On the field!
The slow-starting Norwich team was gradually finding their rhythm.
Compared to Norwich players, Crystal Palace players were clearly inferior in both physicality and technique.
Vaughan was making active runs, but Norwich's tight and efficient defense left him stifled and frustrated.
In the first 20 minutes, Kai deliberately kept switching the ball across the field to exploit the weaker side of Norwich's backline—trying to avoid his teammates having to engage in one-on-one duels with Norwich players.
But he had still underestimated the sheer gap in individual ability between the two teams!
25th minute.
Bang!
On the right wing, Kai delivered a precise long pass, landing the ball perfectly in front of the winger Ambrose!
Ambrose controlled it well!
Crystal Palace's fullback, Clyne, immediately pushed forward on the overlap!
Facing pressure from Norwich's defense, Ambrose flicked the ball up and over the incoming midfielder, sending a deft chip-pass into the path of the onrushing Clyne!
But Clyne fumbled his back-to-goal first touch terribly!
The ball bounced up!
Norwich's fullback pounced instantly!
Using his strong shoulder, he knocked Clyne a full meter away and seized the ball!
The stands erupted in a wave of boos!
"Clyne! You weakling! You can't even control the damn ball! F**k!"
On the sideline, manager Holloway cursed loudly in frustration!
After the interception…
Norwich's fullback charged forward at full speed.
There were no Crystal Palace defenders on that side—it was like a free lane to sprint through!
"Don't let him into the box!"
On Crystal Palace's backline, captain McCarthy shouted for his teammates to fall back.
He himself stepped out of the box proactively to apply pressure on the Norwich fullback.
"Mark your men!"
From his god's-eye view, Kai quickly noticed the defensive hole in Palace's backline!
But he was still in midfield—there was no way for him to plug that gap!
On the wing…
Norwich's fullback, blisteringly fast, raced down into Palace's defensive third, shook off McCarthy with a feint, and sent a sharp low cross into the box!
Charging in on cue was Norwich's star striker Charles!
This man, a key reason Norwich sat third in the Championship table, was somehow completely unmarked!
Palace's defense had left him totally free!
Charles easily burst into the box!
A low shot!
Clean and precise!
Goal!
0–1!
Less than 30 minutes into the first half, Crystal Palace had conceded!
A thunderous wave of boos exploded around the stadium!
Furious Crystal Palace fans jumped from their seats.
They had reached their limit.
Beer bottles rained down toward the pitch!
"What the hell are we even watching?! One counterattack and we're wide open! This team is dogsh*t!"
"Rip that eagle off the badge! You lot are nothing but a bunch of chickens!"
"Patrick McCarthy! You son of a b**ch, you're the worst captain I've ever seen!"
On the field…
Norwich players rushed to celebrate with Charles.
McCarthy stood there with a dark expression, speechless.
His decision had left a fatal gap in the defense—and cost them a goal!
Crystal Palace players looked visibly disheartened.
Boos poured toward the pitch like a flood!
On the sidelines, Norwich manager Daniel let out a satisfied whistle.
"Crisis averted! This is more like it!"
"That 16-year-old kid's got some talent, I'll admit. But football is an eleven-man game."
"The rest of Palace's squad? Weak, way too weak!"
Daniel sat back leisurely on the bench, finally able to relax.
Not far off, Holloway was far from calm.
The bad memories were flooding back again.
Ever since he took over this mess of a team, this was how they always conceded—defenders constantly leaving men unmarked!
It was a familiar pain by now.
On the pitch, Kai frowned.
The gap in player quality between Palace and Norwich was starting to show clearly!
In terms of speed and strength—they couldn't match up!
The biggest problem was the defense!
One counterattack and they were completely torn apart!
Palace didn't have the money to buy better players—this was the best their bargain-bin backline had to offer.
Every one of them was just taking turns screwing up.
"If four defenders leave men unmarked, what about five defenders? Or six…"
Kai was thinking fast!
Soon—
The boos at Selhurst Park reached their peak before the first half ended!
44th minute.
Another gift from Crystal Palace's backline.
In a chaotic scramble inside the box, defender Clyne mishit a clearance—Charles pounced and tapped the ball in with ease!
2–0!
The entire stadium erupted in fury!
Crystal Palace fans couldn't take it anymore!
They started ripping seats out and throwing them toward the pitch!
"A bunch of motherf***ing losers! Go to hell, all of you!"
"You don't fix the defense and waste money on that kid from China! What the hell's he gonna bring us? Wins? My ass!"
"Chickens! Even a three-year-old plays better than you! Shit!"
Selhurst Park was drowned in a tidal wave of screaming rage!
"Only God can save us now!"
No one knew who first shouted it—but soon, a wave of despair swept over the stands!
Halftime 0–2.
Crystal Palace fans saw no hope at all.