said than done with just a split second in your mind." Harry replied. "Players often rely on instinct, but sometimes it fails. I have been there before too."
"If Whelan scored that, it would have hurt Liverpool." Robert remarked.
"Even if we don't score, we must keep on playing the same way we have done so far." Noriko finished.
From that point forward, the remaining time in the first half winded down with no noticeable event to talk about. Manchester United and Liverpool cancelled out each other, leaving the home side in the lead after 45 minutes.
PEEP PEEP PEEEEEEEP!!!
Martin Tyler: Halftime is upon us. It's the team from Manchester in front. So far, Kakeru Aizawa has scored the only goal – his 30th goal of this prolific campaign. Virgil van Dijk could have tied the game, but Jan Farkas stood tall. And then Aidan Whelan missed a golden opportunity to double the lead for his team. At halftime, it's Manchester 1-0 Liverpool.
The crowd at Old Trafford applauded the result so far; they were relieved to see their team in the lead. Needless to say, Nana and Taeko were the happiest Japanese women to see Manchester United ahead after 45 minutes.
"Good half, so far." Taeko said.
"Yep! We controlled the game rather well even though it looked really tight." Nana replied.
"More of the same in the second half, I say." Taeko said.
"As a defender myself, I agree." Mina added.
"I'm getting hungry now." Mai said.
"Me too." Yui said.
"Same for me." Saori added.
"With 15 minutes before the restart, we can grab breakfast at the 24/7 eatery and then come back here to watch the rest of the match." Nana replied.
"Eggs, oatmeal, whole fruits, or more, I'll get some for myself." Mai said.
"I read that they have a lot of choices for breakfast at this hotel, and it's all served fresh." Taeko said.
"Let's not waste any more time then. Let's go!" Nana finished.
During halftime, Andrew reminded his team that they must keep on putting on the pressure when they don't have the ball, but also that the mindset was to look for the next goal when they have the ball. After the speech, the dressing room remained fairly quiet as players were focusing on the task to do.
Minutes later, the second half started with Liverpool kicking things off. The visitors were attacking towards the East Stand while United had the Stretford End in their sights. At first glance, both sides appeared to be cancelling out each other as they did for most of the first hand. Nevertheless, the first serious chance of the second half came to the team from Merseyside.
In the 50th minute:
Martin Tyler: Here's James Milner...
Moving the action inside the Manchester United half, Milner chose to pass the ball to Henderson on the left. Then the Liverpool captain passed the ball to Wijnaldum, who then made a quick pass forward to Takumi. However, the Liverpool striker had his back to the goal while Yusuke stood a couple of yards close to him.
'No way to go past him for now.' Takumi thought.
The Japanese striker in grey chose to make a pass in retreat for Henderson again.
Martin Tyler: Emishi... now back to Henderson.
Even though Nikolaj was standing in front of him, Henderson saw that Mané was preparing a run to the far post. Picking the right moment, the Liverpool captain launched a long ball forward to the far post.
Martin Tyler: He might curl one towards Mané...
The ball was dipping towards the Senegalese forward, but Erik managed to get his head on the ball just a split second earlier. However, the ball was not out of bounds yet as it went on the side of the penalty area. Robertson arrived in there, launching a high cross towards the penalty spot.
Martin Tyler: Robertson... back to WIJNALDUM!!
The cross found the head of Wijnaldum, who powered the shot towards the goal. However, Jan blocked the powerful shot that went straight at him. The rebound bounced towards the face of goal, and Takumi was ready to pounce on it.
'I've got this!' Takumi thought.
"Not yet!" Yusuke shouted.
Martin Tyler: EMISHI!!!
Takumi struck the shot, but Yusuke threw his body in the way of the shot. Then the ball bounced back off Takumi before it rolled towards Jan for an easier pickup.
Martin Tyler: Blocked by Saeki! And it's bounced back to Farkas.
While the Liverpool players walked back in the opposite direction in disappointment, Takumi was still fuming at the fact that Yusuke thwarted him at the crucial moment again.
"Why can't I get away from him? Damn it!" Takumi shouted for himself out loud.
Then Takumi took a look behind him only to see Yusuke following him like the big shark from "Jaws" hunting for the next victim. However, Yusuke was thinking of a different metaphor to describe his job of man-marking Takumi.
"Do you want to smell my lunch or what?" Takumi asked Yusuke annoyingly.
"I'm a hawk prowling on a mouse." Yusuke replied.
"Clear off."
Although Liverpool had the early chance after halftime, Manchester United still maintained a good control on the pace of the match through high-tempo defensive pressure for several minutes. The visitors from Merseyside could not find the gap leading to the goal. At one point, it was the Red Devils who launched the next dangerous attack on either goal.
In the 61st minute:
Martin Tyler: Köhler... Saeki...
