Chapter 125 - Liverpool (3)

The match resumed. Entering the end of the first half, the tempo of the game slowed down. Liverpool controlled the ball, this madebSouthampton continue to defend while waiting for another opportunity. In the 47th minute, Liverpool attacked Southampton for the last time. Liverpool midfielders make short passes to each other. Coutinho gave the ball to Henderson. Henderson then gave a pass Sisinho.

The Brazilian received a pass and avoided Okhalo who tried to snatch the ball. Then he gave the ball to Maddison. Maddison then provided a through ball to Tony Cross, who tried to penetrate the Southampton penalty box. The former Bayern Munich man received the ball with his heel and curled the ball over his head and down in front of him. Tony Cross then gave a volley shot towards goalpost.

The ball hit the top post before bouncing into the goalmouth. Ahmed stuck his foot out and poked the ball into the net. However, Dean Smith's feet blocked the ball, so the ball bounced back. At that point Okhalo came and threw the ball off the field. The referee's whistle sounded the first half ended with the result 1-0 for Liverpool's advantage.

In the dressing room, the Southampton players immediately released their tiredness.

"I really hate against Liverpool. They have monster stamina. We run around all the time just to avoid Liverpool pressing." Wright-Phillips expressed his annoyance. Even the forwards did not escape the pressure from Liverpool's players. Although the pressure was not as big as the defenders.

"It can't be helped, this is their style of play. Draining the enemy's stamina is also one of their strategies isn't it? I think they succeeded in that," said Rudolf flatly. Although he became one of the players who ran the most in the first half, but it seems Rudolf was not as tired as Wright-Phillips. This showed that he had good stamina.

Ryan suddenly said, "Sorry everyone, I did pretty badly in the first half."

"Don't worry it's not your fault, I also have a lot of trouble giving you a good pass. Moreover, the quality of Liverpool's midfield is very good. It's natural for us to feel pressured," said Simone as Southampton captain.

"Right, we all played pretty badly."

"Look, the most valuable player here also missed those two opportunities just now. Don't think too much about it," said Rustan while pointing at Kazuki.

After a few minutes, George Eastgate entered the dressing room. After that, he immediately gave an explanation of Southampton's tactics in the second half. In the first half, Liverpool's midfield was really full so Southampton struggled to build attacks. In response, George changed Southampton's formation to 4-1-4-1.

With this formation, Ryan will play between the back line and midfield, the goal was to make it easier for these players to build a second attack. The two defensive midfielders will step up as connect point. When Southampton attacked Ryan would passed the two midfielders, so the formation would again change to 4-2-3-1.

Shortly after, the second half match between Southampton and Liverpool started again. Neither team made any player changes. They still trust the players who played in the first half.

Liverpool kick-off the second half, so they immediately had the ball. This time Southampton seemed able to withstand the onslaught of Liverpool. They made two layers of defense with a solid so that Liverpool struggled to enter the final third of the field. But control of the ball was still in the hands of Liverpool.

In the 47th minute, Southampton thwarted Liverpool's attack. Tony Cross who tried to break through could be stopped by Simone. The Southampton captain then gave the ball to Rustan. Rustan kicked the ball back at Freddy. The Southampton right-back moved away from Maddison. He then provided a through ball to Ryan.

Ryan immediately changed the direction of the ball towards Rudolf. Henderson tried to intercept Rudolf but failed. Rudolf provided a pass to Wright-Phillips. The left winger immediately provided pass to Ryan. Glen's position was a bit advanced so Ryan immediately gave a through ball towards Kazuki.

The ball went to Kazuki then the player did a whiplash turn to turn around and push the ball into the penalty box. Kazuki then chased after the ball. Gomez pushed him too much so Kazuki only left a small shot space. Then he kicked the ball with all his might.

The ball hits the post and bounced to the right side of the goalpost. Rustan came and entered the ball into the net easily. The ball went in and rattled Liverpool's net.

"Goaaaaall! Southampton rekindled the fire of hope to beat Liverpool in this match. Rustan's goal made it 1-1. Now Liverpool need more aggressive than before, If you want to win this game."

While Jim Kaglin was excited, Carragher looked disappointed. He shook his head and said, "Luis Enrique let go of Rustan. It's a shame that a team like Liverpool couldn't find a good defender."

The goal sparked high enthusiasm from Southampton fans. They cheered and celebrated the goal. Meanwhile, coach George also did not hesitate to show his joy. This goal was not just about equalizing but about the possibility of winning.

Liverpool started the kick-off again after Southampton finished celebrating a goal. Although it had been equated by Southampton. Liverpool had good psychological qualities. They were not affected by the goal. The team was still executing their strategy well.

On the other hand, Southampton also continued to maintain their solid defense. On several occasions, Tony Cross and Henderson seemed unable to break through Simone and Rudolf. The two players managed to form a wall in the middle. Especially with Ryan who could guard Sisinho, so Liverpool was getting more and more difficult in dismantling Southampton's defense.

In the 55th minute, Liverpool finally attacked in the second half. They used a hard shot from outside the penalty box to try to break into Southampton's goalpost. Fortunately, such a shot could still be managed by Dean Smith so that the Southampton goalpost was still maintained from conceding a second time in this match.

In the 59th minute, Southampton launched an attack. Ryan managed to beat Sisinho in an aerial duel. He headed the ball to Hilton. Hilton brought the ball forward, at which point Freddy raised his hand he signaled he was in a free position. Hilton gave the ball to Freddy.

Freddy penetrated into the Liverpool defense area. Maddison came and tried to stop Freddy. However, Freddy passed Maddison with ease. He kicked the ball to the side of the court, then used a twist of the body to clear Maddison's guard.

Tony Cross immediately ran towards Freddy. Freddy immediately gave the ball Simone the Southampton midfielder to hold the ball while waiting for Ryan to come forward. As soon as Ryan stepped forward, Simone sent him a through ball. Guarded by Roger made Ryan without hesitation to kick the ball forward at the first touch.

Kazuki ran past Gomez and touched the ball with the back of his foot.. The ball changed direction, but unfortunately it went too far to the side so Kazuki failed to score.