As Gao Shen stepped into the press conference hall at the Etihad Stadium, there were still traces of white cake cream clinging to the collar and hem of his suit. Seeing this, the media reporters chuckled knowingly, after all, they were well aware that today was Gao Shen's birthday.
And what better way to celebrate than with a 4-1 victory over Arsenal at home?
It wasn't hard to imagine how lively the post-match celebrations had been in the Manchester City locker room.
Gao Shen had always been known for his close relationship with his players, and it was no surprise that he had emerged with cake stains still visible.
"Sorry, I really didn't have time to change," Gao Shen said with a smile.
He took his seat at the center of the podium, and as soon as the press officer signaled the start of the press conference, the questions began pouring in.
These post-match press conferences often followed a predictable pattern.
The initial questions would typically focus on the team's performance, certain standout players, and tactical decisions. Evaluations of opponents and their head coach were also standard topics.
Gao Shen was already well-versed in handling such inquiries.
But soon, the discussion shifted to a hot topic that had been circulating in the media, his relationship with Arjen Robben.
"I brought him here personally. Do you really think there's any conflict between us?" Gao Shen asked with a knowing smile.
Before this match, many had doubted his words. But now, with Robben's two goals and one assist, there was little room left for speculation.
Especially when Robben ran straight to the touchline after his first goal and embraced Gao Shen, a gesture that carried far more weight than any verbal explanation.
Gao Shen also took the opportunity to clarify his decision-making regarding Robben.
He explained that the reason Robben had been given a short vacation was due to the intense pressure he had been under.
"We all know that he is a world-class player, but at the end of the day, he is still human. He experiences emotions, stress, and fatigue just like anyone else. My staff and I assessed his mental state and agreed that what he needed most at that moment was rest."
That was why Robben had temporarily left the team.
As for starting him on the bench, Gao Shen emphasized that it was a purely tactical decision.
"Before announcing the squad, I had already discussed it with Robben. He was fully supportive and trusted my decision, which allowed me to bring him off the bench without any concerns."
His words carried a clear message, Robben and the coaching staff were on the same page, and any rumors of a rift were baseless.
"And as you all saw today, Robben came on and, in just over 20 minutes, contributed to three goals. He was the most outstanding player on the pitch."
"This match only reinforced that our decision was the right one," Gao Shen added confidently.
Through this performance, his authority in the locker room and trust from both players and coaching staff had been further solidified.
A manager's prestige isn't built overnight, it is earned through consistent victories, smart tactical choices, and the ability to read the game.
Tonight, Gao Shen had done exactly that.
Before the match, he had already anticipated Wenger's tactical approach and devised a precise counter-strategy, leading to a dominant 4-1 win.
This kind of performance only deepened the players' belief in their manager.
…
Gao Shen also praised Wenger and Arsenal, acknowledging that the final scoreline didn't fully reflect the difficulty of the match.
"Wenger and his team put us under real pressure. Neuer was one of our best players today, which speaks volumes about how dangerous Arsenal were."
He revealed that, leading up to the match, he had repeatedly warned his players about Adebayor and Van Persie especially Van Persie.
"My players remained focused and fought hard, but Arsenal still managed to score. That goal made the match more difficult for us."
However, he believed that overcoming such challenges would only strengthen Manchester City's confidence and fighting spirit.
Then, Gao Shen addressed something even more significant.
"Guillam Balague wrote in his column that the fifth and sixth rounds of the Premier League would be our 'Day of Judgment.' I don't know if he was right, but these two matches have indeed been crucial for us."
For the first time, he openly discussed the importance of these two games.
"Lately, we've been misunderstood by many fans, and the media has been biased against us. It felt like we were being surrounded on all sides. But I always told my players, ignore the noise, focus on ourselves, and let our results speak for us."
"I am so proud of my players for doing just that!"
As he spoke, his voice carried confidence and defiance.
