FM10 - From the Top Down

[Marmel]

FM2010
English Premier League: Tottenham

Apologizes to Radii for ripping off his dynasty thread title, but here is the setup. This is my first FM purchase ever, just a few weeks ago, and I suck. I have toyed around with a few L1, L2 and BSP teams and figured a few things out. I am currently playing as Rushden in BSP, but I wanted to try a big name team.

I read on CNNSI that the Yankees were looking into buying Tottenham, so I figure they must be pretty good, right? Why not try a career with them and see how quick I can sink them (not on purpose, I told you I suck at this game). Most likely I'll get fired before I can do any real damage.

The goals? Win the Premier League. Win some of those Cup competitions they play? I don't get very excited about those since they hold no prestige to me personally, but I guess they are pretty important to the English! Coach a WC team.

We begin in July 2009.


July 7, 2009

Daniel Levy, the Tottenham chair, welcomes me to White Heart Lane. He has given me a 2 year contract worth $2,900,000 per year. Clearly I work for a deranged individual!

Our fans call us the Spurs. Why? I have no idea. We have rivalries with Chelsea and Arsenal. I have heard of them.

I set up with a 4-4-2 formation for now, because that is about all I know. I toyed with a 4-3-3 in FMH and I like that, but I am going to keep it super simple for now.

The board asks me what my goals are for this year. I stay conservative and tell them a top half finish. They give me $10 million to blow....I mean spend, and an annual payroll budget of $80 million. Sounds good to me.



The first thing I do as a good soccer manager is review my roster. This should be fun. The numerical representations of my player's skills means nothing to me, so I pretty much go exclusively by the star ratings and what my assistant coach tells me, and later by their match ratings.


Keepers, or as I call them, Goalies.

My best Keeper is missing a first name, or maybe a last name. He goes by Gomes. He is just 28 years old and rated 4 stars. You really have to love what my assistant thinks his strength is: Shot Stopping

Well fuck, it better be, he is a goalie!


We have an old Italian guy backing him up. 35 year old Cudicini. 3 stars.
Jimmy Walker is third string. DY-NO-MITE!



Defense – Left

If anybody actually is reading this, can you tell me what WB means under position? Some of my guys are not only defensive players but WB's. I completely ignore that for now.

25 year old Benoit Assou-Ekotto is the best I got here, and he is only 3 stars. His backup, Gareth Bale looks to have a higher ceiling, but he is injured right now and is clearly not ready to be a starter.


Defense – Right

Not much better over on this side. 23 year old Vedran Corluka is my best bet to start. He is 3 stars. Kyle Walker backs him up.


Defense – Center

We are better down the middle. 28 year old Ledley King is our best overall defender. He is rated 4 stars. 29 year old Jonathan Woodgate is 3.5 stars and will probably be our other starter, but he is injured right now.

We have some nice depth here with 22 year old Sebasten Bassong and 23 year old Younes Kaboul both checking in at 3 stars and injured 25 year old Michael Dawson with 2.5 stars.



So best as I can tell, here is our defense, assuming everyone is healthy by the time the season starts:


Assou-Ekotto King Woodgate Corluka


It seems to me that some of the $10,000,000 should go to left and right defenders.




Midfield – Another question for the experienced FM reader. Why are some midfields attacking and some are just midfielders and then some others, but only centers are defensive midfielders?


Midfield – Left

None of my players BEST position is ML, nut a couple of them can play there, including 23 year old Luka Modric, who rates 4.5 stars. That must mean he is real good! Also, Niko Kranjar, 24 years old, is rated 3.5 stars.


Midfield – Right

24 year old David Bentley is the best, but that is not saying much. He is rated just 3 stars and Aaron Lennon, 22 years old, will back him up at 2.5 stars.



Midfield – Center

We are solid, but not spectacular here. 24 year old Wilson Palacios gets one spot being the best we have. He is 4 stars.

We also have a pair of guys rated 3.5 stars, so I guess I'll give them both some starts and see who I hate the least. 22 year old Tom Huddlestone and Niko Kranjar....oh, I just noticed I have him as the left side backup. I guess he can be a versatile player for me.

We also have a couple slouches to fill in, so we have depth in the middle once again.


So, when healthy, we have:


Modric Palacios Huddlestone Bentley



Midfield right is going to be another area I should try to address.



Strikes – I know what these guys do. They score the goals. Whats the difference between a ST and a FC?

Probably like most FM amateurs, I love highly rated strikers. Well, I only have one.

26 year old Jermaine Defoe is going to be counted on heavily by me to put the round ball in the gigantic net. He is rated 4 stars.

28 year old Peter Crouch is 3.5 stars and is clearly my second best striker.

We have a couple guys that are OK to back them up, both of them are loaners.

[Marmel]

So I check out who is transfer listed, knowing I would like to improve my DL/DR and MR positions. I get report cars on guys that are listed in the 3-5 million dollar range. It turns out they would all suck.

So, I start thinking about just spending the whole pot of money on one player and request a few more report cards.


These guys all turn out to be similar to what I already have. It would give me some depth, but that doesn't really make my starting lineup better.

So, for now I guess I sit on this money and maybe make some moves as the season wears on.

[Marmel]

As I advance the calendar towaards my friendly matches I start getting offers for King and Assou, two of my best players. Of course, I reject them. They were not even great offers.

I'm sure that is just going to piss these guys off, they will ruin team chemistry, blah blah blah. I don't care, they are staying put.

Also, I guess I understand teams from other countries asking about these guys, but ManU? Really? I'm just gonna sell off my best defender to you guys because you are ManU? I hate them already.

[Radii]

:D I like it. I'll be reading!

[Marmel]

We hit late July and the friendly matches and I get an interesting offer. My starting ML, Modric is valued at over $12 mil. Man City come in with an offer of over $25 mil for him. He is rated the top player on my squad though, at 4.5 stars.

They have given me a week to think about it.

Any thoughts? I don't think I want to sell him, but they are offering double what he seems to be worth!

[Marmel]

As we wrap up my first month in charge, not much else happens. Here is a quick run down...

1) Some unemployed fitness coach announces he wants to join my team. I say sure, why not and offer him a contract. He accepts. My boards says, WTF are you doing? We don't need any more coaches. They neg the deal. Sorry unemployed dude, hit the welfare lines, or whatever they have in England.

2) A few more offers come in for my good players, I reject them all. ManU continues to harass me for a couple of my players. At one point, after rejecting them, they approach me and ask me what I would want for Assou, my DL. Fed up with these pricks, I tell them $330,000,000. The politely withdraw their offer.

3) I loan out some youngsters, and reject a few loan offers for a backup on my squad.

4) I discover I have some players OUT on loan. One seems pretty good as a transfer offer came in. I can't get a report card on him and I can't figure out how to recall him to my squad so I can take a better look at him. Oh well.

Well, besides that, not much else going on. I see my first match will be on the road at Arsenal. That can't be good!

[law90026]

A WB is kind of a hybrid fullback / midfielder. If you look at the positions on the tactics screen, the wingback can occupy the space between the fullback and the midfielder position (hopefully that makes sense). Not many tactics use wingbacks any longer though.

Central midfielders, as you have noticed, can fall into 3 different categories. The normal CM is basically your guy who plays in central midfield, running around and passing the ball. The attacking midfielder can often (but not always) play in the central midfield position and they tend to be offensive players with poorer defensive stats. They can also play just behind the strikers. The defensive midfielder is the opposite, i.e. better defense but poorer offense (though they can actually sit back and spray offensive passes in the right tactic).

There is a transfer window so if you choose not to buy any players, you will have to put up with your squad until the window opens again.

[Marmel]

I advance up to my first real match, against Arsenal. Still not much happening, though I wish I could figure out how to get some of my loaned out players back to me. A couple of them seem pretty useful.

I loan out a couple other youngsters with some potential.

Basically, I'm just trying not to mess things up too much yet, and see how ym team performs on the field for a month or two before I go making changes.

Also, I'll get into match reports, but I want to try and do a dynasty report where I just talk about my thoughts on the team and the game universe as I advance. We'll see how that works out.

[Marmel]

A WB is kind of a hybrid fullback / midfielder. If you look at the positions on the tactics screen, the wingback can occupy the space between the fullback and the midfielder position (hopefully that makes sense). Not many tactics use wingbacks any longer though.

Central midfielders, as you have noticed, can fall into 3 different categories. The normal CM is basically your guy who plays in central midfield, running around and passing the ball. The attacking midfielder can often (but not always) play in the central midfield position and they tend to be offensive players with poorer defensive stats. They can also play just behind the strikers. The defensive midfielder is the opposite, i.e. better defense but poorer offense (though they can actually sit back and spray offensive passes in the right tactic).

There is a transfer window so if you choose not to buy any players, you will have to put up with your squad until the window opens again.

That actually made sense, and was helpful. Thanks!

[law90026]

Re the loaned out players: Some players cannot be recalled because a fee has been paid for the loan. If this happened before you took over the club, that's likely why you can't find an option.

If I remember right, what you need to do is to right click on the player's name, go to "Transfer and Contracts" and there should be an option to "Recall" (or something like that).

[Marmel]

August 15, 2009

Tottenham at Arsenal

I was hoping my debut match would be at home, and maybe a bit easier, but no such luck. I am thrown right into the fire for my opening match.

As I put together my lineup, I notice a few things that are quite concerning. I outlined what I thought was going to be my starting 11 earlier when I initially reviewed my squad. Well, two of my projected starts on the defensive line are dealing with injuries and are out for this match.

Even more disturbing is the fact that my star striker, Jermain Defoe took a sudden drop from 3.5 stars to 2.5 stars in a months time. I have to scramble to put together a new lineup and here is what we go with for the first match (with star ratings)

GK Gomes (3.5) – Oh sweet, he dropped a half a star as well. WTF is going on??
DL Assou-Ekotto (3)
DC Bassong (3)
DC King (3.5)
DR Kaboul (3)
ML Modric (4.5)
MC Palacios (4)
MC Huddlestone (3)
MR Lennon (2.5)
ST Pavyluchenko (3)
ST Crouch (3)

We will come out in our 4-4-2 with a defensive mindset and hope for at least a draw, maybe even steal something here even though we are 3-1 dogs.

14 min: Arsenal puts the pressure on us early and often, finally getting the first strike of the match. Nicholas Bendtner drills one from just outside the big box. 0-1

32 min: We continue to be under the gun, but Gomes bails us out with a few pretty nice saves. Up until this point we haven't even made a serious threat on their goal. We finally get something going....I don't know exactly what, but a couple of headers in front of the goal, Arsenal looked all confused and then I see the ball bounce off one of their heads and into the goal! 1-1 on a total fluke, but I'll take it!

I find it funny that my guys are celebrating their asses off and I tell them to calm the fuck down, we didn't even score that one.

40 min: Our showboating pissed Arsenal off and they go back on a serious attack. Lucky for us they kick a few wide. Then a throw in from the side and about 8 people go up for the header and Assou Ekotto gets called for a penalty. I scream at the refs, I scream at the players, I scream at my monitor. Of course Bendtner drills it for his second goal. 1-2.

62 min: I need to get a goal back so I switch to an attacking mindset in the second half. MY guy gets bulldozed in the box and I know that has to be a penalty. Instead Arsenal punts the ball out for a throw in and no penalty called. I am furious now.

76 min: I bring in a couple sets of fresh legs. Dafoe gets a chance at Striker and Niko Kranjar comes in at MC.

78 min: A golden opportunity. One of the few threats we have....a big shot deflects off the Keeper right onto the foot of one of my guys...not even sure who. It is just him and the keeper in the little box right in front of the goal. My guy kicks it right into the keeper's chest. Heartbreaking.

84 min: I switch my tactics to Overload and try to get that equalizer.

93 min: We work it around for one last chance it seems. We get a clean shot from inside the box and it bounces off the crossbar and that is all she wrote.

[Marmel]

August 18, 2009

Burnley at Tottenham

We don't get much time to stew over the loss to our rivals from Arsenal. 3 days later we are back on the pitch to face Burnley. We make a few changes to get some fresher legs on the pitch and give Dafoe a try as a starter.

GK Gomes (3.5)
DL Assou-Ekotto (3)
*DC Kaboul (3)
DC King (3.5)
*DR Walker (2)
ML Modric (4.5)
MC Palacios (4)
MC Huddlestone (3)
*MR Bentley (3)
*ST Dafoe (2.5)
ST Crouch (3)


We are favored at home 4-7. We'll come out with a controlling strategy to start things up. I tell my keeper I expect a performance and let everyone else know they can win this game!


15 min: We get some early pressure, but cannot take advantage of a few corner kicks. Finally, Crouch gets the ball and makes a few nifty move and then sends it into the net for a 1-0 lead!

45 min: Both teams get just one or two decent chances, but cannot convert. In injury time, Dafoe, who I originally projected as a big star, coughs up the ball. He hustles back to steal it back then coughs it up AGAIN, leading to an easy strike by Burnley. 1-1

I seriously consider benching him for the second half, but he out up a 6.9 rating in the first half, which is better than most of the team, so I leave him in for the time being. I also switch to an attacking strategy.

48 min: We look really confused out there and I ask myself outloud, literally, what are they doing? As I say that, Modric breaks the goal, the pass from Palacios is picture perfect and there it is, 2-1.

Oh, but it is called back due to offsides! You have to be kidding me!?

58 min: Dafoe looks injured so I bring Pavly in for him.

90 min: My guys start sucking wind and despite shutting Burnley down in the second half, every chance we get goes flying over the bar by 10 feet. Pathetic (and a reason why I find this game very random, like they put so much emphasis on media interaction but forgot to work on the game engine. Not that I know a thing about soccer, but how could these world class guys send every shot flying into the stands?)

1-1 draw. At least I get my first point of the year.

[Marmel]

I get back to my office only to find out that my very best player, Modric, is grumbling about being on this team and wants out. Great, just what I needed.

He says he wants to win trophys. I announce that he is not going anywhere. Behind closed doors I offer him the captaincy and a fat renegotiated contract.

While that is being worked on, I accept a transfer offer of 1.5 million for a backup to a backup Striker.


A day later Modric tells the press that that he is not backing down. Well guess what Modric? You are under contract until 2014. I reject his request to be transfer listed.


While dealing with this little punk, I realize we have a match coming up tomorrow on the road against the Wolves. I meet with my assistants and we hammer out a game plan. We really need to grab those 3 points and settle things down here at the club.

[Marmel]

August 22, 2009

Tottenham at Wolves

We shuffle the defense a bit, hopefully getting stronger there. Lennon gets a start in midfield and Pavyl back in for the embattled Dafoe.

GK Gomes (3.5)
DL Assou-Ekotto (3)
DC King (3.5)
*DC Bassong (3)
*DR Corluca (3)
ML Modric (4.5)
MC Palacios (4)
MC Huddlestone (3)
*MR Lennon (2.5)
*ST Pavyl (3)
ST Crouch (3.5)

We are a slight favorite at 5-4. I go with a control strategy to kick things off.


5 min: Just a beautiful give and go from Pavyl to Crouch, and when Crouch has an open look, he makes good more often than not. This time was no exception. He buries it to give us the very early 1-0 lead.

9 min: I don't know if soccer uses plays like American sports, but Pavyl and Crouch ran the same drill. This time Crouch didn't have the best look and was just outside of the box when he sent it wide. Would have been a great start.

40min: The Wolves have one corner and a throw in but we clear the ball out pretty easily. On the other hand, we have had some chances. Just now we get a corner and land it at point blank range. Their keeper makes an amazing save to keep the game at 1-0.

67 min: Not much action in the second half, which is fine by me if we can hold the lead. King picks up an injury and I bring DC Kaboul in for him.

72 min: I bring in a couple fresh players for the stretch run here. DMC Jenas for Huddlestone and DR Walker for Corluca.

73 min: Well, I guess I subbed too soon. Just after my guys come in, the Wolves get a breakaway and beat Gomes. 1-1. There go my three points. Now I am just hoping to hang onto 1 point.

79 min: We get a corner kick, header....another header....the ref calls a penalty! And of course it is Modric. As he lines up for the penalty shot, I pray that our off the field issues are left off the field and he makes good here. He looks left, goes right and scores! 2-1 Tottenham.

82 min: I go defensive here.

93 min: The give it one last run, but Gomes just has to make one easy save and there it is, 3 points for Tottenham and my first ever victory!

[Marmel]

The day after the match I confirm the deal to send Striker Jonathan Obika to Stoke for $1.5 million. I don't think he would ever see the pitch for me, so I figured why not.

Modric snubs my lucrative reworking of his contract. No big deal. I fully plan on keeping him here until his contract run out in 2014.

After that nonsense, I settle in and try to work up a game plan for the Cup competition coming up in a few days. Meanwhile my phone rings and some Olympique team wants to buy my DL Assou. I issue a hands off warning. These other clubs are persistant.

I also request some scouting reports on a couple transfer listed strikers. Hopefully something nice comes back and I could purchase a player to pair up with Crouch.

[Marmel]

August 25, 2009

Tottenham at Accrington – FA Cup 2nd Round

Accrington is a L2 team, so this should just be academic, even with myself in charge.

We send out this lineup (as always, *'s indicate a change from last game)

GK Gomes (3.5)
DL Assou-Ekotto (3)
*DC Kaboul (3)
DC Bassong (3)
*DR Walker (2)
ML Modric (4.5)
MC Palacios (4)
MC Huddlestone (3)
MR Lennon (2.5)
ST Pavyl (3)
ST Crouch (3.5)

Basically, just resting a couple of players on defense who are a tiny bit worn down.

We are 1-6 favorites today, and we will have an attacking strategy to try and end this game early.


6 min: We come out on the attack, firing shots constantly. DR Walker, kicks a nice cross and Crouch heads it into the goal. It played out perfectly and you just saw it coming the whole way. 1-0

16 min: We intercept a pass deep in their territory and Lennon, my other sub 3* rated player kicks another nice cross, again to Crouch, who heads it in for the 2-0 lead.

45 min: The 2-0 lead holds until halftime. Accrington have 2 shots, none on target. We have 12, 5 being on target. Complete domination, but it doesn't really tell us much about our squad considering the competition.

62 min: I feel this game is easily in hand, so I try to save the stamina of a few important starters. Kranjcar comes in for Modric. Dafoe in for Crouch.

81 min: On a corner kick, Accrington gets called for a penalty in the box. Pavyl steps up for the penalty kick. No doubt about it. 3-0. At this point I make one more sub, Jenas for Huddlestone. I also dial it back and go to a control strategy.

FT: A nice, easy 3-0 win for Tottenham. I'll take it. I'll take any win in this early stage of my career.

[Marmel]

So far my search for another good striker to pair up with Crouch has proven unsuccessful. All of the guys I recently scouted have graded out poorly. The search goes on though.

Meanwhile, the FA Cup Third Round draw is going on. We get a home match against another Premier League team: Portsmouth. I don't know anything about them at this point.

We have a match coming up in league play, at home, against Stoke. The standings don't tell much this early in the season, but for the record, we sit in 8th place and Stoke in 3rd.

[Marmel]

August 29, 2009

Stoke at Tottenham

So, we have a home game against a team that is pretty good early on, so I want to send out the best lineup I can and see how we stack up so far. We go with:

GK Gomes (3.5)
DL Assou-Ekotto (3)
*DC King (3.5)
DC Bassong (3)
DR Kaboul (3)
ML Modric (4.5)
MC Palacios (4)
MC Huddlestone (3)
MR Lennon (2.5)
ST Pavyl (3)
ST Crouch (3.5)

Kaboul moves over to DR and King comes in to replace Walker. Outside of DC Woodgate and AMR Bentley, who are both injured, this, I think is our best lineup. Now, we can stick Kranjcar in there at MC for Huddlestone, and while it would be a slight improvement, Kranjcar's versatility makes him a great sub.

For the record, writing this stuff up has helped me identify with my players after just a handful of games, more than I have in any of the 'practice' careers I have toyed around with.

We are 4-6 favorites today. I'll start with a control strategy. I'm always weary of being counter-attacked. I tell the team to win one for the fans and send them out onto the pitch.


17 min: The first real action happens around the 13th minute when one of their players are lying in a crumpled heap thanks to Bassong's challenge. We get a corner out of the the play and seem to dictate the game from that point until now, when Pavly stands in the corner of the box, turns and drills an impossible looking shot off the far post and right into the net! GOAL! 1-0

25 min: We have a free kick from inside that little semi-circle. I missed who kicked it, but it goes flying over the bar. That drives me insane.

31 min: Somebody lofts a kick into the box. Pavly controls it, passes it off to Modric and he puts it away to give us a wonderful 2-0 lead! Modric runs around the pitch with his arms spread like he is a jet airplane. I smile to myself and think, “Modric is coming around...”

44 min: I see my two goal lead getting cut in half when Stoke has a wide open shot from inside the penalty spot. Gomes just guess right and makes a diving stop! Amazing. I don't plan on any changes at the half. I just tell the team that I am pleased and send them back out.

48 min: The first action of the second half see us with a corner kick. Now, on almost every corner, my guy sends it in and they head it out. Well, this time, it worked like I always feel these things should work. Bassong gets his head on the corner and their keeper can only watch. 3-0 Tottenham! Hell yes!

71 min: Time for some subs. Kranjcar in for Huddlestone. Defoe in for Pavly.

90 min: Stoke never puts up much of a scoring threat and I am very pleased with the 3-0 victory today at White Hart Lane!

[Marmel]

We have more than a week off before our next match, and although the transfer deadline has passed, I am still on a hunt for a striker, and I finally find one. His name is Adriano and he grades out to be even better than Crouch. It takes my entire transfer budget and some serious haggling, but his club, Flamengo agrees to sell him! Woohoo!

[Marmel]

September 13, 2009

Tottenham (8th) at Wigan (19th)

Television Match.

We've won 3 in a row, 2 in the Premier League. Now we go back on the road against what seems like a weaker team. My starting 11 is starting get settled. Here is today's lineup:

GK Gomes (3.5)
DL Assou-Ekotto (3)
DC King (3.5)
DC Bassong (3)
DR Kaboul (3)
ML Modric (4.5)
MC Palacios (4)
MC Huddlestone (3)
MR Lennon (2.5)
ST Pavyl (3)
ST Crouch (3.5)

Same as last outing. DC Jon Woodgate is just about back from injury and will eventually take over for Bassong on the back line. He will be a sub today and I'll try to get him some action.

We are favorites, 6-4. I'll go with a control strategy to begin the game.


8 min: Bassong is denied a golden opportunity from point blank range. We can't do anything with the ensuing corner.

12 min: Bassong in a big collision and has to come out. The long awaited return of Woodgate begins about 45 minutes earlier than i hoped for.

15 min: Wigan on the attack. A jump ball, but Gomes cannot get to it and Wigan strikes first. 0-1.

31 min: Prior to now, we seemed to be rushing things when we got into their zone. But this time, Huddlestone makes a picture perfect pass to Modric who is streaking in on the left side. Modric makes good on the chance and we equalize. I am starting to love this man. 1-1.

HT: I don't make any chances at the half. I usually re-evaluate again around 60 minutes, or if a goal is scored.

61 min: I sub in Defoe for Pavly and switch to an attacking strategy.

78 min: Wigan has a free kick from just outside the box. It rebounds off the wall back to them. Another kick, another rebound off the wall that they get. Third time is a charm as they put that one away. 1-2. I immediately switch to an overload strategy. I also bring in Kranjcar for Palacios.

FT: Wigan play it defensively and we continue to blaze shots over the bar. That pisses me off to no end. At least make the keeper move his feet for crying out loud.

We lose, and it really wasn't a good effort. I tell the team it was disappointing.

[Marmel]

I get back home and head to my office. At least there is some good news waiting for me. Adriano's work permit went through and the deal is done. He will join our squad on January 1, 2010. I blew my entire transfer budget on one guy. I have no idea if that was smart, or really dumb. He is only 27 years old so he should have some great years ahead of him and it will give us a lethal 1-2 punch with him and Crouch.

The way I see it, we are not going to win anything this year, but maybe one full season under my belt will give me enough experience to really start putting things together next season. I'll try for a top 10 finish this year, or at least top half and then improve one piece at a time.

No word on what the fans think about this signing yet.

[Marmel]

September 20, 2009

Everton (2nd) at Tottenham (11th)

This is going to be a serious challenge, even at home. Just as Woodgate is rounding into form, Bassong is out long term. We also seem to have picked up various minor nicks and bruises.

GK Gomes (3.5)
DL Assou-Ekotto (3)
DC King (3.5)
DC Kaboul (3)
*DR Carluka (3)
ML Modric (4.5)
*MC Kranjcar (3.5)
MC Palacios (3.5)
MR Lennon (2.5)
ST Pavyl (3)
ST Crouch (3.5)

Just a couple of changes to account for injuries.

