Coleman's plan was to have the Coventry players stabilize first.
Taking advantage of Luton's celebration, he called over several Coventry players to give instructions.
"I'm sorry, coach, I acted on my own..." Henderson apologized as soon as he got near, thinking the coach was about to scold him.
"Let's not talk about that now, Brian!" Coleman didn't have time for lectures, what he needed right now was to settle the team immediately.
Now that Luton had scored on the counterattack, the opponent would definitely wait for Coventry to push forward again.
Coleman wasn't the kind of coach who liked to gamble. Even if he wanted to attack, it couldn't be a reckless one!
He needed time, 15 minutes during halftime, for a detailed tactical arrangement. If he ordered a hasty offensive now, it would only give the opponent more chances to score through counterattacks.
The Coventry players' morale was visibly low.
"Stick to the tactics we laid out before the game!" Coleman instructed firmly.
Having just made a mistake that led to the goal, Henderson didn't dare challenge the instructions. He nodded repeatedly and returned to the field to relay the coach's orders.
…
The rest of the first half returned to how the game had started, if Coventry wouldn't press, Luton was happy to just sit back and watch.
The pace was dull, and many Chinese fans who had stayed up late to watch began to get drowsy. If it weren't for that earlier explosive counterattack, the ratings might've taken a serious dive.
"The match has returned to its earlier state. Coventry continues to lack fighting spirit, and while it makes sense for Luton to sit back with a lead, Coventry's approach could honestly be described as cowardly," said commentator He Hongfa.
Gao Bo watched the pitch with a hint of contempt. It was no wonder that as a so-called friend of Mourinho, Coleman's managerial career had remained lukewarm. If not for today's FA Cup fixture, hardly anyone would remember him.
And now, seeing how Coleman responded after falling behind, Gao Bo couldn't help but scoff.
If it were him in Coleman's shoes, no way would he stay this "calm." Even if he didn't launch an all-out attack, he'd at least show more initiative going forward.
Coleman's "stability" only made things worse for morale.
To the players, it must feel like: "Guess our strength really is below theirs. Otherwise, why would the coach tell us to defend even when we're losing?"
"We only have one striker right now… otherwise I'd want to go for it," Gao Bo said as he sat on the bench.
Beside him was Lin Sen.
Tactically speaking, Gao Bo was now relying more on Lin Sen as an analyst, rather than Assistant Coach John.
John had become more of a training commander, while Lin Sen had taken on the role of tactical assistant.
That made sense. John wasn't particularly strong with tactics, his strength was in experience and stability. But Lin Sen was someone Gao Bo really admired: a talented young man, especially in coaching.
"We'll wait and make our move in the second half," said Gao Bo.
"Can we try going on the offensive then?" Lin Sen suggested.
"The opponent seems to have lost their drive."
Gao Bo thought for a moment, then shook his head.
"Coleman won't accept a loss. Even if they manage a draw, Coventry still has a chance at the semi-finals. But if they lose this FA Cup match, with no hopes of promotion this season, and now no cup run either… he might lose his job. So he'll definitely make some offensive adjustments in the second half!" Gao Bo patted Lin Sen's shoulder. "No need to change what's working. Let's wait and see what Coleman does."
Lin Sen nodded. Sometimes, the head coach really couldn't afford to be reckless.
And just like Gao Bo predicted, the rest of the half played out uneventfully. The referee blew the whistle, and the first half ended with no further changes to the score.
…
At the start of the second half, neither team made substitutions.
Luton had no reason to change, but the fact that Coventry didn't either made Gao Bo puzzled. What was Coleman planning?
But less than a minute in, Gao Bo saw the change.
Eastwood, who had played midfield in the first half, was now pushed up into the front line, Coventry had switched to a 4-3-3. Their three midfielders now formed an inverted triangle, and both fullbacks were pushing forward.
That was a clear offensive signal!
Gao Bo snapped to attention. The opponent was going to attack, that meant opportunity for Luton! He gave the signal from the sidelines.
Soon, the pace on the field picked up. Luton's defense became more proactive, pressing higher up the pitch.
Coventry also increased the tempo and began to push forward aggressively.
In the 53rd minute, Luton launched a fast counterattack right after a midfield steal.
Just three passes, and they were already in Coventry's penalty area! Kevin Keane sent a low cross into the box, and Vardy, arriving in the center, swept it toward the goal, but it was hit slightly high and deflected off the keeper's chest. Coventry narrowly escaped!
Gasps rang out in the stands. Some Coventry fans even covered their eyes, too afraid to look. They didn't uncover them until someone told them, "It didn't go in!"
Gao Bo felt proud.
Even though they didn't score, it showed how dangerous Luton's counterattack could be. Keep pressing like this, and the next one might hit the net.
He leaned back on the bench, crossed his legs, and laughed with John, Lin Sen, and the others. Everything seemed to be going smoothly.
But two minutes later, Gao Bo couldn't smile anymore.
Henderson suddenly pushed forward with the ball and unleashed a rocket from 30 meters out!
The ball shot toward goal like a meteor. If it had been just a little more accurately placed, the keeper would've stood no chance.
Luton's keeper Claude Rondo made a spectacular save and managed to deflect it.
Gao Bo was startled by the long-range effort. It reminded him of the future, when Henderson played for Liverpool, always full of wild long shots, some working, some not…
Corner kick!
Coventry sent several tall players into the box.
As the ball was about to be taken, Gao Bo had a bad feeling.
The cross bypassed Luton's defenders, and at the far post, Coventry striker Morrison outjumped Luton's left back Solo Davis and smashed a header into the net!
"Damn it!!!"
Gao Bo leapt to his feet, furious, but he didn't know who to be mad at. Solo Davis had done his best, but his height just couldn't match Morrison's.
He stormed out onto the touchline, then quickly calmed down.
The score was tied.
Now he had to figure out how to take the lead again.