A quick intermezzo now, the World Cup qualifying groups were drawn and my England were seeded 1st. We were handed quite a tough group though, Denmark and Slovakia are pretty strong teams while the other three can always cause problems. There’s still a long time until then, we have other things to worry about now.
Back to Notts County, the next game was the FA Cup clash with Tottenham. I was expecting a difficult game but the team played a fantastic match with Andrea Romano and Ashley Young running the show. It was a splendid display and we could easily have scored a few more goals. We’re through to the next round and we’ll get to play Newcastle for a place in the last eight.
The last game of the month was at home with Arsenal, we were confident after beating them 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium. We got off to a flier, Jonjo Shelvey fired one in from 25 yards out only two minutes into the game. Rafael Sobis made it 2-0 twenty minutes into the game with a spectacular volley from inside the box but the most beautiful goal was yet to come. It happened 11 minutes later and it was a quick and swift move, Arsenal style! You can see it illustrated in the picture below, the blue arrows trace the ball movement while the red arrow shows Ashley Young‘s movement off ball. It all happened in just a few seconds, those were all first time passes and Arsenal‘s defense was unable to understand what was going on.
Arsenal looked a bit better after half time but wingers Agnaldo (in for Young at half time) and Bonetti punished them on quick counter attacks, it was a spectacular win and a statement: don’t mess with Notts County this season! :)
We were still top of the table and the gap was widening: seven points with two games in hand.
We’ll have a busy and important February with the first game against Valencia and the Carling Cup final with Manchester United.
I hope that the players won’t get overconfident following the last high scoring wins, we have to keep our feet on the ground and keep on working until the last minute of the last game of the season. That’s about it my friends, over to you!
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Laxeyman
2 апреля, 2010 at 17:37
Hi Johnny, the unbeatable Notts Co just keep on going! Incredible season so far, the league is certain to be yours, I think the Champions League could soon be following it into your trophy cabinet!
sam warren
2 апреля, 2010 at 18:10
Hi Johnny, yet another brilliant month. This would be a fantastic achievement if you are able to do the quadrople this season. Hope that you can win the Champo League.
P.S. I also have an unbeaten run so far in my Newcastle story in the 3rd season. Hopefully I will be able to match your achievements some time in the future.
ravenie
2 апреля, 2010 at 18:19
I’m jealous:( I’m doing alright in my 2nd season in prem need some good defenders though. I’ve been searching the countries and finding potential premier league talent.
Johnny Karp
2 апреля, 2010 at 18:49
Thanks for your kind words folks, I admit that I was pleasantly surprised by the strength that the team showed lately.
@Ravenie
Good defenders are hard to find, especially left backs it seems.
@Sam
I’m sure you’ll do even better, good luck!
Mícheál
2 апреля, 2010 at 18:57
Another great month. hope you go the season unbeaten. And its very possible good luck!!
Kevin Mayo
2 апреля, 2010 at 21:17
Hi Johnny
Nice «double» wins over Arsenal and Forest. Poor old Brian Clough must be turning in his grave seeing how well County are doing!
Great result against Spurs, I think that’s twice you’ve hammered them now?
I can really see you taking it all this season…well done!
Martin
2 апреля, 2010 at 21:37
Well Done Johnny, Good Performances And Most Importantly Good Results.
You’re Right About Finding Defenders, I’m Trying To Find A Good Back-up Right Back For Diego Renan, But They Don’t Come Cheap!
I’m Still Tryin New Things And Have Tried Chelsea And Luton But Still Not Feeling Great About Either Of Them!
Johnny Karp
2 апреля, 2010 at 23:31
@Micheal
Thanks mate, an unbeaten season would be quite an achievement indeed.
@Kevin
I guess Mr. Clough might have better reasons to feel uncomfortable in the after life, like real-life Nottingham Forest :) Tottenham are having a pretty bad season, they are a lot weaker than a few years ago.
@Martin
Thanks mate. You could try something really exotic like the Chinese league or maybe an African club, that would be out of the ordinary :)
Sears
3 апреля, 2010 at 00:08
Johnny,finally,my computer is back.I’m delighted!So much to catch up on…but right now I have to read every single story I’v missed in this blog and others.Fantastic month again.Title is defo yours,it seems to be all to easy for you.But thats no good either,anyway,goodluck!
Majk
3 апреля, 2010 at 00:57
Nice goal rendition there against Arsenal. ;)
As always, very impressive displays. You always seem to get away with good results even when the other team seems to be playing rather well.
I’m looking forward to the England games.
Lye
3 апреля, 2010 at 02:54
Hi mate, some high scoring wins there tells the confidence in your team. You got a very impressive month and i can’t find any words to describe how awesome your team is. Well done mate.
Johnny Karp
3 апреля, 2010 at 12:54
@Sears
I’m happy that you solved the computer problem. The title seems to be within reach indeed but the Champions League won’t be an easy task.
@Majk
Thanks mate. I guess it’s all about confidence, the team always reacts well and copes with the pressure rather easily.
@Lye
Thanks, I guess it was the best month so far.
ravenie
3 апреля, 2010 at 12:56
How do you get young players attributes to improve? Just wondering. And I cant seem to win at the mo, keep drawing or losing :( I was 2-0 v blackburn I saved a penalty and went to draw the game I hate how my defenders just get a through bal pastthem so easily and how they just watch :(
Johnny Karp
3 апреля, 2010 at 12:59
@Ravenie
About the young players, I think it’s a combination between a good training schedule, good training facilities, good coaches and giving them some first team football now and then. Of course it depends a lot on the players, their talent and determination, ambition etc.
ravenie
3 апреля, 2010 at 18:01
You know I’ve never really altered the training session does it affect the players?
Johnny Karp
3 апреля, 2010 at 18:30
@Ravenie
The default schedules are alright but if you want to get more out of your players you can try some custom schedules, there are a few options that you can find in the downloads page.
ravenie
4 апреля, 2010 at 00:35
having trouble downloading it
Johnny Karp
4 апреля, 2010 at 12:30
Downloading which one Ravenie?