Part 38: Shine for the FA Cup

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"Damn, Southampton again, at this point it's just getting repetitive." Son said, laughing
"I know right, it's like this is happening every week." I agreed
"Yeah but I've never played against them." Joseph pointed out
"Oh yeah that's true, a word of advice, don't get put into a coma." I said
"Got it."
"Alright lads, gather around." Poch said
"Southampton again, the game against Norwich midweek was good but we have to focus, we need to stop conceding penalties and free kicks. So tackle lightly today. I'll put out the starting 11 soon."

I then went over to the other side of the dressing room where the Spurs number 1 was standing.
"Hugo, it's nice to have you back." I said and put out my hand
"Really? A handshake? I thought we were past that." Hugo then bro hugged me
"So how was relaxation?" I asked
"Good, but annoying only using one arm. You must be Joseph Park, it's nice to meet you." He said to Joseph
"It's nice to meet you too, I must say I'm a big fan of your World Cup performance. It was an incredible campaign you had." Joseph replied
"Thanks a lot, winning the World Cup was amazing, but what came after, not so much."
"Why what came after?" Joseph asked
"He got drunk and drove, was banned from driving for like a year, but you've learned your lesson, right Hugo?" I said
"Yeah, I'm definitely not doing that again." He said embarrassed

Later on
"Just to think that the last time you were here, you left in an ambulance." Joseph said
"Who knows, maybe I might get some revenge." I reply
"Do you want a red card? I'll give you one now if you want. I'll also tell Poch what you're planning."
"Tell Poch and I'll tell Alice that you haven't done the dishes."
"My one weakness." Joseph said, admitting defeat
"And besides you know I won't actually try and get a red card, unless Joshua's is on the other team."
"Alright lads, let's get to the bench. We've got a big game ahead of us." Paulo said to Joseph and I

We were sat on the bench and were waiting for the game to begin, I then remembered something that Poch said to me.
"(Y/n), I didn't want to tell you this now, but Harry Kane and Lucas Moura are both almost fit, the physios say by January 10th. After that you'll probably be in the reserves."
I remembered that conversation at half time during the game against Chelsea, I remembered saying that I wanted to go on loan when Harry and Lucas came back, but now with Joseph here, I don't really want to leave anymore.
I decided to not think about it and keep focused on the game

0'
Ings kicked off for Southampton and the game began

7'
One of the Southampton players managed to chip the ball over Lloris but Tanganga kicked it away from the goal from just before the goal line. If he didn't, Southampton would've scored

10'
We came on with an instant counter attack, Lo Celso was working his way through the midfield and passed it to Son who lobbed it over the top to Lucas, he then fired at goal but it was just wide of the post.

17'
Ings came on the counter attack, he finessed the shot but it came off of the right post, it then bounced to Ward-Prowse who hit it passed Hugo on the rebound. 1-0 to Southampton

25
Lo Celso has been outstanding for the first half an hour. He was passing and making runs all over the field. He reminded me of a younger Luka Modric.
"He's really good, how much did you guys pay for him?" Joseph asked
"Nothing yet, we have him on loan."
"I don't understand why a player that good could possibly be allowed to leave on loan."
"I think it's a tactic to bypass FA regulations, I believe every team is allowed to spend a certain amount in one year so teams have found away around that, instead loaning a player for a year before buying them. That way the team gets their player and the FA is none the wiser."
"You're smart aren't you." Joseph said
"I had the idea to do it if I ever became a manager." I replied

34'
Southampton have a free kick just on the edge of the box. Ward-Prowse steps up to take it, Hugo then moves the wall two steps to the left.
"No that's not right, it was only supposed to be one step." I said
"What, how would you know that?" Joseph asked
"I....uh I have a feeling."
Ward-Prowse runs up to the ball and shoots towards the goal, the power behind the shot sends it flying over the wall and it dips just below the crossbar. Extending Southampton's lead to 2-0

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