We are dogs in this match, lilsted at 13-8. Hey look, Tim Howard is in goal for Everton! I know him.
We'll come out defensive and try to make this an ugly game.

18 min: Everton takes a shot from wayyy out. The ball was smoking it was moving so fast. Unfortunately it deflects off of Modric and into the goal. 0-1 Cheese.

21 min: Everton celebrate an own goal like a bunch of assholes. That's OK, it just fires our guys up. We take the kickoff and work it around for a good three minutes. Crouch makes a nice moves and rips on. Their keeper deflects it right back to Crouch. He rips it again and gets it in the net! 1-1

HT: No more action in the first half. Pavly is having a bad game so I sub Defoe in for him. Still keeping with a defensive strategy.

62 in: Gomez is standing on his head and making saves this half. Finally they get to him though with an easy shot from inside the box. 1-2

74 min: I switch to an attacking strategy.

FT: We get a few more decent chances the rest of the way, put cannot manage the tying goal. Losing at home sucks.

[Radii]

For the record, writing this stuff up has helped me identify with my players after just a handful of games, more than I have in any of the 'practice' careers I have toyed around with.

Yep, that's my favorite part about doing the dynasty I'm doing as well. I could tell you my lineup and most everyone's strengths without having the game open at this point.

I'll start with a control strategy. I'm always weary of being counter-attacked. I tell the team to win one for the fans and send them out onto the pitch.

Hopefully someone else can weigh in here, this strategy was confusing to me until I downloaded/read the huge tactical theorem PDF's. My understanding of control is that its designed to break down a strong/technical/turtling defense. The idea is to frustrate the defense by controlling possession until they break down and come out to try to steal the ball away and then you attack.

I am not sure if that strat will help prevent counter attacks, unless there's more to it than I realize.

[Marmel]

September 23, 2009

English League Cup – Third Round

Portsmouth (PRM) at Tottenham (PRM)

Another Cup match. There seems to be a few different ones, and my guess is that this is the most prestigious?

With a pretty short turn around time, I do make a minor change:

GK Gomes (3.5)
DL Assou-Ekotto (3.5)
DC King (3.5)
DC Kaboul (3.5)
*DR Walker (2)
ML Modric (4.5)
*MC Jenas (2)
MC Palacios (3.5)
MR Lennon (2.5)
ST Pavyl (3)
ST Crouch (3.5)

I bring in a couple weaker players, but Walker has played very well in his limited time and I don't think Jenas will kill us. I have options to replace him if things do not go our way.

We are slightly favored in a pick 'em situation. I start out controlling strategy.

23 min: We win a corner kick and Pavly goes up big time for it. The header goes by their keep and two other guys standing in goal! Seriously, their keeper is wearing a full body outfit in an off-shade of pink. There is no way we don't win today. 1-0

39 min: I turn for a drink of water and the screen is flashing. Goal for Portsmouth. Shit! But wait, we catch a break and they were offsides!

47 min: We have a corner and I swear the ball is rolling in the goal, but their pink colored keeper falls on it, literally on the goal line. We still have the 1-0 lead at the half. We are playing alright, so no changes yet.

74 min: My guys are getting tired, but my fear is, if I start subbing, I just know they will tie it, then I have to go extra time with less subs. I'm superstitious about this game and feel like making chances never helps. I stay as is for a bit longer...

85 min: Still no subs, but I go defensive for the last few minutes.

88 min: I knew it. Fast break Portsmouth. Goal. I swear this game is hard programmed to screw me. 1-1.

FT: Now I have to sub. My guys are slumping. They are tired, and they are pissed off.
Corluka in for Kaboul.
Bentley in for Lennon
Kranjcar in for Jenas.

We head to extra time.

105 min: We have the only legit chance in the first half of extra time, but their keeper makes a brilliant save. Both teams are playing very defensive. At this point, I think back to my short FM history and realize I am probably 0 for 5 in Pks, so I throw it all out there and go attack for the final 15 minutes.

120 min: They had the better opportunities, but Gomes refused to let anything through.

We go to Penalty Kicks. I'll send up the following five, in this order (and their PK rating)

Modric 15
Pavly 17
Kranjcar 15
Bentley 14
Crouch 12

I am worried about the Crouch pick. There is a little used back who is a 14, but Crouch is a proven commodity, so I stick with him.

Portsmouth: Boateng steps up, goes right, and so does Gomes! Gomes dives and saves!
Spurs: Modric goes left, so does the keeper. It hits either the keeper or the post and goes in!
1-0

Portsmouth: Vanden Bore goes right, Gomez left. Goal.
Spurs: Pavly goes right. The keeper hesitates. Goal.
2-1

Portsmouth: Mokoena just drills on straight in. Goal.
Spurs: Kranjcar goes left, another hesitation by the keeper! Goal.
3-2

Portsmouth: Kanu goes right, Gomez barely moves. Goal.
Spurs: Bentley goes upper right corner. Dangerous. I thought the keeper guessed right, but it gets in. Goal.
4-3

Portsmouth: Utaka goes straight up the middle, it bounces off of Gomez! We are through to the next round!!!!!! Tottenham fans rush the field! Wait, do they do that? I doubt it.

[Marmel]

Yep, that's my favorite part about doing the dynasty I'm doing as well. I could tell you my lineup and most everyone's strengths without having the game open at this point.



Hopefully someone else can weigh in here, this strategy was confusing to me until I downloaded/read the huge tactical theorem PDF's. My understanding of control is that its designed to break down a strong/technical/turtling defense. The idea is to frustrate the defense by controlling possession until they break down and come out to try to steal the ball away and then you attack.

I am not sure if that strat will help prevent counter attacks, unless there's more to it than I realize.

Interesting. There is a little description that pops up when you select. I know there are two strategies that start with a C. I thought one was what you described and the other (control, I thought) was if you were superior, but were weary about the counter attack.

I'll double check during my next match.

[Marmel]

Interesting. There is a little description that pops up when you select. I know there are two strategies that start with a C. I thought one was what you described and the other (control, I thought) was if you were superior, but were weary about the counter attack.

I'll double check during my next match.

OK, so here is what the in game says, summarized:

Contain: Frustrate opponent, reduce space, slow things down, keep the ball, waste time.

Control: best employed for matches in which you believe you are the stronger team but are wary of your opponents counter attack. move the ball and patiently probe the final third.

Take it for what it is worth.

[BYU 14]

Is Jermaine Beckford from Leeds available? He might be a good pairing with Crouch if you can tear him away.

[Marmel]

I spend entirely too much time partying it up after that last win, that I oversleep and miss the English League Cup 4th round draw. My assistant, Kevin Bond, wakes me up at my desk and announces that we get another home game and we drew Stoke!

This is exciting because we already beat Stoke 3-0 this year.

[Marmel]

September 27, 2009

Aston Villa (11th) at Tottenham (14th)

So, i just realized that there are only 20 teams in the Premier League, so 14th place is pretty bad. I really need to get into the top 10 and this game turns out to be extremely important to reach that goal.

GK Gomes (3.5)
DL Assou-Ekotto (3.5)
DC King (3.5)
DC Kaboul (3.5)
*DR Corluka (3)
ML Kranjcar (3.5)
MC Jenas (2)
MC Palacios (3.5)
MR Modric (4.5)
*ST Defoe (2.5)
ST Crouch (3.5)

I want to integrate Woodgate back into the lineup, but it says he is severely lacking match fitness. Kaboul and King are his equals and this is an important game, so I guess I just try to get him some late minutes. The benefit of having Woodgate, is that I can move Kaboul to the right side. Corluka should be OK though.

Huddlestone is out for a while so I have to shuffle the midfield a tiny bit while I give the speedy Lennon a break today.

Pavly is a bit tired so Defoe gets the start, but he is on a short leash.

We are favored 5-4. I stick with the control strategy, although Radii has me a bit spooked about it now! I won't hesitate to go attack.

5 min: Nightmare scenario. Crouch goes down and doesn't get back up. This was no flop. He is gone. I'm gonna give seldom used Eidur Gudjohnson a chance. He is a loaner from AS Monaco FC.

15 min: Aston has really been in control, but they get a bit careless on the attack. Modric makes a steal and races up the pitch. He spots Defoe streaking towards the goal. It is a perfect feed and a perfect finish! Way to make good on getting the start Defoe! 1-0

18: We seem to be counter attacking a lot and trying to feed Defoe. This time Jenas is rushing up field, I figure he will try to feed it. Instead he rips one from a good 35 yards out. Probably the keeper didn't even expect it and....GOALLLL! 2-0

22 min: Another counter opportunity and this time Defoe is way ahead of the pack. I figure he has to be offsides. Even me, who doesn't fully understand the rule, thought he was cherry picking. No flag from the ref though and we are now up 3-0. How sweet it is!!!

31 min: Same old, same old. Aston Villa work the ball around near our goal. One bad pass or one interception and we are racing the other way, trying to feed Defoe. My first hat-trick! This is the Defoe I thought I was getting on my initial roster review. He is brilliant today! 4-0


HT: Best half of play on the year. It is a good opportunity to get a few backups in.
Woodgate in for Kaboul
Walker in for King

We also go defensive for the 2nd half.


49 min: This half we work the ball around. No more fast break. Same results though. Modric weaves his way through traffic. The keeper takes a horrible angle and it is an easy goal. 5-0

77 min: Aston is on an all out assault in the second half now, and Gomez has made great save after great save. Eventually Aston gets on through. 5-1

and just when I am bummed about no shutout, the ref raises the flag. Offsides. No goal. 5-0


90 min: Game over. What a dominating performance. I tell the team, “Sensational!”

[Marmel]

Is Jermaine Beckford from Leeds available? He might be a good pairing with Crouch if you can tear him away.

He is not transfer listed, but I realize that doesn't mean anything and i could still go after him. Too bad I spent all of my transfer funds. :)

[Marmel]

He is also rated as 1 star by my assistant on the report card and he says to only sign him as a last resort.

[Marmel]

After the game, it is reported that Crouch will miss about a month. Defoe's performance today makes me not quite as nervous about this situation. He has not done much up until today, but I hope he turned a corner.

The win moves us up to 10th place in the Premier League.

We have about a week off until we have another game. We travel to last place Blackburn. We have struggled on the road, but I will try to figure things out during our time off.


In other news, disgruntled Midfielder, Luka Modric has won Premier League player of the month. Defoe, thanks to his one fine performance was 3rd place for this award.


The latest financial report has us losing $6.6 million last month, this after previous months seeing the team take huge losses. How is that possible?

As our next match is quickly approaching, I take a look at the league table. Interesting, after that 5-0 win, we are tops in the league in goal difference with a +6. Our next opponent, Blackburn is dead last at -9.

[Radii]

Huh, interesting. I went back and found what I was reading from:

Control looks to attack a little more, but does so by holding onto the ball and drawing the frustrated opposition out of their own half: rather useful against sides who “park the bus”, since you can control possession and force them to press further up the pitch, leaving gaps which you can then exploit.

Contain looks to flood your defensive area with bodies to keep the ball away from your goal, but does not care if the team don’t attack: safety first is the key.


I'm sure a combination of all are correct. I know contain is recommended to be used only in limited fashion, for example to hold on to a lead in the final 10 minutes against a better team, but that trying to do it all game will lead to a lot of problems.

The link from the FM10 thread if you're interested in some riveting reading is:

TacticalTheorems10.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/?gzmgmozwmmq)

[Marmel]

October 3, 2009

Tottenham (10th) at Blackburn (20th)

Road games like this are must wins if we are going to end up achieving a respectable league position. I go with the following lineup:

GK Gomes (3.5)
DL Assou-Ekotto (3.5)
DC King (3.5)
DC Kaboul (3.5)
DR Corluka (3)
ML Kranjcar (3.5)
MC Jenas (2)
MC Palacios (3.5)
MR Modric (4.5)
ST Defoe (2.5)
*ST Pavly (3.5)

The only change is Pavly in for the injured Crouch. Defoe needs to step up like he did in the last game over the next few weeks. We don't have any depth at striker until January 1.

We are 4-6 favorites and I decide to come out with an attacking mentality.


25 min: A real lack of action so far in this game. Jenas gets a pretty good chance from the edge of the box, but puts it inches wide.

28 min: Defoe puts a screaming shot on goal, but their keeper makes a nice save.

35 min: Pavly gets up for a corner kick and gets his head on it, but again, we are just wide on the shot.

HT: We have had all the good chances, but cannot finish today. This just means that Blackburn will have one good chance, score and win 1-0. No changes at the half. I just tell my guys that they can definitely win this game!

75 min: Not too many chances for either team. King gets hurt a bit so I bring in Walker for him. I move Modric back to ML and bring in Lennon at MR for some speed.

FT: We end up with 3 shots on goal. Blackburn with no shots at all on target. Very disappointing that we could not score a single goal on the road against them.

[Marmel]

So, the one point we got from the last match moved us up to 8th place, for now. We have played one more game than a couple of teams just below us though.

We have 2 weeks off before we travel to ManU.

[Marmel]

October 17, 2009

TV Match

Tottenham (9th) at Manchester United (3rd)

Even I know that ManU is the team to beat every year in the Premier League. We have been pretty bad on the road, so I think a draw would be about the best I can hope for today. Still, I want my guys to go out there and compete and see how they measure up.

GK Gomes (3.5)
DL Assou-Ekotto (3.5)
*DC Bassong (3)
DC King (3.5)
DR Kaboul (3.5)
ML Modric (4.5)
MC Jenas (2)
MC Palacios (3.5)
*MR Bentley (3)
ST Defoe (2.5)
ST Pavly (3.5)

Bassong is health, so we bring him back in, which also gives us some better depth on the bench.. I still can't figure out how to get Woodgate in game shape, so I will try to get him in this game.

Bentley in, Kranjcar on the bench for versatility later in the game.

We are huge dogs at 13-2, so I go defensive.


13 min: ManU gets the first great chance. They beat our defense, but the ball bounces off the far post. We dodge a bullet there.

17 min: ManU has dominated possession, but we make a steal and Pavly finds DeFoe way up field. He gets a good shot off, but hit hits the side netting.

18 min: On the ensuing goal kick, Ronney gets the ball at the top of the box and drills one past Gomes. So there we go, 0-1.

28 min: We start to get in the game a bit. A couple corners and some possession. Defoe has a long chance and it looks decent, but again he hits the side netting.

HT: We are only down 0-1, so this is not over yet. I bring in Lennon for Bentley. I also being in Kranjcar for Jenas, who is not having a good game.

46 min: Pavly tries to go 1 on 4. He dekes a few defenders and finds Defoe, but his shot is wide.

58 min: After Defoe wastes another good chance, I sub Gudjohnsen in for him.

65 min: We get a lucky deflection and Modric sees the ball come right to him in the box. He puts it over the far corner though.

72 min: I switch up to an attacking strategy.

FT: The rest of the match flies by and we don't even get another shot on goal. We lose 1-0, which on one hand is not horrible. On the other hand, we haven't scored a goal in 2 games now.

[Marmel]

We have 3 home matches in a row now, including the League Cup 4th round game.

Bad news: Pavly strained his neck in the last game and will miss about 2 weeks. We are dangerously thin now.

But bad news is followed by good news, as it seems Crouch is pretty much ready to come back.

I realize I didn't get Woodgate into the last match. Damn, that guy is going to get seriously pissed off soon.

[Marmel]

October 25, 209

Fulham (18th) at Tottenham (13th)

Not much to say here, other than 3 home games and I expect 3 victories.

GK Gomes (4) – He is up to 4 stars now
DL Assou-Ekotto (3) – Down to 3 stars, not good
DC Kaboul (3.5)
*DC Woodgate (3.5)
*DR Corluka (3)
ML Modric (4.5)
MC Jenas (2)
MC Palacios (3.5)
*MR Lennon (2.5)
ST Defoe (2.5)
*ST Crouch (3.5)

I decide just to put Woodgate in there and let him work his way back in. King dropped a half a star, so I leave Kaboul in. Lennon is pretty much interchangable with Bentley. Bentley is half a star better, but Lennon is 0.50 better in average rating.

Crouch returns, Pavly injured.

We are 5-4 favorites. I decide to come out attacking and try to build an early lead.


29 min: Other than a few early chances, both teams just pass the ball around. Finally, Modric intercept s a pass and we move forward quickly. Defoe gets the ball, shakes his man and finishes! GOAL! 1-0

44 min: Fulham with a corner that gets bounced out towards midfield. They pick it up and fire off a great shot. Gomes makes a really incredible diving stop.

HT: That was pretty much all the first half action. I can't complain. Woodgate and Crouch are a bit tired, both coming off of injuries, so I will probably sub them soon.

48 min: Modric with a great chance from in the box, but he cannot finish. The rebound to Crouch, but he cannot get a clean shot off.

50 min: Jenas with a great interception, then sets up Defoe. The shot hit the crossbar, bounces on the ground in front of the goal and then back up. Their keeper grabs it. A couple of wasted opportunities.

58 min: Lennon finds himself alone with the keeper. He probably shoots too early, but it was still a good one. The keeper has to jump high and stretch to get his hands on it. One of the finest saves I have ever seen.

65 min: A nice centering pass is headed by Crouch, but it is over the net. Time for a couple of subs. Gudjohnsen in for Crouch. King in for Woodgate.

80 min: Corner kick. Kaboul gets his head on it and it bounces off the pitch and off the post and in! That should do it! 2-0

86 min: Fulham with a break away but Gomez makes a terrific save to keep the heat off of us.

88 min: Defoe rips one from the semi-circle and it is good! Great to see him find the net again. 3-0
Kaboul looks hurt on the play. Bassong in for him.

FT: A great win to start our 3 game home stand. I just want everyone to rest up for the Cup game coming up next.

[Marmel]

Our coach tells me Kaboul will be out for 2-3 weeks following his injury. He was MotM in his last game.

The victory moved us up to 8th place in the Premier League.

Kaboul and Defoe were named on the League team of the week.

[law90026]

Just be a little careful relying on your assistant manager's ratings.

You have to make sure that his "Judging Player Ability" and "Judging Player Potential" stats are decent before you trust it fully (same for your scouts).

[Marmel]

October 28, 2009

League Cup 4th Round

Stoke at Tottenham

Here is our lineup:

GK Gomes (4)
DL Assou-Ekotto (3)
*DC Bassong (3)
*DC King (3)
DR Corluka (3)
ML Modric (4.5)
MC Palacios (3.5)
*MC Kranjcar (3.5)
*MR Bentley (3)
ST Defoe (2.5)
ST Crouch (3.5)

We are favored, 4-5. I'll come out attacking once again.

1 min: We take the opening kickoff and work it around and around. Modric finally ends up with it in the left corner of the box and strikes. GOOOOAL!!!!!! An early 1-0 lead.

20 min: Crouch goes off the crossbar, but nobody can get to the rebound.

25 min: Stoke with a free kick just outside the box, but it goes way wide and too high.

31 min: Crouch feeds Bentley on the right side of the box. He advances a few steps and somehow sneaks it in on the right side of the keeper! 2-0

40 min: Crouch with two great moves to shake two defenders, but his shot hits the right post and rolls across the goal line before Stoke put it out for a corner.

41: The corner kick gets headed out but we control it. A shot from the right by Bentley deflects off a defender, right onto the foot of Defoe. He knows what to do with it and scores easily! 3-0

HT: Everything looks great. I use this opportunity to get Woodgate in for the second half. King comes out. Gudjohnsen in for Crouch, just to give him some extra rest. We switch to a control strategy.

62 min: Corner kick, but Bassong puts it over.

63 min: Off the ensuing goal kick, Stoke go on the attack. Their striker makes a nice move and just beats Gomes. 3-1. I'm not worried, but I go defensive anyways.

66 min: Stoke have put it into another gear. Gomes has to make a fingertip save to keep the game at 3-1. A bit worried now.

67 min: Another fingertip save by Gomes to foce another corner kick on the opposite side this time.

76 min: We survive Stoke's pressure and get a free kick from just outside of the box. The keeper leaps and grabs the ball. I think that would have went in and not over.

85 min: Palacios feeds Defoe dead center in the box. He jukes right, curls around the defender left and beats the keeper. That is all she wrote!! 4-1

FT: We are through to the next round. Hoping for a great draw.

[Marmel]

law, thanks for the great advice.
My assistant, Kevin Bond, does not seem to grade out that good....Judging Ability: 7. Judging Potential: 8

If I get rid of him and find somebody better, is that going to really disrupt team chemistry????

[Marmel]

Wigan knocked out ManU in the Cup competition on penalty kicks.

We only have a few days off before we get back at it against Sunderland.

The Quarter Final League Cup draw begins. 6 teams down and no Tottenham yet. Finally our name gets called as the home team. I eagerly await the opponent.........Man City. Ouch.

So, I decide to fire my assistant and go after somebody who can judge my players much better. I mean, I go by that almost exclusively, so I should get somebody I can really trust.

As I am interviewing (on the down low) for a new assistant coach. The board informs me they will provide me with an extra 1.2 million in transfer funds. Awesome!

Huddlestone and Pavly are both back to full training, so we have a pretty complete roster right now.

I find somebody I like and offer a contract. He accepts, but the board disallows it, saying I don't need to assistant coaches. OK, guess I need to fire my man first. Kevin Bond here are our walking papers.

[Marmel]

November 2, 2009

TV Match

Sunderland (12th) at Tottenham (11th)

Here is our lineup:

GK Gomes
DL Assou-Ekotto
DC Bassong
DC King
DR Corluka
ML Modric
MC Palacios
MC Kranjcar
*MR Lennon
ST Defoe
ST Crouch

Just the one change. No assistant to help me with this match.

We are favored, 5-4 and will start out attacking once again.

6 min: Kranjcar with the first good attempt of the game, but he puts it just over the bar.

8 min: Sunderland with a corner. They cry for a penalty, but none given. 2 more corners and a free kick for them before we finally clear it.

23 min: Defoe to Modric and then a pass to the left side back to Modric. He sneaks it in the left corner of the goal from an impossible angle! 1-0

28 min: Modric intercepts a throw in and lobs it over the defense to a streaking Defoe. It is him and the keeper and Defoe waits for the last second, then fires, beating the keeper and giving us a nice 2-0 lead!

42 min: Crouch tries to lob one over the keeper from the top line of the box, but it bounces off the bar and goes over.

HT: Kranjcar got a little shaken up in the first half so I send in Jenas for him.

55 min: Their keeper makes 2 incredible saves in a row to keep the game just within reach for Sunderland.

59 min: Woodgate in for Bassong.

63 min: Lennon with a nice centering pass, but Crouch puts it over.

76 min: Crouch out, Gudjohnsen in. We go defensive for the final 15 minutes.

89 min: Defoe looked to cap off this 3 game home stand with a nice goal, but he was called offsides. I saw it the whole way.

FT: A very nice all around effort.

[Marmel]

First order of business is to welcome my new assistant coach, Ross MacLaren.

Our first order of business together is to review our squad, position by position.


Keepers.

Gomes has been excellent for us. MacLaren rates him as 3.5 stars. He has a 6.84 average rating.

Cudicini is rated 2 stars and is the backup. Jimmy Walker will never see the pitch for us.



Defense – Left

Bassong and Assou-Ekotto are my two best DL's. They are both rated 2.5 stars. Assou has started every game for me at DL so far.

Gareth Bale is only 2 stars, but has 3 star potential.



Defense – Right

Kaboul and Corluka are both rated 2.5 stars. Walker only 1.5 stars, but with 3 star potential. So far, my defense is not as good as I previously thought.



Defense – Center

King and Woodgate are my two best, both coming in at 3 stars. Besides, Bassong, Kaboul, Corluka and Walker, who can all play center as well, we have Michael Dawson at 2.5 stars.




Midfield – Left

Modric still rates at 4.5 stars and is my best player.



Midfield – Right

Lennon is 3 stars and Bentley is 2.5, which is the exact opposite as my last assistant had them.


Midfield – Center

Palacios and Kranjcar are both 3 stars. Huddlestone, who is finally just about back from injury is 2.5 with 3 potential.

Jenas is 2.5 stars.



Strikers

I was very interested to see how MacLaren rated these guys. It turns out Defoe is our best rated at 3 stars. Crouch and Pavly are both 2.5 stars. Gudjohnsen, my loaner is 1.5 stars.




This will all be very useful as I construct my lineup, but I really don't expect huge changes. Defoe is going to get plenty of time until Adriano joins us in January, then we will see who our top 2 strikers are.

Interestingly enough, I was out earlier today and playing some FMH on my iPhone. I play a BSP team there and I got a note that said Tottenham has signed Adriano. Weird coincidence.

[Marmel]

November 7, 2009

Tottenham (8th) at West Ham (10th)

We come out with the following lineup:

GK Gomes 3.5
DL Assou-Ekotto 3
DC Woodgate 3
DC King 3
DR Corluka 2.5
ML Modric 4.5
MC Kranjcar 3
MC Palacios 3
MR Lennon 3
ST Defoe 3
ST Crouch 2.5


We are favored today at 6-4. I know we have not played well on the road, so I am going to try and go all out attacking to get started today.

