Hey guys and welcome back to my FM 2011 Ultimate European Challenge story. During the last post, you witnessed an amazing run of form. Chelsea started the season well and attained a comfortable lead at the top. We also climbed to first in our Champions League group and look set for qualification. Well today’s post will take us from December to February. The winter months can be crucial, with the FA Cup starting and every competition in full flow, Chelsea have a packed schedule. Lets see how the lads handled this and if I could stretch our lead at the top of the BPL.
Premier League results — December
We started December as we finished November, in great form. A sticky away day at Goodison Park turned into a strikers field trip. Petrovic was immense scoring three goals, while our defence has some questions to answer. We won 3-2, but I was worried by some sloppy goals conceded. Playing Arsenal away was very different, we certainly didn’t dominate but enjoyed some end to end football. Unfortunately it was Arsenal who had the scoring boots, as my side lost 2-1. The next two games went exceptionally well, Petrovic and Godwin seemed to relish each second on the pitch. Helping us beat Aston Villa 4-0 and Sunderland 4-1. Then a predicted victory away to West Brom, turned into a long old slog. The Baggies outmatched us tactically and every attack seemed like a struggle as I watched my side draw 1-1. Chelsea came back fighting against Fulham, we won 3-2 at Craven Cottage despite missing a lot of key players due to fixture congestion. All in all a good month, 13 points from a possible 18 certainly isn’t bad.
Premier League results — January
The perfect month! I just knew January would be successful after we beat Man City 4-1. We then travelled to the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough put up a fight, but were powerless against my attacking trio. The 3-0 scoreline seemed to boost our confidence before playing West Ham at home. Marcelo scored for the third game in a row as the London club went home with a 4-0 defeat. Birmingham were the next club to taste defeat at Stamford Bridge. Petrovic scored another hat trick and helped us win 4-1. The last game in January was massive, by now Liverpool were our closest title rivals and I had to face them at Anfield. The Merseyside club had two of the best strikers around and certainly the best scoring record, yet they couldn’t penetrate my defence. The match finished 1-0 to Chelsea. Despite this wonderful victory, I still felt like the Manchester City match was better, so here are the highlights.
Premier League vs Manchester City
What a great match, Marcelo shone throughout, but Chelsea’s defence were like rocks too. Using my 4-5-1 paid off again as the midfield trio were perfection. While Paulo Roberto put in a great shift, he also played some beautiful long range passes, almost Alonso like. These great balls caused City problems and were the foundation towards our 4-1 victory.
Premier League results — February
February was the month for cup competitions, so not much Premier League action. Our first game was away to Tottenham, fatigue and complacency caught up as we lost 1-0 and struggled to attack. The next match seemed better though, Ludwig scored two rare goals against Newcastle. This was before a well earned 2-0 victory away to Wolves. I then found myself getting carried away and moving on into March. It was well worth it though as we thrashed Coventry 4-0. Another good month saw the Blues collect nine points from a possible 12.
Premier League table
Liverpool may have a game in hand, but my 12 point gap at the top looks pretty safe. With both Manchester clubs falling far short of my expectations, the Premier League could finally return to Chelsea.
The FA Cup results
After winning last years FA Cup, I had no obligations in this campaign. While the BPL was my main focus, each cup match fell with plenty of time between other fixtures. Therefore I managed to field a strong side throughout. The third round was a breeze against Wolves as we won 5-0. Then the fourth round saw an awful draw in Man Utd, but brilliant result. Petrovic bagged two as Chelsea came back from 2-1 down to win 3-2 at Stamford Bridge. The draw still wasn’t kind in the fifth round. Arsenal travelled to Stamford Bridge and provided a tough test, but my boys came out on top with a 1-0 victory. The sixth round is against the Championship leaders, Stoke. Manchester City seem like the only challenge left in this seasons competition. I have been impressed with Ryan Bertrand’s performances so far, the left back can defend and attack well.
FA Cup 4th round vs Manchester United
This fourth round tie was full of action and passion. After conceding early on, Marcelo bounced back to equalise. I then feared the worst as United scored their second from Poli’s beautiful strike. My half-time team talk worked wonders though as Petrovic became a beast for the second half. He terrorised the Man Utd back four and scored two goals to secure a 3-2 victory.
Champions League results and group
After defeating PAOK 3-1 away from home, Chelsea finished their group above Barcelona and secured the so called easier draw. Ludwig has performed very well so far, and filled in well for Petrovic when called upon. My first knockout round draw went smoothly. Chelsea were drawn against Dutch giants Ajax, we should qualify, but I won’t underestimate them. The first leg wasn’t so promising to be honest, Ajax played well leaving my weaker players to play chase ball.
Champions League first knockout round 1st leg vs Ajax
Using my 4-5-1 was a big mistake, we also deployed a high defensive line but this was taken advantage of. Ajax kept using the long ball, which worked for them as my reserve defenders are far too slow. Thankfully the brilliant Petrovic came on at half-time and salvaged an away goal. I’ll be using my strongest XI for the second leg, so expect a much more convincing performance.
Squad stats
Petrovic is amazing! 31 goals and 8 assists, I am hoping for 40 plus from the striker come the seasons end. Marcelo has also proven well worth the transfer fee. His 11 goals and 21 assists have been vital this season. While Phil Jones has been a rock in defence. A quick look at the remaining fixtures for 2018/19 shows a mixed ride. I would be very disappointed to lose the title, but Man Utd, Liverpool and Arsenal could take some vital points off my tally.
Well that is it for today’s update, I hope you enjoyed it. The next post will take us all the way to the end of the season. Hopefully I’ll have tonnes of trophies to show off. Until then please feel free to comment and thanks again for reading.
