Chapter 34: Possession's Illusion
Slumber dark clouds hovered over London Stadium in the backdrop as West Ham United clashed with Brighton & Hove Albion in a crucial Premier League encounter. The air crackled with excitement, and the crowd's roars echoed throughout the stadium. It was the 1st of February, and commentators Mark and Emma watched from their lofty perch away from the chilling cold, their voices resonating across the television screens of millions of viewers.
"Welcome back, folks! We're in the midst of the match here at the London Stadium as relegation tipped West Ham challenges Potter's visually stunning Brighton," Mark exclaimed, his voice infused with enthusiasm. "Brighton is putting on a masterclass in ball possession today, wouldn't you say, Emma?"
Emma nodded, her eyes fixed on the relentless passing and movement of the Brighton players. "Absolutely, Mark. It's remarkable how they're able to keep the ball with such ease. West Ham is struggling to get a foothold in this game."
Indeed, Brighton's players seemed to have an uncanny connection, their passes crisp and precise. They weaved through West Ham's defense like a well-choreographed dance, frustrating the home team's attempts to regain possession.
"Look at the way Brighton effortlessly maintains possession," Mark continued, his tone filled with awe. "They're not only dominating the midfield but also exploiting the gaps in West Ham's defense. It's a masterclass in possession-based football by the English manager Graham Potter."
As Brighton's attacking moves intensified, West Ham's players grew increasingly fatigued. Kai Chiu, standing near the touchline, clenched his fists, his brows furrowed with concern. The weight of the match and the mounting pressure on his shoulders was coming down ever heavier.
Emma's voice filled with empathy as she observed the scene. "Potter is doing nothing but exceptional as the Brighton manager so far. In his young career as a manager, Potter's accomplishment and attractive tactical philosophy makes him highly regarded as the future English National Team Manager. It won't be long until Southgate is kicked out of the job and replaced by Potter!"
But as the commentators continued to marvel at Brighton's ability to keep possession, Kai couldn't help but harbor a devious smirk deep within his heart. He listened intently to their analysis, shaking his head in amusement. "You think we're struggling to keep the ball? You think Graham Potter is outclassing me? You clueless fools," he muttered under his breath. "And don't even get me started on the 'future England National Team Manager' bullsh*t. Just wait till he becomes the manager of Chelsea and you'll see how wrong you were."
While the spectators, pundits, and even their opponent players wondered how Brighton had gained such control over the game, Kai knew the truth. It was all part of his grand plan. He had meticulously designed this match to play out in a particular way—a way that would expose Brighton's weaknesses and showcase his tactical brilliance.
His mind raced with the audacity of his scheme. By deliberately relinquishing possession to Brighton, he had lured them into a false sense of superiority. The commentators, unknowingly falling into his trap, praised Brighton's possession game without realizing that every pass, every movement was under Kai's calculated orchestration.
To him, football was a strategic battlefield, and he was the cunning general, manipulating the ebb and flow of the match.
On the other side of the dugout, Graham Potter, the Brighton manager, found himself scratching his head in bewilderment. His brow furrowed deeply, and his fingers ran through his hair repeatedly as he watched his striker, Neal Maupay, struggling to even lay a finger on the ball.
Potter had always admired Maupay's ability to create opportunities through clever positioning, his ability to find the back of the net with instinct. But on this day, the striker seemed to be invisible, as if swallowed by the tactical web woven by Kai Chiu.
With each failed attempt to connect with the ball, frustration etched itself on Potter's face. He paced back and forth along the touchline, searching for answers, his mind racing to find a solution to break the spell that had gripped Maupay.
"Come on, Neal, get into the game!" Potter urged under his breath, but his words carried an undercurrent of desperation. He had expected Maupay to thrive in a match where West Ham seemed to relinquish possession so willingly. But now, it appeared that Kai Chiu had successfully neutralized his star striker.
"Keep defending boys! Keep defending!" Kai shouted amidst Potter's frustration at his own team's lack of scoring chances. It was as if Kai was pouring fuel onto the flame, making the issue more exaggerated than it already was.
The frustration wasn't only limited to the Brighton manager as the players on the pitch felt the same way. Brighton's Leandro Trossard sought to spark his team's revival. He felt frustrated, annoyed at his West Ham's stubborn defence that is cowardly. As Trossard received the ball, he spun on the spot as he dared to create a miracle
With quick feet and a burst of speed, Trossard darted towards the centre of the pitch, attempting to create chances for his teammate Neal Maupay.
"—— And here comes Trossard! The Belgian international trying to create something from absolutely nothing! He dribbles into the West Ham areas..."
But Rice, known for his tenacity and defensive prowess, was not one to be easily bypassed. He read Trossard's intentions and reacted with lightning reflexes, positioning himself perfectly to intercept the oncoming attack.
As Trossard made his move, Rice lunged forward, his timing impeccable. His long legs stretched out, reaching for the ball like a predator striking its prey. With a clean, calculated tackle, Rice cleanly dispossessed Trossard, halting his advance and leaving him sprawled on the turf.
