In their next match, Luton once again saw little possession, but by now, everyone understood that controlling the ball was never their primary objective. Despite Nottingham Forest dominating possession, it was Luton dictating the tempo of the game on home turf.
Just before halftime, Luton carved out several dangerous opportunities to test the Nottingham Forest defense. If not for the heroics of goalkeeper Lee Camp, the scoreline could have been more than just 2-0.
Ethan was pleased with how his team executed the game plan—they were in control where it mattered most.
The first half flew by, and Luton entered the break with a comfortable two-goal lead. The home fans erupted in applause, showing their appreciation for both the players and the manager.
During the halftime break, Ethan commended Jamie Vardy for his excellent first-half performance and praised the entire squad. The tactical discipline drilled into them during training was on full display: a compact defensive shape, strong organization, and swift, clinical counterattacks. The team had executed the strategy to perfection, and with a winning formula already working, Ethan saw no reason to make any major adjustments. His instructions were simple—continue playing as they had in the first half.
Meanwhile, in the away dressing room, the mood was entirely different.
Billy Davies was livid, unleashing his fury on his Nottingham Forest players. Every single starter bore the brunt of his scathing criticism.
As a Championship club, being dominated by a League Two side was humiliating, and Davies was fuming. He refused to believe that Luton were a truly formidable team. While Vardy's pace and finishing had been lethal, and the midfield duo of N'Golo Kanté and Danny Drinkwater had been outstanding on both ends, Davies was convinced that Forest's struggles stemmed from their own complacency rather than Luton's strength.
How could a team that had lost most of its key players be this strong?
In his mind, Nottingham Forest were still the superior side—on paper. But football isn't played on paper. The team's lackluster first-half performance had handed Luton control, and now Davies needed to shake his players awake.
Nottingham Forest were no longer the European powerhouse of yesteryear, but they were not an underdog either—certainly not against a side two divisions below them.
As halftime neared its end, the intensity in the stands briefly dimmed, only for the fans to prepare themselves for another 45 minutes of battle.
Roy, seated in the press box, was furiously scribbling notes.
Despite her personal disdain for Ethan, her professional integrity demanded that she report the match objectively.
"…At first glance, it seemed like Luton were pinned back by Forest's possession play, but around the 30-minute mark, they struck with precision. Both goals were eerily similar—just like in their league opener. Luton defend in numbers, suffocating their opponent's attack, and when they regain possession, their counterattacks are lightning-fast. Within just a few passes, they break into dangerous areas.
With Jamie Vardy and Charlie Austin up front, both possessing pace and intelligent movement, their attacks are highly efficient. Vardy's finishing is clinical, while Austin's positioning is razor-sharp. More importantly, both forwards track back to defend—no one in this Luton side has the luxury of shirking defensive duties.
From what we've seen in these two matches, it's clear that Ethan's tactical transformation of Luton is proving to be a success."
Roy closed her notebook with a sigh.
Her newspaper, The Hat Seller, catered primarily to the people of Luton, meaning coverage of their football club was crucial.
Although she hated to admit it, Ethan was proving to be a highly capable coach.
That thought frustrated her to no end.
Why was it that real talent always seemed to belong to the most insufferable people?
"Bastard!" she muttered under her breath.
Just then, an all-too-familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Miss Roy! Hope you've been well."
Ethan had exited the locker room early, having already delivered his halftime instructions to the players.
Roy turned to see him approaching from the tunnel.
"Mr. Ethan, halftime is an important moment for a coach," she remarked, clearly unimpressed.
"For most, maybe," Ethan replied with a smirk, leaning in slightly.
The media bench was positioned next to the players' tunnel, with Roy seated at the far end. From where he sat, Ethan stood just outside the tunnel, standing level with Roy.
Suddenly, Roy felt a presence beside him. Turning his head, he found himself face-to-face with Ethan.
Oh… he's actually quite handsome…
Before Roy could react, Ethan smirked and turned away.
"Because I'm a deceptive coach, Miss Roy!" he said, striding off.
Roy clenched her fists, ready to respond, but before she could say anything, the stadium DJ's booming voice filled the air.
"Luton fans!! The second half is about to begin!!! Let's welcome our Luton heroes back onto the pitch!!!"
A deafening roar erupted from the stands, drowning out any chance for Roy to retort. She could only watch as Ethan disappeared down the touchline, frustration evident as she stomped her foot.
As the second half kicked off, Nottingham Forest launched an aggressive offensive right away, pressing high up the pitch. However, Luton responded swiftly with a deadly counterattack, completely extinguishing Nottingham's momentum.
This time, it was Charlie Austin who found the net.
Danny Drinkwater sent a pinpoint long pass out wide, where Lewis Emanuel delivered a precise cross from the byline. Austin rose above the defenders and powered a header into the net from the center of the penalty area—3-0!
"Nottingham Forest is in complete disarray! Luton has been absolutely clinical in front of goal," the commentator exclaimed. "Here's a staggering statistic: Nottingham Forest has managed three shots so far—all off target. Meanwhile, Luton has also taken three shots, but every single one was on target and resulted in a goal! That kind of efficiency is simply remarkable!"
Ethan, however, remained composed. He stood up and applauded before calmly taking his seat again.
When the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read 3-0. Luton had stunned Nottingham Forest at home, securing their place in the second round of the League Cup.
As Ethan walked toward the Nottingham Forest dugout with a smile, their manager, Billy Davies, wore a grim expression. He begrudgingly shook Ethan's hand before storming back to the locker room, no doubt preparing to deliver a stern talk to his players.
Meanwhile, Ethan and his squad remained on the pitch, celebrating a well-earned victory.
Back-to-back wins to start the season filled Ethan with confidence—his tactics were working, and Luton was proving to be a force to be reckoned with.