With United controlling the ball just inside their own half while most players were inside the Liverpool half, Matthias passed the ball forward to Yusuke. The Japanese midfielder was being chased by Takumi, but Yusuke kept enough distance before he passed the ball forward to Aidan.
Martin Tyler: Into Whelan...
Just as Aidan received the pass, he started making a 180-degree turn to push the attack forward. However, the Irishman took a knee to the rear end from Fabinho and went down. But worse than the contact, the referee gave no foul.
Martin Tyler: No foul...
Angry, Aidan slammed the grass before he got up and looked the referee.
"HEY!!" Aidan shouted at the referee.
Nevertheless, the play was still going on. After the contact went uncalled, the loose ball went to Matip. Then Matip passed the ball forward to Henderson, who then passed it back towards Milner. However, Nikolaj came in with a standing tackle to push the ball away from Milner, and then Kakeru recovered the ball as he pushed forward.
Martin Tyler: Aizawa retrieves...
The advancing Kakeru got the Liverpool defenders on their heels. Hustling back to defend, Henderson caught Kakeru's back leg from behind. The referee called the foul this time, and it was 5 yards from goal and just enough to be considered a direct free kick for United.
Martin Tyler: Caught up by Henderson; free kick.
Although the free kick was in a good position, Aidan was not done complaining about the earlier non-call.
"I took the knee! How was that not a foul earlier?" Aidan asked.
"I thought you went down too easily. But the one on Aizawa is a genuine foul." the referee replied.
"Consistency is what we need now." Aidan said before Matthias came in to calm his teammate down.
Martin Tyler: Whelan complaining about the earlier one.
Gary Neville: There may have been a foul on Aidan Whelan, but he miscontrolled the ball. I think that's why. It was theatrical by Whelan, but the second one is definitely a foul by Henderson on Aizawa.
After a few moments, Liverpool set up a 4-man wall just inside their own penalty area. Kakeru was standing a little astray from the wall while Takumi was keeping an eye on him. The free kick was to be taken either by the right-footed Nikolaj or the left-footed Aidan.
PEEP!
It was Nikolaj who took the free kick by curling the shot above the wall and towards the top corner to Alisson's right. However, the Brazilian goalkeeper punched the ball to block the shot.
Martin Tyler: Almost got the top corner. Comes out to Aizawa...
The rebound was still loose just outside of the 6-yard box. Kakeru got to the loose ball to maintain the attack. Expecting an early left-footed cross, Takumi slid on the grass to try denying the pass. However, Kakeru dragged the ball back onto his right foot while Takumi slid out of his way. At that moment, Kakeru made a pass towards the face of the Liverpool goal.
Martin Tyler: And Aizawa again...
The pass went off Matip, but it was inadvertently deflected towards the penalty spot. Francisco rushed forward to strike the ball from there.
Martin Tyler: And that's SERRANO!!
The shot was blocked by Alisson, and the rebound was bouncing towards the front of goal again. In a moment of general panic in the Liverpool ranks, Fabinho tried to clear the ball out of play. But the ball bounced off a Liverpool player before it rolled again dangerously towards a Manchester United player lurking in a dangerous area.
Martin Tyler: A real mess here... SAEKIIIIII!!!
Yusuke struck a left-footed shot with authority into the top corner of the Liverpool goal to leave no doubt. And for the second time on the day, the Manchester United supporters at Old Trafford and around the world went nuts.
Martin Tyler: 2-0 TO MANCHESTER UNITED!!! He may have wrapped the game up! The man who makes his return in the lineup today has scored a gigantic goal against Liverpool again!
After the goal, Yusuke ran until he was a few yards away in front of Noriko, her relatives, and Sarah.
"COME ON!!!" Yusuke shouted in celebration, waving his arms up to get the crowd even louder.
"WELL DONE, YUSUKE!" Noriko shouted from her seat amidst the deafening noise.
"GET IN!" Robert added to the shouts.
"You did it!" Sarah added.
Yusuke was quickly mobbed by his teammates as well.
"Great shot, Yusuke!" Kakeru came first to congratulate Yusuke.
"Big goal, Fury!" Nikolaj said.
"That's huge!" Aidan added.
"Big shift, lads!" Matthias added.
Alan Keegan: UNITED'S GOAL... SCORED BY NUMBER SEVENTEEN... YUSUKE SAEKIIIII!!!
Back to the commentators:
Gary Neville: Well, it has come down as a result of a rare moment of panic for Liverpool inside their own box. Alisson got the first shot cleared. I think he was also lucky on the second one as Serrano shot straight at him. It was pinball in the box, and then Saeki blasted it past everybody. And now Liverpool have got a real job to do here.
Martin Tyler: He had to spend the last 3 domestic matches out on a ban, but he has made his return count. The winning goal at Anfield and a 2-0 goal at Old Trafford for Yusuke Saeki against Liverpool. Aizawa, Saeki, and Mishima, who is not available today, have claimed all but one of the goals scored by United against Liverpool so far in this season.