The crowd erupted into cheers, recognizing the sheer brilliance of Rice's defensive maneuver. Even the commentators paused for a moment, their voices filled with awe and admiration for the young midfielder's ability to neutralize Trossard's threat.
"——Declan Rice with an absolutely crucial tackle there," Mark exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement. "Trossard thought he had a clear path, but Rice had other plans. What a defensive display from the West Ham maestro!"
Emma chimed in, her voice tinged with admiration. "——That tackle exemplifies why Declan Rice is so highly regarded. His anticipation, timing, and sheer determination to win the ball back are second to none. A true defensive stalwart!"
On the pitch, Rice rose to his feet, a grin of satisfaction on his face. He knew the significance of that tackle, not only in halting Brighton's attack but also in boosting his team's unified beliefs in Kai Chiu's philosophy. He had set the tone, showcasing his unwavering commitment to protecting his side's goal.
Trossard, on the other hand, felt the frustration wash over him. He had underestimated Rice's defensive prowess, and his attempt to dribble past him had been swiftly shut down. Rising from the ground, he bit his lips as he bitterly continued the match.
Little instances like these were rife throughout the match. No matter how desperate the Brighton players tried to create chances, they were met by a gruelling challenge or a strategic tackle.
As the game raged on, Brighton's Pascal Groß found himself in possession of the ball, searching for an opening to launch an attack. Sensing an opportunity, he surged forward. The attacking midfielder had been limited in his influence in the match, though he had many touches on the ball, he had never been able to link with his attacking partners to threaten West Ham's goal.
The German international eyed the pitch with an unbending belief, with the Brighton player scanning the pitch intelligently, trying to find a pass that would unlock the defence. From the corner of his eyes, he noticed the blue shirt of a Brighton's winger running into the box with his arm raised. Nodding to himself, Groß made a suddenly pass as he lifted the ball above the heads of every player as it soared to the right wing.
"——Oh and a beautiful pass from Groß as he lobs the ball over the backline. He switched the ball to the opposite flank to the dazzling Solly March."
Solly March darted after Groß pass. The agile winger chased after the ball with all his might, but.... only to be met with a thunderous challenge from West Ham's Manuel Lanzini.
With an audible thud, Lanzini's tackle crashed into March, sending him sprawling to the ground. The player lay on the ground, clutching his leg in pain. The collision had momentarily knocked the wind out of him, leaving him dazed and disoriented.
"—— Oh and the referee wasted no time in blowing his whistle, and it looks like Lanzini will be receiving a yellow card for his troubles. He's been walking a tightrope throughout this match, and this caution puts him in a precarious position. You just can 't get away with tackles like that! It's dangerous and the players know it!"
As the players untangled themselves, Lanzini immediately turned his attention towards the referee, pleading his case for what he believed was an unintentional collision.
"It was an accident ref! It was a 50/50 challenge for the ball!" Lanzini outcried as he approached the referee with staggered footsteps.
The West Ham player gesturing animatedly and trying to explain his side of the story. He pointed to the ball, emphasizing his intent to win it, and expressed his belief that the collision was an unfortunate consequence of the fast-paced nature of the game.
"COME ON, REF! March ain't even hurt mate!"
As a players on the pitch slowly formed a small crowd around the referee, the official remained unmoved by Lanzini's plea, maintaing his stern expression. Resolute in his decision to punish the West Ham player, the referee reached for his pocket as he pulled out a yellow card.
"No more of this! One more tackle like that and you'll have another yellow! Now spread! Disperse! Continue the match." The referee pointed at Lanzini as he eyed the player adamently.
As the referee pointed a stern finger at Lanzini, issuing a warning, Kai's voice cut through the air, carrying a hint of admiration. "Well done, Manuel! That's the commitment I want to see! Keep pushing, keep challenging, and don't let up!"
His words, intended to be heard by Lanzini and the entire team, reflected Kai's unwavering belief in the player's fiery spirit. He understood that Lanzini's actions were born out of a burning desire to win, to give his all for the team's cause.
Not to mention, it was only a yellow card. Sure, Lanzini has to be careful from here and now, but Kai has enough trust in the player to know his limits and boundaries. More importantly, Lanzini is executing his demands with a passion that is often rare in players. Every pass and tackle Lanzini made on the pitch had a dedication that often couldn't be found. Lanzini wasn't on the pitch just because he's a good player, he was on the pitch because he played football with pride and honour.
Whilst thinking about this, Kai turned his vision away from Lanzini on the pitch as he focused his attention in the West Ham bench. His concentration was focused on one person in particular, as the player sat in the dugout indifferently to the situation on the match.
Kai's gaze shifted towards the player sitting on the bench, his indifference to the ongoing match catching the manager's attention. It was a player whose talent and potential were undeniable, yet his commitment and dedication seemed to waver. Kai shook his head in disappointment, disheartened by such a carefree attitude. Unlike this certain player on the bench, Lanzini had the heart and commitment that he lacked.
Only with talent and dedication can you rise to the top. Talent alone can only carry you so far.
Mario Balotelli, Adriano, Ricardo Quaresma, Dele Alli...
Do you want to be on that list too? Mr Anderson?
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