Hello folks and thanks for coming back to read the stories on this website. Here we go, another episode of the Notts County story is ready to be told, I was quite impatient to play the games in November and now I’m eager to share the experience with you. We were in 2nd place at the end of October, right behind Manchester United but with two games in hand! Things were looking good for us but we had to keep it up in order to stay in the top spots of the table.
The first game of November was at home with Wolves, probably the most surprising team of the league so far. They were up in 4th place and playing pretty well, so everybody was expecting a close game. The match began beautifully for us, right winger Nicola Bonetti found the way to the net with a fantastic missile shot from 25 yards out. Wolves‘ keeper was awfully busy until half time but unfortunately we couldn’t get one more past him. The second half was a bit different, my team lowered the tempo and allowed Wolves to create far too many chances. An error from goalkeeper Sergio Romero led to the equalizer and we couldn’t react to that, the match ended in a draw. I have to say that Wolves really look like a strong team but we could have solved the game in the first half.
Next up, a tough Europa League game, away at Olympiakos. A win would have secured our qualification to the next round but I would have been quite pleased with a draw. The start of the game was quite tough, the Greeks missed a couple of chances right away. We went 1-0 up though, Demba Ba took advantage of his strength and stature and headed home a corner kick. Olympiakos deserved to get back level and they did that in style, a fantastic volley from 25 yards out right in the top corner. We picked up the pace after the equalizer but Rafael Sobis missed two very good chances before the break. We went up again in the second half, Kevin Thomson powered one in to finish a team move. Later on it was striker Marcelo Moreno who had a chance to shine, he came back after some injury problems and made his presence count by finishing off a counter attack. A few minutes later an error from Dodo gave Olympiakos a way back into the match and the final minutes of the game were quite difficult. Sergio Romero kept us afloat with a few fantastic saves, it was his win more than anybody’s.
We were officially through to the next round with two games to spare, I’ll have the chance to rest some players in the last games.
Back to the Premier League, we had an away game at 15th placed Burnley. We were off to a dream start again, Rafael Sobis placed one in after picking up a fine through ball from Lucas Biglia. Burnley didn’t lose their heads though, they were dominating the game especially on the flanks. And that’s how the equalizer eventually came, a cross and a header from inside the penalty area. The Brazilians gave us the lead before the break though, an assist from Sobis was converted by Guilherme with a placed shot. I decided to switch the strategy to counter after half time, we were failing to outplay the opponents. We managed to keep things more quiet that way and Steven Defour put the game beyond doubt with a bomb shot from 25 yards out. Another win in our bag but the team was unconvincing again.Go to the next page to read the rest of the story.
Go to the next page to read the rest of the story.
Laxeyman
6 февраля, 2010 at 20:59
Well done Johnny, you really are a miracle worker with Notts Co! A great result against Arsenal there, it looks like the title race will be really close and you’ll be right in the mix! December looks like a really difficult month, there are so many games! Mind you, there always is, so it’s something that can be planned for. Good Luck I’m sure you’ll do well!
TheZiggy
6 февраля, 2010 at 21:49
Well done Johnny, a superb month. The result against Arsenal at the Emirates was great. You seem to be seeing what I’ve seen with your team just about holding on in some matches, and then putting in a superb performance like you did against the Gooners.
I get the impression you’re starting to see the first signs of some over confidence going into some matches. Good luck in December, as it looks a tough month.
Johnny Karp
6 февраля, 2010 at 21:55
@TheZiggy
Thanks mate. I think that you are right about the over confidence, we seem to struggle against lower reputation teams but always find a way to turn on the style against the big guns.
@Laxeyman
Thanks but I don’t think that I’m making miracles, I have a good set of players now. December could be tricky because we don’t have enough depth on the wings but with a bit of luck (no injuries) we could survive.
Kevin
6 февраля, 2010 at 22:36
Hi Johnny
I wonder if you were dancing around in front of yor computer after beating Arsenal LOL! Great win though and it was an exciting read too!
Congratualtins on qualifying for the next round of the Europa League and your sat nicely in the Premier League as well. Decenber looks like a massive month but if you can remain unbeaten a Champions League spot can be a reality for you if not the title itself.
Johnny Karp
6 февраля, 2010 at 22:43
@Kevin
Thanks for the comment mate. I wasn’t quite dancing but not far of it either :)
Martin
6 февраля, 2010 at 22:57
Well Done Johnny, You Are Really Looking Like A Force To Be Reckoned With In The English Game!
Maybe You Should Wear A Suit While Playing To Make You Feel More Like A Real Manager! LOL
Btw, I’m Doing Alright In My Notts Co Game, I’m Only In December 2009 But I’m Top Of The League And I Signed Nacer Barazite From Arsenal For £1.2M And I’m Quite Proud Of That For Some Reason!
Kevin Mayo
6 февраля, 2010 at 23:00
Martin
I’m proud of you too! :)
Calum
7 февраля, 2010 at 10:31
Well done Johnny on another brilliant month. Your team looks very tough to beat but that unbeaten run will be challenged in the next month. Well done :D
Johnny Karp
7 февраля, 2010 at 11:46
Thanks Calum and Martin for your support. And well done with Notts Co Martin, Barazite could be a good signing for the next few seasons.
Lye
7 февраля, 2010 at 14:00
Well done mate, great results against Arsenal. Champions league definitely no problem for you. In fact you will be fighting for the title. Next month will be critical for your team, if you can achieve good results against Man Utd, Liverpool and Chelsea, i have confidence you will win the title this season. Good luck.
Johnny Karp
7 февраля, 2010 at 14:11
Thnaks Lye, I hope we won’t have any injury problems in December, we’ll need all the players fit and ready to fight.
Jaffa
7 февраля, 2010 at 19:24
wat tactics r u using? is it still the one on the site? I love ure blog tho
Johnny Karp
7 февраля, 2010 at 19:36
@Jaffa
Thanks for the comment. The tactic is the same but with a few tweaks to it, you can download the latest version from here.
Jaffa
7 февраля, 2010 at 20:47
how come u manage so many goals with (no offence) such a defensive tactic?
Johnny Karp
7 февраля, 2010 at 21:09
I don’t think it’s a defensive tactic at all, why do you think it’s defensive?
Jaffa
7 февраля, 2010 at 21:27
well 6 players have a defend duty-thats all. i dont mean it in a bad way-its obviously gd if ure 2nd
Jaffa
7 февраля, 2010 at 21:33
and a defensive forward and defensive wingers
Johnny Karp
7 февраля, 2010 at 21:39
@Jaffa
Oh, I see. Well, just try it and you’ll see that it’s far more attacking than it looks.
Jaffa
7 февраля, 2010 at 21:45
yes im using it with Cardiff. top of the league 5 games in top scored 14 goals conced 3
Johnny Karp
7 февраля, 2010 at 22:03
The reason I don’t see it as a defensive tactic is because the team always pushes up, pressing the opponent and trying to get the ball back as soon as possible. Once we have the ball things get beautiful sometimes, the short passing interchanges often produce chances to score. I’m happy to see that it’s working for your team.