Meanwhile in Nashville:
"Great goal, Yusuke!" Nana exclaimed.
"Big time goal!" Taeko added.
"Serves them right!" Mai said.
"Being a Chelsea player, it must better for your team if Manchester United wins. Right?" Yui asked Mai.
"Yep. Our most immediate rival for the race to the top 4 right now is Liverpool, so it's good for us." Mai replied. "And besides, I still have a very soft spot for Kakerucchi."
Unlike the other Nadeshiko Japan players in the room, neither Yui, Jun, nor Saori knew anything about Mai's high school crush on Kakeru.
"Did something happen between you and Aizawa-san?" Yui asked.
"I could only wish, but he has always been faithful to Nana-chan. You have to respect him for that. Besides, it was a long time ago." Mai replied.
"That being said, we can focus on the match again." Nana finished.
With now a 2-goal lead to boot, Manchester United continued to snuff Liverpool out through a proactive defense. In an attempt to bring more attacking flair, the Liverpool manager replaced Henderson with Xherdan Shaqiri, which made Milner the acting captain. The visitors also resisted against attacks from the home team when they had to, but frustration was building up quickly among the Liverpool players. All it took was one spark for everything to reach boiling point.
In the 69th minute:
Martin Tyler: Milner takes it on a burst... challenges Kristiansen's recovery...
Leading the attack deep inside the Manchester United half, Milner ran with the ball in an attempt to cross the ball inside the penalty area from the right wing. However, Nikolaj blocked the attempted cross away from Milner and out of play.
Gary Neville: He put in a shift there, Kristiansen.
Nevertheless, it was a corner kick for Liverpool. Milner was about to take it as usual after both teams were ready.
PEEP!
Milner whipped the ball towards the no man's land in front of the 6-yard box. At the end of the pass, Takumi tried to make an explosive run-in with a header. However, Yusuke was again marking him tightly with some grabbing. As a result, Takumi lost his balance a few milliseconds before his attempted header went off Yusuke's shoulder and out play.
"HEY! Peno!" Takumi shouted and waved his arms up, but to no avail.
The referee only pointed at the corner flag to signal another corner kick, but nothing more came out of it despite protests from a few Liverpool players.
Gary Neville: Emishi's saying he's pulled back. It looked like he was goalside on Saeki. No, there wasn't much in there. Saeki tried to grab him, but then let him go.
Martin Tyler: Definitely a corner though.
Meanwhile in Nashville:
"So far, Saeki is reading into Emishi like a book." Chika said.
"Yeah. Emishi is still too predictable for a midfielder of Yusuke's quality." Nana replied.
"It's not over though." Taeko said.
Back to Old Trafford:
Martin Tyler: Take 2...
PEEP!
Milner launched the ball towards the same area as the one earlier, but the ball was headed away by Matthias. Nevertheless, the ball was recovered some distance outside by Robertson.
Martin Tyler: Cleared by Köhler... Only as far as Robertson.
Kakeru quickly ran forward to try putting defensive pressure on Robertson, but the Scottish left-back made a pass to Salah on the right. Nevertheless, Marius and Nikolaj quickly moved in to block any possible shooting attempt.
"Mo! Mo!" Takumi called for a pass on Salah's right.
Martin Tyler: Salah... to Emishi...
After receiving the pass, Takumi came up facing Shawzy just inside the penalty area.
'I'll get past this guy.' Takumi thought.
Takumi first feinted going to the right, but then went to the left when Shawzy overcommitted on the wrong direction. The Liverpool striker was about to take the shot, but then Yusuke came up with a strong and yet legal standing tackle that sent Takumi flying. The referee denied all penalty appeals from Liverpool.
"HEEEYY!!" Takumi shouted before he beat the ground in frustration, cursing words out loud in the process.
Martin Tyler: Emishi beats the ground...
Francisco then passed the loose ball forward to Nikolaj on the counterattack, but a couple of United players were annoyed by Takumi's reaction.
"Get up, you bloody girl!" Shawzy said, standing over Takumi.
"Stop whining like a bitch!" Yusuke added.
Martin Tyler: ...and United go for him... 2 players.
Takumi got up and then brushed Shawzy aside before he went straight towards Yusuke next. The Liverpool striker has had enough with the man who made his life miserable for almost 70 minutes.
"Bastard! Say that again!" Takumi said as he grabbed and shoved Yusuke.
"You're a pathetic, childish, whining bitch!" Yusuke replied.
"You think that?"
"Oh yeah, I do." Yusuke said, moving his face less than an inch from Takumi's.
Then Takumi responded with a headbutt that nudged Yusuke on the nose.
Martin Tyler: Oh, and now Takumi Emishi has reacted!
