February started with another easy FA Cup tie against Championship side Scunthorpe, I sent in backup and reserve players and they produced a pretty good display. We qualified for the next round and the draw wasn’t that easy anymore, we were going to meet Birmingham. The next two league games produced identical scores but entirely different performances: we played very well against Ipswich and could have scored a lot more while we played poorly against West Ham but got lucky with an own goal before yet another corner kick header from Louis Laing.
The big clash against Tottenham was coming up, here’s how the league table was looking before that game.
So, we had two points on Manchester City and no less than seven on Tottenham, a win at White Hart Lane would have kicked the Spurs out of the title race!
Tottenham vs Vauxhall (Premier League)
Venue: White Hart Lane
Attendance: 52,850
Starting line up: Luis Guilherme — Julian Marino, Javier Godoy, Louis Laing, Hans Larsson — Leandro Velasco, Radek Vecera, Tinga, Tiago — Parana, Zé Carlos
Team Talk: You can win today!
We started brightly again, Tiago fired in a good shot after three minutes, but De Gea pulled off yet another stunning save (I was beginning to hate this guy!). That flamboyant start faded away though, the following minutes saw an even but rough games, lots of hard tackles from both sides. Set pieces are always important in such even games and unfortunately it was Tottenham who took advantage of such an event as they broke the deadlock on a free kick after 26 minutes. Their good moment continued and we were saved by the post two minutes later but things did get worse for us six minutes before the break when Parana left the pitch after a wild tackle and was replaced by Wellington Paulista.
Half time score: 1-0
Half time team talk: I want to see more from you!
Half time substitutions: Abdallah Yaisien for Ze Carlos
Unfortunately my other striker had picked up a knock too so I decided to replace him at half time. Unfortunately I had no more strikers on the bench but Yaisien can do well upfront given his speed and technique. In fact, substitute Yaisien managed to create two chances right away thanks to his awesome pace but his finishing was not that good, he squandered both chances… I decided to make another change on the hour mark, I sent in Graham Howson for tired Velasco but the choice backfired a minute later as Radek Vecera left the field on a stretcher. We were down to ten men but my lads reacted with great determination and managed to find the equalizer on 67 minutes when Howson played a brilliant pass for Wellington Paulista and the substitute Brazilian striker made no mistake from inside the penalty area. Tottenham tried to capitalize on the numerical advantage but we were defending very well. At least we did until four minutes from time when the Spurs bagged a corner kick goal, I was so frustrated… A terrible evening ended with an own goal during stoppage time, we definitely were totally out of luck on that day.
Full time team talk: Disappointing!
Man of the match: Wellington Paulista
Flop of the match: Julian Marino
Match Stats
Video Highlights
Click here to watch the highlights.
The worst thing is that the game at White Hart Lane filled our sick bay, we had some bad injuries after that game:
Parana — season over, out for between five and six months! (broken leg)
Radek Vecera — out for between three and four weeks
Javier Godoy — out for two weeks
Tottenham were back in the title race with that result but the situation was still in our hands as we remained top of the table.
We had the chance to kick another contender out of the race in the next game though as Manchester United were eight points behind us. They handed us the first defeat of the season in October so you can imagine that I wanted revenge!
Vauxhall vs Manchester United (Premier League)
Venue: Rivacre Park
Attendance: 10,266 (sold out)
Starting line up: Luis Guilherme — Julian Marino, Julian Bazzi, Mervin Simon, Pierre Touya — Leandro Velasco, Shyamdew Weibolt, Graham Howson, Tiago — Zé Carlos, Ibrahima MBow
Team Talk: You can win today!
I was unable to field my best eleven due to all the injuries and fatigue but I had confidence in the lads. The first half was not that good though, we dominated possession as usual but we couldn’t show more than a few good shots on target while Luis Guilherme had to pull off two great saves to stop Manchester United‘s counter attacks. We also had another injury annoying us, midfielder Weibolt was replaced by Denís.
Half time score: 0-0
Half time team talk: You can win today!
