73 End Of The First Half

The midfielders restarted play, but Liverpool still controlled the rhythm of the game.

Brendan Rodgers grew more anxious. He knew the issue wasn't just the recent loss of possession—it was the vulnerability at the back that had allowed Manchester United to counterattack so effectively. Now trailing, he had no choice but to push his team forward even more.

Nevertheless, Rodgers made adjustments. He instructed Lucas to drop deeper and provide additional cover for the defense, aiming to prevent a repeat of the earlier situation.

Tiger King quickly noticed the change and adapted accordingly. He ordered Alonso, who usually surged forward to assist the attack, to hold his position and focus on defensive stability. This tactical shift freed up Mahrez on the left wing, allowing him more space to exploit on the counterattack.

After all, Mahrez was the fastest player on the pitch for Manchester United.

What followed was an intense Liverpool onslaught. Gerrard and Coutinho shone in midfield and the attacking third. Both were technically gifted and posed a threat from long range. However, Kante remained glued to Gerrard, preventing him from finding shooting opportunities, while Nani tracked back diligently to help disrupt Coutinho's influence.

The match remained tense, with both sides battling for control as halftime approached.

Then, in the 43rd minute, Tiger King's tactical adjustments bore fruit.

Aspas and Alonso battled for possession near the left touchline, deep in United's defensive third. Aspas attempted an audacious nutmeg, but with limited space, the ball ricocheted off Alonso, who recovered it cleanly.

Without looking up, Alonso instinctively launched a long pass forward along the left flank. At first, it seemed like a simple clearance, but then—a blur of motion. A black figure surged forward at blistering speed!

On the touchline, Tiger King sprang to his feet, hands clasped together in excitement. "This could be something!"

Rodgers, equally alert, stepped forward, tension etched across his face.

The player chasing the ball? Mahrez.

During training, Alonso and Mahrez had developed a remarkable chemistry despite being summer signings. As if telepathic, Alonso anticipated Mahrez's movement without even needing to look.

Sure enough, Mahrez was exactly where Alonso expected him to be, sprinting down the wing with the ball.

"Brilliant!" Alonso pumped his fist but restrained himself from joining the attack. He recalled Tiger King's orders—hold position. He stayed back, remaining defensively vigilant.

All eyes turned to Mahrez. Rooney hovered outside the box, while Giggs made a surging run, mirroring his movement during the first goal. The only real defensive cover left for Liverpool was Lucas, who had dropped deep just as Rodgers had instructed.

Lucas immediately recognized the danger. He had to make a decision—should he close down Mahrez or block the passing lane to Giggs? With United using the same tactic as before, Lucas opted to cut off the passing route to Giggs, forcing Mahrez toward the byline.

Mahrez hesitated. Lucas was well-positioned. Cutting inside was no longer an option. What now?

Just then, Rooney made a sudden move, pulling away from his markers.

"Mahrez is out of options!" Morris exclaimed in the commentary box. "What will he do?"

"Wait! Rooney is making a move!"

Mahrez spotted the opportunity. Mahrez delivered a sharp pass into the box.

"Rooney receives it! But his angle is tight—no clear shot! Giggs is arriving! Are they replicating their first goal?"

Agger, realizing the danger, abandoned Rooney and rushed toward Giggs, leaving Skrtel to deal with the United forward alone.

But Rooney had other plans. Instead of passing, he suddenly accelerated toward the byline, catching Skrtel completely off guard.

"Rooney skips past Skrtel! He has space!" Morris shouted.

"Surely, he'll cross it to Giggs!"

"No! He goes for goal!"

Rooney unleashed a thunderous shot from an almost impossible angle.

GOAL!

Manchester United doubled their lead right before halftime!

The United away fans erupted in celebration, their chants echoing through Anfield.

The reaction from the Liverpool supporters was one of sheer frustration. Groans, exasperated shouts, and even some jeers filled the air. Some fans buried their heads in their hands, while others gestured angrily toward the pitch.

On the Liverpool bench, Brendan Rodgers stood frozen for a moment, then turned abruptly, furiously barking orders at his coaching staff. He clenched his fists, clearly frustrated with his team's defensive lapse. His expression darkened as he muttered something under his breath before kicking the air in frustration.

"What a strike!" Morris roared. "Rooney just channeled the spirit of an English great! This finish reminds me of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's trademark near-post finishes!"

Tiger King embraced Scholes and Mike Phelan on the sideline, his excitement uncontained.

"Tiger! We're 2-0 up!" Mike Phelan shouted.

Scholes gripped Tiger King tightly, his usual composure cracking under sheer elation.

Tiger King raised his left arm, extending two fingers into the air. On commentary, Morris caught on immediately. "Look at that! After the first goal, he held up a single finger. Now, with two goals on the board, he raises two! Tiger King is signaling the score with his own brand of celebration!"

Moments later, the referee blew the halftime whistle.

Manchester United led 2-0 at Anfield, a dream first half for Tiger King's side.