Evans had just been substituted, and Adam White had already finished his warm-up and was standing in the substitution area for inspection by the fourth official.
"Adam White is coming on!"
The TV broadcast immediately cut to a shot of Manchester City's manager, Mark Hughes. During this time, there had been some back-and-forth between Manchester City and Adam White.
Mark Hughes had previously praised Adam's performance against Chelsea, giving him a very high evaluation.
"This is a talented player comparable to Rooney!" Mark Hughes had said publicly in the media.
However, he followed that with, "It's irresponsible for English football to let such a talented player stay in the second division and be coached by a Chinese manager."
Those words had deeply irritated Gao Bo.
What did he mean by "irresponsible to be coached by a Chinese manager"?
Gao Bo glanced at Mark Hughes, who wasn't far away, feeling smug.
Surely, it didn't feel good to be humiliated by a so-called "irresponsible" Chinese manager, right, Mark Hughes?
"Adam White has been in the news lately, thanks to Mark Hughes. Right now, Adam White is the most famous player in the Luton squad, even more famous than their main striker, Vardy. But Vardy is only 21 years old and is undoubtedly another English talent not to be overlooked!" said commentator Letkinson.
"And his style of play is quintessentially English!" added Redknapp, who clearly admired Vardy. "It seems likely that Adam White will replace Vardy when he comes on."
Letkinson nodded in agreement. Given Luton's three-goal lead, it seemed logical that Adam White would be replacing a forward. After all, it wouldn't make sense to tinker with the midfield or defense at this stage of the match.
But when the fourth official held up the substitution board, everyone was stunned.
"Coach Gao Bo... replaced Kevin Keane?!!" exclaimed Chinese commentator He Hongfa. "Is this a signal to press for more goals??"
"Haha... It looks like Mark Hughes really offended Gao Bo!" Letkinson laughed. As an Englishman, he was well aware of the history between the two managers.
Mark Hughes's face darkened.
This was humiliation!
From Mark Hughes's perspective, Gao Bo's decision to field a second striker when already three goals up wasn't just a tactical move—it was an insult.
"This is clearly a statement from Coach Gao Bo. He isn't satisfied with a 3-0 lead!" said Redknapp.
Kevin Keane, wearing the No. 10 jersey, had known beforehand that he wouldn't play the full 90 minutes, as Gao Bo had informed him before the match. Keane was coming back from an injury, and Haruko Sakuragi, the team's medical specialist, had cautioned that playing him for the full game could lead to a recurrence of his injury.
So, this substitution had been planned all along—it wasn't just to humiliate Mark Hughes.
But Gao Bo had no intention of explaining himself. If it looked like humiliation, so be it. After all, football is a results-driven sport: the strong conquer, and the weak have no say!
Kevin Keane removed the captain's armband, raised his hands, and applauded the crowd as he left the pitch to warm applause from the Luton supporters.
Before exiting, Keane ran over to George Parker, handed him the captain's armband, and hugged him.
With the referee urging him on, Keane finally jogged off the pitch, exchanging a hug and a high five with Adam White as the substitution was completed.
"Go get changed, Kevin!" said Gao Bo, stepping forward to greet him. "You played brilliantly!"
"Thanks, boss! I'm trembling with excitement. We're heading to the FA Cup quarter-finals, and I'll be here to watch the team win!!" said Keane.
Gao Bo patted him on the back. After a brief embrace, Keane headed to the bench.
...
Manchester City now had two tall center-forwards on the pitch, and Mark Hughes's gamble of stacking forwards began to pay off slightly. Manchester City started to show signs of improvement in their attack.
They fully reverted to their classic English style—launching long balls from the back in search of their towering forwards.
For now, Adam White hadn't had a chance to shine since coming on.
In the 76th minute, Manchester City created their best opportunity of the game. Evans received a long ball from the backline and nodded it down to Robinho.
Robinho finally got the better of Kante, quickly reaching the ball and unleashing a volley!
Bang...
The ball smashed off the crossbar!
Mark Hughes nearly jumped out of his seat. It was his team's best chance of the match.
"Robinho... Oh no, off the crossbar!!!"
The fans in the stands collectively gasped. It was the most heart-stopping moment in Luton's penalty area all game.
Luton goalkeeper Claude Rondo leapt high and caught the ball as it rebounded off the crossbar.
"Claude!!!!"
Gao Bo sprinted to the touchline, shouting and gesturing animatedly, urging his team forward.
Claude got the message. He took a few steps and launched the ball forward with a powerful throw!
The ball soared from the penalty area to Manchester City's half. Claude's cannon-like throw flew past midfield!
"Adam White!!!!"
This was the moment Adam had been waiting for. As he received the ball, he turned and sprinted forward!
That familiar feeling returned—the thrill of charging down the field!
Adam felt unstoppable, though he didn't realize it was partly thanks to the special tactical instructions Gao Bo had given him.
Wayne Bridge, one of Manchester City's last defenders, quickly stepped up to intercept. The experienced left-back knew he couldn't match Adam's speed and opted to position himself strategically, blocking Adam's direct path to the goal and forcing him wide.
Adam had no choice but to take the ball toward the wing. His pace was electrifying, leaving Bridge struggling to keep up.
"Look for your teammates!!" Gao Bo's instructions echoed in Adam's mind.
Near the right edge of the penalty area, Adam looked up and spotted Vardy making a run into the box!
"Cross it!!!!!!"
The crowd at Worth Stadium roared in unison with Gao Bo.
Without hesitation, Adam swung his right foot and whipped in a powerful low cross!
"VARDY!!!!!!"
In the commentator's excited yell, Vardy charged toward the near post and struck the ball with the outside of his right foot. The ball flew straight into the net!
Goooooooooooooal!!!!!!
There was no question of offside this time!
Gao Bo sprinted more than ten meters down the sideline before sliding to his knees on the grass in celebration!
"Haha! Coach Gao Bo is just as passionate as his players. This young coach is bursting with energy!" Letkinson laughed.
Mark Hughes covered his face with his hands.
His team had suffered a humiliating defeat.
"Adam White, the player Manchester City wants to buy, just proved his worth in front of their manager. Was this a showcase performance?" Letkinson remarked, which drew angry reactions from Luton fans.
"Get lost! He's our Luton player!!" shouted countless fans across the city of Luton.