Darren — Ultimate European Challenge, Chelsea Dec-Feb 18/19

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.