Sunderland finished 7th last season, I was very curious to see my team in action against them especially since our Argentinians were finally back from the Olympics…
Sunderland vs Vauxhall (Premier League)
Venue: The Stadium Of Light
Attendance: 41,143
Starting line up: Dean Bouzanis — Julian Marino, Louis Laing, Julian Bazzi, Javier Godoy — Leandro Velasco, Shyamdew Weibolt, Graham Howson, Andrew Surman — Parana, Zé Carlos
Team Talk: You can win today!
And we got off to a flying start! Julian Bazzi proved that he was worth waiting for and he powered in a corner kick header just two minutes into the game to put us ahead. Unfortunately Sunderland pegged us back after just five minutes, they were awarded a penalty kick and they converted it. We continued to push forward until half time but it ended all square, my strikers were not really doing the damage that I would have expected them to do.
Half time score: 1-1
Half time team talk: You can win today!
Half time substitutions: none
I was still quite confident and we finally saw a glimpse of Zé Carlos‘ amazing talent, he scored twice in five minutes to put us safely ahead! First he cushioned a long kick from Dean Bouzanis with an incredible first touch before rounding the keeper and then he coolly converted a counter attack to make it 3-1. We were in control of the game after those two goals but Javier Godoy picked up a needless red card during injury time, he earned a three-match ban from the FA and a warning from me.
Full time team talk: Well done!
Man of the match: Zé Carlos
Flop of the match: Javier Godoy
Match Stats
Video Highlights
Click here to watch the highlights.
As I expected we eased past Slavia Sofia in the first Europa League group stage match but the double encounter with Wolves was quite tough. The first one was quite spectacular and we did well to come back from 2-1 behind to win 4-2 and qualify for the Carling Cup 4th round. The league match was a bit different, this time Wolves appeared to be the better side and I admit that we were lucky to get a point there despite taking the lead through Connor Wickham.
The last game of the month was a tough trip to Germany to meet Koln, they were beaten 3-1 at Olympiakos in the first group match and they wanted to get their record back on track at home. Unfortunately we had three more injuries to worry about: Pavol Vesely, Julian Marino and Kaka…
Koln vs Vauxhall (Europa League Group I)
Venue: RheinEnergieStadion
Attendance: 39,285
Starting line up: Dean Bouzanis — Javier Godoy, Louis Laing, Mervin Simon, Grant Baddeley — Leandro Velasco, Radek Vecera, Shyamdew Weibolt, Andrew Surman — Parana, Connor Wickham
Team Talk: You can win today!
We got off to a great start again, Parana blasted in a volley after just five minutes and Mervin Simon could have made it 2-0 moments later but his corner kick header struck the post. Simon did find the back of the net on 13 minutes but unfortunately it was the wrong one, he scored an own-goal and made it all square… We were playing well though and we deservedly reclaimed the lead five minutes later when Andrew Surman rounded off a good move with a fine finish from inside the penalty area. Our defense didn’t seem to be up to the task though, Koln made it 2-2 on 25 minutes and the goal came as a result of a throw-in… Fortunately our attacking players were a class above the rest and we took the lead again on the stroke of half time courtesy of a great run and finish from right winger Leandro Velasco.
Half time score: 2-3
Half time team talk: Pleased.
Half time substitutions: Graham Howson for Vecera, Elias Kost for Weibolt, Ibrahima MBow for Wickham
We started the second half in an equally dominant manner but a couple of chances went begging before Koln sent us a wake-up call by hitting the post on the hour mark. The lads understood the message and Parana doubled our lead with a great goal a minute later. Koln pulled one back immediately though, you can never trust these Germans… Ibrahima MBow wasted a huge chance to restore our two-goal lead a couple of minutes later but Mervin Simon stepped up and bagged another one of his trademark corner kick headers. It was all over but not before another goal, a great long ball from Graham Howson found MBow clean through and the Senegalese striker finally scored.
Full time team talk: Well done!
Man of the match: Parana
Flop of the match: Louis Laing
Match Stats
Video Highlights
Click here to watch the highlights.
I’m still waiting to have a clean bill of health this season, we always had at least three lads injured since July… Andrew Driver is still unavailable and his replacement, on-loan Kai Kramer, also picked up a nasty one… I forgot to mention that Julian Bazzi and Zé Carlos are unavailable for the Europa League, I was unable to register them because their former teams did that before the transfers…
A special case of medical attention is left back Nikao, he was not available at all since his transfer in July. He got injured right after putting pen to paper and then always managed to get himself in trouble while playing in the reserves team to get some match fitness. I hope that his string of injuries will stop soon, otherwise I might sell him in January.
