Chapter 27: Kazuki Debut

In the 36th minute, Southampton got a chance. Kounde managed to breakthrough Zouma for the first time. With his speed, Kunde brought the ball into the Tottenham defense. Tottenham's players also quickly retreated, they made the transition from attack to defense quickly and discipline. Kounde who had no room to break through returned the ball to the center. Denilson picked up the ball from Kounde, he pushed his way through the gap between Zouma and Gregor. After entering the Tottenham penalty box, Denilson immediately made a strong shoot to Llorente. The Tottenham goalkeeper threw Denilson's shot, out of the field. The corner kick was awarded to Southampton.

Several Southampton players, including their center-back Hilton, went forward to assist Southampton's attack in this corner kick. The player who will take the corner kick is Hugo.

The referee blew his whistle, Hugo walked slowly, then made a kick with his left foot. The ball flew to the far post. Simone and Anderson jump for the ball. The ball fell at Denis' feet, the Tottenham player kicked the ball forward.

Flaminho received the ball. Rudolf presses to bring down Flaminho but Flaminho passes the ball to Moric first. Moric received the ball and ran fast, he passed Hilton who tried to stop it. Moric then provided a pass to the left. Gareth Neill who was not guarded by anyone received the ball and accelerated his run.

Southampton's remaining defenders are Okhalo and Vicente while Tottenham has Gareth, Moric, and Shradder. With only two defenders against 3 attacking players, it was very difficult for Southampton to defend the net.

Dean Smith ran forward to intercept Gareth Neill, but Gareth passed the ball to the right. Shradder ran past Vicente and received the ball he then kicked the ball. The ball rattled Southampton's net. The second goal for Tottenham Hotspur.

"What a Goal! Beautiful counter-attack from Tottenham Hotspur. Shradder scored after receiving a flat pass from Gareth Neill. Southampton must concede a goal for the second time in this game."

"Hilton should have committed a foul to stop Moric rather than let Moric through. But there's no denying the combination of Gareth Neill's speed and Shradder's precision is terrifying."

George Eastgate wiped his face at Tottenham Hotspur's second goal. He never thought he would concede again. Set Pieces have always been one of the main focuses of Southampton's training, however, it is very difficult for Southampton to score goals from open play. Because of that, he didn't expect his strategy of doing set pieces to be the beginning of Tottenham's second goal.

After this second goal, Southampton was completely passive. Tottenham continued to attack relentlessly as if not satisfied with the two goals. Dean Smith made many beautiful saves to keep the net. Southampton defenders also made fouls to stop Tottenham's attack.

Tottenham's attack paid off. In the 44th minute, Zouma crossed into the penalty box. Luminaire then picked up the ball with his chest and made a volley shoot to the Southampton goalpost. The shot was too strong and too fast to stop. Dean Smith could only be silent watching the ball go into the goal post he was guarding.

The first half ended with the score of 3-0, Tottenham winning thanks to goals from Gareth Neill, Shradder, and Luminaire. The three front attackers of The Lilywhite both scored goals. With an exciting feeling, the Tottenham players walked into the dressing room.

***

In the Southampton dressing room, George looked at the Southampton players who now lowered their heads. They knew George was angry with their poor performance. Especially the defenders, they have failed to stop the Tottenham attack.

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George took a deep breath. He has fielded the players he trusts most in every position but the difference in quality between Southampton and Tottenham seems so far apart that George is speechless.

"We are 3 goals down. There is no point defending. In the second half, we will attack fully. I want you to score a quick goal before the 50th minute, so we have a chance to at least equalize.

As for the defenders, I don't care how you guys have to stop Gareth Neill, if you need to use offense, don't hesitate.

That's all I can say, keep it up, I'm sure you guys can score against Tottenham."

On the other hand, Kazuki wished Southampton to fail to score and accept fate and give up. That way Kazuki would get a chance to play. Moreover, if Southampton managed to score a goal and reduce Tottenham's advantage, George would not field Kazuki, George couldn't leave Southampton's fate on Kazuki, no matter how good Kazuki's played at the training ground.

Moments later the second half of the match between Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur will take place soon. At half-time, the commentators had agreed that Tottenham Hotspur would win this game. They couldn't believe Southampton who has always had problems scoring goals this season, would be able to score 3 goals against Tottenham in less than 45 minutes.

There were no substitutions on either side. Tottenham started the second-half kick-off. As an experienced coach, Harry Greenknap knew that Southampton would make a desperate attack, so he instructed Moric to set the tempo of the game as slowly as possible.

Harry's instructions were right on target because at the start of the second half Southampton launched a fierce high press, but the cooperation between Tottenham's lines was very good. When a player is pressed, there will be other players who approach the player as a pass option. The density of the midfield and short passes managed to reduce Southampton's high press.

Seeing his tactics fail, George bit his finger nervously. Southampton's high press was easily overcome by Tottenham. Precisely because of too much high press, Southampton's defense became a bit lost. Moric provides a long pass to the left of the Southampton defense. Gareth Neill went ran past Benson. After bringing the ball into the Southampton defense, Gareth gave a flat pass into the middle.

Luminaire received the pass, then shot into the corner of the goalpost. Too bad the shot missed to the side of the goalpost. Luminaire shook his head regretfully for wasting such a good opportunity. He raised his hand apologetically at Gareth Neill.

In the 70th minute, George decided to give up. He told Kazuki, and Wright-Phillips to warm up. Then in the 72nd minute, George made a substitute, Kazuki to replace Osmund and entered Wright-Phillips to replace Kounde. Both players are talented young players Southampton has.

"The substitutions were made by Southampton. Oh, let's look at the player with number 28, Kazuki Kazeshima coming on for Osmund while the player with number 19, Wright-Phillips coming on to replace Rudolf. Looks like coach George has given up on chasing a draw in this match.

This was Kazuki's senior career debut.. Let's see if the Japanese player can give the maximum performance."

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