"Good job everyone, you did your best in the first half. I'm happy to see some players are in very good condition. I hope you could maintain your performance. In the second half, Tottenham will attack us. So defend well, do as instructed as I've set. Remember, even if Tottenham score a goal, you have to stay calm and follow our strategy."
George gave his opinion. In this match, George hoped Southampton could win the game. Tottenham's situation, which was still a bit chaotic, must be used as much as possible. On the other hand, he also believed his tactical level was higher than Andre-Villa Boas. Therefore, he believed that Boas' adjustment will not cause difficulties for Southampton.
The second half was about to start, the Southampton and also Tottenham players walked out of the hall. In the middle of the Hallway, Kazuki glanced at Kyle Walker, then he whispered to Rustan who was in front of him.
"Who do you think is faster between you and the Tottenham left-back?" asked Kazuki idly. In this match, the two fastest players will definitely be Walker and Rustan. In the first half, Rustan and Kyle Walker seems matched, if Rustan was in a better position he would have won, but if Rustan and Walker were in the same position it was difficult for Rustan to break through Walker.
Rustan narrowed his eyes and answered quietly, "He's faster than me, but speed isn't everything, I'm sure I can still break through."
"It's very strange to hear you say speed isn't everything. Didn't you almost cry when you were injured in the first place for fear of losing your speed?"
"When? I forgot," replied Rustan while speeding away from Kazuki.
At the start of the second half, Tottenham started the kick-off. Luminaire gave the ball to Saldado, then the ball was returned to Luminaire and the player kicked the ball back. Then Tottenham stretched the formation. The match officially started.
Eriksen received the ball, the Tottenham midfielder kicked the ball into the back line. Southampton also stepped forward, Kazuki and wingers like Wright-Phillips and Rustan stepped up to put pressure on the Tottenham players.
Tottenham's back line made short passes calmly, then returned the ball to Eriksen. Tottenham launched the attack, Eriksen gave the ball to Moussa Dembélé. Dembélé adjusted himself to avoid Orlando, who was chasing him. After that, he gave the pass far to the right. Saldado received the ball with his inside foot, at the same time, Benson rose to bring down Saldado. The Tottenham right-winger made a rainbow flick, so the ball went over Benson's head and into the right side of the box.
Saldado used his speed to catch the ball, but Hilton's figure found the ball first, the Southampton center-back kicked the ball forward. Tottenham failed to attack.
In the 50th minute, Tottenham attacked again. A one-two pass between Eriksen and Flaminho managed to make Flaminho escape from Simone's guard. Flaminho then kicked the ball straight ahead. The striker, Luminaire, passed the ball to the left with his heel, Shradder running fast. He managed to get the ball before Vicente. Then, he crossed to the right. Saldado headed in, but the header was too weak as a result, Dean Smith took the ball easily.
In the 55th minute, Okhalo managed to snatch the ball from Luminaire's feet. After that, Okhalo provided the pass to Orlando. Eriksen tried to snatch the ball from Orlando's feet however, Orlando was positioning himself with his back to Eriksen, so very difficult for Eriksen to get the ball. Then, Orlando gave the ball to Simone. Simone carried the ball briefly before releasing a pass to Joe Bennet.
Bennett received the ball and then pushed past Dawson. He prepared to pass to Kazuki. But after he sent the ball, it turned out that the ball accidentally hit Dawson's hand. Immediately after that Kazuki and Bennet raised their hands, they shouted handball in unison. The fans also shouted together. But the referee crossed his arms in a loud voice he said, "Dawson's hand is passive, it's not handball."
Southampton was disappointed by the decision, but Tottenham's players immediately launched an attack, so Southampton did not have time to submit their complaints to the referee. Dawson immediately provided a long pass forward. Eriksen received the ball and with one touch he passed it to Flaminho. Simone went to Flaminho and sent a tackle. Flaminho first gave the ball to Shradder, but Vicente managed to throw the ball off the field.
Tottenham counter-attack failed. As soon as the attack stopped, several players approached the referee, trying to argue with the referee about handball. However, the referee did not heed them, even the referee threatened to give a yellow card if the Southampton players continued to protest. Finally, Southampton had to accept the unfair decision.
In the 62nd minute, Zouma managed to intercept Bennet's pass to Wright-Phillips. Immediately, Zouma pushed the ball forward rapidly. He shot in a straight line ahead. Simone moved to the left to stop Zouma. However, Zouma provided the pass to Flaminho, which Simone left behind. After that, Zouma ran past Simone.
On the other hand, Flaminho immediately provided a breakthrough for Zouma. The ball went forward. Benson's figure stepped forward to grab the ball in the air, however, Saldado moved to block Benson, so Zouma could receive the ball calmly and past Benson.
On the left side of Southampton, Zouma provided a cross into the middle of the penalty box. The ball curled into the middle of the penalty box. Luminaire headed the ball firmly. Dean Smith leapt and reached for the ball. As a result, the ball bounced over the goalpost and gone off the field.
Corner awarded to Tottenham. Eriksen will take the corner kick. Eriksen's left foot was good enough that he was trusted by Andre-Villa Boas as one of the free kick takers. Soon, the referee blew the whistle loudly. The ball moved to the far post of the Southampton net.
Orlando was dueling with Moussa Dembélé, Dembélé managed to win the duel. He then headed the ball into the middle of the penalty box. In front of the goalmouth, Flaminho streched his foot forward. The ball then went into the Southampton goalpost.
"Goaaaaaall! Tottenham caught up with a corner. Flaminho took advantage of the chaos in front of the box to kick the ball into the Southampton goalpost. Game On! Tottenham need just one goal to equalize."
The goal sparked intense excitement for Tottenham. The players as well as the coaching staff celebrated the goal with joy. While, George was aware that this goal could trigger a wave of attacks from Tottenham. Because of that, he immediately gave instructions to the Southampton players to remain calm and follow his instructions.. Southampton then restarted the game with a kick-off.