Half time substitutions: Hans Larsson for Marino, Abdallah Yaisien for Tiago
We got off to a much better start after the break as it took us only seven minutes to break the deadlock: a good move brought the ball to substitute Yaisien and the Frenchman slotted home from inside the area. That goal literally unleashed my lads and we bagged another three in just eight minutes! First Leandro Velasco rounded off a superb flowing move with a cool finish, then Ibrahima MBow fired home on a counter attack and last but not least Velasco scored a superb goal after an amazing run down the right flank. Manchester United replied with a fine goal nine minutes from time but the three points were ours, we deserved them too! Unfortunately Weibolt was added to the injured list, he was going to be out for 4 weeks.
Full time team talk: Well done!
Man of the match: Leandro Velasco
Flop of the match: Graham Howson
Match Stats
Video Highlights
Click here to watch the highlights.
Vauxhall vs Hamburg (Champions League 1st Rnd Leg 1)
Venue: Rivacre Park
Attendance: 10,266 (sold out)
Starting line up: Luis Guilherme — Julian Marino, Louis Laing, Mervin Simon, Hans Larsson — Abdallah Yaisien, Denís, Tinga, Tiago — Wellington Paulista, Zé Carlos
Team Talk: You can win today!
After the convincing win against Manchester United we faced the first leg of the Champions League clash with great confidence. However, Hamburg have a very good squad with Sergio Araujo upfront plus quite a few amazing Brazilian regens. The Germans had a good early chance but then we dominated the game. Unfortunately our two clear chances were denied by the goalie so it was all square at the break.
Half time score: 0-0
Half time team talk: You can win today!
Half time substitutions: Julian Bazzi for Laing, Mark Brown for Tinga, Javier Garcia for Tiago
We continued to press forward after the interval but we were rather uninspired upfront. We got lucky on the hour mark though as we took the lead courtesy of a funny own goal, probably one of the funniest I’ve seen in the game. Our luck didn’t last more than two minutes unfortunately, Hamburg made it all square with a free kick header and then easily held out to clinch a good result. The Germans are the favorites after this result, we have to beat them away if we want to go through.
Full time team talk: Disappointing!
Man of the match: Mervin Simon
Flop of the match: Tiago
Match Stats
Video Highlights
Click here to watch the highlights.
The last two games of the month added another two disappointments but we played a lot better than we did against Hamburg. First we were held to a 1-1 draw in the FA Cup as Birmingham scored an early goal and then we were unable to score more than one despite dominating. Then we had a nightmare league game against Everton, they totally outplayed us for 30 minutes and scored two goals. Then we woke up but wasted 3 chances before half time, missed a penalty after the break and another two glorious chances…
The good news is that we’re still top of the table but that might not be for long as Manchester City are two points behind us with a game in hand.
Our top five has another leader at the end of February, Louis Laing is now our best player if we look at the average rating as he bagged eight goals to help our cause. Zé Carlos is still our top goalscorer with an impressive 26 goals while Mervin Simon continues to be a reliable player. Leandro Velasco is my favorite player though, he scored 7 and provided 17 assists and I have just extended his contract until 2021 with a release clause on 150 million pounds. Unfortunately Parana will be out for the remainder of the season and that’s a big blow especially since he seemed to regain his scoring touch before that horrible injury. With no money to buy a new striker I promoted a youngster from the reserves as a backup striker, another Brazilian called Paulo César (click name to see profile).
March will be crucial for our quest for glory in the cup competitions: we’ll start with the League Cup final, then we’ll replay the FA Cup fifth round match against Birmingham before attempting an upset at Hamburg. The following three league games seem to be fairly easy but the lads have to remain focused and give their best to grab all nine points.
That’s how it was folks, we are still top of the table but injuries seem to be taking their toll. I hope we’ll be able to stay top at the end of March and then see what can be done from there as we will still have a direct clash with Manchester City at Rivacre Park in May. Before wrapping up I’d like to invite you to the forum where Plobdork started a generous thread in which he offers to build custom team kits for you, here’s what he did on my request:
Thanks a lot for reading my friends, feel free to add your thoughts and suggestions in the comments!
