Chapter 724: Hope
Cardiff, Wales – Millennium Stadium
At kickoff, Manchester United unleashed immense energy, pressing Cardiff City hard and establishing a siege-like dominance. However, Cardiff, under Neil Warnock's leadership, displayed remarkable resilience.
Warnock, the seasoned "spoiler" of the Premier League, wasn't bluffing when he vowed to beat United. Cardiff, already relegated to the Championship, could have played with an open, carefree style, but they chose otherwise. From the outset, they defended fiercely, intent on denying United any goals and genuinely attempting to disrupt their title hopes.
United's relentless attacks eventually broke Cardiff's defensive resolve in the 32nd minute. Luke Shaw surged forward and sent a diagonal through ball. Marcus Rashford, lightning-quick, darted between two defenders and slotted a low shot into the net.
The Millennium Stadium erupted in deafening cheers. Over 70,000 United fans celebrated with such fervor that it seemed the stadium might shake apart.
On the sidelines, José Mourinho leapt into the air, pumping his fists in celebration.
"Finally! Beautifully done, Rashy!"
"Despite Cardiff City's best efforts to keep United out, they couldn't stop Rashford's brilliant goal!"
"Rashford scores for Manchester United—a crucial goal! Look at Mourinho on the sideline; he's celebrating like he scored it himself..."
In the VIP boxes, applause resounded among the distinguished guests. The camera zoomed in on several prominent figures.
Boris Johnson, having announced his bid for Prime Minister, exchanged a celebratory handshake with United's owner, Sheikh Jassim. David Beckham clapped with a broad smile before sharing a kiss with his wife, Victoria, publicly displaying their affection. Usain Bolt, the sprinting legend, punched the air and embraced his companions, celebrating like any passionate fan. Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson stood, clapping enthusiastically, his face flushed with excitement.
With the deadlock broken, Mourinho returned to the bench, visibly relieved.
"Liverpool and City?" whispered assistant Rui Faria.
Mourinho waved dismissively. "Doesn't matter. We only need to focus on ourselves."
Such confidence is the prerogative of the league leaders: as long as United win, others can only watch.
Brighton – Amex Stadium
In the 38th minute, Manchester City doubled their lead. Bernardo Silva delivered a corner, and Aymeric Laporte headed it in from the edge of the six-yard box.
"2-0. City are ahead," Arteta informed Guardiola. "Liverpool are still 2-0 up, and United are leading 1-0."
Guardiola silently glanced at Arteta.
A moment later, Arteta broke the silence. "You should ask me about United's game. Maybe if you do, Cardiff will score next?"
Guardiola, unimpressed, ignored the remark.
Finally, yielding to Arteta's antics, Guardiola asked, "What's the United score now?"
Arteta sighed theatrically. "The moment you asked, they scored again. It's 2-0 now."
Guardiola's face turned crimson as he glared at Arteta. If looks could kill, Arteta would have perished several times over.
Millennium Stadium
A foul on Aaron Wan-Bissaka by Cardiff's Bacuna resulted in a free kick for United in a prime position. Bruno Fernandes stepped up, and his perfectly curved strike found the top corner.
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOALLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!"
"2-0! Manchester United extend their lead!"
"It's Bruno Fernandes! That's his 36th league goal of the season, keeping him firmly atop the Premier League scoring charts and maintaining his two-goal lead in the race for the European Golden Shoe. However, with two La Liga games remaining, Messi could still catch up."
United fans, initially nervous about the potential pressure on their team, relaxed considerably after witnessing their side establish a 2-0 lead in the first half.
However, Cardiff managed to pull one back just before halftime. Leandro Bacuna broke into United's box, and Diogo Dalot's mistimed challenge earned Cardiff a penalty. Bacuna stepped up and coolly sent David de Gea the wrong way, striking down the middle to make it 2-1.
Despite conceding late in the half, United fans remained upbeat. For them, Cardiff's goal was nothing more than a desperate gesture.
Halftime
At the break, Manchester United led Cardiff City 2-1.
On the Other Two Grounds
Halftime had also arrived in the other two matches. Liverpool led Wolves 2–0 at Anfield, and Manchester City was up 2–0 against Brighton at the Amex Stadium.
With these scores, Manchester United would claim the title with a one-point lead over Liverpool and a two-point lead over Manchester City. However, Cardiff City's goal in the first half gave both Liverpool and Manchester City a glimmer of hope.
At the Amex Stadium, players retreated to the dressing rooms for the break.
Mikel Arteta glanced at Pep Guardiola, who shot him a look of annoyance and said, "If you've got something to say, say it."
"Cardiff pulled one back," Arteta replied. After a moment's pause, he added, "See? You didn't ask, and Cardiff scored."
Guardiola fumed, feeling the urge to lash out.
So now this is my fault?
Determined, the Spaniard resolved not to ask about the Manchester United match for the rest of the second half.
Guardiola sighed. Cardiff City's goal provided a faint glimmer of hope, but Liverpool's match against Wolves seemed entirely one-sided.
Wolves, the Premier League's biggest surprise package this season, had climbed to seventh as a promoted team and were in contention for a Europa League spot. Against mid-table and upper-mid-table teams, they had secured impressive results, even causing trouble for London's big three—Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham.
They boasted a 1-1 draw and a win against Chelsea, a win and a draw against Arsenal, and a win and a loss against Spurs.
However, as Guardiola saw it, this dark horse wasn't up to snuff against the true heavyweights. Wolves had lost 3–1 home and away to Manchester United, were trailing 2–0 to Liverpool, and only managed a single draw against City.
Thinking back to the points dropped against Wolves, Guardiola grew increasingly frustrated.
Maybe Wolves are the real kingmakers this season. If we hadn't dropped those two points to them, we'd be at the top of the table now.
Anfield, Liverpool
Liverpool players, hearing that Cardiff City had scored against Manchester United to make it 2–1, were invigorated. They could sense the faint hope of overtaking United and securing their first Premier League title.
Liverpool didn't need Cardiff to beat United—just a draw would suffice. That result would place Liverpool a point ahead and hand them the trophy.
As the second half began, the Anfield crowd erupted into cheers, though their focus had shifted away from their own game.
With the score at 2–1 in Cardiff, Liverpool fans began cheering for Cardiff City from the stands.
Amex Stadium, Brighton
Early in the second half, Manchester City extended their lead. In the 63rd minute, David Silva found Paul Pogba at the edge of the box. Pogba skillfully evaded Dunk and unleashed a powerful right-footed shot into the top corner.
3–0. City had effectively secured victory.
But the City fans were far from joyful. At Anfield, Liverpool remained 2–0 ahead, and at the Millennium Stadium, United still led 2–1. Both teams were holding their ground.
City fans knew Liverpool's win was a foregone conclusion. Even without considering United's game, City was already out of the title race, unable to catch Liverpool on points.
Guardiola remained silent, his expression a mixture of resignation and stubborn defiance.
This season's over. We'll reclaim the title next year.
Anfield, Liverpool
The game at Anfield lacked urgency, with neither team showing much motivation. Liverpool needed only to hold their lead, with goal difference no longer a factor. Their sole focus was waiting for United to falter—either a draw or a loss to Cardiff would suffice.
Wolves, having already secured seventh place and a Europa League qualifying spot, had little to play for. Losing to Liverpool, even by a large margin, meant nothing.
In the 69th minute, a deafening cheer erupted at Anfield.
"Ralls scores his second! Cardiff City 2–2 Manchester United!" the stadium announcer excitedly proclaimed.
Anfield erupted into wild celebrations.
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