The roar of Villa Park was deafening, a symphony of pure, unadulterated joy.
The halftime whistle blew soon after. The dressing room was electric, a whirlwind of high-fives and triumphant shouts. Leon, exhausted but exhilarated, collapsed onto a bench.
"LEON! What a goal, mate!" John McGinn (Current: 84) thumped him on the back. "You're unstoppable out there!"
Ollie Watkins (Current: 86), who had scored the equalizer, grinned. "I tell you, I just knew you were going to shoot. That was a rocket!"
Coach Emery, though pleased, quickly brought them back to focus. "Excellent half, lads! But they are champions. They will come back. We must be even stronger! Leon, keep controlling that midfield! Keep seeing those chances!"
Leon nodded. He felt ready. He looked around at his teammates, their faces etched with a fierce determination. They were fighting for this.
TV Sports News - Halftime Analysis
