The Rise of Millwal

Chapter 390: Youth storm sweeps Highbury

As Arsenal equalized just before halftime, overcoming a two-goal deficit, the atmosphere at Highbury was electric. Wenger, usually composed, allowed himself a rare display of exuberance, punching the air and applauding his players with enthusiasm after removing his suit jacket.

Aldrich stood up calmly from his seat and made his way to the touchline.

He could accept a draw—if they won, they would advance to the FA Cup semi-finals; if they lost, he wouldn't feel disappointed. A draw would be even better, giving the young players another opportunity to gain valuable experience in a replay.

While his mindset was one of acceptance, he knew he couldn't adopt a careless attitude toward the game.

Before the restart, he called Van der Meyde and Gronkjaer over, reminding them to tuck in and support their full-backs. Although it was already the 42nd minute, with less than five minutes left in the half, they needed to remain vigilant. Given Arsenal's momentum, the opposition could very well capitalize on any lapses and complete a comeback before the break.

By the time the game resumed, Aldrich was vigilant at the sidelines. The wide players had pulled back, reinforcing a compact two-line defense. For Arsenal to exploit the flanks would not be as easy.

"Halftime has passed, with Arsenal 2-2 against Millwall. Arsenal seemed slow to find their rhythm at home, and after conceding two early goals, they finally came alive. Thankfully, they head into the break tied; otherwise, the second half could have presented significant challenges."

During the halftime break, Aldrich meticulously laid out his tactical plans for the second half. It's interesting to note that he found more enjoyment in managing his substitute players during matches. These young players brought a different energy and resilience compared to the starting XI. As their head coach, he felt a greater responsibility to guide them towards victory. With the first-choice squad, his mid-game adjustments would often be brief—just a few words, and if they were leading, he might say nothing at all.

On paper, Millwall's current crop of young players undoubtedly falls short compared to last season's Premier League champions, Arsenal. However, there's a unique thrill in challenging the stronger side.

As the second half began, Millwall appeared to revert to a defensive strategy. The wide midfielders maintained distance from their full-backs, ensuring Pires and Overmars could not operate freely in one-on-one situations.

Wenger furrowed his brow—was Millwall simply playing for a draw? Or were they enticing Arsenal's aging full-backs, Winterburn and Dixon, to push forward?

If Winterburn and Dixon venture forward to support the attack, they are asking for trouble. They can push forward, but when the opponent launches a counterattack, can they return to defend in time?

Overmars executed a brilliant turn, slipping right past Gronkjaer. Ashley Cole saw his chance and went for it, but the little magician was quicker, deftly changing direction to dart into the box. It was as if Cole had seen a ghost—he thought he could easily snatch the ball away!

Fortunately, Neil was prepared, and just when Overmars was about to succeed, he was finally intercepted by Neil.

Neil intercepted and quickly passed to Gronkjaer, who fed Lampard with a diagonal ball. Lampard didn't hesitate, quickly relaying it to the right flank.

Van der Meyde sprinted down the right, elluding Pires, and received the ball just past midfield. He dashed along the touchline.

Lampard's pressure forced Petit and Vieira to lock down the dangerous areas in front of the box. With Klose drifting towards the right flank, Van der Meyde found himself one-on-one against Dixon. Faking a pass, he executed a move reminiscent of a Marseille turn, elegantly pulling the ball past his opponent—a display that was quite a sight to behold.

"19-year-old Van der Meyde has just outmaneuvered 35-year-old Dixon! He moved the ball to the byline and sent a low cross into the box. Klose, who had pulled away from the area, surged back in, planting himself to shoot—but it was a feint! Instead, he cleverly slipped it to Van Nistelrooy at the back post, and it's in! Van Nistelrooy scores again! Millwall takes the lead over Arsenal once more in the 53rd minute of the second half! This is the triumph of youth—the youthful storm of Millwall sweeping past Arsenal's aging defense! Van der Meyde, another Dutch prodigy on the wing. Could he be the next Overmars?

"

Following the goal, Van Nistelrooy was ecstatic, roaring towards the stands.

He adored playing alongside his teammates—Van der Meyde, Klose, and Gronkjaer—all of whom displayed exceptional individual skill. It was easy for him to find space and receive the ball; scoring was simply a matter of tapping in and celebrating.

But he also recognized they weren't the stars of Millwall yet. Despite their excellent performances this season, they still differed markedly from the first-team lineup.

If the main attacking unit of Millwall was deemed S-level, this younger group struggled to achieve even an A-level classification.

Millwall's main attacking line was in full swing, and they played an unstoppable offensive style that attracted the attention of the entire British football world! Fleet Street fans couldn't help but admire Millwall's strength, especially the substitutes who have honed their skills over the past few years and helped the first team become an absolute powerhouse!

Often, the word "substitute" carries with it a weak connotation, not just at Millwall but at other clubs as well.

However, Millwall's substitutes tell a different story! No one dares to label their bench as weak! Highly respected reporters like David Miller assert that if Millwall's first eleven were unavailable, the subs, along with a few extras, could very well compete for a top-three finish in the Premier League, assuming they dodge injuries.

Winning the championship? Very unlikely. But making it to the top half of the standings? Definitely possible! There's even a glimmer of hope for third place!

