Darren — Ultimate European Challenge, Chelsea fighting for honours 17/18

Hey guys and welcome back to my Ultimate European Challenge. During the last post, you saw me get the Chelsea job. My first 5 games were very successful, with five wins from five games I guided the London club from 13th place to 6th in the Premier League. With half a season remaining and some excellent signings awaiting their debut. The sky was the limit and some of you were even calling for the title. My goal however was to achieve a top four finish and maybe win one piece of silverware. Enough of the introduction, lets get down to business and see how my season ended.

Premier league results: Jan-Feb

OK, so to win the title I basically needed to get three points from most of my matches. The first against West Brom wasn’t an ideal start. We failed to score at home, however I found renewed hope against Cardiff. Petrovic was deadly with two goals to round off an excellent 5-0 victory. The match away to Ipswich just summed up my squad, inconsistent. We struggled and were lucky to come away with a 2-2 draw. The next six games saw my new signings settled and at their best as we won all six. The victories over Man City, Arsenal and Everton were pleasing. Manchester Utd away was a stretch too far though, as my boys failed to come back and lost 3-2. We also failed to bounce straight back into form, drawing 0-0 against Birmingham. These bad results against lesser teams could cost us come the seasons end.

Premier League results: March — mid April

These five games went quite well I thought. Although, I kind of expected more from the West Ham match. Seeing Petrovic score 8 goals in the last three games was simply brilliant. The young striker will be massive for me this year and next. With a reasonable run of form, you would expect Chelsea to be challenging for top spot. However, Liverpool, Man Utd and Man City are just incredible. I can’t see how anyone could stop them and winning the EPL isn’t just going to be a problem for this season. :(

The final four games — Premier League

If I am to hold onto the top four, it will have to be done in style. We cannot afford bad results against Man Utd at home or Liverpool away. I reckon three wins may just be enough to secure a Champions League spot. The first match against Man Utd was extremely frustrating. We took the lead three times and still failed to win. This match alone proved just how bad my back four is (bar the new boy Kyle Walker.) With me feeling a little worried, my players went to Anfield and produced a real shock. We won the match 4-0 and enjoyed a huge boost to our confidence. I was still suffering from the 2 dropped points against Man Utd though. Arsenal and Liverpool were one point above me, which left Chelsea in 5th position and needing to win the last two games as well as encounter some luck. We did of course win the last two games and with some conviction too. Petrovic kept up his great form with another goal as we beat Fulham 4-0.

So I did my bit, but did lady luck keep up her end of the bargain…of course she did!! Arsenal and Liverpool somewhat fluffed their last two games, Arsenal even lost to Ipswich. :) I checked the league table and found a nice surprise as we finished third. Automatic qualification into the Champions League which Man Utd were the winners of this season. United have an incredible side and really do look untouchable. I have no choice but to redo my defence and central midfield if we’re going to challenge them next season.

Europa League results

With all my best signings cup-tied I was always going to have an uphill battle in Europe. Petrovic, Walker, Godwin and Weiss have been vital so far and were dearly missed in this competition. We coped against Schalke and Rangers, but the quarter-final versus Aston Villa was a step too far. Granted Villa enjoyed some luck, but my second rate squad just isn’t good enough. A real shame to miss out on this trophy yet again, but we still have the FA Cup to luck forward to.

FA Cup results

My first three opponents were fairly easy, though we made hard work of the 5th round tie against Burnley. The Championship side took advantage of my weakened side and forced the reply. We did of course prevail, but could have done without the extra game. The Sixth round draw had Chelsea versus Manchester City, a tough match on paper, but my boys rose to the challenge and won 2-1. Then the semi-final saw me face Aston Villa for the fifth time this season. Villa gave me a few scares late on, but we held on for a fantastic 2-1 victory. On to Wembley and my opponents Tottenham.

FA Cup final — Chelsea vs Tottenham

After only half a season with Chelsea, I find myself in the FA Cup final and with a chance to complete one part of my English challenge. Having already thrashed Spurs this season, I had a fair idea of my tactical approach. A trusted 4-5-1, with standard strategy. Petrovic is to be used upfront and hopefully Godwin will perform as my playmaker from the left wing. Spurs still have Gareth Bale, Modric and co. Plus an added threat upfront in the form of an English regen called Palmer. Lets see who prevailed in my first final with Chelsea.

What a weird game, my boys looked well up for this after McGeady’s first half strike. Then we just seemed to fall asleep and I pulled my hair out while watching Spurs equalizer. First off my centre back plays a loose ball backwards, then the usually reliable Walker just fannies around leaving Palmer to score the late equalizer. This wasn’t the end of disastrous goals though. Spurs also suffered as Gomes seemed to be glue to the floor, leaving Weiss to just stroke the ball into an empty net. I swear time stood still for me as Weiss chased that loose ball. What a clanger from Tottenham. :)

Squad stats

After a very successful first season at Chelsea, I am left to analyse my squad. A lot of improvements will be needed next season, but I can take refuge in the following players and rely on them for years to come. First of all Petrovic scored an impressive 20 goals from 21 starts. Bertrand is also very solid at left back with a great rating and 14 assists to go with it. Papadopoulos had a decent season with 8 goals but needs a consistent partner. Then there’s Godwin who despite scoring 7 and setting 8 goals is still not fully settled. I have seen some other great performances from McGeady and Ramires, but their just too old in my opinion. The near season will see me searching for two CM’s, at least one CB and a right winger.

Well that concludes my first season in charge of Chelsea. Thanks for reading and I look forward to your comments. The World Cup is up next and I have a special two part post planned so stay tuned for that.