Chapter 98 - Manchester City(4)

The bright sun covered the light of the lamp. Kazuki's performance made the media care less about the other Southampton players. One that rarely discussed was Ryan Jr. The Welsh player was not as good as Kazuki who scores a lot of goals. Nor was Bennett, whose talent had been recognized since childhood. However, Ryan was one of the players who have intelligence on his gameplay.

In the 61st minute, Ryan gave the ball to the left. At that time, Kounde was heavily guarded by Zabaleta. Using his right foot, Kounde provided a through ball behind Zabaleta. Zabaleta's position was slightly up, leaving a space behind him. Ryan, who was running in that direction immediately received the ball from Kounde. Kompany moved to the left to cover the space there. Meanwhile, Yaya Toure stepped into the middle to replace Kompany.

Kounde penetrated the penalty box through the gap between Kompany and Yaya Toure. Ryan provided the pass forward for Kounde. Kompany responded to this after Kounde. Kounde's position was not ideal for shooting, so he gave the ball back with a back heel.

Ryan received the pass and dribbled the ball into the middle of the penalty box, then he launched a powerful shot into the left corner of the goalpost. Ryan's position was covered by Kazuki's body, so Joe Hart could not see Ryan's figure kicking the ball. It made Joe Hart's reaction quite slow and a goal was created.

It only took a few minutes for Southampton to reply Manchester City's goal. The goal immediately sparked a commotion at Saint Marry's stadium. Southampton's players celebrate the goal on the touchline.

"Good goal Ryan."

"I was surprised to see that Kounde and Ryan's movements were so smooth. You seem to be able to guess each other's thoughts."

"Good job everyone!"

This goal put Southampton back ahead. In this match, Southampton did not hesitate to target victory. Even if their opponent was Manchester City. The first win was a great opening season prize for Southampton fans.

Of course, maintaining this advantage was not easy. Manchester City will do its best to turn things around. Therefore, Southampton must patiently try to withstand Manchester City's attack while trying to find opportunities.

In the 66th minute, Manchester City launched an attack. David Silva moved down the right side along with Zabaleta. The Manchester City right-back stepped up to help The Cityzen attack the Saints. Kounde did his best to snatch the ball, but Zabaleta was assisted by David Silva, so he got past Kounde easily. Ryan also tried to mark David Silva, but it was very difficult for Ryan to turn off Silva's movement.

Zabaleta dribbled the ball from the right. Then he passed the ball forward. Bellotti was heavily guarded by Benson, so he quickly returned the ball to Zabaleta. The right-back then kicked the ball firmly to the left. Kolarov ran at full speed and headed the ball forward. Milner received the ball from Kolarov and pushed the ball through the gap between Freddy's legs. Then he chased the ball and penetrated the penalty box.

Okhalo walked to the left to close off Milner's space. Yaya Toure entered the penalty box and became an option for Milner's passing. Manchester City's left-winger sent a pass to Yaya Toure. Yaya Toure immediately kicked the ball. The ball curled towards the far post. There, Aguero dueled with Hilton to head the ball. Too bad Aguero wasn't good with aerial headers, so Hilton easily threw the ball out of the box.

Manchester City failed to take advantage of this opportunity. However, Manchester City continued to press Southampton. Entering the 70th minute, Manchester City really dominated the match. They controlled the midfield and kept trying to find chances to score.

In the 72nd minute, Samir Nasri dribbled the ball forward. He faced Rudolf then he passed Rudolf with a little trick, Simone immediately did a body charge which made Nasri fall. The referee gives a free-kick to Manchester City. David Silva was the player who will execute the free-kick.

Manchester City players gather in the Southampton penalty box. They try to take advantage of this set of balls to score goals. David Silva took a deep breath. The referee blew his whistle, Silva walked slowly and kicked the ball. The ball spun over the Southampton players' heads and into the goalmouth. Kompany jumped there to meet the ball.

Kompany and Okhalo headed the ball together. Okhalo managed to put more power, so the ball bounced in front of the penalty box. Ryan and Nasri struggled for the ball, luckily Ryan was one step ahead. Ryan immediately sent a long ball to the right side of the field.

Rustan rushed forward. His eyes caught sight of the slowly approaching ball, he accelerated to get past Kolarov's figure and received the ball. Rustan brought the ball diagonally to the center. Lescott launched a tackle and brought down Rustan's figure. The tackle was so clean that the referee only gave Southampton a throw-in.

Freddy was the one who took the throw-in. He threw back so that Hilton received the ball. The center-back gave the ball to Okhalo. Then, the ball passed to Southampton left-back, Benson. Bellotti tried to steal the ball from Benson, but he struggled, Benson kept the ball at his feet firmly. Then, Benson sent a pass to Rudolf.

David Silva stepped forward and tried to snatch the ball from Rudolf. The Southampton midfielder used his hands to hold David Silva, and then he provided a through ball to Simone. Simone was running and passed the ball far forward. Kazuki ran over, he was trying to receive the pass. However, the ball was too forward, so Joe Hart caught the ball well.

In the 79th minute, Manchester City got such a good opportunity. This was preceded by a counter-attack, Manchester City. Kolarov passed the ball to Yaya Toure. Yaya Toure dodged Ryan with a Marseille turn, then he immediately gave the ball to David Silva. David Silva pulled the ball to the right, soon, he accelerated through the gaps between the players, after that, he sent in a through ball as Aguero escaped the offside trap.

Aguero's position was superior to Okhalo's, so he easily dribbled the ball forward. The only opponent left was Dean Smith. The Southampton goalkeeper stepped up to stop Aguero. The Argentinean poked the ball past Dean Smith.

Okhalo ran quickly after the ball. Just before the ball bounced into the net, he made an overhead kick and kicked the ball out. The referee didn't blow the whistle because the goal didn't happen. The match was still going on.

Southampton's counter-attack came.