Now let’s have a look at the top five again! Parana is still leading, he scored 13 goals and made 8 assists in 12 starts, that’s an awesome record by any standards! His fellow countryman Zé Carlos climbed up into second place with five goals in four appearances while Pavol Vesely climbed up into third with his eight goals and four assists. Leandro Velasco and Graham Howson conclude the top five, both did very well so far.
October will be quite tough as we’ll play Tottenham and Manchester United in the league either side of a tough European clash with Greek giants Olympiakos. November will be extremely busy and it might become even more congested if we get past Huddersfield in the Carling Cup (which we should).
Alright folks, that’s about it for now. I hope that you enjoyed the new two-month update, I plan to stick to this format at least for a while. Thanks a lot for reading and stay tuned for a very nice surprise coming in the next few days, prepared by me and Darren ;) As always, feel free to ask questions, make requests or just leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Omer
25 апреля, 2011 at 19:06
Great start to your season and especially in Europe. If I was to be critical I would be thinking about defensive discipline but great start and keep up the fantastic posts!
Johnny Karp
25 апреля, 2011 at 19:35
Thanks Omer. I think that our defense will improve once all the players will be available, I never had the best four defenders available until now.
vaibhavc
25 апреля, 2011 at 19:13
Hey Johnny
You had a great two months there, and hopefully you can keep it up. You are doing really well in the Europa League, great wins against Koln and Rosenberg. Why did you change your format a little bit like against Liverpool and other games?
P.S. Can’t wait for the surprise!
Johnny Karp
25 апреля, 2011 at 19:36
Hi Vaibhav and thanks for the comment. I changed the format because I noticed that some readers tend to get bored by the game-by-game approach and it’s quite time-consuming as well. So I decided to keep the detailed approach only for the most important two or three games of each month.
Laxeyman
25 апреля, 2011 at 19:30
Overall a good start Johnny, particulalry in Europe and I like the new format. Your strikers are incredible, and with the amount of goals they score your defence doesn’t have to be that good and you’ll still be successful. The league form will pick up I’m sure, and I still think you’ll get into the top 4. Good luck!
P.S I’m intrigued by the surprise, looking forward to it :)
Johnny Karp
25 апреля, 2011 at 19:37
Thanks Laxeyman, I think that we will improve in defense as well once the injured and suspended players return to full fitness.
Darren Smith
25 апреля, 2011 at 19:46
Hey Johnny, great post and beautifully written as always. Btw I like the new players of the month so please keep that feature going. After clicking on every players name its astounding how good your squad is. Its come so far from the depths of English football and you must be proud. The Brazilian strikeforce has potential to be the best out there within a few years. Great work.
ps I wonder what that surprise could be? lol :) All I’ll say is its a big one…we’re talking Christmas day big!!! ;)
Johnny Karp
25 апреля, 2011 at 20:07
Thanks Darren, I like the top five feature myself so I’ll definitely keep it going. And thanks for adding further expectations on the surprise :)
Stromson
25 апреля, 2011 at 20:07
Wow, talk about a great start in Europe (and that match against Koln was a magical piece of work)! It’s shame about all the injuries, but your squad is playing far better than mine ever did when we endured a similar crisis. Your Vauxhall squad will be seriously scary once everyone is healthy. How are you holding up in the domestic table?
P.S. — Surprise? Awesome!
Johnny Karp
25 апреля, 2011 at 20:21
Thanks mate. I didn’t check the table, I rarely do that before the end of October. Fact is that we have 2 wins, one draw and 2 defeats in the league, not too good but not too bad either.
Sears
25 апреля, 2011 at 23:03
The new format is excellent Johnny, well done.
Good two months, Ze Carlos and Parana are banging in the goals for you! Looking forward to your nest update and the »big surprise» :-)
Johnny Karp
26 апреля, 2011 at 10:41
Thanks Sears, I can reveal that the «surprise» will be going online later today :)
Erick Wolf
26 апреля, 2011 at 00:40
Great start in Europe, I’m glad that the Motormen are doing so well.
That Nikao guy looks worrying though.
I also noticed that you haven’t put up the league table, so could you do that on your next post please??
Good luck to Vauxhall and you!
