The ninth round of the league became an unforgettable memory for all Premier League fans.
Although there were Champions League matches in midweek, the top teams had generally secured victories.
Chelsea defeated Wolves 2-0. Manchester United edged past Stoke City 2-1. Liverpool beat Blackburn 2-1.
But Manchester City destroyed Arsenal 8-0 at home!
This result was like a bolt from the blue, shaking not only the Premier League but also the entire European football world.
Everyone already knew that Manchester City was strong. After winning the Premier League title last season, they invested over 100 million euros in the summer transfer window. How could they not be strong?
But no one expected Manchester City to be this strong.
Even though Arsenal's performance this season had declined compared to previous years, the team still boasted well-known stars like Fabregas, Rosicky, Arshavin, and Walcott, with defensive players such as Djourou and Kolo Toure on the back line.
As for Manchester City?
They had just endured a tough away game against Inter Milan in midweek, and Gao Shen had rotated the starting lineup significantly for this match.
Before the game, while most predicted a Manchester City win, no one anticipated such a crushing, lopsided scoreline.
Eight to zero, equaling the worst defeat in Arsenal's long history!
Wenger even admitted bluntly at the post-match press conference that this was the worst game of his managerial career.
The entire football world was stunned.
The Times columnist Sacchi wrote that even if Manchester City fielded an all-rotation lineup this season, they would still have the strength to finish in the top four of the Premier League, or even challenge for the title. This 8-0 thrashing of Arsenal was the strongest proof.
Who could argue with that?
Sacchi further commented that Gao Shen had fully mastered modern football tactics. He could now deploy a variety of systems at will, utilize each player in their optimal position, and make the entire team operate smoothly as a unit.
"He has once again proven that he is one of the best managers on the planet."
Sacchi even remarked that there were probably no more than five head coaches in the world qualified to be considered among the best.
This was high praise for Gao Shen.
Being ranked among the top five coaches in the world meant standing alongside the greatest names in the game.
But Sacchi quickly added, "If we're only talking about current coaching ability, perhaps even the number one spot should be reserved for him alone."
What did that mean?
It suggested that Gao Shen might be the single best head coach in the football world today.
Sacchi had always been known for his high praise of certain coaches, but this was the first time he had spoken so highly of someone.
Coincidentally, the French outlet L'Equipe also reported in detail on the match, asserting that Gao Shen's coaching had reached an even higher level compared to his time at Napoli, describing it as "pure passion."
Germany's Bild echoed the sentiment, noting that although Gao Shen's tenure at Manchester City had been controversial, with many critics labeling it "money-driven football," it was undeniable that he had successfully built a truly competitive team.
This season, Manchester City's depth and rotation policy had become a hallmark, a direct lesson learned from the squad's struggles during the winter break last season. Now, the team had a robust bench and continued competing effectively on multiple fronts.
In the Champions League, they shared a group with Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and Schalke 04, yet had secured three consecutive wins, with qualification nearly in hand. In the Premier League, they had won nine straight games, looking poised to replicate their feat of 19 consecutive wins and a first-half championship from the previous season.
"Gao Shen has proven to the world that even in a money-driven game, he can play it differently from everyone else."
Last season, Manchester City had destroyed Manchester United. This season, they had humiliated Arsenal. Under Gao Shen's leadership, Manchester City was never short of big, statement victories, even against the top clubs.
"When a Premier League team, even with its second-string lineup, has the strength to finish in the top four, why shouldn't they be the biggest favorite to win the title?"
Bild warned that if other Premier League teams did not show greater ambition and match Manchester City's transfer investments, the league could easily become Manchester City's playground in the coming years.
This was precisely the concern of many British media outlets and fans.
They feared Manchester City's growing dominance.
Backed by immense financial power and guided by a manager renowned for discovering and developing talent, Manchester City's investments had consistently produced results. Every player Gao Shen brought in performed at a high level, making the squad stronger with each passing season.
So what could the other teams use to compete with Manchester City?
In a post-match interview, Wenger called on the English FA, the Premier League, and even UEFA to take action to prevent situations like Manchester City's dominance.
"We all know that their business model is unsustainable and unhealthy," Wenger stated.
His message was clear. With wealthy backers, Manchester City's success was, in his view, unfair.
Gao Shen simply laughed off Wenger's accusations.
"I've beaten Arsenal without big spending. I proved that at Napoli," he responded confidently.
Regarding the criticism over Manchester City's spending and financial backing, Gao Shen said these concerns were normal.
