Chapter 102: West Ham(4)

The first half ended with a score of 1-0. In the end, West Ham failed to score even though they had several chances. Southampton also failed to score a second goal. Finishing looked like to be a problem for Southampton. In the first half, Kazuki didn't get many chances. Even so, Kazuki's movement was able to create a gap for other Southampton players to get opportunities.

Overall, George was satisfied with Southampton's performance in the first half. Although there were many shortcomings, but for a team like Southampton it was normal. In the second half, West Ham will definitely launch an attack. It was important for Southampton to form a stable defense, so Southampton could withstand the onslaught from West Ham.

The second half of the match began, neither Southampton nor West Ham made any substitutions. Southampton then started the second half with a kick-off. At the start of the second half, Southampton tried to slow down the tempo with slow passes. West Ham tried to put pressure on Southampton. However, Simone and Rudolf dropped to the back and became connection points for the Southampton defense.

Under the influence of Southampton, West Ham slowly lowered the intensity of their pressing. Southampton became more comfortable in possession of the ball. Just as West Ham fell into the slow tempo built by Southampton, the team whose nicknamed The Saints launched an attack.

In the 48th minute, Joe Bennet found a space between the left-back and center-back. Rudolf immediately provided a through ball to Bennet. The player penetrated the penalty box quickly.

Reid tried to intercept Bennet, but the player stopped his speed suddenly, so Reid passed Bennet due to repulsion. Then, Bennett sent the pass. The ball was spinning and went to the far post. Kazuki appeared and headed the ball purposefully. Jääskeläinen tried to hold the ball, but the direction of the ball was too awkward for him to hold it. Finally, the ball was slid freely into the net.

"Goaaaalll! Bennet put on world-class gameplay! He's created such a beautiful pass to Kazuki. This number 9 player wasn't disappointing Bennet, Kazuki executed Bennet's pass so well. Bennet had in the same team as Kazuki on the junior stage. This time, on the senior stage, they are to meet again. Hopefully, we can see more Kazuki and Bennet teamwork at Southampton."

Kazuki hugged Bennett. He expressed his gratitude by saying, "I never expected you to give me such a pass. What a great assist."

"Thank you, luckily you finished my pass well. Otherwise, my efforts were in vain."

The rest of Southampton's players also approached and joined in celebrating the goal. On the sideline, George shamelessly celebrated the goal in front of the West Ham coach. Meanwhile, the West Ham coach looked annoyed with Southampton's goal. The goal disrupted the strategy that he applied in the second half.

The match resumed after Southampton finished their celebration. West Ham kick-off and the game started again. This time, they played aggressively. West Ham attacked Southampton fiercely. In the 51st minute, Rudolf, who just got the ball was immediately dropped by Nolan. Jarvis went backward and received the ball from Nolan.

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Okhalo tried to take the ball from Jarvis, but the player passed the ball to Taylor. Benson was dueling Taylor, both of them were running as hard as they could to catch the ball. Taylor managed to get the ball first. Then, he gave the ball back.

Demel received the ball and then dribbled it into the penalty box. He then provided a cross. Cole jumped up and was physically engaged in the air against Hilton. This time he won, Cole headed the ball to his side. Jarvis came in through the gaps and hit the ball hard. Too bad, the ball was bounced over the goalpost.

"Nolan intercepts, he passes the ball to Jarvis. Okhalo goes up and presses. Jarvis provides a through ball. Taylor and Benson are dueling, Taylor gives a back-pass to Demel. West Ham right-back goes into the box and crosses to Cole, he heads the ball, shot! Jarvis missed such a good chance. West Ham still failed to open the score."

Jarvis' failure on the pitch made the West Ham coach look emotional on the sidelines. He showed an angry gesture. The camera panned as he uttered some dirty words. The West Ham coach's anger was understandable, however, the team had chances after chance, but West Ham's finish was underwhelming. West Ham would have scored two or more goals if they had taken the chances which they got successfully.

In the 58th minute, Maiga came on for Jarvis. West Ham coach still had not given up on the pursuit of victory. The substitution was indeed a good option this time. Didn't want to lose to West Ham, George also made substitutions, he entered Wright-Phillips to replace Ryan. Wright-Phillips' defense was better than Ryan's, so the inclusion of Wright-Phillips could help Southampton defend.

Substitution made quite a big impact on the match. In the 65th minute, Simone accidentally dropped Maiga in front of the penalty box. This made West Ham get a free-kick at such an ideal distance. Muhammad Diame again became the free-kick taker. Shortly after the referee blew the whistle, Diame kicked the ball lightly past the Southampton players and fell into the goalmouth.

Chaos occurred in the Southampton penalty box. In the chaos. Maiga took the opportunity, he managed to get the ball, then, he kicked the ball into the goalpost. Dean Smith failed to anticipate the attack, so the ball rolled into the net, Southampton conceded for the first time in this match.

"Goaaaall! Maiga! A brilliant decision when the West Ham coach put this player on the pitch. In less than 10 minutes, he has scored for West Ham! Game On! West Ham still has a chance to overturn Southampton."

Noise like lightning filled the stadium. The West Ham players as well as the coach and staff were celebrating the goal with enthusiasm. After several times wasting opportunities, West Ham finally scored too. This clearly raised West Ham's spirit.

In the 73rd minute, Maiga, Noble, and Nolan formed a triangle position and helped each other to break into the left side of the Southampton defense. Noble managed to send a through ball to Nolan who had run into the middle of the field. Southampton's defensive midfielder Rudolf went over to Nolan and tried to steal the ball from Nolan's feet, but Cole popped in the front. Nolan immediately gave Cole a pass.

Hilton went up and held Cole from turning around. Cole didn't push himself, instead, he gave Diame, who was beside him, a pass. Diame twisted his body and used his physique to force his way into the Southampton penalty box. After that, he sent a curled shot into the top right corner of the goalpost. Southampton goalkeeper Dean Smith immediately ran and jumped.. His finger managed to touch the ball and bounced the ball off the field.

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