In a very quick response to the headbutt, Shawzy and Matthias both shoved Takumi.
"I'll be damned!" Yusuke said before he walked after Takumi as well.
"Don't! Don't!" Kakeru came in quickly to restrain Yusuke.
Gary Neville: If the referee saw that, Emishi is off.
Martin Tyler: Surely he can't fail seeing it.
Within seconds, all 20 field players gathered into a melee. Several Liverpool players came in to protect their teammate, but a few Manchester United players were not done with the shouting match against Takumi. The referee was pulling Takumi away though.
"You better run off, you little Chihuahua!" Yusuke pointed his finger at Takumi in the distance while restrained by both Kakeru and Salah.
"Come on, Yusuke. Cut it out." Kakeru tried to calm his friend down. "Stay focused on the game."
More insults, pushing, and shoving were exchanged by both sides. Both managers had to step in as peacemakers. The majority inside Old Trafford shouted anti-Liverpool slogans in full voice as well.
Martin Tyler: It hasn't finished yet. It's a major, major disciplinary issue here.
The referee first issued a yellow card and then a red card against Takumi, much to joy of the 71,000+ United supporters inside Old Trafford.
Martin Tyler: Well, he showed a yellow and a red for Takumi Emishi.
"What? What? Why a yellow AND a red?" Milner asked the referee.
"It's a yellow for the violent grab-and-shove by Emishi on Saeki and then a red for the headbutt." the referee replied, making non-verbal gestures to illustrate his point.
"That's just ridiculous!" Takumi protested.
"Get out." the referee pointed towards the exit.
Martin Tyler: The yellow for the grab-and-shove, I think, and the red for the headbutt. Liverpool are down to 10 men. The striker, who has been signed for his composure in front of goal, has lot the plot at a time when his team needs goals.
Gary Neville: Well, that was absolutely stupid by Takumi Emishi. Saeki made a good tackle on Emishi, but Emishi's reaction annoyed Manchester United players. Shaw got involved. Saeki got involved. There's the headbutt. Everyone saw it. Just no way Emishi wouldn't get sent off after that.
On the long walk out, Takumi was greeted with jeers from thousands in the crowd. Noriko, who took a guilty pleasure in giving some to both Patrick Jenpa and Ryoma Oda only 19 days ago, gave Takumi a similar treatment.
Meanwhile in Nashville:
"Such an idiot." Nana said.
"You bet." Mai said. "What a moron."
"Then it's game over." Saori said.
"Not quite. There are 20 minutes left, and Liverpool have nothing left to lose now." Taeko replied.
"Tae-san is right. If they sneak one goal in, then things could get nervy." Mina replied.
"Don't change anything." Nana finished.
In the following 13 minutes, Liverpool replaced Salah with Divock Origi in order to compensate Takumi's presence in front of goal. Naby Keïta was also sent to replace Wijnaldum in midfield for the Scousers. In response for Manchester United, Aidan was replaced by Kevin Flynn on the 74th minute to shift from 4-1-2-1-2 into a 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 hybrid formation.
With time winding down, urgency grew stronger for the Liverpool players. Through sheer persistence, the visitors earned their big chance to cut the lead in half.
In the 83rd minute:
Martin Tyler: Origi and Saeki under the ball...
Just as Yusuke was trying to regain control of a high ball inside his own half, Origi also jumped up to reach the ball. Both players fell, but no foul was called at all. Then Keïta recovered the loose ball for Liverpool before he launched a through pass into Mané's path.
Martin Tyler: Mané... gets past JOHANSSON...
Entering the penalty area, Mané promptly took a shot across on Jan's left. However, the Manchester United goalkeeper got enough of a touch to deflect the ball just away from the post on his left.
Martin Tyler: And the goalkeeper stopped Mané. It's a Liverpool corner.
Both teams quickly moved into positions inside the Manchester United penalty area. Liverpool were sending 6 players inside the box.
PEEP!
Milner whipped a curling ball that flew towards the front of the 6-yard box. Van Dijk and Matthias both jumped towards the ball. However, the Dutchman got to the ball and redirected it. Then Mané, who escaped his marker momentarily, stuck a foot out in the air to steer the ball out of the goalkeeper's reach. And suddenly, the scoreline became Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool!
Martin Tyler: Van Dijk... Mané taps it in! Liverpool have got a goal back!
In the aftermath of the goal, Mané quickly picked up the ball from the back of the net before he ran with it to the center of the pitch. Meanwhile, the Manchester United players and their 71,000+ supporters were stunned for a moment.
Meanwhile in the stands:
"You've got to be joking!" Noriko exclaimed.
"We played so well until that." Sarah added.
"It's not finished for them, but also not for us yet." Robert replied before he shouted. "COME ON, UNITED!"
Almost in response to the 3,000 Liverpool supporters celebrating the goal, the majority of the 71,000+ United supporters roared their undying support for their team ahead of the remaining minutes.