Johnny Karp
26 апреля, 2011 at 10:42
Thanks Erick. I didn’t put up the league table because it’s not quite relevant after only five games, I didn’t even look at the table. It will surely be there in the next post though.
Kevin
26 апреля, 2011 at 00:44
It’s magical, it’s brilliant, it’s Johnny Karp and his Vauxhall Motormen! Parana and Ze Carlos are going to take some stopping. A glorious win away to Koln and you are also putting in strong performances across the board. I’m so excited I can hardly contain myself. I need a cup of tea….
Johnny Karp
26 апреля, 2011 at 10:43
Thanks for your enthusiasm Kevin, things look OK for now but I’m sure that we can grab some better results in the league.
Lye
26 апреля, 2011 at 02:34
Hi Johnny,
You guys always keep us guessing but we will be in for a real surprise? :) The motorman is doing well in Europe and you have the potential to progress far. Liverpool and Man City have not make things easy for you in the league. Unlucky to miss so many players due to international commitments, injuries and sent-offs. You should be fine if you have all your players back. I am looking for a top four finish. Good luck.
Johnny Karp
26 апреля, 2011 at 10:44
It will be a real surprise Lye and a nice one, trust me :) A top four finish would be great but I’m not sure that we can get it at the moment, it’s too early for me to say.
Alex
26 апреля, 2011 at 03:19
Hey Johnny,
Your strikers are brilliant! It is amazing to see Vauxhall do so well, until your story I’d never heard of them!
Darren said you would kill him if he told me what it is, I can’t wait until it is released! It’s going to be brilliant and I can’t believe you are actually doing it, it is really great what you are doing, thank you very much :D
Johnny Karp
26 апреля, 2011 at 10:46
Thanks Alex, I will try to make the whole world know the Motormen :)
CsAtlantis
26 апреля, 2011 at 07:07
Looking forward to the surprise, after this little teaser it had better be worth it :P
Your team doesn’t lack goals Johnny, having your best back four back should help with keeping things tighter at the back, what is your league position now?
As for Nikao, I think you might want to just let him sub into your first team and get some minutes that way instead of forcing himself to play a full reserves match (he’s not the next Fabio Aurelio by any chance is he? :D)
Good luck against Olympiakos, you have a decent run of fixtures after the 2nd match against Olympiakos
Johnny Karp
26 апреля, 2011 at 10:48
It’s worth it, at least we think it is :) I don’t know the league position, I don’t check the table after just five games because it’s irrelevant. The game away in Greece will be quite important, I hope to get at least a draw there.
Ana Garcia
26 апреля, 2011 at 13:22
Going along really well at the moment, and you have a great start in Europe aswell.
The surprise sounds interesting!
Anyways good luck on the remainder of the season.
:)
Johnny Karp
26 апреля, 2011 at 13:41
Thanks Ana, just a few hours left before revealing the surprise :)
Alex
26 апреля, 2011 at 13:50
You’ve finished your pages? I’m going to bed in a couple of hours, try and reveal it ASAP, I want to know the full extent of it!
Johnny Karp
26 апреля, 2011 at 15:25
Patience is a virtue, my friend… :)
Timmy
26 апреля, 2011 at 15:22
Wow,you are amazing,never see people like you,bring the unknown club to be the world beaters :)
actually i need some advice:
1.I just get promotion with Midlesbrough,what tactic should i use,so i don’t get relegated?
2.Should i expand my Stadium?
sorry if that is too much
ps:what is the surprise,like new layout,or something big?
Johnny Karp
26 апреля, 2011 at 15:27
Thanks Timmy. I don’t know about what tactical changes you should make because I don’t know your players. However, if you have a good tactic stick to it for a while and see how it works. About the stadium, Boro’s stadium is quite decent from what I remember and you should only expand it if you sell out the current capacity on a regular basis. Can’t tell you more about the surprise, stay tuned to find out :)
hils
26 апреля, 2011 at 15:47
Hi Johnny,great months there!!!!!!!!! Great 3-6 win!!!!!!!!!!! Good luck!!!!!!!!!!
Johnny Karp
26 апреля, 2011 at 15:57
Thanks Hils, I enjoyed that 3-6 as well!
Sayam Khan
26 апреля, 2011 at 16:27
Good start to the season Johnny, Ze Carlos seems to be doing well and Parana seems unstoppable. I think you could get top 4 this season. Good Luck!
Johnny Karp
26 апреля, 2011 at 16:37
Thanks Sayam, I hope that your prediction will prove to be right.