"As for debt, I believe Arsenal's debt is no less than ours. Debt is debt. Why should it be viewed differently depending on who holds it?"
Gao Shen also revealed that Manchester City had achieved record revenue last season and expected to break that record again this season.
"We have been working hard to generate revenue. I believe that soon, Manchester City will achieve profitability."
…
In reality, Manchester City was not completely invincible.
At least, they were eliminated from the League Cup.
Part of the reason was that Gao Shen did not prioritize the competition, often sending out young lineups.
But this brought one advantage.
After playing Arsenal midweek, while other teams had to divide their attention with League Cup fixtures, Manchester City could enjoy a well-deserved break.
A week later, the tenth round of the Premier League kicked off, with Manchester City traveling away to face Wolves.
With a Champions League match looming the following Wednesday, Gao Shen once again rotated heavily.
At home, Wolves manager Mick McCarthy clearly learned from Arsenal's defeat and opted for a compact, defensive approach.
It wasn't until the 36th minute that Yaya Toure assisted Van Persie to open the scoring for Manchester City.
In the second half, Yaya Toure scored again in the 50th minute, sealing a 2-0 away victory.
The British media generally concluded that the best strategy against Manchester City was to defend deep and compact.
Going toe-to-toe against them was simply asking for disaster.
In this round, Arsenal bounced back from their humiliation by beating West Ham United 1-0.
Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, and other top teams also secured wins, with Manchester United defeating Tottenham Hotspur.
…
Three days later, the fourth round of the Champions League group stage began.
For Manchester City, this was a decisive match. Facing Inter Milan at home, a victory would secure qualification as group winners.
Mourinho's Real Madrid, meanwhile, were set to play away at Schalke 04.
Both fixtures were crucial.
If Real Madrid defeated Schalke 04, they would claim valuable points and secure their own qualification, while leaving Schalke 04 and Inter Milan to battle for third place.
At the Etihad, Gao Shen deployed a 4-3-3 formation, with Gareth Bale, Suarez, and Robben as the attacking trio. David Silva, Rakitic, and Javi Martinez started in midfield.
From the opening whistle, Manchester City aggressively pressed Inter Milan, using their home advantage to apply constant pressure.
Especially on the flanks, where Bale and Robben posed significant threats.
Leonardo's Inter Milan approached the match more cautiously than at the San Siro two weeks earlier, but they still struggled against Manchester City's fluid, relentless attack, especially down the wings.
Bale and Robben continued to probe and break through, repeatedly creating chances.
Manchester City's midfield controlled possession superbly, shifting the ball side to side, stretching Inter's defense. In the 28th minute, Bale delivered a cross from the left to the top of the box. Rakitic passed it across to the right, where Robben took a touch, beat Zanetti and fired a left-footed shot into the net.
After halftime, just eight minutes into the second half, David Silva collected the ball centrally, eluded Zanetti, and slipped a through ball behind Lucio. Suarez controlled the pass, shook off his marker, and calmly slotted home near the penalty spot.
Two to zero.
With a two-goal lead, Inter Milan were forced to press forward.
Already in a dire situation after collecting only one point from their first three group matches, Inter Milan and coach Leonardo faced immense pressure. A loss here would all but end their chances of qualifying.
But pushing forward left gaps at the back.
In the second half, Javi Martinez played a long ball out to the right flank. Robben collected the ball near his own half and charged forward along the right, reaching the edge of Inter's penalty area. Facing Zidane, Robben cut inside sharply and played a diagonal ball to the far post.
Gareth Bale arrived perfectly timed on the left side and struck the ball with his left foot directly into Inter's goal.
Three to zero!
The Etihad erupted with cheers from Manchester City fans.
Gareth Bale celebrated passionately with his teammates on the sideline.
Gao Shen stood calmly on the touchline, his expression full of confidence.
Four consecutive victories, twelve points. Manchester City had virtually secured the top spot in the group.
Theoretically, the only scenario in which they could lose first place would be if Real Madrid defeated Schalke 04, and Manchester City lost their remaining two matches while Real Madrid won both.
But that outcome was extremely unlikely.
Gao Shen had no intention of giving up the top spot in the group, not even to Real Madrid.
He knew better than anyone how important it was for a team like Manchester City to finish first in the group stage.
Both Gao Shen and Manchester City were determined to win.
"By the way, how's the match between Real Madrid and Schalke 04 going?" Gao Shen asked as he walked back to the coaching area, turning to Fernando Lucas.
He still cared about his former club.
(To be continued.)
Junkdog's Note: Special thanks to PSG for saving football yesterday.
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