At the same time in Nashville:
"That was exactly what I feared most." Nana said.
"It's going to be a hectic end to the match, alright." Taeko replied.
"I hope Kakerucchi and his team can still hold on. Liverpool must not get a point from this." Mai said.
"Crossing fingers now." Nana finished.
With Liverpool back in the game, the United fans were getting nervous. Every single time Liverpool moved the action into the eastern half of the pitch, the crowd was on edge. However, United were also capable of counterattacking.
In the 87th minute:
Martin Tyler: It's Fabinho...
Controlling the play inside the Manchester United half under the boos of the home crowd, Liverpool players passed the ball around for a while. Then Fabinho made a pass ahead to Shaqiri, who arrived just outside of the penalty area. Aleksandar arrived to confront Shaqiri, but the Swiss launched a long ball on the opposite flank for Milner.
Martin Tyler: Shaqiri... finds Milner...
Without hesitation, Milner sent a cross back towards the face of goal. Then the ball accidentally bounced off twice on United defenders in a pinball fashion before Erik headed the ball outside of the penalty area. Fabinho headed the ball back in, but Yusuke came up with a strong header to clear it high and further ahead.
Martin Tyler: Fabinho's there... Saeki's there...
At 15 yards away from the penalty area, Matip attempted to head the ball back towards a Liverpool teammate, but Kevin intercepted the ball. Robertson advanced to stop Kevin, but the Englishman in red used his fresher legs to run past the tired Scotsman. Suddenly, United counterattacked with 3 players running down the field against 2!
Martin Tyler: Flynn is away from Robertson this time. Van Leeuwen's up with him. Aizawa's up with him. It's 3 against 2 in United's favour...
The Old Trafford crowd roared in expectation of a goal. Kevin ran with the ball, waiting for the opportunity to make a pass. Then Matip hustled too far behind for a few seconds, and thus both Marius and Kakeru were both onside entering the final third. Kevin passed the ball ahead to Marius, who had a clear path on goal.
Martin Tyler: Here's Van Leeuwen...
Marius entered the penalty area in full stride. Alisson rushed forward, but then shifted his run backwards to follow the Dutch striker trying to go around him. Realizing that Alisson was not going to make the first move as the shooting angle was narrowing quickly, Marius took the shot on his right foot. However, the ball struck the side netting much to the disbelief of 71,000+ United supporters in the attendance.
Martin Tyler: Ohh! What a time that would have been to score. Van Leeuwen would have wrapped it up, but Alisson did well.
Gary Neville: Well, that was a devastating counterattack. 3v2... Flynn, Van Leeuwen, and Aizawa. Matip steps up trying to play the offside. Van Leeuwen is the man you want on a one-on-one. Credit to Alisson, he does really well. He doesn't go down early, and he understands what Van Leeuwen is trying to do.
Meanwhile in the stands:
"Man! Should have wrapped things up there!" Noriko exclaimed.
"I thought Van Leeuwen had it too." Sarah replied.
"That miss better not bite us back." Robert said.
"If we don't score, then we must stay sharp at the back until the very end." Noriko replied.
The match continued with United holding onto the slender lead, but Liverpool pushed men forward. Francisco was replaced by Aleksandar just before injury time in an attempt to disrupt any momentum. With the allocated 5 minutes of injury time winding down, Liverpool were desperately looking for one final chance.
In the 95th minute:
Martin Tyler: Mané...
Dribbling with the ball outside the Manchester United penalty area, Mané was looking for an opportunity to pass. When he saw Keïta lurking behind a couple of red shirts, the pass was made towards the Guinean.
Martin Tyler: It's a clever reversal pass to Keïta.
As Keïta entered the penalty area, 3 Manchester United players scrambled to try stopping him. However, that was a decoy as the Guinean immediately made a layoff pass towards Mané just outside of the penalty area. The Senegalese then took a low drive that rolled beyond Jan's reach, but...
Martin Tyler: Oh, that hit the outside of the post!
The ball rolled outside of the penalty area, but it was still in play. Aleksandar tried to take control of the ball before he was clipped by a Liverpool player and saw the ball rolling behind the byline. Aleksandar expected a foul to be called, but a corner kick was called instead.
Martin Tyler: Rukavina expected a free kick, but it's a corner for Liverpool. This could be the last chance of the match.
Both teams moved into positions, but Alisson also sprinted forward to provide an extra presence inside the attacking third. Finally, the referee made the signal.
PEEP!
Milner took the corner kick, but the ball was cleared outside the penalty area by Matthias this time. However, the ball was retrieved by Shaqiri outside of the penalty area.
Martin Tyler: Cleared by Köhler... only as far as Shaqiri. Alisson has stayed forward.