5 min: Nothing fancy here. Lennon just zooms down the right sideline, centers the pass perfectly and Defoe does what he does. GOAL! 1-0

9 min: West Ham do the same thing we just did, but Gomes is able to make the safe and he holds the ball tight.

13 min: West Ham with another golden opportunity, but Gomes is able to deflect it back.

33 min: Both sides take a few long range kicks in the last 10 minutes, but none of them ever had a chance to go in.

36 min: Modric with the ball enters the box. He is tripped up from behind. Penalty kick! Easy goal for Modric! 2-0

39 min: We dial it back a bit and go with a standard strategy.

HT: Everything looks great. No changes.

59 min: King goes down with an injury. We bring in little used Michael Dawson.

63 min: Defoe turns it over and it leads to a run out for West Ham. With only the keeper to beat, Gomes makes a two handed deflection!

71 min: Corluka is in pain. I bring in Bassong to play DR, even though it is not a listed position for him.

78 min: The squad is tiring. I bring in Bentley for Lennon and go defensive.

FT: We withstand a few attacks by West Ham, but the defense breaks it up or Gomes comes up with another save and we take this one, 2-0.

Feels great to finally win on the road.

[Marmel]

So, first things first...an injury check. DC King is going to be out for 4-5 weeks. That hurts.
Michael Dawson for just a week.

Our fans were jubilant after this victory. They filled the little green bar to the top, which I have never seen before. Yay for me.

It is tough to climb the ladder in the Premier League. This win just moved us up 1 spot, to 7th, with a game in hand over a couple of teams no less.

MacLaren has filed his report on Adriano for me. It is a full 4 stars. I can't wait to get him here.

[Marmel]

November 23, 2009

TV Match

Portsmouth (18th) at Tottenham (8th)

Considering the way we have been playing, a home game and the competition, this is probably as close to easy as it gets in the Premier League.

GK Gomes 3.5
DL Assou-Ekotto 3
DC Woodgate 3
*DC Bassong 2.5
DR Corluka 2.5
ML Modric 4.5
*MC Huddlestone 2.5
MC Palacios 3
MR Lennon 3
ST Defoe 3
ST Crouch 2.5

Two changes, both for injury situations. King is out, so Bassong will step in for him. Huddlestone is back from a lengthy injury and we throw him right back into it.

We are huge favorites, 1-6. We will attack and try to win big today for the home fans.


20 min: We've had some trouble getting into a groove today, at least on offense. We get a run out from an intercepted pass and Defoe ends up with the ball on the left side. As he rushes in, the keeper rushes out. Defoe gently lobs the ball over his head and it gets down quick enough to get in the net! 1-0

28 min: Lennon to Crouch on a cross, but the ball hits the side netting. As it unfolded I thought for sure it was going to be a goal.

41 min: Huddlestone with a midfield steal. He passes to Crouch, to Defoe in the center, then to Lennon on the right. Lennon hits the post! Could have been goal of the year.

HT: No need for any changes at this point.

52 min: We have 3 point blank shots off of rebounds in the space of 10 seconds and the keeper makes 3 tremendous saves. He is keeping them in this game single handidly.

64 min: Crouch to Defoe in a little two man game. Defoe puts it in the net but is called offsides. I don't know about that one.

70 min: Modric with a throw in from right near the corner. He throws it into a crowd in front of the net. Bassong gets his head on it and puts it in! 2-0

72 min: Kranjcar for Huddlestone and Kaboul for Corluka, just to rest our two most tired guys.

FT: Actually, a pretty boring match. It was only a matter of time before we scored that second goal, and Portsmouth never really threatened to do anything on offense.

[Marmel]

That win actually moves us up to 6th place in the PL. We have all played 13 games.
Here are the top 10:

Arsenal 31
ManU 26
Everton 25
Chelsea 24
Man City 24
Tottenham 23
Aston Villa 23
Liverpool 21
West Ham 20
Stoke 20


King is still the only injury we need to deal with, and he is only a couple/few weeks away from returning.

[Marmel]

November 28, 2009

Tottenham (6th) at Hull (16th)

Our lineup for today:

GK Gomes 3.5
DL Assou-Ekotto 3
DC Woodgate 3
DC Bassong 2.5
DR Corluka 2.5
ML Modric 4.5
*MC Jenas 2.5
MC Palacios 3
MR Lennon 3
ST Defoe 3
ST Crouch 2.5

The only change is to sit Huddlestone. He is still trying to get his fitness up to snuff, and he is a bit tired after the last match.

We are favored, 4-7......or is it easier to say Hull is a 4-1 underdog?

Either way, we are attacking out of the gate, because that has been working so well for us lately.


12 min: Hull gets a fast break with a long lob pass up ahead. A short cross and Gomes has zero chance to get to the ball. 0-1

15 min: Jenas coming down the middle pushes it forward to Defoe. Defoe shoots from just inside the box and it beat the keeper! An instant reply! 1-1

21 min: Same play as last time, but Jenas to Lennon this time around and he buries it, but is called offsides. No disagreement from me.

23 min: Kranjcar in for Palacios, who picked up an injury.

41 min: Lennon centers for Defoe. Defoe shoots and I am sure it is going in. Their keeper dives and gathers it up, literally on the goalline.

42 min: We intercept his throw in. Defoe rushes forward and shoots. It is deflected to Lennon, who cleans it up and puts it away. 2-1

HT: No changes necessary at this point.

60 min: Kranjcar centers to Lennon at the top of the box. Instead of shooting he flicks it a bit right to Crouch, who is wide open. Crouch delivers! 3-1

68 min: Fancy moves by their left winger, who then centers for Altidore. Hey I know that guy! Altidore scores to cut our lead to 3-2. I make some subs. Kaboul for Corluka and Bentley for Lennon.
We go to a controlling strategy.

72 min: Altidore allowed to run right up the middle and he gets off a clean shot to equalize. 3-3
I immediately go back to attacking.

74 min: Crouch takes it upon himself to beat two defenders, run towards the keeper and beat him to the right, as the keeper was going right. A sneaky good goal to get us back ahead 4-3. I go defensive.

84 min: Bentley races up the right sideline with ball. He centers to Crouch, slightly to the right of center, and he sneaks it in to the right of the keeper for another similar goal and his hat trick!!! 5-3

FT: Great game to come back from the early defecit. Then blow a 2 goal lead, but then still win by 2. All that plus a hat trick on the road. We are starting to really come together as a team, and just in time for our Q-Final match against Man City coming up.

[Marmel]

We have moved up to 4th place in the PL. Man City, our Cup opponent in the next game is actually one point ahead of us and in 3rd place. I don't really know if we are 4th place good. We have built up some points against the bottom half of the league and failed in our few games against the cream of the crop.

In the meantime, the English FA Cup 3rd round draw is going on. With all these L1 and L2 teams in it, we draw PRM team Everton. At least we get a home game out of it.

I was also second place in 'Manager of the Month'

[Marmel]

December 1, 2009

English League Cup, Quarter Final

Man City at Tottenham

GK Gomes 3.5
DL Assou-Ekotto 3
DC Woodgate 3
*DC Kaboul 2.5
DR Corluka 2.5
ML Modric 4.5
MC Jenas 2.5
*MC Huddlestone 2.5
MR Lennon 3
ST Defoe 3
ST Crouch 2.5

King is still hurt and Kabong will come off the bench, so Kaboul gets the start.
Palacios injured in the last game, so Jenas and Huddlestone will start.

We are actually favorites 5-4. Man City dogs at 7-4. Should be a real close match. We'll come out attacking. I tell the players to do this one for the home fans!


6 min: Just what I was afraid of...Man City pushes forward every opportunity. Their first shot on goal is nothing fancy, but it beats Gomes and we are down 0-1.

14 min: Defoe coming down the middle passes it off to Modric on the left side. Modric shoots, and scores! But the ref immediately calls him offsides. I think that was a horrible call.

21 min: Jenas finds Corluka flying in from the right. He feeds him. Corluka has a man right on his hip, but he gets a clean shot and beats the keeper! We are level, 1-1.

37 min: Two centering passes in a row for Lennon, but Defoe and Modric both go wide.

43 min: Huddlestone feeds Defoe in the box. A shot and fingertip save by their keeper to send it over the goal.

45 min: Man City with two clean shots from around the box. Gomes saves one, the rebound shot....Gomes grabs it and holds on!

HT: I could see our guys are starting to tire already. No changes yet, but we'll have to make use of all three subs today to stay fresh in the late going.

51 min: Man City with a free kick from the middle, just outside the box. It is a screamer, but Gomes is able to deflect.

63 min: A Man City shot from the left side, hits the right bar, then the upper bar and bounces in. That hurts. We are down 1-2.

Bentley in for Lennon. Kranjcar in for Huddlestone. Pavly in for Crouch.


73 min: We cannot get a clean shot off on two corner kicks.

80 min: Defoe with a turn around move and a screamer, but their keeper tips it over the bar. I go to overload strategy.

FT: We look so disorganized the last ten minutes. Our team is exhausted and we can't make a credible threat. We lose 1-2. Tough to swallow.

[Marmel]

After the match, rumors come out that I am going to sell Modric to Man City. I deny these rumors. Modric says he can't wait to make the move. I pull him aside and tell him that I will make Tottenham the kind of club he feels he needs it to be to further his career. I refuse to let him dictate to me. I will not sell him.

The next day Modric is quoted in the papers as saying he likes that Tottenham wants to be more successful and he is backing down from his transfer requests! I knew I would break him down.

[Marmel]

December 5, 2009

Liverpool (9th) at Tottenham (4th)


GK Gomes 3.5
*DL Bale 2
*DC Bassong 2.5
*DC Dawson 2.5
DR Corluka 2.5
ML Modric 4.5
MC Jenas 2.5
MC Huddlestone 2.5
MR Lennon 3
ST Defoe 3
ST Crouch 2.5

Our defense is extremely tired so we have to go with some backups for this game. It will probably come back to haunt us in the final results.

We are favored 6-4, Liverpool are dogs, 13-8. Should be a tight match. Conditioning seems to be an issue today so we'll just start out with a standard strategy.


7 min: Crouch beats two defenders, but cannot beat the keeper on a good chance.

18 min: Defoe with a screamer that bounces off the keeper's head. Crouch with a rebound try, but it is deflected back. So close on both attempts!

21 min: Bale with a cross to Huddlestone, who is about 10 yards outside of the box. He screams one over the goal. Wasted opportunity.

28 min: Crouch with a header way over the goal on a free kick. We have had opportunities, but cannot cash in any of them.

HT: We have been the better side, by a good margin, I think. But the important thing is the score, which is still 0-0. Lennon is not playing great, so I bring Bentley in for him.

48 min: Jenas's condition just went way down so I bring in Kranjcar for him.

52 min: Liverpool with a goal kick. It goes very long. Gomes comes out to get it, but misses. Open goal. Liverpool takes advantage. Horrible play. 0-1.
I switch to attacking strategy.

67 min: Kaboul in for Corluka, who looks a bit shaken up.

85 min: We haven't had another chance yet, so I go overload.

91 min: We press too much and Liverpool counter easily. 0-2 and that does it.

I'm disappointed. We've dropped 2 in a row, both at home, to a couple of the name teams in the PRM League. I hope things don't start to spiral out of control (like they usually do in my practice careers prior to this one.)

[Marmel]

I get back to my office and get a small bit of good news. We have received $1.6 million dollars from a previous transfer with Sunderland. I guess the player has appeared in enough matches to trigger this clause. My transfer budget is $2.41 million right now, but I'm not sure I can bring anybody in that would really impact the team.

I do a little search and find a young DC who could eventually become one of the best defenders on my team. He is valued at over two million, but is transfer listed and my assistant believes I can get him for about $200K. I put a bid in.

My MR, Lennon says he needs to move to a bigger club. Bullshit. He is under contract until 2014. He is not going anywhere. He eventually backs down from his stance. Good boy.

We are trying to enjoy a week off to get rested and healthy before we travel to Man City for our next match. I am fearful that this losing streak is going to continue.


But as you know, you can never rest. Some team named Sevilla are lining up to buy my DR Corluka. I issue a hands off warning.

Some good news though, the transfer of a hot young prospect, Marc Muniesa goes through.

[Marmel]

December 12, 2009

Tottenham (7th) at Man City (3rd)

GK Gomes 3.5
*DL Assou-Ekotto 2.5
*DC Woodgate 3
*DC Kaboul 2.5
DR Corluka 2.5
ML Modric 4.5
MC Jenas 2.5
MC Huddlestone 2.5
MR Lennon 3
ST Defoe 3
ST Crouch 2.5

We get our better defensive line back together for this match.

Man City is a favorite today as a pick em. We are dogs at 11-5. I'll come out defensive and try to get a 1 goal win or a draw today.

3 min: Man City on the early attack. Gomes turns one behind, then makes a nice save on the corner.

30 min: Man City is controlling this match, but our defense and Gomes are bailing us out time after time. It is just a matter of time though.

HT: We survive the first half, with barely any challenges on gaol of our own. I'm not going to make any changes at this point.

48 min: Man City still attacking hard, but Crouch intercepts and races up the field, out running 3 defenders. He gets off half a chance, and the keeper easily turns it back.

54 min: Finally Man City break through with a goal. They just flat out beat our defense and there was nothing Gomes could do....but the ref has his flag up! Offsides. No goal! Dubious decision, but I'll take it. Huddlestone looks shaken up so I bring in Kranjcar.

64 min: Gomez makes a great save from point blank range. We get the rebound and move up field. A half hearted attempt on goal leaves us with a throw in.

65 min: Defoe passes to Crocuh, but a weak attempt is easily saved. Defoe is dragging so I sub Pavly in for him.

68 min: Pavly rips one on his first touch, and their keeper just barely saves it.

73 min: Modric passes to Pavly. He turns and fires on over. I bring Bentley in for Lennon.

77 min: I knew it was just a matter of time. Man City has outplayed us and they finally get a goal. It was sort of a cheapie, as a defelcted ball trickled to their guy and Gomes never had a chance.
I switch to overload.

88 min: Kranjcar has a wide open shot and fires it right at the keeper. Totally ridiculous.

Injury time: We have one last shot, but Pavly passes it to their keeper instead of taking a shot.

FT: Another loss. Things are slipping out of control.

[Marmel]

Not long after the match, Corluka expresses his desire to move to a bigger club. He is signed until 2014 and I handle this the same way. You are not going anywhere and I will build this team to be that larger club you desire.
Corluka backs down from his comments.

FC Bayern are interested in buying Woodgate. Now here is a guy who is 29 yeas old, has some injury history and could draw a hefty sum of money. He is also only signed through 2011. I decide I will sell him only if the right price is offered. He is valued at $7 mil. Iwould think it would take $10+ for me to let him go.

King should be recovered from his injury, which is some good news.

[Marmel]

December 15, 2009

Blackburn (17th) at Tottenham (8th)

GK Gomes 3.5
*DL Bale 2
*DC Bassong 2.5
*DC Dawson 2.5
DR Corluka 3
ML Modric 4.5
*MC Palacios 3
MC Huddlestone 2.5
MR Lennon 3
ST Defoe 3
*ST Pavly 2.5


We will be a bit substandard on defense, but the last few matches took a lot out of our regulars. Palacios is back which helps our midfield greatly. Crouch gets a rest.

We are heavy favorites at 1-4. Blackburn listed at 9-1 dogs. We'll come out attacking and look for a 3 goal victory.

23 min: The first real chance is a feed from Lennon to Pavly. He has a bad habit of either sending it over the bar or directing it right towards the keeper.

40 min: Pavly with another chance, as well as Lennon, but we can't get anything on target for a legit chance. The guys are lacking something today.

42 min: Defense falls asleep and we give Blackburn a way too easy chance, which they finish. 0-1. This is bad.

HT: Bassong is having a terrible game so I bring Woodgate in. I am sick of watching Pavly so I bring in Crouch.

53 min: Still very weak on defense. Blackburn with a golden opportunity and only their incompetence keeps the score at 0-1.

60 min: We have a corner and Crouch gets his head on it, but puts it way over.

64 min: Huddlestone takes a very ill advised shot from a good 10 yards outside of the box, but he places it perfectly through traffic and we somehow equalize!! 1-1

74 min: I was checking the status of my guys and called for Gusjohnsen to sub in for the underperforming Defoe. I look up to see Defoe strike on from 2 feet out! We go up 2-1!!!

I've already called for the sub, so we go defensive.

89 min: Crouch and their keeper race for a loose ball. The keeper gets there just a fraction of a second and deflects it out to Huddlestone. A totally open go but it must be a 50 yard strike. It hits the crossbar. Ouch.

92 min: Murphy, for Blackburn gets his second yellow as he takes Crouch down on a clear breakaway. He is off.

FT: We survive a very ugly effort and still pick up 3 points.

[Marmel]

December 19, 2009

Tottenham (6th) at Bolton (13th)

Short turn around and a road game.

GK Gomes 3.5
*DL Assou-Ekotto 2.5
DC Bassong 2.5
*DC Woodgate 3
*DR Kaboul 2.5
ML Modric 4.5
*MC Jenas 2.5
MC Palacios 3
MR Lennon 3
ST Defoe 3
*ST Crouch 2.5

We send out a better lineup, particularly on defense, than the last game. Conditioning might be an issue, with some recent short turn around times.

Bolton is favored 6-4. We are 13-8 dogs. I'll come out in a control strategy.


3 min: Defoe wastes a golden opportunity after he beats a pair of defenders.

10 min: Defoe once again denied and Palacios blasts a kick over after the corner.

24 min: Bolton with a free kick from distance and they lob it into the box. The ref calls a totally bad penalty. Gomes cannot make the save. 0-1

I switch to attacking.

39 min: Defoe to Lennon, but he doesn't have a great angle and the keeper makes yet another save.

HT: Bassong is not playing good at all so I bring King in for him.

53 min: free kick for Bolton and they drill it right into the net. Down 0-2 and we are in big trouble.

81 min: We cannot generate any chances. I go overload, but I know it won't matter.

81 min: Instead we immediately give up another goal. 0-3

FT: Lennon boots an easy chance in injury time to at least put us on the board. Story of the game. Worst loss of the season.

[Marmel]

We have slid down to 9th place. We have two home games coming up in the next 9 days, which puts us at 3 games in just over a week. Even worst is that the two home games are against Chelsea and Arsenal. They are 3rd and 1st in the PRM League.

December 23, 2009

Chelsea (3rd) at Tottenham (9th)

GK Gomes 3.5
DL Assou-Ekotto 2.5
DC Bassong 2.5
DC Woodgate 3
DR Kaboul 2.5
ML Modric 4.5
MC Jenas 2.5
*MC Kranjcar 3
MR Lennon 3
ST Defoe 3
*ST Pavly 2.5

Just a couple changes, despite the short time between matches.

Chelsea are 4-6 favorites. We are 7-2 dogs. I'll come out attacking and tell my team not to be intimidated.

8 min: Defoe works his way up the middle and fires off a screamer, but it goes over.

11 min: Defoe races up the left sideline and find Pavly. He doesn't even take his time with room to work and just fires a shot over.

13 min: A perfect centering pass for Chelsea and I think we are dead, but the header goes just wide.

24 min: Lennon finds Defoe in the middle, but another rushed shot leads to another one going over the bar.

29 min: Modric intercepts a pass and forwards it to Defoe, but he can't seem to direct one on goal today.

34 min: After a Chelsea corner, they gain control and center one from the baseline. There is no way it can go in the goal, but it must have deflected off of Gomes and goes in. Cheapest goal ever. 0-1

45 min: We intercept at midfield. Pavly works his way forward. I figure he will blast one, but he passes left to Defoe. Defoe finally finds the net! We equalize right before half. 1-1

HT: Assou-Ekotto not playing very good so I bring in Bale for him. Crouch in for Pavly, despite the nice assist.

57 min: Breakaway for Chelsea. They try to get a little too fancy and never get a good shot off.

62 min: Chelsea with a corner. It is headed out, but nobody picks them up and a screaming shot from the line goes in. 2-1

75 min: We go overload and try to get the equalizer.

84 min: Bentley in for Lennon

91 min: We couldn't ask for a better opportunity for Crouch. I am sure he is going to finish, but from about 5 yards out he puts it over. I want to strangle these pricks.

FT: We never get another shot off. Another loss. This is getting bad.

[Marmel]

December 28, 2009

Arsenal (2nd) at Tottenham (9th)

My assistant seems to think that Arsenal struggle against teams who run a 4-5-1 set. I figure, what the hell, and we give it a try.

GK Gomes 3.5
DL Assou-Ekotto 2.5
DC Bassong 2.5
DC Woodgate 3
DR Corluka 3
DMC King
ML Modric 4.5
MC Jenas 2.5
MC Palacios 3
MR Lennon 3
ST Defoe 3

Arsenal are 4-7 favorites. We are 4-1 dogs. I'll go with this new formation and attack, try to get a lead then bunker down on defense. At least that is the plan.

1 min: Defoe tries to move into the box, but is cut off. He goes left and tries to center. In the next 10 seconds there are at least 3 Arsenal penalties in the box, with my guys going down everywhere. None are called. However, the ball trickles to the right side, Lennon's eyes light up and he slams it home!!! 1-0

14 min: Arsenal pushing hard, but Gomes makes two great saves like they were nothing. Great job there.

19 min: Modric tries to bend one on goal, but it goals wide. Way too fancy after we worked so hard.

45+ min: Our chances have been limited, but so have Arsenal's. In injury time we intercept at midfield. King, to Defoe to Modric on the left side and he strikes! Wow, we are up 2-0!!

HT: King is a bit tired, but I'm not sure who can actually play his DMC position. Oh, it looks like I can move Jenas back there and then sub in Kranjcar for King. I stay attacking, just because I am afriad to change it and jinx things.

53 min: Defoe, maybe frustrated by the way he is being closed down on in the 4-5-1, rushes a shot and puts it wide.

59 min: Defoe gets the ball in the same spot, but I think he learned something. He waits, waits....finds Lennon on the right side and Lennon rewards him and the team with a GOAL!! 3-0

It is at this point, I start thinking about changing to a 4-5-1 permanently. I don't know if we have the personal, plus I just spend a fortune on a second striker, but if I can do this, to Arsenal....well, it is worth thinking about.


78 min: Free kick for Arsenal but they put it way over. They are clearly frustrated.

80 min: Lennon is tiring, so Bentley in for him. Crouch in for the tiring Defoe.

85 min: Kranjcar with a steal at midfield. It leads to an open shot by Crouch. He puts it away! Make that 4-0!

88 min: Woodgate with a nasty takedown for no reason and he gets red carded. I go defensive.

FT: My greatest win as an FM manager.

[Marmel]

I get a call from Newcastle after the game congratulating me on the win. Then they informed me that because Bassong has played in 15 matches with us, I owe them $825,000. Ouch!

We have a 2 day turn around to travel to last place Burnley.


December 30, 2009

Tottenham (9th) at Burnley (20th)

I decide to work in the 4-5-1 again. It paid off so nicely against rivals Arsenal, that it is worth experimenting with.

GK Gomes 3.5
*DL Bale 2
*DC Kaboul 2.5
*DC Dawson 2.5
*DR Walker 1.5
*DMC Huddlestone 2.5
ML Modric 4.5
MC Jenas 2.5
MC Palacios 3
*MR Bentley 2.5
*ST Crouch 2.5

Lots of substitutions with only 2 days in between matches. We also have the 3rd round Cup match coming in about 4 days, so the rest will have our best players ready for that one.

We are favored 4-6. Burnley are 7-2 dogs. We will attack.


8 min: They beat our defense and it looks like we are dead. Gomes deflects it, but right back to the striker. Another shot and Gomes has to dive backwards, twist his body and somehow, someway, makes the save.

20 min: Burnley has had the better of us so far, but we come down with a nice cross from Bentley. Crouch gets on it and lobs it over the keeper, but over the bar as well.

40 min: A bland first half so far. Until Bentley tries the cross pass to Crouch again. Crouch gets it down on his foot, one dribble and beats the keeper! 1-0

HT: They have dominated possession, but we had the better chances and the one goal. No changes yet.

47 min: Gomes takes a bad angle and misses a save. The ball rolls loose and we are quite lucky that they cannot finish.

66 min: Three changes to get fresh legs in. Lennon for Bentley. Kranjcar for Palacios and Corluka for Huddlestone. We also go control strategy.

88 min: Boring match continues. Lennon gets the ball, passes way forward to himself, but leaves no angle.

FT: It wasn't pretty, but a tired team, on the road and we get 3 points, so I'll take it.

[Marmel]

January 1, 2010

Transfer window opens.

Tottenham welcome the much anticipated arrival of Adriano!
We also welcome a hot youth prospect in Marc Muniesa.