Liam101
8 апреля, 2011 at 22:45
Amazing results Darren. Marcelo looks ell worth the big money spent and petrovic has been fantastic. good luck for the rest of the season
Darren Smith
9 апреля, 2011 at 10:34
Thanks Liam, Marcelo is an absolute beast. Scoring as well as assisting he’s proved more than worth the fee.
David Wiggins
9 апреля, 2011 at 01:09
looking very promising for you Darren! Looks like all competitions are yours to throw away now!
Darren Smith
9 апреля, 2011 at 10:39
Thanks Dave, hopefully we won’t choke in any finals.
Alex
9 апреля, 2011 at 04:17
Hello Darren,
Wow! You are brilliant! Like David said every competition is yours to lose, but I’m sure you won’t lose :). You said you hope to get 40 + for Petrovic, you don’t plan on selling him do you?!?! He is possibly the best striker in the world, don’t sell him! Good luck for the remainder of the season and I expect a treble at the very least ;).
Darren Smith
9 апреля, 2011 at 10:36
Hey Alex,
I really hope you guys are right, a treble would be brilliant. I mislead you with the 40+ for Petrovic, I actaully meant I want him to get 40+ goals. I’d be crazy to sell the best striker in the world. ;)
Alex
9 апреля, 2011 at 10:49
Oops, my interpretation of that was incorrect! That sounds more realistic :)
Johnny Karp
9 апреля, 2011 at 05:13
Petrovic is absolutely stunning, his track record this season is amazing! The title is almost there and you’re also doing very well in the FA Cup and Champions League, looking forward to a treble!
Darren Smith
9 апреля, 2011 at 10:37
Thanks Johnny, Petrovic is simply amazing. If he stays in such form, we’ll have a real shot at the treble.
Vaibhav Chandrasekhar
9 апреля, 2011 at 06:48
Hey Darren
Amazing season so far, you are like a master there. You might win the treble, thats what i am hoping for!
Darren Smith
9 апреля, 2011 at 10:38
Thanks Vaibhav, I’m hoping for the treble too mate. Just need to avoid Man Utd and At. Madrid in Europe as their my boggy teams.
hils
9 апреля, 2011 at 07:18
Hi Darren,amazing season at the moment!!!!!!!!! Petrovic is doing AMAZING!!!!!!!! Good luck!!!!
Darren Smith
9 апреля, 2011 at 10:40
Thanks Hils, hopefully my last post will share similar form. :)
Kevin
9 апреля, 2011 at 10:27
Hi Darren
Excellent season so far and Petrovic’s goal a game average is stunning. I think the EPL is yours for the taking and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a couple of more pieces of silverware added to that. Well done!!
Darren Smith
9 апреля, 2011 at 10:41
Thanks Kevin. I’ve never quite managed the goal a game average with any striker. Always come close but just short, so I’m hoping Petrovic is my first. :)
Sayam Khan
9 апреля, 2011 at 14:48
Hi Darren,
It would be very dissapointing if you lose the league from this position. It’s amazing how good Petrovic is doing, especially coming from Palermo who I assume aren’t that great(?) What role do you play him as? Is he the best striker in the game? I smell Chelsea winning the Champions League also.
PS: Will you be continuing your Newcastle game?
Darren Smith
9 апреля, 2011 at 14:57
Thanks Sayam, I too would be devastated to see the league lost from here. Palermo are actually quite good, but tend to flirt just outside the Champions League places. I use Petrovic as a poacher and he is certainly in the top five best strikers.
I will be continuing my Newcastle save eventually. My plan is to finish this season, leave for France and complete the final part of the challenge. After that, I can continue my journey in the North East. :)
Sears
9 апреля, 2011 at 18:33
Hey Darren,
they were excellent months. The title is all but wrapped up and you’ve one hand on the FA Cup already considering you eliminated the »big two». I’ve no doubt you’ll prevail against Ajax and hopefully you can win another Champions League. Good luck!
Ana Garcia
9 апреля, 2011 at 19:18
Petrovic reminds me of my old striker at Real Union David, who always seemed to score every game!
He should be able to score the goals you need to seal the league title and the champions league this season. Really good that your 4-5-1 formation seems to work in every league you play in!!
Good luck on the rest of the season! :)
Darren Smith
9 апреля, 2011 at 19:27
I agree Ana, Petrovic is on a similar level to your regen from last year. That is really saying something too!! Hopefully we can continue the great form and bring back some trophies. :)
Lye
11 апреля, 2011 at 02:14
Hey Darren,
Sorry have been a bit on the comments. Chelsea is just cruising in all competitions. The league title is surely for you to lose. Ajax shouldn’t be a match for you at home so i don’t foresee any problem. In overall, i am waiting to celebrating any success you have. Good luck.
Darren Smith
11 апреля, 2011 at 12:39
Hey Lye, I agree with you the league is mine to lose. We’ll just have to hope for a decent draw in the Champions League.
Excessive
11 апреля, 2011 at 11:52
Absolutely I agree with. Should have no problems dispatching Ajax at home and although your tactics didn’t work over there, infront of your own fans you’ll do them no doubt.
Going really strongly in the league and it is essentially yours to lose (don’t want to put too much pressure on you like..) ;).
Anyway good luck Darren, hope Petrovic keeps putting them in as he is on glorious form! :)
Darren Smith
11 апреля, 2011 at 12:38
Thanks Jake, I can’t see Ajax causing an upset, but I was frustrated by the 1st leg performance. Hopefully Petrovic will score more than 40 goals and we’ll do the unthinkable. :)