Shaqiri then passed the ball to Origi, who had to deal with Yusuke in a 1v1 situation inside the penalty area. Origi then attempted a back pass to a teammate, but the ball went astray instead. And suddenly, Marius retrieved the ball and started running in the opposite direction alongside Kakeru. The goal was empty at the other end!
Martin Tyler: A bad pass by Origi... Alisson is out of position! It's a clear run for Van Leeuwen with Aizawa on his left.
Just as Alisson sprinted as quickly as possible to reach back to his own goal, Marius ran with the ball until he crossed the halfway line. There, the Dutch striker passed the ball on the left to Kakeru, who then suddenly made a stop in his run to turn into a right-footed shooting position.
"SHOOT!" Noriko shouted from her seat at Old Trafford.
"SHOOT, KAKERU!" Nana shouted at the same time in Nashville.
Although he was at the same level with the center circle, Kakeru launched a lob that flew with some pace. Then the ball started dipping dangerously towards the goal while Alisson was barely arriving on the edge of the penalty area.
Martin Tyler: Two defenders back... Alisson is running back to his goal, but Aizawa goes from long way out...
The Liverpool goalkeeper was trying desperately to arrive in position. With no one there to help him, Alisson rushed back inside the 6-yard box where he instinctively batted the ball with his left hand. In an agonizing moment, everyone inside Old Trafford was waiting to see there the ball was going. Finally, it went just outside the frame of the goal and out of play.
Martin Tyler: OOOOOOHHHH!! What a save by Alisson! He came back to push the ball away, but only just!
No one could believe that Alisson made such a miraculous save. Nevertheless, Kakeru took it with a smile. He knew that he earned a corner kick, and thus his team could waste more precious seconds inside the Liverpool half. Nikolaj took the short free kick by passing the ball to Kakeru, but it was all academic with injury time well expired.
PEEP PEEP PEEEEEEEEEP!!!
Old Trafford erupted as the home side won against their fiercest rivals.
Martin Tyler: They have done it. Manchester United extend the gap on Liverpool to 9 points, and stay on top of the Premier League. That resilience at home was key. It was a tight affair for most of the game. Manchester United have taken the lead with a goal from Kakeru Aizawa after a quarter of an hour. Then United doubled the lead with a goal from the returning Yusuke Saeki, who also scored the winning goal at Anfield. Liverpool cut the deficit in half through Sadio Mané in the 83rd minute, but United held on to claim all 3 points. The contest was also marked by the dismissal of Takumi Emishi for a headbutt against Yusuke Saeki with a little more than 20 minutes to go. Nevertheless, it was a great contest to start the Premier League weekend from a neutral's point of view. The final score: Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool.
While the celebrations were under way at Old Trafford, Nana and her friends were equally happy back in Nashville.
"Well done, boys!" Nana exclaimed.
"Now we can breathe a little easier now." Taeko said.
"I'm not supposed to be a fan of either side, but... phew! I'm happier to see Manchester United win that one." Mai said.
"It's good for Chelsea as long as they can win today." Mina remarked.
"They will win today." Mai replied.
"Well, we have business of our own to take care of." Sakura said.
"Right. We have a game to play today, girls." Taeko replied.
"Yep! Let's get through Brazil." Nana finished.
Back at Old Trafford, players from both teams shook hands. After a few moments, Kakeru and Yusuke walked their way in the players' tunnel where they spotted Takumi. The Liverpool striker has stood on his own in the tunnel since his dismissal, and he was comforted by his teammates.
"Hey, Saeki, Aizawa." Takumi said.
"What do you want?" Yusuka asked.
"Chill, I just want to have a word. Can I?" Takumi said.
"Out with it. I don't want to stay too long around you." Yusuke replied.
"Good game, you two. Really took it to us when it mattered." Takumi said.
"Cheers." Yusuke replied, not impressed.
"Thanks." Kakeru added.
Kakeru and Yusuke were about to continue forward before Takumi broke the short moment of silence.
"About what happened earlier... I'm sorry things went down that way." Takumi apologized. "I let the emotions get to me."
"Is that so?" Yusuke asked.
"Look... I screwed up, I was foolish, and I deserved to pay the price. Guess I still have a lot to learn on how to become a good player in this league."
"No one ever said that playing as a striker in this league would be easy." Kakeru replied.
"If you want to be part of the National Team one day, you will have to respect your opponent at all times. Throwing a tantrum when things don't go your way is not the way to go. Stronger players are out there, ready to take our places at a moment's notice." Yusuke added.
"I'll try to remember that." Takumi replied.
"You must." Yusuke corrected.
"Well, I guess I will let you go. See you next time."
"Until next time, Emishi." Kakeru shook hands with Takumi.
"Always about business." Yusuke said before he briefly shook hands with Takumi.
Then Takumi left towards his team's dressing room. Meanwhile, Karen Shotbolt, the press officer for Manchester United, stopped Kakeru and Yusuke before she redirected them towards the mixed zone for post-match interviews.
