Decisive Match

The next day, the match between Southampton and Manchester United was held at St Mary's stadium. The match was held in the afternoon. Southampton's home stadium was full of Southampton fans as well as Manchester United fans who filled the away fans stand.

Before the game, George Eastgate did not give any targets for this match. Manchester United who would win will definitely play all out. He only hoped that Southampton's game will not disappoint the fans.

In this match, the officials brought an imitation trophy to the St Marry's stadium. However, this match will determine who wins the 2011/2012 Premier League season.

"Good afternoon Everyone. I, Jim Kaglin along with Andy Cole and Carragher, will accompany you to watch the decisive match between Southampton and Manchester United. In this match, Manchester United needs a win to take first place from their rivals, Liverpool.

What do you two think about this match? Andy, you first."

Andy Cole corrected his sitting position and gave his opinion on the match, "Before the match, Sir Alex had mentioned that all Manchester United players are in a very good performance. I think it is hard to imagine Manchester United will lose this match. Even though Southampton had beaten Liverpool, but Van Dyke's absence at that time became one of the reasons why Southampton won. With Van Dyke, Kazuki would not be too ferocious.

In this match, Fadick and Rio Fernand are clearly better than Gomez and Matip. As long as Kazuki can be frozen, it will be very difficult for Southampton to beat Manchester United."

Carragher immediately replied to Andy Cole's argument. He said, "I think you underestimate Southampton too much. They not only have Kazuki but a young player named Rustan also has good pace, I'm sure he will contribute greatly to Southampton's counter-attack. There is also Ryan, this player has good technique, he can distract the Manchester United defense. Southampton is very strong on the counter-attack, I believe a draw is very possible in this match."

Jim Kaglin cut the conversation off. "Well, let's save your opinion and see the starting line-up of the two teams. In this match, Manchester United will field a 4-3-3 formation.

Goalkeepers: Edwin Van Der Sar;

Defenders: Valencia, Fadick, Rio Fernand, Evra

Midfielders: Paul Scholes, Park Ji Sung, Carrick;

Front: Luis Nani, Christopher Ron, Welbeck.

Meanwhile, Southampton uses a 4-4-2 formation. A very typical formation from coach George Eastgate.

Goalkeepers: Dean Smith;

Defenders: Vicente, Hilton, Okhalo, Benson;

Midfielders: Rustan, Simone, Rudolf, Kounde;

Front: Kazuki, Ryan.

Next, we'll see how the first half of the Southampton-Manchester United game goes."

A few minutes later, after the opening ceremony of the match was over, the first half between Southampton and Manchester United officially started. Southampton, who started the kick-off immediately possessed the ball. Meanwhile, Manchester United played calmly, they did not immediately press Southampton. The intensity of the match at the beginning was not too high. Both teams played it safe.

However, in the third minute, when Park Ji Sung snatched the ball from Kazuki's feet, Manchester United suddenly moved simultaneously. Park Ji Sung provided a pass to Paul Scholes. The Manchester United midfielder received the ball with his chest and then controlled the ball with his knee. After that, he passed Kounde's guard.

After passing Kounde, Paul gave the ball to Welbeck. Welbeck received the ball and faced Vicente. Just as Vicente thought Welbeck was going to burst past him, Welbeck suddenly shot from outside the box. Dean Smith, who was guarding the goalpost did not expect Welbeck to shoot the ball suddenly. Fortunately, Welbeck's shot missed the goal. However, the attack made Southampton defenders feel the pressure.

The rhythm of the game remained low, but Manchester United's style of play was very dangerous for Southampton. Manchester United always makes sudden attacks, every time they get the ball, the Manchester United players pass the ball straight forward. Luis Nani, Ron, and Welbeck often carry out unexpected attacks. The cooperation of the three Manchester United forwards was very smooth.

In the 7th minute, Manchester United gave a surprise attack again. This time, Scholes suddenly gave the floated pass to the right. Luis Nani quickened his pace, then he picked up the ball from Scholes with his outside foot, so it bounced right past Benson. Nani moved quickly past Benson and brought the ball into the penalty box.

Southampton's players transitioned so well that Simone and Rudolf had dropped into the box. Nani gave the ball to Carrick who was outside the penalty box. Carrick kicked the ball hard. Dean Smith ran to the left and pushed his body hard, he managed to hold the ball. The ball bounced to the left side of the Southampton defense. Kounde took the ball and kicked it forward.

Ryan prepared to receive the ball, but Rio Fernand headed the ball off the field. Southampton failed to launch a counter-attack, but they managed to survive Manchester United's attack. Until the 8th minute, Kazuki only touched the ball a few times. He was standing alone up front, right next to the Manchester United center-back. Southampton still cannot attack the Red Devils defense.

In the 10th minute, Southampton finally got their chance. Vicente did an overlap, then he got past Luis Nani with Simone's help. After that, he brought the ball into the middle of the field. Paul Scholes stepped up to put pressure on him. Vicente gave the through pass forward. Park Jisung held Ryan at his back, but the Southampton player managed to push the ball to the right. Rustan accelerated his run and grabbed the ball just before Evra reactions.

After that, Rustan sent a crossing pass into the middle of the penalty box. Kazuki who was sandwiched by two Manchester United center-backs attempted a header. However, he lost the aerial duel against Fadick. He gave a thumbs-up to Rustan even though the pass was too difficult for Kazuki.

Until the 10th minute, both teams still couldn't score. Manchester United managed to provide some threats to the Southampton defense, but unfortunately, they failed to turn those opportunities into goals.

In the 12th minute, Ron, who escaped from Okhalo's guard, received a cross from Valencia. The Manchester United right-back had stepped up to help the Red Devils attack Southampton. Ron received the ball with his chest and volleyed it. Dean Smith jumped up and held the ball with his palm. The ball bounces over the goal. The corner kick was awarded to Manchester United.

Paul Scholes will take the corner kick. Manchester United players gather in the Southampton penalty box. Under the gazes of ten thousand people, Scholes kicked the ball confidently. The ball twisted in the air and curled into the goalmouth. Carrick pushed his body through Southampton's player and headed the ball firmly. The ball successfully bounced into the goalpost. Dean Smith failed to save the goalpost.