In the next game, Luton still didn't dominate possession, but it was clear to everyone that this was intentional. Despite Nottingham Forest controlling the ball, the rhythm of the game remained firmly in the hands of the hosts, Luton.
Toward the end of the first half, Luton created several chances to threaten Nottingham Forest's goal. If not for the excellent performance of Forest's goalkeeper Lee Camp, the score could have been much more than 2-0.
Gao Bo was pleased with this outcome. The game was playing out just as he had planned.
The first half ended quickly, with Luton leading by two goals. Fans in the stands erupted into applause for their players and coaches, showing their appreciation.
During halftime, Gao Bo praised Vardy's outstanding performance and commended the entire team. They had executed their training perfectly, maintaining a tight defensive formation, disciplined play, and highly efficient counterattacks. Gao Bo saw no need to change anything, simply instructing the players to replicate their first-half performance.
In the Nottingham Forest locker room, the atmosphere was entirely different.
Billy Davis was furious, unleashing all his frustration from the first half onto his players. Almost every starting player bore the brunt of his anger.
As a Championship team, being dominated by a League Two side was humiliating. For Billy Davis, the performance was unacceptable.
He didn't attribute Luton's success to their strength, despite Vardy's speed and clinical finishing, or the impressive midfield duo of Kante and Drinkwater. Instead, he believed Forest's struggles stemmed from underestimating their opponent.
To him, there was no way a League Two team, relying on their main lineup, could genuinely be this strong. Billy Davis believed Forest was the superior team and aimed to wake his players up with a scathing halftime lecture.
"Nottingham Forest may not be the European powerhouse we once were," he yelled, "but we're not about to be humiliated by a team two divisions below us!"
The stadium cooled slightly during the halftime break as fans took the opportunity to recharge before continuing their support.
Lowy, a journalist seated in the media booth, took the break to jot down her thoughts.
Although Gao Bo annoyed her on a personal level, she remained committed to reporting the truth.
She wrote:
> "Luton appeared under pressure from Forest early on, but by the 30th minute, they had struck twice. Their goals shared a familiar pattern: disciplined defensive organization stifling the opposition's attack, followed by lightning-fast counterattacks. With just a few passes, the ball would be delivered to a dangerous position.
"Their forward duo, Vardy and Charlie Austin, is not only quick but highly effective. Vardy's finishing is clinical, while Austin's movement off the ball is intelligent. Importantly, both forwards actively contribute to defense—no one in this team is exempt from defensive duties.
"It's clear that Gao Bo has transformed this team successfully."
Reluctantly, she admitted to herself that Gao Bo was a competent coach, even if she couldn't stand him.
As if summoned by her thoughts, Gao Bo emerged early from the locker room, leaving the final details of the halftime talk to his players. Spotting him, Lowy muttered under her breath, "Bastard..."
Gao Bo walked over, smiling.
"Miss Lowy! How are you enjoying the game?"
Annoyed, she replied coldly, "Halftime is an important time for a coach, Mr. Gao Bo."
"For most coaches, yes. But not for me," he said, leaning closer.
Caught off guard by his proximity, she briefly noticed how charismatic he looked. Before she could retort, Gao Bo walked off, saying, "After all, I'm just a 'fraud coach,' right?"
As she fumed, the stadium's loudspeaker boomed:
"Luton fans! The second half begins! Let's welcome back the Luton heroes!"
Lowy could only watch Gao Bo disappear into the distance, her frustration evident.
---
In the second half, Nottingham Forest launched an aggressive attack from the start. However, Luton's counterattack quickly extinguished their momentum.
This time, it was Charlie Austin who delivered the blow.
Drinkwater launched a long pass to the flank, where Lewis Emmanuel crossed the ball into the box. Austin rose to meet it, heading the ball into the net to make it 3-0.
"Nottingham Forest is collapsing!" exclaimed the commentator. "Luton is proving to be an incredible team. Here's a stunning statistic: Forest has taken three shots—all off target. Meanwhile, Luton has taken three shots—all on target, and all converted into goals! This efficiency is remarkable!"
Gao Bo's reaction to the third goal was subdued. He applauded briefly before sitting down again, confident in the game's outcome.
When the final whistle blew, Luton had secured a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, advancing to the second round of the League Cup.
As Gao Bo approached Billy Davis for the customary handshake, the Forest coach barely made eye contact, offering a quick touch of hands before storming off to the locker room.
Gao Bo, meanwhile, stayed on the pitch with his players to celebrate.
With two consecutive wins to start the season, Gao Bo felt fully confident in his tactical approach.