Today also starts the ridiculous chasing of a few of my players who I have clearly indicated are not going anywhere.



January 2, 2010

FA Cup Third Round

Everton at Tottenham

So, my assistant says that Everton have success against the 4-5-1. I don't know how they perform against a 4-4-2. I'm going to stick with my new formation though.


GK Gomes 3.5
*DL Assou-Ekotto 2.5
*DC Bassong 2.5
*DC Woodgate 3
*DR Corluka 3
DMC Huddlestone 2.5
ML Modric 4.5
MC Jenas 2.5
MC Palacios 3
*MR Lennon 3
*ST Defoe 3

OK, so we get our better players back in. I know, where is Adriano. He is at 90% fitness, so I'll probably bring him in later. Build up the suspense.

We are a pick em favorite. Everton is a 11-5 dog. We will attack.

10 min: Defoe fires off our first shot from the left side. A bad angle and an easy save for Howard. Tim Howard? I know him!

20 min: We survive three Everton corners in a row.

HT: Neither team had any real chances. Palacios is injured and Modric is really winded, so we shuffle around. I bring in Kranjcar for Modric. I move Huddlestone up for Palacios and then bring in King to play MDC.

63 min: A very boring game so far. I give Adriano his debut.

78 min: A corner for us and I think Huddlestone can get it in, but he goes way over the bar.

90 min: Huddlestone gets it to Adriano. He fires one off and the keeper takes a step back and grabs it at the goal line!

FT: A 0-0 draw, which means we have to win at their place now.

[Marmel]

Gomes has now gone over 3 games without allowing a goal. Impressive.

FA Cup 4th round draw. Should we get by Everton, we would have a home game against Arsenal. Could this be the toughest draw ever? Yes.

Among other teams, ManU will not leave Modric alone. They make a 16.5 million dollar bid for him. It is actually tempting to get rid of this ongoing headache, but I refuse to be broken. He is my best player by a full star rating. I reject it.

AC Milan then comes along and offers $20,000,000 plus incentives for Modric. Holy cow.
It is 4.1 million now and 16 million over 24 months. I reject it.

A 12+ million bid for Corluka comes in. We have Kaboul who is only a half star worse and we have Walker who is only 1.5 stars now, but can grow into a 3 star player. This is tempting. I have to think on it. The actual deal is 2.3 million now and 10 million over 30 months plus 20% of the next sale's profit. After some thought, I reject it. I don't know why. I guess I feel it makes us a worse team right now, and I want to win games.

[Marmel]

January 9, 2010

Wolves (14th) at Tottenham (8th)

GK Gomes 3.5
DL Assou-Ekotto 2.5
DC Bassong 2.5
DC Woodgate 3
DR Corluka 3
DMC Huddlestone 2.5
ML Modric 4.5
*MC Kranjcar 3
MC Palacios 3
MR Lennon 3
ST Defoe 3

I have been giving Jenas too much starting time so Kranjcar gets in there. Adriano is lacking match fitness, so I'll bring him in in the second half to get some time.

We are 1-2 favorites. Wolves are 9-2 dogs. We attack.

35 min: The first shot of the game for us comes this late and it is a weak shot that goes way over by Lennon.

HT: A horrible first half. I am angry at the guys and I let them know it.

69 min: Still no effort from our guys. At least the Wolves are posing no threat of their own. I get Corluka out and bring in Kaboul. Defoe out, Adriano in. Huddlestone out, Jenas in.

79 min: Palacios to Lennon and he blows an easy one. I am furious.

80 min: Adriano with a nice move to get open, but he doesn't have much of an angle and can't get it past.

85 min: Multiple corners for us but we can't do a thing and Jenas finishes it off with a blast into the stands.

88 min: Palacios way over the bar. This is pathetic and borderline ridiculous.

FT: 0-0 draw. I simply tell the team they are not good enough.

[Marmel]

Sevilla make a $10 million offer for Kaboul. He is a part time starter, part time backup. He gives us depth. I counter some of the terms and see what happens.

They withdraw their bid after considering my counter. Oh well.

Fenerbahce ask if I will loan Kaboul for 1.1 million. I dont see the benefit there, so I reject it.

FC Bayern offer $12 mil for Kaboul. I finally decide to accept an offer. Most of the money is to be paid over 30 months, but Kaboul is not worth it in my book, so I take the deal. His average rating in league play has been 6.95.

Meanwhile.....

January 13, 2010

FA Cup Third Round Replay

Tottenham at Everton

GK Gomes 3.5
DL Assou-Ekotto 2.5
DC King 2.5
DC Kaboul 2.5
DR Corluka 3
DMC Huddlestone 2.5
ML Modric 4.5
*MC Kranjcar 3
MC Palacios 3
MR Lennon 3
ST Adriano 4


Maybe Kaboul's last game with us, so I give him a start. Adriano gets his first start and we hope he makes a big impact.

Everton are 5-4 favorites. We are 7-4 dogs. I'll come out controlling.

16 min: Lennon runs and runs, down field, all the way across and fires one too high. Does he know he has teammates?

20 min: Gomes with a spectacular shot. He is now over 400 minutes without a goal allowed. Did I just jinx him?

38 min: Some pressure from Everton, but Gomes tips the shot over the bar.

HT: Lately my games have been very dull. We cannot generate a goal, but our defense and goal keeping has been superb. No changes yet. This could go a long time still.

46 min: Modric finds Adriano up ahead, but he rushes the shot and it goes well wide.

61 min: A second yellow for an Everton player. He is off. We stay controlling but we have to be spurred on now!

71 min: Adriano with our first legit chance since the red card, but he rifles it over. So frustrating.

90 min: We have a corner. The header looks like it has a chance but it is off the bar!

90+: We go to extra time. I need to make subs. Defoe for Adriano. Jenas for Huddlestone. Bentley for Lennon.

97 min: I can't believe they get the first chance. Our defense looks confused, they get a clean one and we are in deep trouble. 0-1. I go to attacking.

106 min: Finally! We are tired, we are demoralized, but Defoe won't let us give up. He feeds Palacios and he makes it count!! 1-1

113 min: Defoe gets the ball outside the box. He hesitates, makes one move and then beats Howard! We go up 2-1. I go defensive right away.

FT: We did it. We pulled this one out, somehow.

[Marmel]

Not much rest before our next match, but I do manager to take an offer for Cudicini, my backup Keeper. He is old and sucks, so I'll gladly take the 1.5 mil for him.

January 16, 2010

Tottenham (8th) at Stoke (11th)

GK Gomes 3.5
*DL Bale 2
*DC Bassong 2.5
*DC Woodgate 3
*DR Walker 1.5
*DMC Jenas 2.5
ML Modric 4.5
*MC Gudjohnsen 1.5
MC Palacios 3
*MR Bentley 2.5
*ST Defoe 3

The team is exhausted after the last match and we send out a fairly weak team.

We are favored 5-4. Stoke are 7-4 dogs. We will use a control strategy.


8 min: Palacios finds Modric on the left side, but he doesn't have enough room and his the side net.

11 min: We have a throw in. Jenas finds the ball on his foot and just turns and shoots. It goes in! 1-0

24 min: We survive a few corners and a throw in, not to mention a foul called in the penalty area. Thankfully, it was on them.

38 min: They have been getting a lot of pressure on us, and we finally break and concede a goal. I really thought Gomes was all over it, but no such luck. 1-1

43 min: Gusjohnsen injured, so Kranjcar in for him.

HT: No subs yet, but I do switch to attacking.

50 min: Bentley leads the fast break and he pushes it forward to Palacios. He outruns his man and has just the keeper to beat. He goes upper right and makes it good! 2-1

78 min: We are getting tired and I am fearful of allowing the equalizer. Lennon in for Bentley. Kaboul in for Walker. I go defensive.

79 min: Modric rushes down the left side. He makes a picture perfect centering pass to Palacios, who has no choice but to score. That was too easy and should clinch it. 3-1

FT: That does it. A much needed three points!

[BYU 14]

16 min: Lennon runs and runs, down field, all the way across and fires one too high. Does he know he has teammates?


LOL welcome to my world every Saturday morning during the EPL season :)

Good stuff Marmel, enjoying the read.

[Marmel]

We get a much needed week break before our 4th round FA Cup clash with Arsenal.

Woodgate wants to move, but I changed my mind on him and decide to try and keep him happy.

That last win has moved us up to 7th in the PRL League.

I do confirm the transfer of Cudicini and collect $1.5 million.

I also ship out Kaboul for a $12 million dollar deal. I liked the guy, but the offer was too good to pass up.

I have some money to play with an find a guy named Sulley Muntari, rated 3.5 stars and could play the DMC spot in my new formation. I put in a bid. The offer is accepted and I make a contract offer.

Muntari rejects the offer, but I think I gave him exactly what he asked for. I try again. Oh, I see...my board won't let me give him what he wants, despite the fact it would keep me under my wage budget for the year. Shit.

[Marmel]

Thanks BYU!

[Marmel]

January 23, 2010

FA Cup 4th Round

Arsenal at Tottenham

So, Arsenal is our rival and they are the team we blasted when we introduced the 4-5-1 formation. I have high hopes and run out the following team:

GK Gomes 3.5
DL Bale 2
*DC King 3
DC Woodgate 3
*DR Corluka 3
*DMC Huddlestone 2.5
ML Modric 4.5
*MC Jenas 2.5
MC Palacios 3
*MR Lennon 3
*ST Adriano 3.5

Lots of changes, but back to one of our stronger lineups. Ekotto out with an injury.

We are favored 5-4. Arsenal dogs at 7-4. We'll attack.

10 min: An Arsenal corner. Lennon picks up the header and races up field. He tries to find Adriano, but can't quite place it.

16 min: corner kick and a head....it bounces off the top bar and into the net on top of the goal.

21 min: Arsenal moving the ball around our area until we finally make a mistake. They get by the defense and beat Gomes. We are down 0-1.

HT: No more action. Arsenal is bunkering down and trying to hold on. Kranjar in for the injured Jenas and Bentley in for the injured Lennon.

59 min: Defoe in for the injured Adriano. Just great.

64 min: Was Adriano's injury a blessing in disguise? Defoe takes the ball curls around the penalty area and strikes one true! We equalize! 1-1

70 min: We get a midfield steal. Defoe to Kranjcar to Palacios, but the keeper dives and makes a great save. Damn.

75 min: A foul called just inches outside of the penalty box. Off the free kick, Defoe goes inches wide. I was so hopeful!

85 min: Kranjcar winds his way through the defenders, has an OK look, but goes over.

FT: A draw. Now we have to play at their place.

[Marmel]

FA Cup 5th Round Draw.

Should we beat Arsenal, we would have a road game against PRM League team Fulham.

The search for a transfer target goes on, with time running out. The only guys I want, I can't have.


January 26, 2010

Tottenham (7th) at Everton (8th)

GK Gomes 3.5
DL Bale 2
DC King 3
DC Dawson 2.5
DR Corluka 3
*DMC Huddlestone 2.5
ML Modric 4.5
MC Jenas 2.5
MC Palacios 3
*MR Bentley 2.5
*ST Defoe 3

Lennon and Adriano won't be available for a few more days.

Everton is favored 6-4. We are 13-8 dogs. We will still attack.


26 min: A couple mediocre chances for each team. Dawson has to come off due to injury. Woodgate in.

34 min: We get lucky. Our defense gets beat and the Everton striker has room to work. Gomes cannot get to the shot, but it goes inches wide. Dodged a huge bullet.

34 min: We turn it over and Everton get a corner. It was perfect. We are down 0-1.

HT: I just tell the team that I need to see more out of them. At least get the draw!!!

48 min: Defoe does his little dribble across the box, turn and fires, like he has done so many times. It goes wide though.

57 min: Modric steals a pass while they are on the attack. Long pass up to Defoe. He is far left. A long centering pass and there is Bentley streaking in. His header is true. I shed a tear. 1-1

70 min: we are tired. Huddlestone out. Kranjcar in. Jenas goes to DMC. Corluka out, Walker in.

75 min: Bad move bringing Walker in. He gets in Gomes way, the ball bounces off Walker's foot for an own goal. Makes me sick. 1-2. We go overload.

91 min: Defoe with a chance to be the hero, but Tim Howard anticipated his move and makes what turns out to be an easy save.

FT: This one is pretty painful.

[law90026]

Muntari rejects the offer, but I think I gave him exactly what he asked for. I try again. Oh, I see...my board won't let me give him what he wants, despite the fact it would keep me under my wage budget for the year. Shit.

Try changing his role in the team when it comes to the contract offer. There a few options there, like "Backup", "Rotation", "First Team" and "Key Player". Sometimes if one option doesn't give you the budget you require, you up it to the next level and see if the board will allow you to offer more.

[Marmel]

January 30, 2010

Wigan (10th) at Tottenham (8th)

GK Gomes 3.5
DL Bale 2
DC King 3
*DC Woodgate 3
DR Corluka 3
DMC Huddlestone 2.5
ML Modric 4.5
MC Jenas 2.5
MC Palacios 3
MR Bentley 2.5
ST Defoe 3

Bale is our only option today at DL. We get Woodgate back in the lineup and keep everything else the same. Adriano is only listed at 89%, so he is a sub. Truth be told, I am underwhelmed by him right now. I am also a little underwhelmed by the way we are playing in the 4-5-1. I may go back to the 4-4-2 soon and pair up Adriano and Defoe and see how that works out.

We are favored 4-7. Wigan are 4-1 dogs. This is pretty much a must win, at home. We will attack.

23 min: So far we have controlled the action but have not been able to put a shot on goal. A few corners and a few horribly aimed shots.

HT: 7 shots total for both teams, not a single one on target. I get Lennon in for Bentley.

54 min: Jenas feeds Lennon. He runs around in the box until all the defenders gather and the keeper gets set, then he fires off a shot that has no chance.

56 min: Walker in for Corluka and Adriano in for Defoe.

62 min: Lennon centers for Huddlestone who is trailing the play. He has a clean shot fro the semi-circle and sends it into orbit.

WHY IS IT SO DIFFICULT FOR SOCCER PLAYERS TO KEEP A SHOT LOWER THAN, WHAT? 8 FEET? HOW HIGH IS THE GOAL?

71 min: A perfect centering pass for Wigan and an easy finish right in the middle. The defense did nothing to help Gomes. 0-1. I switch to an overload strategy.

88 min: My keeper comes out to play a ball in no man's land. He misplays it, leaves the goal wide open and we are down 0-2.

So, I am doing something wrong in every career I have started. I start out good the first couple of months, usually top part of the league, then things completely unravel over the course of the next few months and by the time 2010 rolls around I want to quit the game, delete FM and wonder why I ever tried a soccer sim to begin with.

FT: I basically tell the team they are horrible and to suck my balls. I'll push on and try to figure it out though.

[Marmel]

Thanks to law's advice, I am able to secure DMC Sulley Muntari just before the transfer window closes. I spend all $8,000,000 of my money, plus another 2 million in future payments. This transfer means I am sticking with the 4-5-1 for the season.



February 3, 2010

FA Cup 4th Round Replay

Tottenham at Arsenal

GK Gomes 3.5
DL Bale 2
DC King 3
DC Woodgate 3
DR Corluka 3
DMC Huddlestone 2.5
ML Modric 4.5
MC Jenas 2.5
MC Palacios 3
*MR Lennon 3
*ST Adriano 3.5

Just a couple of changes to get our two best guys in at AL and ST. So, Muntari comes over injured. You would think that I would get some notice that I am buying damaged good for $10 million? Nope. That is great.


Arsenal is favored as a pick em. We are 11-5 dogs. I will just go defensive and try to make this a 120 min long, drawn out, ugly 1-0 match.

2 min: Nothing fancy, just better football and a great shot by Arsenal puts us in a very early 0-1 hole that I know we cannot get out from.

3 min: Or maybe I am wrong. Adriano centers for Palacios. He is about to shoot but sees Lennon has a better angle. He feeds him and it is too easy! 1-1

10 min: van Persle scores his second Arsenal goal from the exact same spot in the box and with the exact same angle as last time. I'll just assume Gomes thought he would go the other way this time. 1-2.

44 min: We equalize right before half on a play stolen from the basketball court. Adriano gives it up to Palacios, then he breaks for the goal. Palacios give it back...ya know, the 'ol give and go. Adriano puts it away for his first (I think) Tottenham goal, and a huge one at that! 2-2

HT: If I have to watch Huddlestone fire blasts into the upper deck for another minute, I'm gonna be sick. The guy is a total waste of roster space. I move King up into the DMC spot, even though it is not a natural fit for him. Walker then comes in to play the back line.

63 min: Arsenal getting too much pressure on me and it seems like it is just a matter of time so I come out of the defensive strategy and go to a control strategy.

64 min: van Persle just misses his hat trick with an absolute bullet from way out that ricochets off the bar.

66 min: Defoe coming in for an exhausted Adriano.

82 min: I go all out attacking for the final 10 minutes.

85 min: Arsenal is offsides and score easily. I just pray it is called.....and it is. Whew!

86 min: Defoe with a cross to Palacios. His header might fall in behind the keeper, but it bounces off the bar and out. So darn close.

87 min: Palacios finds Modric and it is an easy chance, but he kicks it right to the keeper. No way!

89 min: Defoe squeezes one in to a cutting Lennon, but the keeper makes the save of the game. I can't hardly believe this.

89 min: Walker gets the ball in the box after the corner but hits the side net.

90 min: We go to extra time, just like I predicted, but not at 0-0, but at 2-2. We have one more sub left and I bring Bentley in for Lennon. We will go with a control strategy.

103 min: Modric makes a great sliding steal, get up and passes the ball to Defoe. Defoe races down the left, cuts in and at the last second passes to Bentley who finishes!!! We go up 3-2. I stay in a control set.

105 min: Can we hold on for 15 more minutes? Jenas is hurt, but I have no subs. Everybody else is totally sucking wind.

114 min: Arsenal throw in from way deep in our territory. The ball is tipped straight up right in front of the goal.....then goes over for a corner.

115 min: On the corner, they pass it in low, Vela gets it turns, shoots and this one is probably going to PK's. 3-3

120 min: We have a late throw in but can't do anything, so we go to Penalty Kicks. I'll send out:
Modric
Pavly
Adriano
Kranjcar
Bentley


Arsenal: van Persle goes left, so does Gomes. He saves it! It looked like a half-assed effort from van P.
Spurs: Modric steps up, the keeper barely moves. GOAL!
1-0


Arsenal: Vela steps up, Gomes guess correctly but still can't stop it. GOAL
Spurs: Bentley sends the keeper left, he goes right. GOAL
2-1


Arsenal: Fabregas goes straight middle, or so it seemed. It bounces off Gomes, rolls down the line. No Goal! Too good to be true!
Spurs: What? Bale is taking a kick? WHY? He wasn't in my 5 picks. Thank god he scores a GOAL. I need to figure out the PK rules.
3-1


Arsenal: Vermaelen has to score here. With no effort he kicks it straight. Gomes saves, throws it in the air and hell yeah!
3-1

We do sometimes have a flair for the dramatic!!!!

[Marmel]

OK, that match was on February 3rd. We have ManU at home on the 6th, 5th place Aston Villa on the road on the 9th and then the FA Cup 5th round on the road at 17th place Fulham on the 13th. Then we finally get a week off. We are going to have a tired group of guys. Is there anyway to ask for a reschedule??

[Marmel]

February 6, 2010

TV Match
Tottenham (8th) at ManU (4th)

GK Gomes 3.5
DL Bale 2
DC King 3
DC Woodgate 3
DR Corluka 3
DMC Huddlestone 2.5
ML Modric 4.5
*MC Kranjcar 3
MC Palacios 3
*MR Bentley 2.5
*ST Defoe 3

Just a few minor changes. Kranjcar and Bentley are not the official regular starters, but they play enough to be considered at least part time starters. Adriano just needs a bit of a rest for this match. He may come in later.

Really, I am just trying to survive this match. We don't have the talent, and it is on the road. I'll take a draw.

We are 3-1 underdogs. I'll play a control strategy rather than defensive. With defensive, it just seems we try to hold them off as long as possible, but the damn always breaks. Maybe with control we can find some opportunities of our own for our midfield and Huddlestone to blast over the bar.


4 min: Kranjcar feeds Modric inside the box, but he can't beat Foster, their keeper. He had a real good chance there too.

19 min: ManU has been controlling the action. A few very dangerous headers in the penalty box are up in the air, up for grabs. We finally force a goal kick.

21 min: Rooney leading the break for ManU. Everytime he passes off, our defense just lets him run. He gets a beautiful assist and we are down 0-1.

32 min: We work the ball pretty good in the middle half of the field, but when we close in on goal, we just can't get clean shots. Modric sends a very wishful shot way over the bar.

45 min: Defoe with a golden opportunity, just like Modric had in the 4th minute, but our shots are not good enough.

HT: We have some pretty tired guys, so I use all 3 subs right here. Gidjohnsen for Modric. Walker for King. Crouch for Palacios, even though it is not his position. We'll also go on the attack and try to equalize.

56 min: I can't say we haven't had opportunities. Gusjohnsen gets the ball on the break, he comes down the middle, beats his man but cannot beat the keeper.

62 min: The one time I use up all my subs, we get an injury. Corluka is out. We play with 10 men. I go back to control and hope we can poach a single goal.

80 min: I go overload and pray for one goal.

89 min: We have a throw in this late in the game, but what a surprise, the shot goes over.

93 min: Gusjohnson drills one from outside of the box, it hits the top bar and goes about a mile up in the air. When it comes down, ManU clear it and that was probably our last chance.

FT: 0-1 is not bad against them, but we really need points right now.

[Marmel]

February 9th, 2010

Tottenham (9th) at Aston Villa (5th)

GK Gomes 3.5
DL Bale 2
DC King 3
DC Woodgate 3
*DR Walker 1.5
DMC Huddlestone 2.5
ML Modric 4.5
MC Kranjcar 3
MC Palacios 3
*MR Lennon 3
*ST Adriano 3.5

Other than Assou-Ekotto and Corluka's injuries on our defensive line, this is our best team on paper.

We are 7-2 underdogs. I'll come out in a control strategy.


26 min: Our control strategy has made this a very boring game. No shots on goal, no real threats. Hey, if I can get a 0-0 draw today, I'll take it. King gets injured and Bassong comes in to replace him.

42 min: A throw in from basically the corner kick spot. Adriano gets his head on it right on the penalty spot, but their keeper steps up and grabs it safely. It really was a great save.

HT: A very boring game, like most of my games lately. No changes at the half.

66 min: Still no real action. Adriano tries to blast one in from way outside the box after making a nice move, but it is an easy save.

68 min: I bring Corluka in for Modric and have him switch up with Kranjcar.

69 min: Gomes makes an amazing save from point blank range to keep the score level.

73 min: Gomes makes a great save. There is a scrum around the keeper, who si on the ground clutching the ball. An Aston Villa player kicks it out of his hands and the ball dribbles in the goal. Total bullshit. 0-1 I go attacking.

82 min: We try to clear out a corner, but Aston picks it up. They fire a longe range shot, which Gomes has a bead on, but the ball deflects off of somebody and goes in. Two cheap goals. 0-2

FT: I'll do anything for 3 points right now.

[Marmel]

Our next game is on the 13th in the FA Cup 5th round. We last played on the 9th. The good news is that our opponent, Fulham, just played on the 10th. The bad news it that it is on the road.

[Marmel]

February 13, 2010

FA Cup 5th Round

Tottenham at Fulham

GK Gomes 3.5
DL Bale 2
DC King 3
DC Woodgate 3
*DR Corluka 2.5
*DMC Muntari 3.5
ML Modric 4.5
MC Kranjcar 3
MC Palacios 3
*MR Bentley 2.5
ST Adriano 3.5

Modric will make his Tottenham debut. Corluka back from injury. Lennon needs a bit of a rest. I really feel like we have a great shot today. Let's see what the odds makers think...

Fulham are 6-4 favorites. We are 13-8 dogs. I'll come out attacking.


5 min: We are playing with an orange ball today, whatever that might mean. Gomes has to make dive to the left, but he gets to the bal for a great save!

21 min: We have multiple chances in a row. Each time a nice pass into the box, but their defense continues to make nice sliding tackles, force the corner and then defend it well.

26 min: We have a throw in from the left side. A couple of passes and Adriano gets it in the box, still on the left. He fakes right, shoots left. GOAL! 1-0

41 min: Second corner kick in a row for us. Adriano gets his head on it from about 10 feet from the goal, but the keeper was positioned perfectly.

HT: We are a bit tired, but no subs yet. I want to ride the starters a bit longer if I can.

49 min: Kranjcar injured. Huddlestone in for him. I swap him and Muntari.

53 min: We get burned on defense, but they shoot it wide into the netting.

56 min: Palacios outruns their whole team, but the keeper deflects it right to Adriano. He shoot, but the keeper gets in the way again.