"Ah, Kakeru and Yusuke, well played today. You're on the post-match interview with Geoff Shreeves." Karen said.
"OK, Karen. We're coming." Kakeru replied.
"I wonder if you're the Man of the Match." Yusuke said to Kakeru.
"It could be you. You had a great game and the winning goal today." Kakeru replied.
Then Kakeru and Yusuke arrived in the mixed zone where post-match interviews are given. After a few minutes, Geoff Shreeves started the interview.
Geoff Shreeves: Kakeru and Yusuke, well played. Yusuke, the last time you played against Liverpool, you scored the winning goal. You did it again today, but you also played a different role against the Liverpool attack. What did the manager ask from you today?
Yusuke: Well, the manager asked me to follow the Liverpool striker anywhere because we know how dangerous he can be on his own. I'm happy that I scored the goal, but I'm happier that Emishi didn't score. When we win the 3 points, it's because we have done our job when it mattered.
Geoff Shreeves: Kakeru, you scored your 4th goal against Liverpool this season. You must be making a habit. How satisfying is that for you?
Kakeru: Yeah, matches against Liverpool are always big matches, and you dream to score goals in those matches. But anyone could have scored that, and we would have been happy regardless. With the title race being so tight, it was important to get the result at all costs. We did that in the end.
Geoff Shreeves: Yusuke, we saw what happened between you and Emishi. It is the second time in 2 Premier League matches that you are involved in a flashpoint. What do you make of his reaction?
Yusuke: Well, I don't understand what went through his mind. I only told him I didn't like his embarrassing complaint. He was frustrated that I spent my time marking him tight, so I guess he let the emotion take over. He has apologized since, so there's nothing else to say about it.
Geoff Shreeves: Kakeru... Manchester United had to play against Liverpool without Nana Mishima today. Did you expect the challenge to be more difficult?
Kakeru: Playing against Liverpool is always a tough challenge. There is a lot of pride at stake. Of course, we would have liked to have Nana with us. Still, we always prepare ourselves in the best way we can with the players we have. We also have a big and good squad of players who can win matches.
Geoff Shreeves: If you could say something to Nana in the United States right now, what would you say to her?
Kakeru: *chuckles* Stay healthy and try your best to win the trophy. I can't wait to see you back in Manchester soon.
Geoff Shreeves: Yusuke, you have received the Premier League Man of the Match award. Kakeru, will you do the honor, please?
Kakeru: Ah, OK. Well done, Yusuke.
Yusuke: Thanks, Kakeru.
3:35 PM GMT
After the players cleaned themselves and got changed, they walked just outside of Old Trafford at the southwest corner. Players and coaches spent moments signing autographs to fans waiting behind the security barricades. The team was about to be taken back to the Lowry Hotel in a moment. Right before Yusuke hopped in, Yusuke wanted to make a phone call to Noriko.
"I'll just give a call to Noriko now. I'll join you in the bus." Yusuke said.
"OK, no problem." Kakeru walked his way onto the bus.
Yusuke then dialed Noriko's phone number.
"Hello, Yusuke! Man of the Match in a win against Liverpool! That's worth celebrating."
"Hello, Noriko! Thanks! What are you doing right now?"
"I'm chilling at the Bishop Blaize with Sarah right now."
"Great. I'll get back to you later for dinner tonight. Kakeru will be with us." Yusuke said.
"And after that, we have the whole Saturday night just for us, right?" Noriko asked.
"You've got that right, Noriko."
"Where are you taking me tonight? The Lowry?"
"At the Hilton Manchester Deansgate." Yusuke replied.
"Oh, good choice there. I can't wait to show you a Saturday night surprise." Noriko spoke with a seductive tone.
"Oh... I love surprises." Yusuke replied with a big grin on his face.
"See you later then."
"See you later, Noriko. Bye!" Yusuke finished.
At the Bishop Blaize, Noriko ended the phone conversation. Sarah, who didn't understand one word of Japanese, was still watching Noriko's non-verbal language. The English woman could tell that her friend was in for a treat in the upcoming evening.
"So... Where is it going to be?" Sarah asked.
"The Hilton on Deansgate. The view from there on the city at night is great." Noriko replied.
"Do you think he has any clue about tonight?"
"Not a chance. It will be better than Christmas Eve." Noriko finished.
Both Noriko and Sarah giggled.
Hilton Manchester Deansgate, Manchester, UK
9:00 PM GMT
Later in the evening, Yusuke took Noriko to a 4-star hotel in Downtown Manchester so they could enjoy the view of Manchester at night and then spend the night together. Yusuke had already booked a King Deluxe room for the night, much to Noriko's delight.
