Despite Howard's outstanding saves, the score remained 0-0.
Soon the game entered stoppage time.
If the score remains unchanged until the end of the match, the home fans would be able to accept it, since before the match, most fans thought Leeds United would definitely lose today.
However, Li Shiguang, who was in the private box, was watching the situation on the field while cursing Blackwell.
Because of the substitutions made in the second half, Blackwell did not consider new signings, but instead brought on players that Li Shiguang could not even name, and all of them were like-for-like substitutions in defensive positions.
This slowed down Leeds United's attack.
Li Shiguang was hoping Leeds United would win this match so he could complete the beginner's quest and see what good stuff he could get from the treasure chest.
...............
In the 93rd minute, with one minute remaining in the match, Derby County earned their 11th corner kick of the game.
Howard, standing in front of the door, was already a little out of breath; he had never played such an intense game before.
When I played for Manchester United in the Premier League, although the intensity of the games was greater, my teammates were strong. The ball would get to me, and I would only need to make a save about 10 times a game.
But in today's Championship match, I remember making more than a dozen saves on the goal line, not to mention rushing out of the penalty area to receive passes from the defenders. All of this was very physically demanding!
Just then, the referee blew his whistle, and Howard quickly pulled his thoughts back to the field, staring intently at the corner area.
This should be their last attack, we must defend against it!
Immediately afterwards, Derby County's players took a corner kick.
From Howard's perspective, the serve wasn't very good; he could have easily won it.
So he took two quick steps forward, leaped high into the air, and caught the falling ball with both hands.
"Throw it out quickly, there's still one chance to fight back."
Li Shiguang couldn't help but shout anxiously.
Standing in the VIP box, he could clearly see the current situation on the field.
This corner kick could be considered Derby County's last attacking opportunity, so they left only one center-back wandering around the center circle, while all the other players squeezed into Leeds United's penalty area to participate in the attack.
Now they only have one goalkeeper left in their backfield!
As Howard landed, he glanced up at the opposite half of the field and saw what was happening in Derby County's backfield.
So after landing, he rolled over, immediately stood up, and sprinted towards the edge of the penalty area, shouting, "Run forward, counterattack!"
Howard quickly ran to the edge of the penalty area.
Then, he took a big step forward with his left foot, stretched his right hand as far back as possible while holding the football, leaned his whole body back to the limit, and threw the football out with all his might.
Just as Howard gained possession, the Leeds United player, who was standing outside the penalty area, heard his shout and immediately turned and ran towards Derby County's half, instantly overtaking the Derby County defender who hadn't even reacted yet.
Then all that was left was a simple one-on-one attack.
A few seconds later, a deafening roar of cheers echoed throughout Elland Road Stadium.
1:0.
The referee's whistle signaled the victory for Leeds United.
Looking at the players and fans celebrating wildly below, Li Shiguang finally smiled with relief, because at that moment he also heard the system notification in his mind.
[Ding! Congratulations, host, on completing the mission: A resounding victory!]
[System rewards will be distributed after settlement...]
Seeing the players walk into the player tunnel one after another, Li Shiguang also hurried to the locker room. The team had achieved a winning start, and as the owner, he still had to go and celebrate with the players.
Meanwhile, Howard, who had already been named the best player of the game, was stopped by reporters in the interview area, with more than a dozen microphones in front of him.
Howard was also very excited. The last time he was interviewed by so many reporters was at his press conference when he joined Manchester United.
"Timothy, congratulations on your perfect performance today, which ultimately helped Leeds United win the game. How did you manage to get yourself back into form in such a short time?"
Upon hearing this question, Howard was visibly taken aback for a moment, then spread his hands and smiled, saying, "Actually, during the pre-game warm-up, I didn't feel like I was in my best condition. But for some reason, once the game started, I suddenly felt like I was in great form, and I could make every save."
Before he finished speaking, another reporter asked, "So why did you decide to transfer from Manchester United to Leeds United? You know, before today's game, even Leeds United's own fans weren't very optimistic about the team."
When the reporter asked this question.
Li Shiguang happened to walk behind the media, and Howard looked up to see Li Shiguang smiling at him.
Holy crap, it's time to show my loyalty!
So he said without hesitation, "I have to thank Li. He personally came to my door to explain his team-building plan and goals for this season. I have to say that he impressed me."
He paused slightly, and seeing that Li Shiguang's expression hadn't changed, he continued, "And the most important point is that everyone knows I had almost lost my starting position at Manchester United. But Li, he gave me a starting position. As long as I'm healthy, he guarantees I'll start every game!"
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