79 min: Bassong in for Bale and Walker in for Woodgate.

90 min: Free kick to Fulham just outside of the box. It was a screamer towards the left side of the goal. Gomes with an incredible fyling save. It was probably the game saver.

FT: We hold on for an ugly 1-0 win, which I gladly take. I also decide to scrap the 4-5-1 experiment. My new guy Muntari can play MC as well, so I am not stuck with him. He is still a great addition and had a 6.8 match rating in his debut.

Gomes was an amazing 8.4, while Corluka was an 8.6 in his return.

[Marmel]

FA Cup 6th Round Draw

We are on the first line. Unfortunately we play on the road. We draw Portsmouth, who are 20th in the PRM League. Could have been worst, but I was hoping for the CH team or even the L1 team that was still alive.

I decide to go back to the 4-4-2 tactic. The other one was fun for a bit, but it just was not working.

We are getting some guys back from injury: Ekotto and Jenas.

[Marmel]

February 20, 2010

TV Match
Blackburn (15th) at Tottenham (10th)

GK Gomes 3.5
DL Bale 2
DC King 3
DC Woodgate 3
DR Corluka 2.5
ML Modric 4.5
MC Muntari 3.5
MC Palacios 3
MR Lennon 3
ST Adriano 3.5
ST Defoe 3

Ekotto will sit one more match, but I'll probably bring him into this one if needed. This is actually a pretty darn solid team on paper, isn't it???

Somehow Blackburn is favored, 6-4. We are 13-8 dogs at home? We will attack.


15 min: We have put a lot of pressure on Blackburn and had a few nice shots on goal, including Adriano's just now, but their keeper is saving everything so far.

16 min: Lennon races down the right side and centers perfectly for Adriano. A finesse header is lobbed gently over the keeper and in it goes!!! 1-0

26 min: Gomes comes wayyy out of goal and I wonder what in the world he is doing as a Blackburn player races towards him with the ball. Amazingly, he cuts off all angles and makes a wonderful sliding save. Maybe the most risky, but sweetest save I have seen.

HT: Not too many chances either way so far, but I am pleased with the early goal. No changes yet.

51 min: Modric lobs it in for Adriano, but his header goes off the post.

62 min: Bale is injured, so I bring Ekotto in.

80 min: Blackburn has yet to make a serious threat in the second half. Defoe so close to wrapping this game up, but he hits the side net. Better than putting it over I suppose.

94 in: Gomes has to make a save on a desperation shot, but there was never any real danger.

FT: Wow, we earned 3 points. We needed that. Feels great to win again, though it was still a pretty ugly victory.

[Marmel]

February 27, 2010

Tottenham (9th) at Fulham (17th)

GK Gomes 3.5
*DL Ekotto 2.5
DC King 3
*DC Bassong 2.5
DR Corluka 2.5
ML Modric 4.5
MC Muntari 3.5
MC Palacios 3
MR Lennon 3
ST Adriano 3.5
ST Defoe 3

Ekotto back in as our best DL after some time off with an injury. Bassong is rated lower than Woodgate, but has a high average match rating. For now, they are interchangable.

MC Jenas and ST Pavly have pretty much been demoted. Neither are even subs for this game.

Fulham are 6-4 favorites at home. We are 13-8 dogs. I feel we are the better team, by a decent margin. We will attack.


16 min: Fulham has put some decent pressure on us the last 5 minutes, but we avoid any real chances on goal with some solid defense on a couple of corners and a throw in.

22 min: Defoe gets called for a penalty on a corner. Shorey puts it away for Fulham and we are down 0-1.

33 min: We still have not had a good shot on goal. Gomes has to make a backpedalling save on a real screamer to keep the defecit at 1 goal.

36 min: Fulham were offsides, with no call, but Gomes still able to make a great stop.

37 min: Defoe in a two man game with Adriano. He feeds Adriano on the left, and he shoots cross pitch to just clip the inside of the far right post. It settles in the net and we have equalized! 1-1

45 min: Again we are trying to survive some heavy pressure from Fulham. This time Ekotto gets a steal, pushes it up to Adriano, who finds Modric cutting in from the left. The pass is right on target and Modric goes across the pitch with his shot. Just like Adriano's goal, it is off the far post and in! 2-1

HT: I consider pulling Defoe, who hasn't played good, but that assist he had bumped up his game score. I'll leave him in for now, but I expect to get Crouch in soon.

51 min: Defoe finds Lennon coming in from the right. The shot is saved by the fingertips. I thought for sure it was an easy score.

52 min: Off the corner kick, Lennon ends up with the ball in the same spot, and this time he makes good for his last shot. GOAL! 3-1

63 min: Muntari to Adriano to Defoe. GOAL! It was beautiful teamwork. I have to think this one is out of reach for Fulham now. 4-1

72 min: Poor defense on a throw in leads to a quick and easy open shot right on the penalty spot. Nevland scores for Fulham. 4-2

72 min: I bring Bale in for a tiring Modric and Crouch in for Defoe.

83 min: My two subs work magic. Bale on the left side centers for Crouch. Crouch gets his head on it and drills it home! 5-2

FT: When we start scoring goals, we are a very dangerous team. One of my top 3 performances of the year.

Despite the great win, about the best I can do is finish top 7, maybe with a lot of luck squeeze into the 6th spot. There really should be an 8 team playoff or something. The season is so very anti-climatic without any promotion in the premier league.

[Marmel]

The goal for the rest of the season is to beat the PRM League teams I am supposed to beat, contends with the better teams and keep a top 10 finish, preferably in the top 8.

Also, we have the FA Cup Quarterfinals coming up in about a week. I would love to win this competition. We have a winnable game against Portsmouth to get to the semi-finals. After that, the other quarter finals are:

ManCity vs. Chelsea – winner must be favorites the rest of the way
Blackburn vs Stoke - 15th and 10th place in the PRM League. We could beat either team.
Newcastle vs. Norwich – CH team vs League 1 team. Winner will be the huge dogs.

First we have to take care of business in the Quarters...

[Marmel]

March 6, 2010

TV Match
English FA Cup Quarterfinals

Tottenham at Portsmouth

GK Gomes 3.5
DL Ekotto 2.5
DC King 3
DC Bassong 2.5
DR Corluka 2.5
ML Modric 4.5
MC Muntari 3.5
MC Palacios 3
MR Lennon 3
ST Adriano 3.5
ST Defoe 3

No changes. I am a bit concerned about Corluka and Modric's conditioning, even after the nice long break. I have subs ready for both of them, but both are key members of this team.

We are favored as a pick em. Portsmouth are 11-5 dogs. We will attack.


4 min: We have controlled the ball for a few minutes now, but it has been sloppy and lots of headers trying to gain firm control. Finally Lennon has it, advances forward, finds Defoe just outside the right corner of the box. Defoe does his patented turn and fire, which never works....except this time he buries it!!!! 1-0

9 min: Their striker dekes out my entire defense, but Gomes is my rock. He makes the save like it was nothing.

18 min: Defoe being cocky now, tries the same move. This time we get the usual over and wide by a mile result.

32 min: we waste two corners in a row. Then Palacios dribbles and dribbles, can't find anyone and turns it over. Portsmouth on a fast break, but Corluka back quick enough to break it up.

37 min: 3 corners in a row for Portsmouth. On the third one, I don't know what happened, but the ball comes flying out to midfield where Adriano is ahead of the pack by a full step. He gets tackled roughly from behind at the semi-circle. No penalty kick from there. Just a free kick. Bain gets a yellow card, should have been a red. Adriano kicks it into the wall and it deflects back 50 yards.

HT: No changes. I am keeping an eye on Modric, his condition is getting low.

67 min: Walker in for Corluka and Bale in for Modric. Both of the starters had serious condition concerns. This makes us noticably weaker on the pitch though, so I go to a control strategy.

86 min: We are applying some pressure, trying to get the ball in the box and get that game clinching goal. The ball is up for grabs and I hear a whistle. I think Defoe gets fouled in the box, but he is called for the foul. No penalty kick.

89 min: For the second game in a row, my two subs work the magic. Walker centers for Bale, who heads it in. Hello Semi-Finals!!! 2-0

FT: This is getting pretty exciting. I can't wait to see the other results and get the draw for the Semi-Finals.

Also, we are on a nice little roll here as we approach the end of the season.

[Marmel]

In other FA Cup results:

ManCity and Chelsea will have a replay after a 1-1 draw.
Stoke beats Blackburn, as expected.
Newcastle beats Norwich, also as expected.

As I prepare to watch the Semi-Final Draw, I only hope that if I draw ManCity/Chelsea, that I at least get a home game to give myself a fighting chance.

The first team up is ManCity/Chelsea as the home team. I yell at the monitor as I click 'Draw Next Team' “NOT ME NOT ME NOT ME”

Its me.

I never catch a break.


In the meantime we have about a week off before we get back into League Play.

[SirFozzie]

Actually, you have a TON to play for going down the stretch

Yes, you're not going to win the league.. however, you could qualify for Europe one of two ways.

A) Finish in the top 5-7 of the league. The top 4 teams in the English Premier League qualify for the UEFA Champions League, a big-money competition featuring the top teams from all over Europe. The next 1-3 teams qualify for the Europa League, the second-level competition.. not as big-money, or as prestigious, but it can be a very welcome boost to team finances...

Note I said 1-3 teams..

B) Win the FA Cup, and no matter where you finish in the league, you'll at least be playing in the Europa League next year. I don't see who won the League Cup, but if they already qualify for Europe by league placement, the "extra" spot goes to the 6th place team. The FA Cup is similar, except it goes to the winner, and then to the losing finalist, before going to the next placed league team.

So there's really a lot of interest in top 8 or so games the rest of the way

[Marmel]

Thanks for the great info Foz. I was a bit fuzzy on who qualifies for Europe, and had no idea there was a Europa.

[Marmel]

March 13, 2010

Tottenham (8th) at Sunderland (14th)

GK Gomes 3.5
DL Ekotto 2.5
DC King 3
DC Bassong 2.5
DR Corluka 2.5
ML Modric 4.5
MC Muntari 3.5
MC Palacios 3
MR Lennon 3
ST Adriano 3.5
ST Defoe 3

I've settled on this lineup being my best, at least while I seem to be playing good. Anytime I am playing a team ranked lower than 10, whether it is on the road or at home, I expect at least 1 point, if not 3. I would really like to grab 3 here obviously.

We are 6-4 favorites. Sunderland are 13-8 dogs. We attack.


9 min: Sunderland with a free kick from in close. The bal is deflected up. Gomes can't get to it, but they send it high and wide.

11 min: They have a breakaway. The centering pass looks good but the header is over. Nice to see the other team doing that.

17 min: They have been getting the better of us so far, and they get the first goal as well. A simple play in the middle of the field that our defense just seemed to let happen. 0-1

38 min: We still haven't had a real chance. Sunderland with a corner and they convert. We are in some serious trouble now. 0-2

HT: I read them the riot act at the half. Crouch in for Defoe and Woodgate in for Bassong. I go to an overload strategy and hope I can get 2.

50 min: We finally get a decent chance on goal, but a pair of centering passes are not quite on target to get a good shot off.

67 min: A corner kick for us looks like it has potential but the header goes way over. Things are looking bleak now.

FT: Not much else to say other than we were totally outclassed. I am very disappointed in the team today.

[Marmel]

March 20, 2010

West Ham (7th) at Tottenham (9th)

GK Gomes 3.5
DL Ekotto 2.5
DC King 3
DC Bassong 2.5
DR Corluka 2.5
*ML Bale 2
MC Muntari 3.5
MC Palacios 3
MR Lennon 3
ST Adriano 3.5
ST Defoe 3

Modric is going to be out for 2-3 weeks. Bale is a huge drop down in quality. It goes without saying that this is a huge match if we are going to improve our league position by year's end.

West Ham are 6-4 favorites. We are 13-8 dogs. I'm going to just start with the standard strategy today.


34 min: A horribly boring game. Neither team has had any real threat, and very few shots even. Defoe with the first semi-chance of the game for us, but he goes very wide.

38 min: We have a free kick from the side. Bassong with the header that didn't have a chance.

42 min: Adriano centers for Defoe who is wide open, but his header is so weak. Where are his finishes???

HT: Neither team has much to be proud of. We really need the 3 points. I will switch to an attack.

58 min: Defoe just taking batting practice from outside the box every time he touches it. He was close once, but has yet to actually make the keeper make a save.

59 min: Crouch and Pavly in for Adriano and Defoe. Drastic measures.

61 min: Bassong with a foul in the penalty area. How come my team never gets a penalty kick. It is a conspiracy. Of course it is good. 0-1

73 min: Pavly with a terrific turn around and shoot move, making the keeper do some actual work. It was a great save.

75 min: I switch to an overload strategy.

77 min: Pavly trying to reward me for giving him playing time has another great chance at goal, but their keeper is wonderful today.

FT: No more threats from us, and we go down in embarrassing fashion at home. To not even get one point in the last two games is pretty lousy football.

[Marmel]

Chelsea beats ManCity in the FA Cup replay. So we travel to Chelsea. That is a huge hurdle.

Oh but wait, we actually will play at Wembley. Is that Chelsea's home or is it neutral??

We have a bit of history on our side as the two teams met in the 1967 final, with the Spurs coming out victorious.



March 27, 2010

Tottenham (9th) at Portsmouth (20th)

GK Gomes 3.5
DL Ekotto 2.5
DC King 3
*DC Woodgate 3
DR Corluka 2.5
ML Bale 2
MC Muntari 3.5
MC Palacios 3
MR Lennon 3
ST Adriano 3.5
ST Defoe 3

The only change is Woodgate for Bassong. If we can't get 3 points today, we might as well pack it in for the season.

We are favored as a pick em. Portsmouth are 11-5 dogs. We attack.


3 min: Defoe outruns the defense on a break away. Adriano does the same down the middle. He stays onsides, gets the centering pass. Nobody is on him....and he pooches it. What an asshole.

13 min: Defoe with a can't miss opportunity from 5 feet in front of the keeper, all alone. He misses.

18 in: Muntari to Defoe. He lets off a shot. The keeper deflects it. Lennon finds it at his foot and he cleans it up! Finally a GOAL!!!! 1-0

32 min: Defoe with a steal. He passes it off to Adriano who is inches wide after he faked the keeper out and sent him the wrong way. What is wrong with Adriano today??

HT: Honestly, this game should be 4-0. The good news is that Portsmouth has not had a credible chance in the first half. I hate to switch, but I am going to change to a control strategy. I am not confident in scoring again, and just want to avoid giving one up.

59 min: Funny game. All those easy opportunities in the first half and we couldn't finish. Now, Bale tries to make a pass, it takes a weird deflection off the defender, lands at Defoe's feet in the middle of the pitch with nobody near him. He beats the keeper. 2-0

61 min: Ekotto makes the steal and moves it forward, getting it over to Lennon. Lennon with his speed just dashes down the right sideline, centers for Defoe. A perfect finish! 3-0

68 min: I bring Pavly in for Adriano and little used Dawson in for Woodgate. Just to give some bench players some playing time.

87 min: Bassong in for Corluka.

FT: We just waste time and run out the clock. A precious 3 points. Perhaps I shouldn't attack so much and just stick with the control strategy a bit more?

[law90026]

There's always something to play for. Getting good league positions will increase your club's reputation, which in turn reduces the chances of your players wanting to leave and allowing you to buy other players more easily (in the sense they are willing to come play for you).

For England, it will be positions 5 and 6 that get spots in the Europa Cup along with the FA Cup winner. The League Cup no longer gives a european place.

Re Control: Personally, I think it's a good option if you're playing a weaker team that is going to counter-attack against you. The idea behind it from what I understand is that you are going to take your time to build your attacks and that reduces the chances of a breakaway by the other side.

[Marmel]

April 4, 2010

TV Match

Man City (3rd) at Tottenham (9th)

GK Gomes 3.5
*DL Bale 2
DC King 3
DC Woodgate 3
DR Corluka 2.5
*ML Assou-Ekotto 2.5
MC Muntari 3.5
MC Palacios 3
MR Lennon 3
ST Adriano 3.5
ST Defoe 3

Basically, I am just going to make our midfield as strong as possible without Modric, by moving Ekotto up there and then playing Bale at DL.

Man City are 6-4 favorites. We are 13-8 dogs. We are going to try a counter strategy. We have a couple good forwards and a very speedy right midfielder. I don't expect to win anyway, so I might as well try something different.


11 min: Both teams feeling each other out a bit early on. We have a free kick at midfield. Palacios gets it in the center and passes left to Adriano. He passes across the box to a cutting Defoe. Defoe goes right, and beats the keeper!! We take an early lead! 1-0

That is Defoe's 20th goal of the season.


12 min: Our lead is very short lived. Man City take the ensuing kickoff and I think we were still celebrating. Wright-Phillips buries an easy one. 1-1

42 min: A lack of action for a good while. Here, Adriano centers for Palacios, who is trailing the play and is still outside of the box. His attempt goes flying over.

HT: I don't see any need to make changes at this point.

64 min: Gomes has to make 2 fairly routine stops in a row. Adriano is shaken up on the play, so I replace him with Crouch.

71 min: Corluka has it stolen from him deep in our own territory. I think it is going to cost us, but their shot goes a hair wide.

73 min: Gomes has to make another great save, tipping it over the bar for a corner.

76 min: We are under heavy pressure for the last 4 minutes. A bad defensive positioning give up an open look, but Gomes turns it aside again.

85 min: We work so hard to cross midfield, then work our way forward. As soon as Defoe gets the ball, way out of the box none the less, he rips a useless shot.

89 min: We have a throw in. Ekotto to Crouch to Defoe who turns and fires. Oh....just inches wide.

FT: I can't really complain with the draw. I'll take my 1 point and hopefully this gives the team confidence when we go against Chelsea in a couple weeks.

[Marmel]

10 days until the Semi-Finals. Adriano tells the fans he will have to watch from the sidelines due to the injury he picked up against Man City.

I plan on using Crouch to fill in. Pavly will be ready as a sub.

Modric is back to full training, so he should be ready for the match.

We have a home match against Hull, 3 days before the match against Chelsea. I'll probably try to get my key players as much time off as possible in that game.



April 10, 2010

Hull (15th) at Tottenham (8th)

GK Gomes 3.5
*DL Ekotto 2.5
DC King 3
*DC Bassong 2.5
DR Corluka 2.5
*ML Modric 4.5
MC Muntari 3.5
MC Palacios 3
MR Lennon 3
*ST Crouch 2.5
ST Defoe 3

OK, I lied. I want this win, so I play my best guys. I will make use of all three subs though.

We are favored 4-6. Hull are 7-2 dogs. We will try to use the control strategy again today.

10 min: Palacios to Crouch. Crouch beats the keeper, but can't be the right post of the goal. It bounces way up and Hull clears it out.

17 min: Palacios and Lennon both get a couple good rips on goal, but their keeper comes up big both times.

19 min: Modric beats his man and races down the left sideline. He passes to Crouch who is just inside the box, also on the left side. Crouch looks confused, but he makes a move, sheds his defender and beats the keeper, barely, but it is a GOAL! 1-0

25 min: Lennon runs down the right sideline, passes to Defoe. Defoe to Crouch who is blazing in from the left. Crouch takes a second, fires and.....GOAL! 2-0

38 min: Hull answer back here with a goal. It was off a throw in, and the pass was to a Hull player inside the small goalkeeper box. Gomes couldn't do a thing. But the goal has been disallowed! Offsides. (I thought so!)

39 min: On the ensuing goal kick, we race up field with Crouch feeding Modric who is cutting in from the left. When this guy is focused he is as good as anyone. Modric put it way and we are up 3-0.

HT: Bale in for Modric. I need Modric fresh as possible for Chelsea.

56 min: Bentley in for Lennon. Pavly in for Crouch.

70 min: Defoe passes off to Bale, who subbed in for Modric at the half. Bale shoots to the close side of the goal and beats the keeper! The rout is on, 4-0

FT: We just kill time the rest of the way and pick up 3 points with a nice easy win.

[Marmel]

We get word that our game with Chelsea is expected to draw 90,000 fans to Wembley. That would be a sell-out and the biggest crowd most of my guys have ever played in front off.

The fans seem pessimistic about our chances. Perhaps I am overrating my squad, but I think we can make this a knock down ugly match and sneak something out in extra time or penalty kicks.

Chelsea played on the 11th of the month and lost on the road. We last played on the 10th, at home and won, obviously. So we have an extra day of rest and are coming off a good result.

[Marmel]

April 14, 2010

TV Match
FA Cup Semi-Finals
Wembley Stadium

Chelsea vs Tottenham

GK Gomes 3.5
DL Ekotto 2.5
DC King 3
*DC Woodgate 3
DR Corluka 2.5
ML Modric 4.5
MC Muntari 3.5
MC Palacios 3
MR Lennon 3
ST Crouch 2.5
ST Defoe 3

That is the very best lineup I have available to me today.

Chelsea are 4-5 favorites. We are 3-1 dogs. We'll try to counter, as we did against Man City to get the draw.

10 min: The first chance of the game goes to Chelsea and they just outplay us, work it inside for a great shot and Gomes can't come up with it. 0-1

Nightmare start. Oh, and it was Landon Donovan who scored. Bastard!


15 min: We have a corner kick. Crouch gets to it, but their keeper makes an incredible save to tip it over the bar. So close!

32 min: We withstand some decent pressure by Chelsea and Gomes comes up with a couple of saves. We get an attack going, but Modric can't finish. It wasn't a clean look anyhow.

41 min: We switch to a control strategy. My hope is that it limits Chelsea's chances. We cannot give up that 2nd goal.

HT: Our two strikers are tired. Pavly will probably end up coming in for one of them soon. No changes right now though.

61 min: Defoe gets banged up. Pavly in. We switch to a standard strategy.

63 min: Lennon centers for Crouch, but he puts it a bit wide. How are we going to find that one goal???

72 min: Lennon fires one over. We are getting desperate. I switch to an overload strategy. It is do or die time.

85 min: Modric is cutting in from the left with the ball. It is clear in front of him. I pray. He fires. It is over the keeper, it clips the top of the bar, hits the pitch and bounces away safely. That was probably our last shot.

Huddlestone in for Muntari and Gusjohnsen for Crouch. I try to get some real fresh legs in for a couple of very tired players.


FT: It sucks that we couldn't even manage a single goal today. The dream is over.

[Marmel]

April 17, 2010

TV Match
Tottenham (8th) at Liverpool (1st)

GK Gomes 3.5
*DL Bale 2
*DC Bassong 3
*DC Dawson 2.5
*DR Walker 1.5
ML Modric 4.5
MC Muntari 3.5
*MC Huddlestone 2.5
MR Lennon 3
*ST Adriano 3.5
ST Defoe 3

Lots of new faces for this game. We have virtually no chance today.

Liverpool are 4-5 favorites. Tottenham are 3-1 dogs. If my board and fans were smart, they would bet every penny on Liverpool today.

We will try the counter strategy again.


We are speeding things up here for the last 4 games of the season....

HT: A few decent chances both ways, but the half arrives with a 0-0 stalemate. I'll take it. No hcanges as of yet.

55 min: Liverpool finally beat my second team defense on a corner kick. 0-1

61 min: Babel with his second goal for Liverpool. 0-2

91 min: They get a penalty kick to add insult to injury. 0-3.

FT: I've had it with this season. I am looking forward to the offseason and see what we can do to improve.

I go on vacation for our next 3 games.

[Marmel]

Pack up and take a holiday back to the States. My cell phone is on hand to keep tabs on things back at Tottenham.

April 24, 2010
Tottenham 4 – Birmingham 2

We sit in 8th place still. 3 clear from 9th place and 3 behind 8th place West Ham, who has played one less game.


May 1, 2010
Tottenham 1 – Bolton 2



Liverpool has 'done the double' whatever that might mean. I do know that they have clinched the Premier League Title.




May 9, 2010

Tottenham 0 – Chelsea 1



We finish in 9th place.

We get a check for $20,450,000 for our league position. Holy shit!
We pay out $1,700,000 to the team for their league position.

Modric was named to the Premier League “Team of the Year” as a substitute.

Liverpool's manager was named manager of the year. Wonder if I got any votes?

I guess that is it until the World Cup.

[Marmel]

World Cup 2010
and other Tottenham notes




I list Huddlestone for transfer.

I pick up a cheap transfer from the Liverpool reserve squad.

Palacios was voted Tottenham player of the year.

We get $48.5 million in TV fees for this coming season.

I tell the board I will finish top half this year. They give me a measly 4.4 million in transfer money.


Odds to win Premier League this year:
Man City 7-4
Liverpool 5-2
Chelsea 5-1
Man U 6-1
Arsenal 8-1
Aston Villa 33-1

Tottenham 150-1 LMAO!

I guess I did a good enough job. The board has offered me a new contract: 2 years, $2.9 million per. I take it.