On the way up to the 17th floor, Yusuke and Noriko shared a passionate kiss as nobody else was in the elevator. Both lovers were laughing when Noriko pulled Yusuke towards the door leading to their room. After making out for a while as they entered the room, Noriko let Yusuke enjoy a bath first for a few minutes. And then Noriko entered the bathroom with nothing but a towel to cover her front while Yusuke was sitting comfortably in the bathtub.
"Enjoying yourself?" Noriko asked.
"I am. Care to join?" Yusuke returned the question.
Noriko smiled before she dropped her towel on the floor, revealing her beautiful body. Then she took the hairband elastic off her ponytail to let her hair down before she seductively threw her head back to send her brown hair backwards.
"Sexy move there, Noriko."
"I'm going in, Yusuke." Noriko said.
The half-Japanese, half-British woman stepped into the bathtub. However, she was still standing up instead of sitting down in the bathtub.
"What are you doing?" Yusuke asked.
"I'm getting the show started for you."
Noriko then turned her body around to show her exposed back before she started shaking her hips in front of Yusuke. She started the little dance on her feet, humming a little song of her own. But soon enough, she lowered her body on Yusuke before she started arousing his senses with a provocative dance for a few minutes. When Noriko finished dancing, she turned her body around so she could face Yusuke and straddle him.
"You're very enterprising tonight." Yusuke said.
"You haven't seen anything." Noriko replied in English.
Noriko wrapped her left arm around Yusuke's head. Then both lovers gave each other a deep and passionate kiss that went on for a little more than one minute.
At the very time Noriko and Yusuke were making out inside the bathtub, Sarah silently entered the bathroom. The last sentence that Noriko said in English was, in fact, a signal that told Sarah to join the couple into the bathroom. Walking forward in the nude, Sarah was a little jittery.
"H-hello, Yusuke." Sarah said.
"Sarah, good timing." Noriko said.
"Sarah... WHAT?!" Yusuke was completely taken by surprise.
Yusuke immediately took both of his hands to cover his crotch in embarrassment. Nevertheless, he did not take his eyes away from the English woman's body. If one didn't know that Sarah was studying medicine, one could have easily mistaken her for a celebrity or a model.
"When did you get in here?" Yusuke asked.
"When you were pouring water in the bathtub. Noriko texted me the room number, and then she waited for that moment to let me into the room." Sarah replied.
"Noriko, what is going on?" Yusuke asked.
"Sarah asked me a favor almost a couple of weeks ago. It involves you, Yusuke."
"What kind of favor?"
"Well... Back then, Sarah told me that she has had a crush on you for quite some time. She has a recurrent fantasy in which she and you would... go at it together. I will spare you the explicit details. As you know, Sarah has been single for more than a year. She... politely asked me if I could let you two enjoy quality time for just one night. I was shocked, really! But because Sarah supports us as a couple, she was ready to drop the idea if I was not OK with it. Then I remembered you said that 'having a threeway' should be on our bucket list. Neither Sarah nor I have been with a girl before, so I felt this was the right moment to this up and enjoy discovering the unknown. I texted Sarah when I found out the hotel and then the room number. Then I let her in when you started taking your bath. That's how Sarah has come to us tonight." Noriko replied to Yusuke.
"Well..." Yusuke said before he switched from Japanese to English. "Well, I remember that we talked about it, but I didn't expect a threeway tonight."
"It's OK if you don't feel fully comfortable. But it would be a shame when I was planning this in case we would win today's big match, especially with you being the Man of the Match as the best scenario." Noriko replied.
"I will take it any way you want me to do, Yusuke." Sarah added.
Yusuke took a few seconds to weigh in all pros and cons. Finally, he decided that it was worth giving a shot.
"Well, why not?" Yusuke said.
Noriko and Sarah smiled in total satisfaction. The night was definitely on.
"Come and have a dip with us before we get started." Noriko said.
"Coming." Sarah replied.
Sarah then walked her way into the bathtub. With Noriko sitting to Yusuke's right, Sarah came sitting to his left. The blonde English woman quickly noticed that Yusuke was still hiding his crotch with both hands. The Japanese man was feeling a little jittery at that particular moment.
"Let me make you feel good." Sarah said.
"It's the first time... that I'm with a white woman like this." Yusuke replied.
Sarah liked Yusuke's honest reply, so much that she leaned towards and gave him a little kiss to make him feel comfortable.
"You're my first Asian man, so we're even." Sarah said with a smile.
'Yusuke, you're such a lucky bastard!' Yusuke thought for himself.
In a night of firsts, the jitters quickly went away. Yusuke, Noriko, and Sarah enjoyed wild moments until deep into the night. The 3 friends enjoyed it so much that they promised to repeat the experience from time to time again... at least until Sarah would find a new boyfriend for herself. Meanwhile, Yusuke and Noriko felt that such experience also helped both of them in developping their own relationship into something deeper, with much greater trust for each other.
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