Chapter 133: Norwich City

[Southampton held to a Chelsea draw! Man City overtook the Blues from second place.]

[Lambert: We have to admit that Southampton was playing well. Today we didn't play well, there were a lot of chances but the goal came too late.]

[Who can stop Southampton? Analysis of Southampton's chances to win the first half of the 2012/2013 season.]

[Can a devil schedule in December stop Southampton? Arsenal and Manchester United ready to take down Southampton!]

This draw was actually bad for both teams as City continue to catch up at the back. However, the media regretted this draw more because they expected that Chelsea could beat Southampton. Of course this draw made both of them, either Southampton or Chelsea feel annoyed.

In November, Southampton had 5 games. Fortunately, The Saints managed to win all five of those matches. They won against West Bromwich Albion, then Liverpool, Blackburn, Aston Villa and finally Chelsea. Southampton managed to pass the busy schedule successfully.

In this month, Kazuki returned to best performance by making 6 goals and 1 assist. Kazuki's performance clearly allowed him to win November's Player of the Month again. George, who also coaches Southampton, had a great chance to winning the best coach in November.

In December, Southampton's schedule was as busy as November. On the 1st, Southampton will face Norwich City. Then on the 8th, Southampton will visit Swansea City. On the 16th, Southampton will then play Leeds United. On the 22nd, Southampton will visit the Emirates Stadium once again to meet Arsenal. Finally on Boxing Day on the 26th, Southampton will face Manchester United.

With such a busy schedule, it was no suprise if many clubs that initially led the table in November suddenly collapsed in December. Luckily, Southampton was able to focus on the league as they were eliminated in the Carabao Cup. Imagine how difficult the situation for a big club in December. Champions League, Carabao Cup, Fifa World Cup (especially for Chelsea who just won the UCL), and others. Thinks about that, it was normal if coaches of the big clubs always protest about the Premier League schedule

In the evening, December 1st. Southampton welcomed the arrival of a group of players at the St. Mary's. The day before the match, George had announced the big list and also Southampton's starting line-up for this match.

Dean Smith was back to keep the goalpost. Although he rarely kept a clean sheet, his performance was indeed quite good. There had been a change at center-back. George rotated and gave Jimmy and Hiltona chance to help Dean Smith in defending the Southampton defense. Then, Winlsey Hart returned to fill the right-back position. Vicente had just recovered from injury while Freddy needs rest. Ben Carter replaced Benson at left back.

Then in midfield, Orlando, Wright-Phillips, and also Ryan filled the midfielder position. In this match George used a 4-3-3 formation, so the burden of defense was on Orlando and the other two midfielders could help Orlando as needed. Then up front, George put Kazuki in the middle, then Osmund on the left and finally Crage on the right. He also rested Rustan in this match.

Although many of the main players were not present, the presence of Kazuki and Ryan was actually enough to make George confident in beating Norwich.

On the other hand, Norwich City was using a 4-4-2 formation. The composition of their players namely, John Ruddy; Russell Martin, Sebastian Bassong, Michel Turner, Javier Garrido; Robbert Snodgrass, Bradley Johnson, Wes Hoolahan, Anthony Philkington; Grant Holt, Chris Martin.

The match started with Southampton kick-off. With a 4-3-3 formation. Southampton had control over the midfield due to their superior number of players. This was because the two midfielders in Norwich City's 4-4-2 formation were wingers who play somewhat up front. The Norwich City player to watch out for was their striker Grant Holt. He was Norwich City's captain and goalscorer this season.

Entering the early minutes, Southampton immediately controlled the match. They pushed Norwich City back into their own defense area. After some training, Southampton's possession was getting smoother. At least if the pressing by the opponent was not as fierce as Liverpool or other big clubs, Southampton could still survive with short passes.

In the 8th minute, Orlando gave Wright-Phillips a flat pass. The player then received the ball and pushed the ball to the right. Then, as Wes Hoolahan moved to the ball direction, Wright-Phillips pushed the ball through the gap between Wes Hoolahan's legs. Then he ran past the player and got the ball again.

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After passing Wes Hoolahan, Wright-Phillips gave Kazuki a pass. Kazuki, with his back facing the Norwich net, received the ball while holding down Sebastian Bassong who had pressure behind him and then passed it to Ryan. Ryan penetrated into the penalty box, he was closely guarded by Michel Turner. Then he pulled the ball back and provided a flat pass to Wright-Phillips.