Huddlestone is shipped off to Aston Villa for 12 million. I was fed up with his performances.


Most of this off season is spent rejecting transfer offers that come out of nowhere for my best players.




World Cup Group State Results

Group A
Italy and Chile advance. Ghana does not.

Group B
Denmark and Ivory Coast advance. Spain with 3 draws does not! Japan does not either.

Group C
Argentina and Mexico advance

Group D
Cameroon and Scotland advance. Croatia does not

Group E
Russia and Holland advance

Group F
USA and Paraguay advance. France does not.

Group G
England and Brazil advance.

Group H
Uruguay and Germany advance.



2nd Round Results

Italy beats Ivory Coast
Denmark beats Chile
Argentina beats Scotland
Cameroon beats Mexico
USA beats Holland – GO USA!
Paraguay beats Russia
Brazil beats Uruguay
Germany beats England



Quarter Finals

Italy beats Cameroon
Argentina beats Denmark
Brazil beats Paraguay
Germany beats USA



Semi-Finals

Italy over Germany
Argentina over Brazil


Finals

Italy beats Argentina.

Italy are repeat World Cup Champions!

[Radii]

Good read so far, it sucks being within reach of a goal at the end of a season and coming up short. 150-1 odds, awesome. Good luck in year 2!

[Marmel]

We are working our way through the friendly matches that I have set up.
I decide to take my assistants advice and try a new tactic. He says that the 4-1-2-1-2 formation would work wonderfully with the players that I have. I decide to adapt it.

The problem is, Lennon and Bentley don't really have a place in this formation. I can probably get a real nice chunk of change for Lennon, so I transfer list both of them.

I have not made any bids on anyone yet. The tentative plan is to sell Lennon, see how much I have to use on transfers (it is currently over $10 million after the Huddlestone sale) and then address a specific need or two.


Bentley gets shipped off to Juventus for $6.5 million.
Lennon gets sold to Man City for $19,250,000. That is a one time flat chunk of money. No monthly payments. Man City must be made out of money, huh?

I know have a tad over $30,000,000 in transfer funds.


We sign DM/MC Thiago Motta from Inter for $7,000,000.


The offseason is pretty damn annoying. All I do is reject bid after bid after bid for players that I have clearly said are not for sale. Then the players get pissy. Correct me if I am wrong, but they all signed a contract with Tottenham, and then they bitch that I won't let them move on?

Is this how the sport actually works in real life? It is pathetic.


League Cup Second Round Draw

We will be on the road at CH team Swansea.

[Marmel]

Tottenham 2010-2011


Keepers

Gomes 3.5 – He is our man. Actually, he is our only man. I brought up a scrub from the reserve squad to back him up, but if we lose him, we are dead.



Defense – Left

Bassong 3
Bale 2.5/3
Assou-Ekotto 2.5

Bale is going to be out for about 2 months, but when he returns I expect him to slowly take over the starting DL spot from Assou-Ekotto. Bassong can fill in but he is better suited to play central defense.




Defense – Right

Corluka 3
Walker 2/3
Irwin 1.5/2.5

Corluka should start just about every game at DR. Walker can work his way into the lineup with some regularity though. Irwin is an emergency type of guy and I'll probably put him on the reserve roster for now.



Defense – Center

Bassong 3
King 3
Woodgate 3
Dawson 2.5

King, Bassong and Walker will rotate among the 2 central defense spots. Dawson will be a backup. Corluka and Walker can play center if needed at some point.


Typical Lineup on Defense:

Ekotto/Bale King Bassong/Woodgate Corluka

[Marmel]

Midfield

With our new formation we will need 3 central midfielders and an AMC.

Modric 4.5
Muntari 3.5
Motta 3
Palacios 3
Kranjcar 3
Jenas 2.5

Modric will get most of his work at AMC. Kranjcar would be his backup at that spot.

Muntari, Motta and Palacios will be the regular three MC's, with Motta probably being the DMC. Kranjcar can also back any of them up, as can Jenas.

At our best, expect to see something like this:


Modric
Muntari Palacios
Motta

[Marmel]

Forwards

Adriano 3
Defoe 2.5
Crouch 2.5
Keane 2.5

Keane was on loan at Celtic all last year. Adriano and Defoe both lost a half a star. I would love to bring in a 4 star striker. That will be one of my main goals going forward.

Adriano will start as much as possible and we'll rotate the other 4 until somebody separates as the 2nd best.

Pavly sent to the reserve squad and transfer listed.

[Marmel]

August 15, 2010

TV Match

Blackburn at Tottenham

We are 1-1-0 against Blackburn.


GK: Gomes

DL Assou-Ekotto
DC Bassong
DC Woodgate
DR Corluka

DMC Motta
MC Muntari
MC Palacios
AMC Modric

ST Defoe
ST Crouch

Adriano and Bale are out for the opener.


We are favored as a pick em. Blackburn are 11-5 dogs. Nothing fancy today, just a standard strategy and we'll see how it goes.


21 min: Defoe tries to go 1 on 4 and send a wild shot a few yards wide of the goal.

22 min: Woodgate is a little banged up so King replaces him.

43 min: Ekotto also injued. Dawson in to replace him. Bassong moves over to the DL spot.

HT: Defense still pretty good. Offense still can't buy a goal. We'll switch to an attacking strategy for the second half.

50 min: We have a corner. It is a direct kick to Walker. Walker fires. It clips the top bar and spins into the net! That is his first ever Tottenham GOAL! And it gives us a 1-0 lead.

66 min: I dial it back and go with a control strategy.

85 min: I go defensive just before a Blackburn free kick. I bring in Jenas for a tiring Motta.

FT: It is a bit of a concern that we are only able to score once, but the defense was excellent, and there is no doubt I am very happy to get 3 points and start the new season with a victory!


This season I am going to do much shorter in game updates and just give a bit more post game numbers.

Bassong had the high rating of the match with a 7.7
Corluka 7.2
Palacios 7.0

Bassong was named MotM.

[Marmel]

I move Giovani Dos Santos up from the reserve to the regular squad. He is an AMC and a foreward and is rated 2.5 stars. He will add some nice depth to our squad.


We sell off a reserve squad Attacking Left Midfielder, Andros Townsend for $1,200,000. Even if we had a need for an ML, he was not very good.


Bad news: We are getting interest from teams on Gomes, and he is considering these. I, of course, reject any inquiry, then I offer him a huge contract to try and keep him happy here in Tottenham.

[Marmel]

August 22, 2010

TV Match
Chelsea at Tottenham

We are 0-0-3 against these bastards, including the 0-1 loss in the FA Cup Semi-Finals last year.


GK: Gomes

DL Assou-Ekotto
DC Bassong
DC Woodgate
*DR Walker

DMC Motta
MC Muntari
MC Palacios
AMC Modric

ST Defoe
*ST Keane

Corluka and King are going to miss a bit of time, so we lose some depth on defense. Adriano is back to training, but his conditioning is a bit low. I won't start him but may bring him in. Also, we'll see what Robbie King can do for us.

Chelsea are 5-4 favorites. We are 7-4 dogs. We'll start with a standard strategy again and go from there.



33 min: Motta picks up his second yellow of the game. Just great. I go defensive.

HT: No score at the half. We have done a pretty good job of limiting their chances to almost nothing, especially with just 10 men.

I don't see how we can score, so I am praying for a 0-0 draw.

70 min: Both teams have had just 1 legit chance in the second half, but still no score. I bring Adriano in for Defoe.

87 min: It is getting tense now. Chelsea are getting more and more pressure and this would be the worst time to give one up. Off a corner, Gomes makes a great dive to push it behind.

88 min: Off the next corner, we can't stop them and Terry scores on for Chelsea. God, I hate this Chelsea team. 0-1

FT: Now it is 0-0-4 vs. Chelsea. They really own me.

We only had 4 shots, none on target. Chelsea had 14 with 6 on target.
Possession was 49/51 in favor of them.

Palacios, Bassong and Ekotto all had 7.0 match ratings.
Woodgate had a 6.9

[Marmel]

Gomes has turned down my lucrative extension. I do have him for this season and next, but clearly I'll have to start thinking about his replacement.

We sold a reserve player, Dorian Dervite to Espanyol for $2.4 million.

We still have almost $26 million in transfer funds.

I find a 2 star keeper from a club named Sporting CP. His name is Vladimir Stojkovic. I can pick him up for about $350K, so I quickly put a bid in. He is not great, but I need a backup anyhow.

[Marmel]

August 25, 2010

English League Cup - 2nd Round

Tottenham at Swansea


GK: Gomes

DL Assou-Ekotto
DC Bassong
*DC Dawson
DR Walker

*DMC Jenas
MC Muntari
MC Palacios
AMC Modric

*ST Adriano
*ST Crouch

Woodgate gets a rest at DC. Motta is out for this match due to his red card. Adriano finally able to start and Crouch gets the start as well.

We are favored 4-5. Swansea are 3-1 dogs. We'll start out in the standard strategy.


12 min: We intercept deep in our territory and start a fast break. Crouch gets the ball, passes forward to Modric. He makes one move to shed the defender and strikes. GOALLLL! 1-0

24 min: We get control of their goal kick with a header that lands at the foot of Adriano. He takes one dribble and fires off a shot from outside the box. GOAL!!! 2-0

HT: I am very happy with the first half. I bring Keane in for Adriano, just because he is always having conditioning issues, so I want to save him for the next match.

72 min: Swansea with a corner and a real nice header from Pratley cut our lead in half. 2-1

93 min: Swansea throws everything at us for the last 10 minutes, but the defense and Gomes stay strong. Modric tacks on a goal in injury time to make it 3-1. It is his second of the match.

FT: We move on, as expected.

We had 7 shots on target and 4 clear cut chances.
We had possession 56% of the time.

Modric led the team with a 9.1 rating
Bassong had an 8.5
Muntari 8.0
Adraino 7.7
Walker 7.3
Ekotto 7.2

Modric was named MotM

[Marmel]

League Cup 3rd Round Draw

We will be on the road, once again against a CH league team: Nottingham Forest.


Good news: Stojkovic deal goes through and he joins our squad!




August 29, 2010

Tottenham at Aston Villa

We are 1-0-1 against them.


GK: Gomes

DL Assou-Ekotto
DC Bassong
*DC Woodgate
*DR Corluka

*DMC Motta
MC Muntari
MC Palacios
AMC Modric

ST Adriano
*ST Defoe

This is probably our very best lineup.

Aston Villa are 5-4 favorites. We are 7-4 dogs. I don't want the team thinking we can't win, so I come out standard strategy. These are games we need points from if we are going to finish high up in the League standings.


41 min: Lots of goal kicks for both teams as the shots are flying over the bar. Must be windy today? Well, Aston has a corner kick and Davies goes up and beats Gomes. 0-1

HT: No changes at all yet. I just tell the team that I need to see more from them. We are not out of it yet. For anyone reading, how the hell can I generate more offense????

55 min: We work the ball slowly up the field. We get into the final third and Adriano passes to Modric, who is in the middle. Modric finds Defoe cutting in. He feeds him, and Defoe's shot is true! GOAL!! 1-1

61 min: I pause the game to get Corluka out. He is tired and playing like crap. I don't get the subs in before Corluka's in bounds. He throws it to Aston Villa and they take off on the break. I know it is coming and sure enough.....GOAL. 1-2

Walker in for Corluka and Dos Santos in for Motta.


72 min: We have controlled the ball a lot the last 10 minutes, but no shots until Palacios finds Defoe cutting in from the right. Defoe's shot is perfect again and he beats the keeper! GOAL!! 2-2

Keane in for a tired Adriano.


87 min: Palacios makes a key steal just as Aston are setting up their attack. He lobs the ball wayyy up field to Keane, who to me looks 10 yards offsides. He takes the ball and easily beats the keeper. No flags from the referees!!! GOAL!!!! 3-2

I go defensive and pray.


FT: We are under some massively heavy attack the last 3 minutes and then 4 minutes of injury time. We hold strong though and get the biggest win in quite some time!!!


We had 4 shots on target, they had 3.
We had 62% possession.

Palacios was rated 9.0
Defoe 8.8
Keane 7.2

Palacios was MotM

[Marmel]

I get an offer of a little over $5 million for Pavly, from Valencia. The sale goes through easily. Bye bye Pavly.


September 1, 2010

Tottenham at Manchester United

We are 0-0-2 against ManU.


GK: Gomes

DL Assou-Ekotto
DC Bassong
*DC Dawson
DR Corluka

DMC Muntari
*MC Kranjcar
MC Palacios
AMC Modric

ST Adriano
*ST Crouch

A couple of subs for some tired players.

ManU are 4-5 favorites. We are 3-1 dogs. We go standard strategy. It worked last time. Of course, ManU are one of the teams you measure yourself against. On the road, if we can earn any points, I'll take them.


44 min: Muntari looks hurt. Motta comes in for him.

HT: I'll tell you what, we have totally outplayed them in the first half. The only problem is that their keeper has been pretty amazing. We played so good, that I am not satisfied with the 0-0 draw.

Jenas comes in for a banged up Kranjcar.

I'm afraid we are going to blow this in the second half though.


76 min: Defoe in for a very tired Adriano. ManU with all the chances, but it remains 0-0.

77 min: I just knew it, Rooney takes a nice centering pass and drills it into the back of the net. 0-1

82 min: Rooney makes sure we know the first one was not a fluke. He turns, fires and scores his second. Fucker. 0-2

FT: We take the 0-2 loss and drag our butts home, asking what if we finished in the first half.

We had 2 clear cut chances and couldn't finish either. We had 10 shots, 4 on target. They had 13 with 8 on target.

Palacios was our only player with an above average rating. 7.3

[Marmel]

September 13, 2010

TV Match

Everton at Tottenham

We are 1-1-2 against them.

GK: Gomes

DL Assou-Ekotto
DC Bassong
*DC Woodgate
DR Corluka

*DMC King
*MC Muntari
MC Palacios
AMC Modric

*ST Defoe
ST Crouch


We are 5-4 favorites. Everton are 7-4 dogs. Standard strategy.

29 min: Two bad injuries right in a row. Walker and Dawson come in for Bassong and Woodgate.

37 min: Palacios gets the ball, moves forward and finds Modric at the top of the box. Modric splits the two defensders, sneaks forward and blasts one by the keeper for a GOAL! 1-0

40 min: Palacios steals the ball deep in their territory. He turns, moves up the right sideline and centers for Crouch. Crouch gets a good angle and beats the keeper for another GOAL!!! 2-0

49 min: Crouch injured. Keane in for him. That is all of our subs.

HT: Not much to change. We are out of subs. Injuries starting to rack up. Ouch.

75 min: Pallacios finds King. I suspect he is offsides. Keane scores....the flag goes up. No goal. We have been under pretty heavy pressure so I go defensive now.

FT: We hold on and Gomes gets the clean sheet. We get the 2-0 win and another 3 points!

We had 2 clear cut chances and scored on both of them. Everton had 2 as well, but Gomes was solid.

A bunch of 7+ ratings:

Bassong 7.6
Palacios 7.6
Corluka 7.4
Dawson 7.4
Modric 7.2
Crouch 7.0

Bassong was MotM

[Marmel]

September 18, 2010

Tottenham at Bolton

We are 0-0-2 against these guys. They are not that good.



GK: Gomes

DL Assou-Ekotto
DC Bassong
*DC Dawson
DR Corluka

*DMC Motta
MC Muntari
MC Palacios
AMC Modric

ST Defoe
*ST Adriano


We are favored as a pick em. Bolton are 11-5 dogs. Standard Strategy, as usual this season.


16 min: Corner kick for Bolton and they nail the header perfectly into the back of the net. Dammit! 0-1

HT: We have not generated any chances so far. Defoe playing lousy so I bring Keane in for him. Walker in for Dawson as well.

55 min: We work the midfield for quite a while, then finally advance it. Palacios, forward to Adriano, forward again to Keane who beats his man, then beats the keeper!!! GOAL! 1-1

75 min: Modric kind of struggling out there, so dos Santos in for him.

82 min: dos Santos is taken down right on the line of the penalty box. No penalty, but a red card. Free kick from right there....it is deflected.

FT: We can't get that winning goal, but settle for a point on the road against a team we have never gotten a point from. I guess I'll take it.


We had 4 clear cut chances but could only finish once. I think Modric missed two of them.

Adriano 7.9
Keane 7.1
Ekotto 7.0
Motta 7.0

Adriano was named MotM

[Marmel]

September 22, 2010

English League Cup - 3rd Round

Tottenham at Nottingham Forest


GK: Gomes

DL Assou-Ekotto
DC Bassong
*DC King
DR Corluka

DMC Muntari
*MC Kranjcar
MC Palacios
AMC Modric

ST Defoe
ST Adriano

We are favored 4-5. NF are 3-1 dogs. No messing around today. I want this one over by halftime.


23 min: On a corner kick, Modric gets fouled hard in the box. He steps up for the PK.....GOAL! 1-0

37 in: We have another corner. It comes down in a crowd of players, everyone misses it. It lands at the foot of Muntari. He strikes it perfectly! GOAL! 2-0

HT: A very nice first half. I sub dos Santos for Adriano. Adriano has a real conditioning problem and is only good for 50 or 60 minutes a game it seems.

63 min: Forest with a free kick from center field, just outside of the box. Cohen drills it. Nice goal, unfortunately. 2-1

FT: We hold on for the 2-1 win. Forest played pretty good today. In fact, they remind me of my own team when we play the big boys. We usually compete but just can't finish enough of our chances.

Modric had a great 8.3 rating.
Muntari 7.2
Palacios 7.1
King 7.0

Modric was obviously the MotM

[Marmel]

League Cup 4th Round Draw

We get a home game against fellow PRM League team, Fulham.




September 27, 2010

TV Match

Newcastle (8th) at Tottenham (10th)

We have not played Newcastle before. They are newly promoted and already doing better than we are, although it is a bit too early in the season to read too much into the standings. Having said that, we need the 3 points from today's match being that it is at home and against a team that was expected to finish fairly low.

GK: Gomes

DL Assou-Ekotto
DC Bassong
*DC Woodgate
DR Corluka

*DMC Motta
MC Muntari
MC Palacios
AMC Modric

ST Defoe
ST Adriano

We are back to our best lineup. Woodgate and King are pretty much inter-changable at one of the DC spots. Bassong has been our best defender.

We are 6-4 favorites. Newcastle are 13-8 dogs. Standard strategy.


32 min: Bassong and Adriano have picked up minor injuries along the way, but their condition seems OK, so I let them play for now. We end up with a free kick from way over on the right side. Modric takes the kick, bends it around the wall and Palacios with a flying header puts it in the back of the net! GOAL! 1-0

HT: Newcastle had a few corners and some pressure on us in the last 5 minutes, but Gomes didn't have to do much. Our defense played great. No changes yet, but Adriano will be coming out soon. Bassong has a + over his head, but is playing fine and his condition is still great.

56 min: A second yellow card for Smith from Newcastle. We'll play 11 on 10 the rest of the way.

70 min: Keane in for Adriano and Jenas in for Muntari.

80 min: Modric with a corner. He gets it back and drives along the baseline towards the goal. The keeper is pinned to the near post, but somehow, and even on slow mo replay I can't tell, Modric squeezes it in the tiniest of spaces. GOAL! 2-0

FT: It wasn't dominating on the scoreboard, but we really did control this match. Great, and necessary win.

Modric led the way with an 8.7 rating
Palacios 8.1
Bassong 7.7
Corluka 7.7
Woodgate 7.3
Ekotto 7.2
Defoe 7.0

We held Newcastle to 3 shots, only 1 of which was on goal.

Modric was MotM

[Marmel]

October 2, 2010

Tottenham (7th) at West Ham (3rd)

We are 1-0-1 against West Ham. They have played great so far this season. I would love to come away with at least 1 point today.

GK: Gomes

DL Assou-Ekotto
DC Bassong
*DC King
DR Corluka

DMC Motta
MC Muntari
MC Palacios
AMC Modric

ST Defoe
*ST Keane

Adriano will be out for a couple of weeks. Other than that, we are good to go.

West Ham are 5-4 favorites. We are 7-4 dogs. Standard strategy.


7 min: West Ham's run of great form looks like it will continue today. They get an early goal on a bullet of a shot from the corner of the box by Cole. 0-1

20 min: They are winning the battles up in the air today. A few midfield headers leads to a quick attack and Feingouno puts it away to give them a 2-0 lead only 20 minutes in. I switch to an attacking strategy and try to get back into this. 0-2

28 min: Palacios gets the ball in the center of the field and hits Modric who is cutting in from the left. A simple play, but Modric with a great finish to get us back in the game. GOAL! 1-2

46 min: The are on the attack. The ball is lobbed into the box and Bassong is called for a penalty. Feindouno makes it and our comeback is short lived. 1-3

HT: dos Santos on for Keane, who is having a bad game so far.

61 min: Corner kick for West Ham and we are again called for apenalty in the box. Talk about home cooking for West Ham. Gomes makes the save on Feindouri's PK!

68 min: Modric with a free kick from the left sideline. He passes it into Bassong who turns, fires, GOALLL!!!! 2-3 – Not quite out of it yet.

74 min: We fail on a couple of corner kicks, but we regain control. Palacios has it in center field. He pass a bit left to Modric who then passes back in the center to a streaking Defoe. It is real close to being offsides. Defoe strikes and scores a GOAL!!! I wait to see if the ref calls him offsides.....and he is not! We have equalized! 3-3

Woodgate on for Ekotto.

81 min: Cheap foul on Muntari gives them a free kick just outside of the box. Of course they put it in our net. 3-4

89 min: Muntari with another yellow. He is sent off. We couldn't have gotten more screwed by the reds today.

FT: We score three times and don't even get a point. The refs just gave 2 goals to West Ham. I am furious.


Modric led us with an 8.3 rating.
Defoe had a 7.3
Palacios 7.1

[Marmel]

October 16, 2010

We have had a bit of break but nothing much going on expect for scouting players. I still haven't found anybody I want to go after (that would actually come here).

Man City (2nd) at Tottenham (9th)

We are 0-1-2 against Man City. I feel we have played a demanding schedule so far, but no excuses. We are on the verge of moving up in the standings or lingering around where we were all of last season. This is a big game (as they all are it seems).


GK: Gomes

DL Assou-Ekotto
DC Bassong
DC King
DR Corluka

DMC Motta
*MC Kranjcar
MC Palacios
AMC Modric

ST Defoe
*ST Crouch

Kranjcar filling in for Muntari, who is banned from this match. Crouch gets a turn to replace Adriano while he heals.

Man City are 5-4 favorites. We are 7-4 dogs. Still the standard strategy for me.


41 min: Palacios feeds Defoe, who is a half step off sides. Defoe scores, but it is waved off.

HT: We're not playing good, we are not playing bad. I'll give the guys a pep talk and hope they can get one goal.

50 min: We have had possession, but have not been able to create good looks. Here we have action in the middle of the field. Modric with a quick pass to Palacios, and then forward to Crouch, who shoots to the right corner of the goal and beats the keeper! GOAL 1-0 AWESOME!

79 min: Jenas in for a tiring Kranjcar. Walker in for Corluka who is also tiring. Against my better judgement, I do defensive.

81 min: What's new? We get a penalty called on us in the box. I am sick of this crap. Barry scores easily. 1-1 Back to a standard strategy. Should have stayed there, but I don't think it made a difference on this play.

FT: I would have taken 1 point at the beginning of the match, but not now. We got robbed again.


Crouch was rated 7.6
Modric 7.2
Bassong 7.1
Palacios 7.0
Ekotto 7.0
Corluka 7.0

My former player, Lennon was named MotM for Man City.

[Marmel]

October 23, 2010

Middlesbrough (16th) at Tottenham (9th)

Middlesbrough are in the first season in the PRM League, so we have never played them before. The media say it should be an easy game for us. None of them are easy.

GK: Gomes

DL Assou-Ekotto
DC Bassong
DC King
DR Corluka

DMC Motta
*MC Muntari
MC Palacios
AMC Modric

ST Defoe
*ST Keane

We are favored 2-5. Middlesbrough are 13-2 dogs. Standard strategy.


HT: They have really packed it in on defense, trying to deny us a clean shot. Their strategy is working. Although we have dominated possession, we can't find an open shot anywhere.

56 min: I feel like we will score, but I'm starting to get nervous so I go to an attacking strategy.

64 min: Adriano on for Keane.

74 min: A pass to Modric into the box. He is mugged by the defender. No penalty. However, Modric muscles his way past the defender, shoots and scores a GOAL! 1-0

Back to standard.

79 min: Horrible mix up by Middlesbrough as they are on the attack and the ball pops up and backwards to Defoe who is just sitting there. He has a good 5 yards on every defender as he races towards the goal and finishes easily. GOAL! 2-0

FT: Beautiful. Always feels great to get 3 points.