With Millwall regaining the lead, we find ourselves in the second half of the match. Arsenal is beginning to look a bit restless.

Fifteen minutes passed, and Gattuso produced a vital block against Vieira's distant strike! The ball fell to Paulo Ferreira, who faced Pires but stayed composed, deftly sidestepping the challenge. He followed that up with a stunning pass that had Aldrich eagerly leaning forward, ready to applaud the brilliance!

Gronkjaer, having received the pass on the left flank, ignited a powerful counterattack.

Petit tries to provide defensive support on the wing but, after just a couple of steps, he turns back toward the defensive line.

Damn it! The speed difference is unreal! He can't keep up at all!

Gronkjaer took the ball to the left side of the penalty area, facing Winterburn, he chose to attack directly, instead of Van der Meyde's gorgeous turn, he just stopped the ball suddenly, changed direction quickly, and then broke through with the ball sideways.

Winterburn, who was defending head-on, now shifts toward the center, only able to glimpse Gronkjaer's profile.

At just 21, Gronkjaer has already left 35-year-old Winterburn in his wake! What is going through his mind? Will he continue to break through? Van Nistelrooy blocks Adams and Klose is already in position. Petit is approaching quickly - just as he stretches his foot to intercept, Gronkjaer passes the ball like lightning! The ball is just in front of the penalty area and Lampard comes - what a shot! In! Lampard's long-range shot goes straight into the dead corner and Seaman doesn't know what happened! Millwall's youthful energy swept Highbury and Arsenal fell behind by two goals again - what a thrilling game!

After Lampard's shot, he is brought down from behind. It's Vieira! Meanwhile, Gronkjaer, who played the pass, is also taken down—this time by Petit.

Even though the goal has been scored, the referee still shows Petit a yellow card, deeming his tackle a dangerous play.

Rising from the ground, Lampard helped Gronkjaer to his feet, both of them sprinting toward the sidelines as Millwall's fans erupted in cheers.

These young players were like a pride of lion cubs, brimming with energy and determination!

Aldrich could not suppress his delight on the sidelines.

Fielding a reserve squad today had proven to be the right call.

Their stamina and aggression had made all the difference; being perceived as weaker than Arsenal forced the rivals into a more aggressive posture. With both teams adept at counterattacking, Millwall had garnered even more opportunities.

Wenger angrily kicks a water bottle off the sidelines.

It's hard to say whether Winterburn or Dixon have been completely overrun by Gronkjaer and Van der Meyde today.

After all, they're focusing their attack, and the midfield and defense tend to become disconnected when facing quick transitions, especially with the opposing wingers boasting such incredible speed.

It's normal that it's hard to win against fast, agile players in a head-on confrontation, especially when both of them are 35 years old. Ideally, on the counterattack, you want to stabilize the defense first and minimize the space to increase your chances of scoring. However, when facing such dynamic wingers, how many defenders in the entire Premier League can always maintain a 100% success rate in one-on-one duels - especially when the opponent is already at full speed?

Wenger was most upset with himself for not anticipating Millwall's counter-attacking strategy after conceding the first goal in the second half.

Both goals conceded were alarmingly similar; Millwall had utilized effective wing tactics in the first half but modified it in the second, focusing on single-wing operations—a tactical adjustment made with great care.

The first goal was a result of successfully defending the left flank, followed by a transition to the right; by having Gronkjaer engaged defensively on the left wing, the switch to attacking was not as rapid.

The second goal saw the same principle, where successful defense on the right led to an immediate transition to the left. Such quick switch-ups not only ensured that Arsenal's defense had to keep pace but also provided their wingers with vital space and timing to advance.

This was the key focus of Aldrich's tactical shift in the second half.

Now at 2-4, Millwall led by two goals with just minutes left on the clock.

Audric rises from his seat, ready to play some cheeky tactics.

"Millwall is making a triple substitution! Gronkjaer, Van der Meyde, and Klose are coming off, with Pedretti, Duff, and Ronaldinho coming on. Ah, Pedretti, known as the 'Little Makélélé,' is a defensive midfielder. Does this mean freeing up Lampard? Let's see; Millwall's static formation should shift to a 4-3-2-1. Gattuso, Lampard, and Pedretti will form a trio in midfield while Duff and Ronaldinho occupy the flanks. Van Nistelrooy is the lone striker. It looks like Audric is intent on holding onto his lead."

Audric stands on the sidelines, a grin on his face.

Wenger, however, is fuming.

The usually composed professor is on the verge of losing his temper.

Millwall was thick with depth; as Gronkjaer and Van der Meyde tired, Aldrich had swapped in fresh legs. Now deploying three defensive midfielders appeared a deliberate ploy to disrupt Arsenal's game plan.

This move made Arsenal's strategic landscape even trickier.

To penetrate a three-man midfield would not be simple!

Ronaldinho and Duff had just come on and seemed ready to support the full-backs. But if they seized Arsenal's counterattack and charged the opponent's defense, could the Gunners withstand the pressure?

Aldrich was not shy about his tactics, and sending Ronaldinho was undoubtedly intended to intimidate the opponent. After 70 minutes of relentless running, could Winterburn and Dixon really keep up with the energetic Ronaldinho?

But if both midfielders were to shrink and not push forward, could Arsenal really expect to break through the opponent's defense by attacking from the flanks alone?