"This match proved that we are not just a collection of individuals. We are not mercenaries playing for money. We are a team, a professional squad with ambition, clear goals, and a strong sense of unity!"
"We have the ability to compete with any Premier League team, including the so-called 'Big Four.' Not just compete—but beat them!"
Then, he made a bold declaration.
"This game has given us even greater confidence as we prepare for our next match, against Manchester United in the derby."
"In terms of scheduling, we have the advantage," Gao Shen noted with a smirk.
Manchester City, without any midweek European commitments, could fully focus on the derby.
Meanwhile, Manchester United had to travel to Turkey for a Champions League clash against Besiktas before returning to host the derby.
This was a major factor.
The long journey. The fatigue. The demanding schedule.
Would Ferguson dare to rotate?
Gao Shen certainly hoped so.
By the time the derby arrived, Manchester City would be fully rested, fully prepared, and in peak condition, ready to take the fight to their city rivals.
"I can't predict the result of the match at Old Trafford, because football is unpredictable. But one thing I can guarantee, we will go there with our strongest lineup and our best form."
Then, with a smile, he repeated his ultimate ambition.
"Our goal has never changed, we want to be champions!"
Then came his final words, the statement that shook the football world.
"When I came to the Premier League, my biggest objective was to lead Manchester City to knock Manchester United off their throne."
"I know Ferguson's Manchester United is chasing an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title."
"But let me make this clear, they won't get it."
"Because—here I come!"
…
Gao Shen's direct challenge to Manchester United sent shockwaves across the Premier League and even beyond.
Gao Shen had every reason to challenge Manchester United, because after five rounds of Premier League action, Manchester City were ahead of them in the standings.
With five consecutive wins, City had racked up 22 goals while conceding just two, sitting firmly at the top of the table.
Meanwhile, Chelsea once again found themselves in a difficult situation. Facing Stoke City, Ancelotti's men fell behind early in the first half but managed a dramatic 2-1 comeback with goals in first-half and second-half stoppage time.
How many times had Chelsea pulled off a late turnaround already this season?
Their tenacity and never-say-die attitude were on full display once again. With this hard-fought victory, Chelsea maintained their perfect record and climbed to second place in the Premier League standings.
…
In third place was Benítez's Liverpool.
At Anfield, Liverpool thrashed Burnley 4-0, with Benayoun netting a stunning hat-trick and Kuyt adding another.
Benayoun's performance took everyone by surprise, his hat-trick was one of the standout moments of the round.
It was clear that after solidifying their double pivot midfield, Benítez's side was beginning to hit their stride.
Like City and Chelsea, Liverpool had also won five consecutive matches and remained unbeaten.
That meant only three teams in the Premier League had a 100% winning record so far—Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool.
…
Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur, who had started the season with four straight wins, faced Manchester United at White Hart Lane.
The match exploded into action immediately, within the first minute, Defoe put Spurs ahead.
But United responded ruthlessly. Giggs, Anderson, and Rooney all found the net as Sir Alex Ferguson's side turned the game around for a 3-1 victory.
With this win, Manchester United leapfrogged both Arsenal and Tottenham, breaking into the top four.
Spurs dropped to fifth, while Arsenal remained in sixth.
Further down the table, teams like Sunderland, Aston Villa, Fulham, and West Ham United were all closely packed together, with only a few points separating them.
But with just five rounds played, the Premier League season was still wide open—injuries, loss of form, and fixture congestion could derail any team at any moment.
…
Yet, if the early rounds were anything to go by, especially Manchester City's dominant 4-1 win over Arsenal, Gao Shen's squad had already proven their strength.
They weren't just winning matches.
They were getting stronger with each game.
Their attacking football was electric. Their key players were finding top form. And their belief was growing.
That's why all eyes were now turning to the sixth round, the Manchester derby.
As Guillem Balague put it, this was "The second trial of the Premier League season!"
Manchester City vs. Manchester United.
The battle for Manchester was about to begin.
(To be continued.)
***
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