Lots of high scores as expected today, led by:

Corluka 7.7
Defoe 7.6
Muntari 7.5
Ekotto 7.5

Corluka was named MotM

[Marmel]

October 27, 2010

English League Cup 4th Round

Fulham at Tottenham

We are 3-0-0 against Fulham. Let's not get complacent though.

GK: Gomes

*DL Bale
DC Bassong
*DC Woodgate
DR Corluka

DMC Motta
MC Muntari
MC Palacios
AMC Modric

ST Defoe
*ST Crouch

We are favored 4-6. Fulham are 7-2 dogs.


27 min: We work it into the box and finally....for once we get the penalty kick. Modric steps up. I feel confident. He looks confident. GOAL! 1-0

HT: I am happy with a lead at the half. I get Walker in for Corluka and Dawson in for Bale by moving Bassong over to DL.

69 min: Strange play. We turn it over and Fulham lob it forward. Gomes comes out of the box and punts it deep. Defoe was waiting for it. Pretty much a cherry picking move, but no offsides I guess when the keeper is the one who passes it? Anyway, Defoe easily beats the keeper, which should wrap this match up. 2-0

72 min: I bring in Stojkovic, our new backup keeper. He has not made an appearance yet.

FT: I was a pretty easy win, as far as wins go. We advance to the next round.

Bassong and Gomes both earned 7.5's.
Palacios 7.3
Woodgate 7.2
A few others at 7-7.1

Gomes was named MotM

[Marmel]

Before our next match, where we travel to Arsenal, we watch the League Cup Quarter Final Draw.

We are the first name up on the board, so at least we get a home match.
Next name up....Man City. We seem to always play these guys.



October 30, 2010

Tottenham (9th) at Arsenal (1st)

We are actually 1-2-1 against Arsenal. One of the draws we ended up winning on PK's.

GK: Gomes

*DL Assou-Ekotto
DC Bassong
*DC King
DR Corluka

DMC Motta
MC Muntari
MC Palacios
AMC Modric

*ST Keane
*ST Adriano


Arsenal are 4-6 favorites. We are 7-2 dogs. Tough task ahead of us. We start out with a standard strategy.


27 min: Modric receives the throw in from the left side. He passes to Muntari at the corner of the box. Muntari just lets it rip. It deflects off the keeper's hands, off the top of the bar, and falls into the goal! Holy cow, we are ahead 1-0!!!

I go with a counter strategy now. Basically, they have controlled this match and we just got lucky.


34 min: Arsenal back on the attack and still controlling possession almost the whole time. Finally they work their way into a great shot and convert. Damn. 1-1

HT: We are in this game. We have a couple of tired players, so Kranjcar in for Motta. Muntari moves back to the DMC spot. Crouch in for Adriano. I also switch back to the standard strategy.

63 min: Corner kick for us. The ball is up for grabs. Bassong rises above the crowd. His head gets on it as he falls to the ground. The ball blasts the back of the net!! GOAL!! 2-1

66 min: Arsenal have a throw in. Modric steals it away and lobs it up field to a streaking Keane. Keane has the defense beat. Only the keeper left. He shoots.....GOAL! Wow, we are up 3-1 on their field. I go defensive.

75 min: Arsenal applying the pressure on us again. King makes the interception right at the top of the box. He lobs up field to Keane, who is streaking again. The ball goes way by Keane and their keeper comes out to gather it. Somehow he misplays it and Keane pounces on it, faces and empty goal and casually scores! 4-1 Tottenham, 2 goals for Keane. That guy is getting laid tonight!


FT: I am speechless. I knew we could win one of these games, but 4-1 on the road. We are going to party tonight!


Lots of high scores:

Modric 9.0
Keane 8.8
Bassong 8.5
Corluka 8.0
Muntari 7.7
Gomes 7.0

Modric is once again MotM

[Marmel]

November 6, 2010

Tottenham (8th) at Fulham (12th)

We are 4-0-0 against Fulham and just beat them a few weeks ago in the Cup competition. I'm not even going to think that they are due, but they have been playing better since we last met.

GK: Gomes

DL Assou-Ekotto
DC Bassong
*DC Dawson
DR Corluka

DMC Motta
MC Muntari
MC Palacios
AMC Modric

ST Keane
*ST Defoe

Dawson needs to get a start so he stays happy. Keane has actually improved up to 3 full stars, making him and Adriano my best strikers. I'm going to pair him up with Defoe to start. Adriano will be brought in later. With Adriano's conditioning issues, I have to run a 3 man rotation at striker most times.

Fulham is actually favored 6-4. We are 13-8 dogs. I want this win as it looks like every win will move us significantly up the standings.


20 min: They are getting some pretty decent pressure on us, so I switch to a counter strategy.

HT: To be honest, we are damn lucky not to be down 0-1 or 0-2. Gomes put up a 9.0 first half rating. Fulham have been dominating us, but Gomes keeps bailing us out. Adriano in for Keane. I'll try a control strategy in the second half.

50 min: When I send Adriano in, I pull him aside and tell him I expect him to come through for us. Well, he intercept s a throw in, makes a very long pass right on the money to Modric who goes cross goal for the strike. Nothing but Net! GOAL 1-0


FT: I have to say, that was one of the most hard fought games I have ever witnessed. I was literally on the edge of my seat as both teams had a ton of chances. Gomes finished with a 9.1 rating. He was amazing.

Gomes 9.1
Corluka 8.0
Modric 8.0

The MotM was Fulham's keeper.

[Marmel]

November 13, 2010

Birmingham (10th) at Tottenham (7th)

We are 2-0-0 against Birmingham. For a few days we were third in the PRM League standings, but we played a game or two more than most other teams.

GK: Gomes

DL Assou-Ekotto
DC Bassong
*DC King
DR Corluka

DMC Motta
MC Muntari
MC Palacios
AMC Modric

*ST Adriano
ST Defoe

We are favored 4-5. Birmingham are 3-1 dogs. Standard strategy.


41 min: We have totally dominated control of the ball, but don't even have a real good shot to show for it. Adriano having a horrible game so I bring Keane in for him.

HT: I tell the team it was a disappointing first half. This game is there for the taking.

62 min: I switch to an attacking strategy. We need a goal, right now.

FT: Birmingham had 2 shots, one on target. Meanwhile we had 16. 7 on target. 1 clear cut chance. No goals. A very blah performance at home is a bit disappointing.

Corluka 7.6
Bossong 7.1

that's it.

Corluka was MotM

[Marmel]

Adriano is causing me problems and demands to be transfer listed. I try to reason with him, but he refuses to listen. I decide to sell him off. Keane has really stepped up his game and his as good as Adriano it seems. Adriano has also been a bad fit since he arrived. Furthermore, I am frustrated by his conditioning issues. I can admit to myself it wasn't the greatest of signings by me and I should be able to recoup a lot of what I paid.



November 20, 2010

TV Match

Tottenham (7th) at Liverpool (4th)

We are 0-0-2 against Liverpool. This will be very tough today.


GK: Gomes

DL Assou-Ekotto
DC Bassong
*DC Woodgate
DR Corluka

DMC Motta
MC Muntari
MC Palacios
AMC Modric

*ST Keane
ST Defoe

Liverpool are 4-5 favorites. We are 3-1 dogs.


26 min: Keane has been having a bad game. I start to consider pulling him, especially as I watch him be indecisive with the ball 2, 3 times in a row. He gets it a fourth time on our possession and finally finds a cutting Defoe. Defoe gets the pass, shoots, and GOAL! 1-0

HT: Not changing a thing. I don't know if we can hold onto the lead, but we can't give up more than 1 goal.

74 min: Crouch in for Defoe, who is tired and has one of our 3 yellow cards.

87 min: Corner for Liverpool. Damn I hate giving up goals this late in a game. The ball trickles through the middle and Kuyt has an open look from the right side of the box. 1-1

FT: Eh, I'll take it, but what could have been!


Bassong and Palacios both with 7.0 ratings. Everyone else was lower than that.

[Marmel]

November 27, 2010

Wigan (4th) at Tottenham (7th)

We are 0-0-2 against them. I just look at it as another team we can get our first point(s) against.


GK: Gomes

DL Assou-Ekotto
DC Bassong
*DC King
DR Corluka

DMC Motta
MC Muntari
MC Palacios
AMC Modric

ST Keane
ST Defoe

We are favored as a pick em. Wigan are 11-5 dogs.


28 min: We have a goal kick. Gomes punts it very long. Keane in between two Wigan players gets up and heads it forward to Defoe. Defoe goes cross net and hits the post and it goes in! GOAL! 1-0

HT: We have been pretty dominant, but I expect Wigan to make adjustments at the half.

49 min: Modric gets the ball in the middle, a bit outside of the box. 2 defenders close in on him and he twirls around both of them, leaving only the keeper to beat. And beat him he does. GOAL! That was one of the prettiest moves I have ever seen 2-0

72 min: Palacios took a hard hit and is injured. Looks like it might be bad. Kranjcar in for him.

FT: A very impressive victory for my boys!


A lot of high scores.

Modric 8.3
Gomes 7.5
Muntari 7.4
Corluka, Ekotto and King all 7.3

[Marmel]

The news is as bad as expected. Palacios will be out for 3-4 months.

The FA Cup 3rd Round draw is today.

We will play on the road at L1 team, Hartlepool


Meanwhile the English Cup Q-Final match at home vs Man City is coming up next.

[Marmel]

November 30, 2010

English League Cup – Quarterfinals

TV Match

Man City at Tottenham

GK: Gomes

*DL Bale
DC Bassong
*DC Woodgate
DR Corluka

DMC Motta
MC Muntari
*MC Jenas
AMC Modric

*ST Crouch
ST Defoe

Losing Palacios is a huge blow to us, but we are playing so confidently that I know we can win this. We are 0-2-2 vs. Man city.

We are favored as a pick em. Man City are 11-5 dogs.


12 min: Modric gets the ball with some space. He moves towards the box and finds Crouch, who spins, steps up a bit and fires. GOALLLL!!!! 1-0

27 min: Bale and Muntari in a two man game work it forward. Muntari then passes off to Defoe who takes one of his wild shots from the corner of the box without even looking. Every once in a while though he finds the back of the net and today was that day. GOAL! 2-0

HT: Obviously no changes are needed at this point. I hope we can keep up the great play.

62 min: Adriano on for Defoe and King in for Motta.

72 min: I go defensive and assume we can stop them from scoring twice.

83 min: Kranjcar in for Jenas.

FT: We get our first ever win against Man City and we are through to the Semi-Finals!


7.4's for Corluka and Bale.
7.3's for Muntari and Modric.
Crouch 7.2
Defoe 7.1

Corluka was named MotM

[Marmel]

League Cup Semi-Final Draw

We will get either Chelsea or Everton in the Semi-Finals. We are listed as the road team, but I hope they are played on a neutral field.

[SirFozzie]

It might just be the just woke up/no caffeine thing yet, but I think the League Cup Semi-finals are over two legs (home and home)

[Marmel]

December 6, 2010

TV Match

Tottenham (7th) at Sunderland (12th)

We are 1-0-1 against Sunderland.


GK: Gomes

*DL Ekotto
DC Bassong
DC Woodgate
DR Corluka

*DMC King
MC Muntari – rated 4 stars now!
MC Motta
AMC Modric

*ST Keane
ST Defoe

We are 6-4 favorites. Sunderland are 13-8 dogs. We have to be brimming with confidence!


9 min: King lobs the ball forward from just over midfield to Defoe. Defoe fumbles the pass, it goes off a defender's foot and lands in front of Keane. Keane's eyes light up, he strikes it and GOAL! 1-0

Keane is a guy who just always seems to be in the right place at the right time.


35 min: Woodgate gets hurt. Dawson will replace him.

HT: We have been the better team by far, but I know that unless we score again, one little mistake can mean a draw...or worse. No changes yet, we have already had to use one sub.

78 min: Kranjcar in for Motta and Crouch in for Keane to keep everyone as fresh as possible. We also switch to a control strategy. Sunderland has won the time of possession for the last 20 minutes and we want to play some keep away.

81 min: We have a throw in from the left side. The ball is tipped around and trickles through the box on the right side. King, being very opportunistic, flies into the open space, strikes it and...GOAL! That should seal the deal! 2-0

83 min: Defoe with a steal at midfield. He flies down the left sideline, curls into the box, and a frustrated Sunderland defender shoves him down hard. Penalty kick! No problem for Defoe. GOAL! 3-0

89 min: Muntari gets a silly yellow, his second of the game. He is off and we'll miss him for the next game.

FT: Another 3 points. It never gets old, does it? A great match marred by a dumb red card at the very end.

Modric continues his fine play with a 8.8 rating.
Bassong 7.6
Corluka 7.5
Gomes and Ekotto 7.3

Modric is again MotM

[Marmel]

SO, Muntari is actually being sent off for 2 matches. He must have picked up a red before that I forgot about?

Woodgate is going to miss 2-3 weeks.


Every Premier League team has played 16 games. Here is the top of the standings board:

Man U 35
Arsenal 34
Chelsea 33
Tottenham 31
Liverpool 30
Man City 30
Wigan 29
Everton 28
Newcastle 28
West Ham 27

That is a beautiful thing my friends.

I have all this transfer money burning a hole in my pocket, so I make a ludracris offer for a very young DC who projects to be 3.5 or even 4 stars down the road. He is owned by Stoke and my scout says it may take 20 million. Well, I am not going to pay that, but I offer 10 and then 13 million.

[Marmel]

December 14, 2010

Wolves (19th) at Tottenham (4th)

We are 1-1-0 against the Wolves.


GK: Gomes

DL Ekotto
DC Bassong
*DC Dawson
DR Corluka

DMC King
*MC Jenas
MC Motta
AMC Modric

ST Keane
ST Defoe

With Palacios' injury and Muntari on a two game ban, our midfield is not nearly what it once was. This should be a game we can easily get by though.

We are favored 1-6. Wolves are 10-1 dogs. Let's score early and often and get all 3 subs in for the second half, ok?


7 min: Not exactly the start I was looking for. Wolves have a corner. It is bounced out, but they retrieve it, fire a long range missile and in it goes. 0-1

14 min: They have a goal kick. The keeper comes out, punts it as far as he can and hits Doyle who is ahead of the pack. He only has Gomes to beat and just like that we are down 0-2. WTF just happened??????

We switch to an attack.

HT: I have no idea what just hit me. The entire team is playing like crap. Adriano in for Keane. Dos Santos in for Jenas. Bale in for Ekotto. I also switch to overload.

I also tear into the team with my halftime talk.

46 min: I get an early response from my guys as Defoe takes the opening kickoff, races upfield, hits newcomer to the game Bale. Goal. 1-2

85 min: Time is running short, we can't get anything on goal and Motta takes an injury. Yet another midfielder out and I used up all my subs.

FT: Devastating loss. There are no other words for it. At home, 19th place team, we are really starting to make progress and then we take this big step back.

[Marmel]

December 18, 2010

Cardiff (20th) at Tottenham (6th)

The good news is we get to go right back out there, at home, against another poor team. Cardiff are new this year to the Premier League, although they did manage a draw against us in a friendly.


GK: Gomes

DL Ekotto
DC Bassong
DC Dawson
DR Corluka

DMC King
MC Jenas
MC Kranjcar
AMC Modric

ST Keane
ST Defoe

We have to do some serious shuffling around. We are favored 1-6. Cardiff are 10-1 dogs. We need to bounce back.


6 min: Kranjcar makes the most of his starting opportunity and delivers a perfect pass to Defoe in the center of the box. Defoe is true with his shot and it is a GOAL! 1-0

28 min: Ekotto makes a beautiful sliding steal, gets up with the ball and forwards it to Keane. Keane takes 2 dribbles and forward passes it to Defoe. Defoe outruns his defender and gets it by the keeper. GOAL! 2-0

44 min: Kranjcar and Defoe switch spots this time. Kranjcar coming down the middle, spots Defoe way to the right. Defoe speed dribbles past 3 defenders into the box. HAT TRICK! 3-0

HT: We'll go defensive and get some fresh legs in. Walker in for Corluka. Dos Santos in for Modric.


64 min: Cardiff going all out on the attack now. They work the ball for several minutes and along with a couple of corners, finally find the net. 3-1

I sub out King and bring in Bale.

FT: We play out the remainder of the time and are happy to get back on track with 3 points and a convincing victory.

Defoe was rated 9.5 for today's performance.
Kranjcar had a 9.0
A bunch of guys 7.1 – 7.3 are well.

Defoe was obviously the MotM.

[Marmel]

We get 8 days of rest, and we'll need it before a 4 game road trip:

Stoke
Blackburn
Hartlepool (FA Cup 3rd Round)
Chelsea (League Cup)

Then we return home for Aston Villa and ManU.

[Marmel]

December 26, 2010

Tottenham (6th) at Stoke (17th)

We are 3-0-0 against Stoke.

GK: Gomes

*DL Bale
DC Bassong
DC Dawson
DR Corluka

DMC King
MC Jenas
*MC Muntari
AMC Modric

ST Keane
ST Defoe

Muntari is back from his suspension. I want to try and integrate Bale in for Ekotto a little more often.
Woodgate is back to full training but not quite ready to start a match.

We are 5-4 favorites. Stoke are 7-4 dogs. Not much difference there.


2 min: Stoke with a throw in. It bounces into the box and King is called for a penalty. Things had been going so well for us too. Suazo steps up and makes it. 0-1

HT: We've had a few decent chances, but we need to do much better. This is getting frustrating. King has been terrible so Kranjcar in for him. Muntari moves to the DMC and Kranjcar to MC. We'll try to attack them now.

48 min: Another penalty called on us in the box. Goal. 0-2 This is almost over. We go to overload.

I also switch to a 4-3-3 tactic. I bring in Crouch for the useless Jenas.


53 min: The bad news comes in waves. Muntari goes down hard with an injury. Dos Santos in for him.

78 min: My frustration grows as two defenders take down Defoe from behind while he is one on one with the keeper. Np penalty.

This reminds me. I read on the FM forums that this game tries to simulate bas calls by the refs. So, what they are saying is that you can get hosed in this game by the refs not making the right call.

That's dumb. It is bad enough soccer has a ref problem, but you have to introduce it to a game?

OK, rant over. We are going to get them next game.


FT: We played terrible and didn't deserve to win, but at least make them get a real goal, huh?

[Marmel]

December 29, 2010

Tottenham (7th) at Blackburn (16th)

We are 2-1-0 against Blackburn. We are playing the dregs of the Premier League and falling in league standings while doing it. Not good at all.


GK: Gomes

*DL Ekotto
DC Bassong
*DC Woodgate
DR Corluka

DMC King
*MC dos Santos
*MC Kranjcar
AMC Modric

ST Keane
ST Defoe

Blackburn are favored 6-4. We are 13-8 dogs. Let's go guys!!


21 min: Corluka called for a foul in the penalty box. Here we go again. Gomes makes the stop! Thank god!

27 min: the flow of tis game is not in our favor. I go to a control strategy.

32 min: I can't tell who my defender was, but they just let the Blackburn guy go by him, shoot it and score. 0-1

Crouch in for Keane. Adriano with a rare appearance in for Defoe.

HT: I switch to attack. I have to do something.

61 min: Jenas in for Crouch. Dos Santos up to the striker position. Jenas at MC.

74 min: Desperation. I go overload strategy.

89 min: Emerton, for Blackburn gets his second yellow. He is off, but it hardly matters. We show no signs of life.

FT: I am at a total loss.

[Marmel]

January 1, 2010

English FA Cup - 3rd Round

Tottenham at Hartlepool

*GK: Stojkovic

*DL Bale
DC Bassong
*DC Dawson
*DR Walker

DMC King
*MC Muntari
*MC Jenas
*AMC Kranjcar

*ST Crouch
ST Defoe

Lots of changes for this match against a L1 team. I shouldn't take anything for granted right now, but I need to be more focused on the Chelsea Cup match coming up in a few days.

We are favored 2-5. Hartlepool are 13-2 dogs.


38 min: Still no score. But the ref must feel bad for our embarrassing run and awards us a PK. Muntari squeezes it in. GOAL 1-0

44 min: Bale shoots one from the left side on the line of the box. It goes over the keeper, but stays low enough for a GOAL! 2-0

HT: dos Santos for Muntari. I go defensive.

67 min: Ekotto in for Bale. Bale is at least showing up, so I want him fresh for the Chelsea match.

76 min: Corner kick. Crouch scores on the header. 3-0. Excuse me if I am not too excited.

FT: OK, at least we got another win, but I don't think I can make any judgements considering the competition.

[Marmel]

FA Cup 4th Round Draw

We are on the road against CH League team, Sheff United.



January 5, 2010

English League Cup – Quarter Finals
First Leg

Tottenham at Chelsea


GK Gomes

DL Bale
DC Bassong
DC Woodgate
DR Corluka

DMC King
MC Muntari
MC Motta
AMC Modric

ST Keane
ST Crouch

This is about as good a lineup as we can put out there right now.

Chelsea are 4-5 favorites. We are 3-1 dogs. If we can't get up for this game, our season is in bad shape.


21 min: Not enough has gone wrong yet this year. Bassong puts a ball into his own goal. 0-1

32 min: I switch to a control strategy.

HT: Ekotto in for Bale. Adriano in for Defoe. We will try to attack.

63 min: Kranjcar in for Motta.

FT: I see that away goals are the tie breaker and we have none, so I guess we have to win by 2 goals at home. No problem. It hurts that their only goal was put in by Bassong. It hurts that we can't score. The only difference from our great run was Palacios. Now he was a great, great player, but can one player bring a team down this far??

[Marmel]

One bit of good news, but it came a day too late.

We have signed Real Madrid's Necip Uysal, a DMC/MC for $6.5 million. He is only 19 years old but he projects to be a 3 star player.

[Marmel]

January 8, 2011

TV Match

Aston Villa (15th) at Tottenham (9th)

We are 2-0-1 against Aston. However, just like the title of this dynasty thread, we are going down the standings at an alarming rate.


GK Gomes

DL Bale
DC Bassong
*DC Dawson
DR Corluka

DMC Motta
MC Muntari
*MC Uysal – 2 stars right now
AMC Modric

*ST Defoe
ST Crouch


We are 4-5 favorites. Aston Villa are 3-1 dogs. We really, really need a win today.


27 min: After a few wasted early chances, we get Modric coming down the middle after the team works the midfield for a while. Modric passes off to Crouch who is cutting towards the goal. He stays onsides, gets the pass and puts it past the keeper. GOAL! 1-0

40 min: Modric runs down the left sideline, looks in the box, doesn't see anyone, but spots Motta standing wide open about 30 yards from goal. The pass is perfect, Motta has all the time in the world to line it up and he drills it. GOAL!!! 2-0

44 min: Motta finds Modric right in the middle of the box to return the favor. Modric makes good on the attempt and puts it in the net. GOAL! 3-0

Where was this the last couple of weeks?

HT: Beautiful. We have picked up a couple of injuries: Dawson and Crouch. Adriano in for Crouch. Dawson looks good enough to finish this game.

65 min: Kranjcar in for a tiring Motto.

84 min: We are a real tired group right now. Bale gets called for a foul in the penalty box. Gomes cannot stop the PK. 3-1

I go defensive, just to be safe.


FT: Feels good to get back in the W column and pick up 3 points.

Modric was rated 8.7
Motta 8.4
Crouch 7.7
Corluka 7.3
Gomes 7.2
Dawson 7.2
Bassong 7.0

Our newcomer, Uysal was rated 6.9.

Modric was MotM

[Marmel]

January 12, 2011

Man U (1st) at Tottenham (7th)

We are 0-0-3 against them. No time like the present to pick up a point or 3.


GK Gomes

*DL Ekotto
DC Bassong
*DC Woodgate
DR Corluka

DMC Motta
MC Muntari
*MC Kranjcar
AMC Modric

*ST Keane
ST Crouch


ManU are 4-6 favorites. We are 7-2 dogs. Rooney, who burned us in the first match this season, is not in their starting lineup.


HT: Other than one extended series where ManU were really putting the pressure on us, we controlled this first half. We got off some pretty solid shots, but we have yet to finish one. No changes at the half.

69 min: Jenas in for Kranjcar and Defoe in for Keane.

FT: We could never get a good enough look to score, but our defense was great and I never felt too worried that they would score. I'll take my first point against ManU ever.

Corluka 7.5
Ekotto 7.4
Bassong 7.3
Modric 7.0

Corluka was MotM

[Marmel]

January 15, 2011

Tottenham (7th) at Everton (5th)

We are 2-1-2 against Everton.


GK Gomes

*DL Bale
DC Bassong
*DC Dawson
DR Corluka

DMC Motta
MC Muntari
*MC Jenas
AMC Modric

*ST Defoe
ST Crouch

Everton are 4-6 favorites. We are 7-2 dogs. Tough game on short rest.