Excessive
24 мая, 2011 at 12:00
Ouch, that is one long injury list you have there Johnny! You do have strength In depth though and although the Parana injury will hit you hard, there are players at the club who will pull you through.
League campaign is looking great. Still on top, even with a few results not going your way. Just need to get a foothold next month and win the important games while hoping City slip up somewhere along the line.
Good luck there, and obviously with the match against HSV. Your lot can score that away goal!:)
Johnny Karp
24 мая, 2011 at 15:09
Thanks Jake. I believe that we can score at Hamburg but we might concede on or two as well… Anyway, it will be a tough one but we could pull it off with a bit of luck.
Darren Smith
24 мая, 2011 at 12:01
Your season is starting to simmer Johnny. Those injuries and the loss against Spurs could be costly, but I’m hoping not. Still sensational to think how far Vauxhall have come and I’m expecting a title push already, really crazy. Anyway, I reckon you’ll hold onto top spot and maybe even win the League Cup off the back of your last encounter with Man Utd.
Johnny Karp
24 мая, 2011 at 15:11
Thanks Darren, we’re in a difficult situation at the moment but I hope we’ll regroup and win at least one of the four trophies that are available (most likely the League Cup). The tittle push could prove to be unsuccessful but as you say, just being in that battle is good enough for now.
CsAtlantis
24 мая, 2011 at 12:14
Ouch Tottenham definitely went all out against your players, losing one of your strikers is never good, at least you bounced back against Man Utd with a good 4-1 win, maybe it’s time to give your backup players a try, you never know, they could do the job against lesser teams :P
Good luck in the League Cup final and in the away leg against Hamburg, hopefully you can get maximum points in your league fixtures
Johnny Karp
24 мая, 2011 at 15:12
Thanks CS. The backup players did get some chances even before but I guess they’ll see more first team football now with all those injuries.
Sibo
24 мая, 2011 at 13:24
Well done Johnny, despite some poor results and a few injuries you are continuing to deliver incredible results and I am sure you will still be in title contention by the end of the season, if you haven’t already won it! Good luck for the Carling Cup final and the Hamburg game and hopefully by the end of the next update you will have a trophy and still be on course for the title! :D
Johnny Karp
24 мая, 2011 at 15:13
Thanks Sibo. I think we’ll still be in the title race at the end of March unless we lose all three league games, that seems impossible though. The League Cup final is a crucial one, if we win that might give the lads more confidence for the coming battles.
Lye
24 мая, 2011 at 14:02
Hi Johnny,
Unlucky with those injuries and that really stretch your team to the limit. Some great wins against Chelsea and Man Utd and you are still with a high chance of winning the league title though Man City is catching up. Anyway i have high confidence with your team. Just look at those two players you have promoted, seems good enough for a first team spot. All the best for the rest of the games and good luck.
Johnny Karp
24 мая, 2011 at 15:14
Thanks Lye, I hope that the new youngsters will prove to be worthy of my confidence.
Martin
24 мая, 2011 at 15:42
Great post Johnny! Hopefully your team will get there second wind and push on for the title! Great to see you in the League Cup Final…first of many I hope this season :). Also hopefully you wont miss those injured players too much. Best of Luck.
Johnny Karp
24 мая, 2011 at 15:50
Thanks Martin, the League Cup final is an important achievement and I hope that we’ll manage to repeat that last good performance against Man United. Parana will be missed, he’s a great player, but I hope that the backup players will make the most out of this opportunity.
vikingmarius
24 мая, 2011 at 15:47
I definitely think you can get rid of Hamburg and get the league cup if you can repeat the league performance. You also are well placed in the league because City although a threat always mess up ;) good luck further.
plobdork
24 мая, 2011 at 16:02
wow good results there appart from tottenham and hamburg good luck away m8
p.s thanks 4 the shoutowt
Johnny Karp
24 мая, 2011 at 22:11
Thanks mate.