Wright-Phillips immediately made a first-time shot. However, Wright-Phillips' shot failed, the ball went over the Norwich City top post. Southampton's first chance failed to convert into a goal.

Minutes to 15, Winsley Hart provided a pass to Orlando. Orlando pulled the ball to the side, he tried to get away from Chris Martin who tried to steal the ball from him. Then Orlando provided a through ball to Southampton left-back, Ben Carter. The player relied on all his speed to run and receive the ball. He then deflected the ball when he met Robert Snodgrass. After that, he gave the pass to Ryan.

Ryan took the pass. He pushed the ball to the left to avoid Bradley Johnson then provided a through ball to the left flank. Osmund ran fast. He dueled against Norwich right-back, Russel Martin. Osmund pushed the ball with the back of his foot into the box after which, he turned 90° and stabbed into the box.

After that, Osmund used his feet to kick the ball into the middle of the penalty box. Kazuki was about to grab it but Sebastian Bassong threw the ball away first. Southampton's corner kick. Ryan executed the kick. He was using his right foot to kick the ball, the ball was flying towards the penalty box. Orlando won the duel against Bradley Johnson. Too bad his header missed to the right post side.

In the 26th minute, Southampton finally scored. Ryan passed the ball to the right. Crage took the ball. He sprinted onto the touchline pulling Norwich's left-back into the touchline then pass the ball to Winsley Hart who went up to help Southampton attack. Winsley Hart brought the ball into the penalty box.

He then sent a cross to the left of the penalty box. Osmund burst in and headed the ball into the middle of the penalty box. Kazuki volleyed at a critical angle and managed to score. His shot was too strong for Norwich goalkeeper, John Ruddy to anticipate.

The goal put Southampton a goal ahead of Norwich City. The match resumed after Southampton finished celebrating. Norwich City start kick-off. Southampton immediately pressed after Norwich City started kick-off. Southampton was not satisfied with a 1-0 advantage. They want to add more advantages.

In the 30th minute, Norwich City tried to launch an attack. Michel Turner provided the ball to Norwich left-back, Javier Garrido. Crage tried to annoy Garrido, but the Spanish player was able to get past Crage easily. He then gave the ball to Bradley Johnson. Ryan immediately tried to steal the ball from Bradley, luckily, the player was able to keep the ball. Soon, he gave the ball to Wes Hoolahan. Wes Hoolahan dribbled forward and found Anthony Philkington on the left.

Anthony received the ball he then faced Winsley Hart. When Anthony was about to pass Winsley, this young man stubbornly clung to Anthony, so that the Norwich player had difficulty, finally Winsley kicked the ball out of the field. Norwich only won a corner kick.

Wes Hoolahan took a corner kick after the referee had blown the whistle. The ball curled into the goalmouth quickly. Crowds of players jostle for the best position. Sebastian Bassong managed to head the ball but unfortunately his header was caught by Dean Smith well.

In the 38th minute, Southampton again launched an attack. This time Jimmy sent a long pass forward. Orlando dueled with Wes Hoolahan then headed the ball at Wright-Phillips. Wright-Phillips received the ball and dribbled it forward. After a while, he gave the ball to Ryan. Ryan who had just received the ball was immediately dropped by Bradley Johnson. The result Southampton get a free kick from outside the penalty box.

Kazuki became the player who would execute the free kick. He and Ryan stood in front of the ball while the rest of Southampton players entered the penalty area preparing to welcome Kazuki kick. The referee blew the whistle, Ryan ran then jumped over the ball. Kazuki then came over and kicked the ball. The ball immediately went to the far post. There Orlando deflected the ball with his head. John Ruddy failed to anticipate the ball, so Southampton managed to score for the second time.

Orlando enthusiastically ran towards the Southampton fan stands. He was very happy with his decision to make a transfer to Southampton. When he accepted Southampton's offer, he did not expect Southampton to reach the first position in the Premier League until the current round. Orlando saw Kazuki who was approaching, he then immediately hugged him.

At Southampton, there was no player that Orlando respected more than Kazuki. The reason was clear, Kazuki's talent and charm made Orlando want to continue playing with Kazuki. Victory kept coming if Orlando plays this Japanese player.

Until the end of the first half, Southampton maintained a 2-0 advantage.

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