22 min: We are having a horrible string of bad luck with injuries. Modric has to come out of the game. Kranjcar in for him.

HT: A very uneventful first half. I am going to switch to a control strategy. They have won the time of possession and I need to generate less chances for them and more for me.

86 min: Uysal in for Motta.

FT: A long boring stretch of soccer with 2 0-0 draws in a row. Defensively we have been great, but we can't finish on offense.

7.4's for Bale, Dawson and Jenas
Corulka with a 7.3
Gomes 7.2

[Marmel]

It is announced right after the game that Modric will miss the second leg game against Chelsea.


January 19, 2011

English League Cup – Semi Final
2nd leg

Chelsea (1) at Tottenham (0)


GK Gomes

*DL Ekotto
DC Bassong
*DC Woodgate
DR Corluka

DMC Motta
MC Muntari
*MC Uysal
AMC Modric

ST Defoe
*ST Keane

Yes, Modric made a very speedy recovery and is almost 100% fit for this match. A pleasant surprise to have him back.

Chelsea are favored at 5-4. We are 7-4 dogs. We are looking for a couple first half goals. OK, we'll take a 1-0 game and go to penalties.


7 min: Muntari gets the ball stolen from him, he makes a tackle to try and get it back and is given a red card. Seriously? Does this game hate me?

11 min: Chelsea gain control after a quick back and forth header-fest at mid field. They push forward and probably wrap up the semi-finals with a goal. 0-2 (0-2)

19 min: Another Chelsea goal and we switch to commentary only to get this disaster over with.

FT: The final damage was 0-3 (0-4). Muntari really screwed us over.

[Marmel]

Muntari is now suspended for the next 3 matches because of the red card he picked up.
I fined him 1 weeks salary.


January 22, 2011

English FA Cup, 4th Round

Tottenham at Sheff United

GK Gomes

DL Ekotto
DC Bassong
*DC Dawson
*DR Walker

DMC Motta
*MC Jenas
*MC Kranjcar
AMC Modric

ST Defoe
*ST Crouch


We are favored 4-5. Sheff are 3-1 dogs. Time to get this squad back on track.


3 min: I toyed with the Dawson/Woodgate decision today on who should start. I picked the right guy. We have a corner. The ball travels to the other side of the goal where Walker heads it home. GOAL! 1-0

23 min: Kranjcar turns the ball over, but husltes, gets it back and flips it forward to Modric who storms the box, and finishes! GOAL! 2-0

35 min: Sheff races down the right sideline. They get a pretty centering pass and Phillips is able to finish it off. 2-1

HT: Not a bad first half. The goal that Sheff got was about their only real chance, and it was a fine play by them. No changes at this point.

53 min: Modric is chased all the way into the left corner of the field. He centers...the pass started out of bounds, curved over the goal and onto the foot of Crouch who put it away. Crouch gets the GOAL! But that was all Modric. 3-1

70 min: dos Santos in for Kranjcar. Keane in for Defoe.

FT: We kill the clock the rest of the way and easily advance to the 5th round of this Cup competition.

Modric was great again with a 9.1 rating.
Dawson was a9.0
Crouch 7.8
A bunch of other 7+ ratings as well.

Modric was MotM

[Marmel]

5th Round Cup Draw

We are on the road again, against the winner of (PRM) Birmingham and (CH) Ipswitch.


I am on the verge of a ridiculously expensive deal for a young (hopefully) superstar. I am overpaying, but I want to do something big. Detail to follow whether the deal goes through before the window or not.


January 25, 2011

Tottenham (7th) at Newcastle (10th)

We are 1-0-0 against newly promoted Newcastle. They are having a very successful first season up in the PRM League.


GK Gomes

*DL Bale
DC Bassong
*DC Woodgate
*DR Corluka

DMC Motta
*MC Jenas
*MC Uysal
AMC Modric

ST Defoe
*ST Keane


Missing Muntari and Palacios is really killing my midfield.

Newcastle is favored 6-4. We are 13-8 dogs. A bit surprising since we seem to have played much better lately (other than the Chelsea game).


15 min: We have the ball stolen deep in our territory and it leads to an open shot by Ebanks-Blake, who buries it. Damn. 0-1

31 min: We move up the field after Gomes makes a save. Quick short passes and before I know it, Keane passes off to Modric at the top of the box. Modric just powers into the box, dribbles right past the keeper and scores. Nice. GOAL! 1-1

45 min: We have a corner kick. Bassong, who is a great jumper, rises above the crowd, gets his head on it and buries it for a go ahead GOAL! 2-1

HT: Excellent comeback after the early defecit. Now we just have to keep it going. Hopefully, get one more goal early and coast home.

55 min: Defoe with an interception back in our zone. He sends it to midfield for Uysal, who forwards it immediately to Modric. Modric outruns the defense and strikes. GOAL! 3-1

Modric might be a whiny pain in the ass who hates it at Tottenham, but I sure do love his game.


76 min: Kranjcar and King on for Uysal and Motta. We go defensive.

FT: We cruise to a very nice victory after being down 0-1 early.

Modric once again dominates with a 9.3 rating.
Bassong 8.9
Corluka 7.3
Keane 7.2

Modric was MotM

[Marmel]

The big deal is done!

We have signed Athletic's Iker Muniain. He is an attacking midfielder and a forward. I plan to use him in the forward spot mostly, since Modric is perfect in the AMC spot.

He is currently rated 2 stars, but has the potential to be a 4 star player.

I spent a lot. Too much actually! It was a $37.5 million dollar deal. $20 mil up front and 17.5 mil over the next 30 months. There is also a 25% sales clause attached. Ouch, that hurt, but I am excited for the young, and hopefully budding superstar!


In other news, the Adriano experiment is over. I have shipped him to Stuttgart right before the transfer window close. I was only able to get $5,000,000 for him. He made about 3 great plays for us, but his time here was largely a huge disappointment.

[Marmel]

January 29, 2011

Bolton (16th) at Tottenham (6th)

Somehow we have never beaten these guys. We are 0-1-2 against them. We are starting to move in the right direction in the league standings too.

GK Gomes

*DL Ekotto
DC Bassong
*DC Dawson
DR Corluka

*DMC King
MC Motta
*MC Kranjcar
AMC Modric

*ST Muniain
ST Keane

You know I had to throw my new guy out there right away.
King back from injury helps us out quite a bit.


We are 4-5 favorites. Bolton are 3-1 dogs. Let's get 3 points boys!!


4 min: Keane centers to King, who moves it forward to Muntiain and he shoots and scores......but is called offsides. Wow, that would have been some start.

HT: Slow first half. We have had the better chances and more control, but nothing to show for it. I'll switch to an attack in the second half.

68 min: Defoe in for Muntiain and dos Santos in for Kranjcar.

FT: Defense continues to be excellent, but we just couldn't find the net today. We still have not beat Bolton, but at least we salvage a point out of the match.

Nobody played particularly good or bad today.

Corluka 7.3
Dawson 7.2
Bassong 7.2


Corluka is the MotM

[Marmel]

February 5, 2011

West Ham (8th) at Tottenham (6th)

We are 1-0-2 against West Ham. Big game today to protect our league position against them.


GK Gomes

DL Ekotto
DC Bassong
*DC Woodgate
DR Corluka

DMC King
*MC Uysal
MC Motta
AMC Modric

*ST Defoe
*ST Crouch

We are favored as a pick em. West Ham are 11-5 dogs.


HT: Another scoreless half of football. Neither team looks like they are capable of scoring a goal right now. Keane in for Defoe. Kranjcar for King. Motta moves back to the DMC.

65 min: We are on the attack. A shot and it takes a wild ricochet all the way to midfield. It lands at the foot of a West Hammie and he takes off. A simple 2 on 1 turns into an easy goal for them. 0-1

What a bad break on the deflected ball.
I go overload strategy.

66 min: That goal rattled the team. They took the opening kickoff. Modric demanded the ball. Got it. Took off for the goal and scored easily. A one man show! GOAL! 1-1

FT: We answered their goal quite nicely, and then stayed on the attack, but couldn't get that go ahead goal. Modric banged one of the woodwork once late in the game too.

Not many good or bad scores today. Modric, Keane and Corluka were our highest rated players, all with just 7.1's.

[Marmel]

We sit pretty solidly in 6th place. It will take a bit to move either up or down right now.

Liverpool 59 – 27 games
ManU 53 – 27 games
Arsenal 49 – 25 games
Man City 48 – 27 games
Chelsea 47 – 25 games
Tottenham 44 – 26 games
Everton 42 – 27 games
Sunderland 42 – 27 games
West Ham 41 – 27 games
Wigan 41 – 27 games

Newcastle 35 games


The top 10 are in a different league than the bottom 10.

Liverpool is in a league of their own.

ManU, Arsenal, Man City and Chelsea look like #2-4
Tottenham, Everton and Sunderland are the next 3, but we have the advantage of having played one less game so far, and still have a 1 point lead.
We are only 3 behind Chelsea, but they have one less game than us.
I'll take 6th place for the season, happily, right now.

We find out that we are playing CH League team, Ipswitch in the Cup competition.

[Marmel]

February 12, 2011

English FA Cup - 5th Round

Tottenham at Ipswitch


GK Gomes

DL Ekotto
DC Bassong
DC Woodgate
DR Corluka

DMC King
*MC Jenas
MC Motta
AMC Modric

ST Defoe
ST Crouch


We are favored 4-5. Ipswitch are 3-1 dogs. We played them in a friendly at one point and it was a draw.


31 min: Modric gets a free kick from the center of the field, about 5 yards from the top of the box. He wraps it around the wall and past the keeper. What a GOAL! 1-0

HT: We had one other decent chance, but a great save keeps us at one goal. Ipswitch only had 1 decent chance on goal and Gomes had to make a diving play just to tip it back for a corner, which we defended easily. No changes for the second half yet.

49 min: Motta picks up 2 yellow cards in the space of about 80 seconds. He is off and we are down a man. I go defensive.

I also bring Kranjcar in for Defoe and go with a 4-1-2-1-1

77 min: Ekotto with a free kick from a bit further out than Modric was. We drills one through the wall, off the top of the bar, down and in the goal. That should wrap it up, even down a man. GOAL! 2-0

FT: Woodgate picks up some kind of injury right at the last minute. Ipswitch never threatened us, even with a man advantage for 45 minutes.

Modric 8.5
Ekotto 8.3
Corluka 7.6
Bassong 7.3
Woodgate 7.2
Gomes 7.0

Why is it so hard for the keeper to get a good rating?

Anyway, we are through to the Quarterfinals again this year.

[Marmel]

Motta is suspended for the next 2 matches.

Woodgate is out for about 2 weeks.


FA Cup – Quarterfinal Draw

Our name is the first up on the board, so we get a home game, which is great.
What luck! We draw another CH League team, Reading.

Chelsea, ManU, Everton and West Ham are the other big name teams left.

We have a match against 19th place Middlesbrough coming up soon.

[Marmel]

February 16, 2011

Tottenham (6th) at Middlesbrough (19th)


*GK Stojkovic

*DL Bale
DC Bassong
*DC King
DR Corluka

*DMC Uysal
*MC Muntari
MC Kranjcar
AMC Modric

*ST Keane
*ST Muniain

This seems like a good time to get my backup keeper a start since we have a really unsettled lineup due to injuries and lack of rest since our last game.

Middlesbrough are 6-4 favorites. We are 13-8 dogs. I thought we would be favored, but maybe it takes my submitted lineup into account?


10 min: My midfield problems continue. Kranjcar is injured and cannot continue. Jenas in for him.

15 min: Jenas makes an instant impact. Muniain takes the ball down the right sideline. The defense is slow catching up and he centers it nicely to Jenas who has an easy tap in for the GOAL! 1-0

35 min: Modric feeds the youngster, Muniain right at the top of the box. He goes right, past the defender, shoots left and scores his first GOAL for Tottenham! 2-0

47 min: A centering pass for Middlesbrough from fairly deep on the right side. King misses it and leaves the Middlesbrough player wide open. He beats the keeper. I hate giving up injury time goals. 2-1

49 min: The only thing worst than giving up an injury time goal is giving up two of them. 3 passes and its in the back of the net. I hardly saw what happened. 2-2

HT: Horrible end to the half. Walker in for King and Defoe in for Keane, who are both playing terribly out there.

70 min: I switch to an attacking strategy.

81 min: Bad decision by me giving Stojkovic a start. He is not the answer. He bobbles a very easy save, lets it run loose and it is going to cost us at least 1 point it seems. 2-3

92 min: We desperately try to squeeze passes where they don't fit and have to reset the offense. Finally Uysal finds some space to get it to Defoe. He turns, takes one dribble and before the two defenders close in on him, he fires a shot that beats the keeper! 3-3

FT: I am happy we came back and salvaged a point, but very unhappy that we blew the 2-0 lead.

Muniaian led us with an 8.4 rating.
Jenas 7.2
Defoe 7.0
Muntari 7.0


Muniain was named MotM. He gets anointed my first nickname. Money.

[Marmel]

February 20, 2011

Arsenal (5th) at Tottenham (6th)

We are actually 2-2-1 against these guys.


*GK Gomes

*DL Ekotto
DC Bassong
*DC Dawson
*DR Walker

DMC King
MC Muntari
*MC Jenas
AMC Modric

*ST Defoe
*ST Crouch

We are still a little bit away from having a well rested and healthy squad. This is a better lineup than last game, but not by a whole lot. Hopefully, the switch back to Gomes will make a big difference.

Arsenal are 6-4 favorites. We are 13-8 dogs.


27 min: Arsenal with about their 4th free kick from a little outside of the box. This one is drilled home by van Persie. 0-1.

I switch to an attacking strategy.

Corluka in for a slightly injured King.

48 min: We are getting beat to every loose ball and this time, once again in injury time, we pay for it with a strike by Arsenal. 0-2 Its van Persie again.

HT: Nothing going right today. I'll get some backups in there. Dos Santos in for Muntari. Money in for Defoe.

89 min: Probably too little too late, but Money makes a long range centering pass. Crouch rushes in, heads it and there is a GOAL 1-2

I'll overload and pray for the next 3 minutes.

FT: By the way, I love how in the first half there is +2 min, but the clock runs and runs up to 47:50 so they can score a goal. In the second half, there is +3. We were on the attack, trying to find that one last shot. The second the clock hits 93 min, the whistle goes off. Real nice.

Can soccer join the 20th century at a minimum and use a normal clock. Really. Call it tradition if you will, but it is antiquated and silly.

Despite letting in two goals, I suppose it was the defense that left Gomes on an island. He had our best rating at a measly 7.2

[Marmel]

February 26, 2011

TV Match

Tottenham (6th) at Man City (5th)

We are 1-2-2 against these guys. They are 6 points ahead of us. If we win, there is still a small chance we can climb into the top 5. If we lose, we fight to keep 6th place the rest of the season.


GK Gomes

*DL Bale
DC Bassong
DC King
DR Corluka

DMC Motta
MC Jenas
*MC Muntari
AMC Modric

*ST Keane
ST Crouch

We have two-thirds of our top midfield back with Muntari and Motta. I just hope they can avoid any more red cards. I'm still waiting for Palacios, it shouldn't be long now. I just hope he can get back to where he was. He was named my player of the year last season. Modric is the man this year, but that just shows how important Palacios is to my squad.

Man City are favorites as a pick em. We are 11-5 dogs. Tall order today. I'll try a counter strategy, just to change things up today.


HT: A very boring first half. Man City had one or two halfway decent chances. We had none. No changes just yet.

67 min: I switch back to a standard strategy.

72 min: Keane is once again having a poor game. I'll give my youngster, Money, a shot. Kranjcar in for Jenas as well.

FT: We were completely outplayed today. I wanted the win so we would have a chance at moving up to 5th, but on the road, I suppose I should be happy with a point.


Corluka led us with a 7.4
Bale 7.3
Muntari 7.2
King 7.1


Corluka was MotM

[Marmel]

March 6, 2011

TV Match
FA Cup Quarterfinals

Reading at Tottenham


GK Gomes

DL Bale
DC Bassong
DC King
DR Corluka

DMC Motta
MC Jenas
MC Muntari
AMC Modric

*ST Defoe
ST Crouch


We are favored 4-7. Reading are 4-1 dogs.
I would like nothing more to bring 3 little used backups in for the second half as we cruise to the Semi-Finals, where we will get our ass kicked, probably by Chelsea once again.


30 min: The ball is knocked out towards midfield on our corner kick. Motta fields it, takes three big dribbles forward and just guns one from wayyy out. GOAL! 1-0

HT: I am coming to realize that Jenas is just a useless, horrible player. I get I get the youngster Uysal in for him. Also, other than the Middlesbrough game, Defoe is having a string of real mediocre playing. I give dos Santos a chance.

57 min: Modric finds a wide open Crouch, right in the middle of the field. He takes it forward a few steps and the keeper has no chance at all. GOAL! 2-0

FT: We breeze to an easy win the rest of the way. Reading had 3 shots, all in the first half.


Crouch 8.7
Motta 8.3
Corluka 8.0
Bale 7.4
Modric 7.1

Crouch was MotM

[Marmel]

FA Cup Semi-Final Draw

The teams left are:

Tottenham
Chelsea (of course)
Man U
West Ham/Everton

If memory serves me correc,t these games are played at Wembley, so home team is inconsequential.


Chelsea is the first name up. I just know we are getting match up with them. The powers that be want Chelsea – Man U in the finals, right?

Wrong! Chelsea will play Man U in the Semi-Finals. What a break!

We get the winner of West Ham and Everton. Not that either is abreeze, particularly Everton, who is a darn good team. Probably right around our skill level.


We have a League match against Chelsea coming up in a couple of days. It looks like Palacios will be ready for that match, though he probably won't be anywhere near match shape.

[Marmel]

March 9, 2011

Tottenham (6th) at Chelsea (3rd)

We are a pathetic 0-0-6 against Chelsea. Yes, this will be our 7th match against Chelsea in less than 2 seasons, and we have yet to even get a draw against them.


GK Gomes

*DL Ekotto
DC Bassong
*DC Woodgate
*DR Walker

DMC Motta
*MC Kranjcar
MC Muntari
AMC Modric

ST Defoe
*ST Money


Chelsea are 2-5 favorites. We are 13-2 dogs. I see no way we can win given our history against them. We'll try a counter strategy against them today.


5 min: It doesn't take long for Chelsea today on their home ground. A feed from the left corner of the box to a wide open Suarez right in front of the little box. A header by him to the left corner of the net. Gomes can't even get close to it. 0-1

33 min: I don't think we have even touched the ball yet, so I just go to an attacking strategy.

HT: We have 1 shot on goal to their 15. Honestly, we are damn lucky it is just 0-1. We are totally outclassed.

FT: The ref handed out 5 yellow cards to us and none to them in the second half. We had one not even realistic chance to score in the second half and that is it. 0-0-7.


Gomes scored an 8.2.
Nobody else is worth mentioning.

[Marmel]

March 12, 2011

Tottenham (6th) at Birmingham (11th)

We are 2-1-0 against these guys. Short turn around from the last match.

GK Gomes

*DL Bale
*DC King
*DC Dawson
*DR Corluka

DMC Motta
*MC Jenas
MC Muntari
AMC Modric

*ST Keane
*ST Crouch


I totally forgot to get Palacios into the last match to try and get him back into match shape. He is coming in today.

Birmingham are 5-4 favorites. We are 7-4 dogs.


HT: A few chances for both sides, but once again we play good defense, lousy offense. Palacios in for Jenas. Money in for Modric, who is uncharacteristically having a terrible game. We switch to a control strategy.

53 min: We switch to an attacking strategy.

68 min: We just have looked confused out there so far, but Crouch gets the ball in the center of the pitch, maybe 5 yards outside of the box. He passes to Bale, who is cutting in from the left. Bale dribbles deep into the box, shoots and scores! GOAL! Finally! 1-0

We drop back to a defensive strategy.

FT: We survive the last 20 minutes. We didn't play great today by any means, but we get the much needed 3 points. We were carried by 2 guys, maybe throw in Crouch with his 8.0 rating, but...

Birmingham had 16 shot, 7 on target and 2 clear cut chances. Gomes stopped every one for a 9.1 rating. Bale was great on defense and scored our lone goal and earned a 8.2.

Gomes was MotM

[Marmel]

Motta has picked up a 3 game ban for collecting his 10th yellow card.

King will be out for 2 weeks with an injury.



March 19, 2011

TV Match

Liverpool (1st) at Tottenham (6th)

We are 0-1-2 against Liverpool, drawing with them earlier this year on their home field.


GK Gomes

DL Bale
*DC Bassong
*DC Woodgate
DR Corluka

*DMC Uysal
MC Jenas
MC Palacios
AMC Modric

*ST Defoe
ST Crouch

Liverpool are 4-7 favorites. We are 4-1 dogs. I'll just try to come out and attack them, maybe catch them by surprise.


13 min: The plan pays off! Palacios coming down right/center, passes ahead to Crouch. He makes a short pass left to Modric who powers one past their keeper! GOAL! 1-0

35 min: Crouch injured. Keane in.

44 min: Defoe gets the ball off of a steal and races up the left sideline. He goes and goes, all the way to the baseline and bends one at an impossible angle into the box. Palacios is flying down the field with him, receives the pass and heads it home! GOAL! 2-0

46 min: A lob shot from Liverpool, their guy is 5 yards offsides so I am not worried. He pounds it home. I wait for the offsides flag.....and wait.....and wait. Bullshit. 2-1

HT: A got ripped off and should be up 2 goals. I am going defensive for the second half.

46 min: Another lob shot and another header goal. Suspiciously looked offsides again. They scored in injury time and 49 seconds into the second half. 2-2. So frustrating.

74 min: Kranjcar for Palacios and dos Santos for Uysal.

93 min: One of their guys gets their second yellow and he is off. Not much help for us at this point.

FT: I can take pride in knowing that the soon to be 2 time Premier League champs were not able to beat us this season.

Palacios 7.6
Modric 7.5

[Marmel]

April 2, 2011

Fulham (15th) at Tottenham (7th)

We have slipped to 7th place, but could get back to 6th with a win today. We are a perfect 5-0-0 against Fulham.


GK Gomes

DL Bale
DC Bassong
DC Woodgate
DR Corluka

DMC Uysal
*MC Muntari
MC Palacios
AMC Modric

ST Defoe
*ST Money

We are favored as a pick em. Fulham are 11-5 dogs.


29 min: We switch to a control strategy. I feel Fulham is keeping too much possession in this match so far.

HT: Lackluster first half. I switch to attacking now and try to get a goal.

53 min: One of my defenders makes a high risk slide for a steal, misses it and leaves a wide open lane. Fulham take advantage and score. 0-1

So, is my 4-1-2-1-2 tactic getting stale or something? Our offense is getting worst.

60 min: King in for Woodgate, who is playing miserably. Keane in for Money.

77 min: I go to an overload strategy. Why can't we score?

FT: Unacceptable, at home. I lay into the team after the match.

No good scores at all to report.

[Marmel]

April 9, 2011

Tottenham (87th) at Wigan (8th)

We are 1-0-2 against Wigan. We lose and we slip to 8th place at best. If we win we can move up to 6th. Critical game.

Call it desperation, but I switch my 4-1-2-1-2 to a similar 4-1-3-2 today.

GK Gomes

DL Bale
DC Bassong
DC Woodgate
DR Corluka

*DMC King
MC Muntari
MC Modric
MC Palacios

ST Money
ST Defoe

Wigan are 5-4 favorites. We are 7-4 dogs.


2 min: Well that didn't work out to well. A simple pass, rush the net and score for Wigan.

20 min: We have yet to touch the ball. I switch to attacking.

HT: Not a single real chance on goal for us. We switch to overload.

72 min: Keane and dos Santos in for Money and Defoe. Jenas in for King.
The total randomness of this game is starting to wear thin on me to be honest.


FT: And with that, I think I am going to shelve this game.



How can I score 2 goals in the first half against Liverpool. Then give up 2 in a space of 1:20, with one being so clearly offsides, but the ref not calling it. Then I go 2.5 games without even a single clear cut chance on goal against 2 mediocre teams?

[RT]

Nice read, Marmel, hope you stick with it!

I had a pretty good career game at Tottenham on this version. They've got the basis of a decent squad, and a fairly patient chairman.

In real life, Woodgate and King (while both good defenders, esp King) are famed for their injury-proneness. King barely trains and rarely plays consecutive games, and Woodgate has missed bags of games wherever he's played. The game's clearly modelled that quite well, so if I were you, a big priority would be replacing these guys.

(The game also appears to have modelled Muntari's discipline problems quite well, too!)

You've probably already worked it out by now, but the FA Cup is a bigger competition than the League Cup. The League Cup is a nice bonus if you can win it, but the Champions League teams (and other Prem teams who want to concentrate on not getting relegated) typically sit their best players until the very late rounds.