Ana Garcia
24 мая, 2011 at 17:34
Wow, my boyfriend will not be happy that you beat Chelsea 4-0! Amazing result though so well done!!
The second Tottenham result was bad in more ways than just than the result losing a couple of key players so hopefully the loss of Parana will not cost you in your title race.
Its still too close to call! But it should be an exciting finish I have my fingers crossed for you Johnny, best of luck!!! :)
Johnny Karp
24 мая, 2011 at 22:12
Thanks Ana. That game at White Hart Lane was a total nightmare, I would have preferred to lose it 4-0 but keep my players healthy… Anyway, I trust the backup lads and I hope that they will thrive under pressure.
Kevin
24 мая, 2011 at 17:36
Hi Johnny
Those injuries are building up raidly and at such a critical stage of the season as well. Hopefully City will slip up with their game in hand so you can remain top. I think your side is capable of adding some additonal suffering to United but that game in Hamburg mioght be a little tricky. As always I wish you well and good luck!
Johnny Karp
24 мая, 2011 at 22:13
Thanks Kevin, we’ll surely need some more good fortune at this crucial stage of the season.
Sayam Khan
24 мая, 2011 at 17:56
Hi Johnny, it’s really tight! And if City win their game…. Injuries have hit you at a bad time and that could be the only thing that may stop you from winning the league. Good Luck in the league cup final!
Johnny Karp
24 мая, 2011 at 22:13
Thanks Sayam. Injuries are part of the game though so I can’t complain…
vaibhavc
24 мая, 2011 at 17:59
Hey Johnny
It is good to see you top of the table. You beat United 4-1 and Chelsea 4-0, you are all too good for them! Hopefully you can win the League Cup, then at least you can do the double. And I like your kits a lot, I think you should use them.
Johnny Karp
24 мая, 2011 at 22:15
Hey Vaibhav, those wins were quite pleasing but you can never compare one game to another as Man United beat us 3-2 before that and Chelsea held us to a 2-2. We do seem to be fairly strong at home though, that’s a big plus in such a tight race.
Laxeyman
24 мая, 2011 at 18:57
Very good again Johnny, and despite those injuries you’re still right in the title race. Ze Carlos and Laing are incredible players, and with those two in the side (as long as they don’t get injured!) I’m backing you to see of Man City and claim the title. Good luck!
Johnny Karp
24 мая, 2011 at 22:16
Thanks Laxeyman, I do hope that those two won’t get injured because we’d be in all sorts of trouble if they do.
Reasoner
25 мая, 2011 at 03:21
Incredible games, the injuries can be a setback but I think you can pull though :D gl mate.
Johnny Karp
25 мая, 2011 at 07:53
Thanks mate, we surely will need some luck!
Stromson
25 мая, 2011 at 12:27
Oi, I’m falling behind in my commenting! Those were some great results, though the Tottenham game was a shame. Your injury list is almost as bad as Jake’s «Traveling» list, and I’m really impressed you’ve been able to keep up the good results with that (I’m absolutely envious of that kind of depth).
I can’t wait to see the Hamburg second leg, good luck!
Johnny Karp
25 мая, 2011 at 13:08
Thanks Stromson, we do have a pretty big squad and some decent youngsters in the reserves but I don’t know if that will be good enough to bring in the goodies this season. We’ll see… :)
Sears
25 мая, 2011 at 15:29
Sorry for the delay Johnny, I’ve felt unwell for the past 2-3 days but I feel much better now. Everybody else has pretty much said everything, so I wish you the best of luck in the next few months, and hopefully you’ll beat HSV in the CL! Good luck .
Yasser Rahman
26 мая, 2011 at 11:09
Great season so far, I’m sure you can do the fans and board proud. But what I am eagerly waiting for is the 28th of June , 2018 ; The day you can move into your 25000 capacity new stadium! Should do well for your finances and I’m curious to see how it will affect attendance and performance.
Johnny Karp
26 мая, 2011 at 11:34
Thanks Yasser, I’m looking forward to that day too! :) I think we’ll fill out the new stadium, the fans will get spectacular football at a reasonable price :)