Premier League Summary

As it's the end of the season, as you all know there is an end of season summary. Telling you who won what, who came up, who went down, the best buys, the worst buys etc. Well, here it is!

Here is my personal Confidence summary of the season:

Premier League Summary:

Summer Transfers!

Only been given an £9m transfer budget, and I've already spent it.. hehe

Xherdan Shaqiri:

Oh. My. Going to fit right in for me, since I'm going to try and use Theo as a striker more, same with Podolski.

Ricardinho:
Such a good little youngster.

UCL Final: Manchester United (N)

Today is the last game of the season, and the biggest. The board were "happy" that I won the league, and got a 5 year extension to my contract! Looks like I'll be an Arsenal manager for a while now. My friend not only got Portsmouth promoted, but won the League 1 title too!

So here we are. Wembley. The arena where dreams really do come true. In real life, I went there to see Swansea City FC beat Reading FC in the Championship Play-Off Final 3 years ago. What. An. Atmosphere!

Back to the world of FM, well, this game is huge. And due to the week's rest from the last game, the team are fit and ready, barring those lads that are REALLY injured.

Cazorla not long back from injury so doesn't feature. No Zieler either so drafted in Damian Martinez, a good young keeper!

GAME ON!!!
29m: What a SCREAMER! Good passing eventually gets to Walcott on the right hand side of the box, and he takes a first time shot and it beats De Gea and drifts beautifully into the top left corner of the net! 1-0
34m: Lovely counter attack leads to Fellaini sliding the ball to Giroud, who beats his marker and smacks the ball into the net to become the tournament's leading goalscorer! 2-0
37m: Relatively instant riposte from United, sees Giggs thump home a 4 yard shot from a Kagawa cross. 2-1
42m: Typical. Cassani gets too agitated and receives his second yellow in only the first half. Change of formation to a 3 at the back, with Fellaini dropping to the DM position as an Anchor. Ox goes to CM with Garmash. Also changed focus to "Counter".
HT
46m: Fellaini passes to Denys, who lifts a ball to Theo, heads down to Giroud on the half volley... GOOAOAOAL!!! 3-1
53m: Theo screams down the right wing and gets to the by-line, distributes the cross and who's there picking up his hat-trick?! OLIVIER GIROUD!!! 4-1
57m: CONTAIN!!!
75m: Theo is knackered, bless him! Really put himself on the line for this one. Cristian Tello comes on for him.
84m: Wellington Nem is even more tired than Theo was! On comes Wilshere.
90m: Doesn't really matter now, but Vidic is sent off for a 2nd yellow.
FT
AND THAT'S THE GAME!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW YYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
CHAMPIONE CHAMPIONE OLE OLE OOOOOOOLLLLLLEEEEEEEE!!!

BPL Game 38: Wigan (H)

Final game of the season and I'm going in as champions! *SIGH* That's a relaxed sigh...

Decided to go for some young players in the line-up, including Conor Henderson who has impressed on recent loan spells at Portsmouth!

GAME ON!!!

25m: Wellington Nem's corner results in a penalty! Giroud steps up and slots home. 1-0

37m: Henderson knocks it wide to Theo, who puts in a sublime cross and Giroud out jumps all to head home his second of the day. 2-0

41: Kone has a strike from a LONG way out and scores. Wow... 2-1

HT

69m: Coquelin's condition is down to 64% so subbing him for Fellaini

FT

And that's the end of the Premiership for this season.

BPL Game 37: Stoke (A)

Need 2 points to qualify for the Champions League next season...
Not my focus. I want the CHAMPIONSHIP!!!

GAME ON!!!
6m: Freekick from just outside the area and Nem goes for it... AND SCORES! 1-0
14m: Koscielny errors in our area and gives away a penalty, Marc Wilson steps up, but Szczesny denies him! Still 1-0
24m: Santon sends up a booming 'cross' from 45 yards, and finds Giroud, who hits it on the half volley and it hits the underside of the bar as it goes in! 2-0
HT
64m: Michael Owen scores a rare goal. 2-1
66m: SUB: Vermaelen has picked up a knock and Tello hasn't really hit go yet. On come Mertesacker and Theo, who goes out to the right and Ox goes to the left.
83m: Ox whips in a cross and it's Giroud who applies the finish! 3-1 and now we can RELAX!
FT
AND THAT'S IT!!!! WE ARE THE PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS!!! Cannot be beaten to it now, as I am 5 points clear! :D OH MY!!! Considering this is my first season and the way that it started out, I could never have imagined to have gotten this far! Thrilled!!!

BPL Game 36: QPR (H)

Need to keep up the winning form, especially as it's so close to the end of the season.

Despite him not being 100%, Giroud starts and hopefully his form carries him on!

GAME ON!!!
45+2m: Green clears, but it's hit on the volley by Wellington Nem and the mental man scores from 35 yards PLUS! 1-0
HT
51m: Szczesny clears upfield to Giroud, he heads it down to the Ox, who then lobs a ball over the defence back to Giroud who is through on goal, and he scores! 2-0
80m: Subs time! Giroud, Nem and Santon off. Adem, Tello and Cassani on.
FT
Maintain my 2 point lead at the top of the Prem! :D

UCL Semi Final: Chelsea (H) - Second Leg

Currently hold a 3-0 away goal lead over Chelsea, and to be honest, I'm thinking of just shutting out the game. Get 1 or 2 goals up and then just stop everything coming back.
The winner will go up against Manchester United after they defeated AC Milan 4-1 (5-2 on aggregate)! What a chance!!!

GAME ON!!!

11m: A lovely counter and Fellaini gives it to Cazorla, who passes to Giroud who is through on goal. First shot beats the keeper but not the post, but he's first to the rebound. Self assist! Taps into an empty net. 1-0

21m: After winning the ball, Santi plays a nice pass to Fellaini, who in turn slides a lovely through ball to Giroud in front of goal, makes no mistake and doubles his tally on the night and the lead. 2-0. 5-0 on aggregate!

HT

50m: After some frantic defending from several corners, Ivanovic has it in the box. Foolishly, Cassani slides in and fouls him. Penalty. Lampard steps up and the inevitable happens. 2-1

62m: As Santi and Ramsey have picked up knocks, I've decided to bring them off, just in case they get worse. Coquelin comes in for Aaron, and Theo is on for Santi.

68m: Mata's corner finds Torres in the 6 yard area and he smashes a shot into the net. 2-2 on the night, but still 5-2 on aggregate.

69m: And to make matters worse, Wilshere is injured! On comes the Ox.

75m: Lampard makes it 3-2 on the night, but it's not enough.

FT

Aggregate win. 5-3. Off now to Wembley to face Man Utd!

BPL Game 35: Southampton (A)

Minor distraction being back in the Premiership, as I have the return fixture against Chelsea in the Champions League the following Wednesday! 3 games in a week. OUCH!
Positive news. Sunderland beat Man Utd. This means that if I win, I will go top with it all square. No extra games. Definite must win 3 games after. :D:D:D:D:D

GAME ON!!!
28m: From the Ox on the right, he slides to Coquelin who then puts in a small cross to Tello, who hits it on the half volley and it beats the keeper! 1-0
39m: A failed clearance after several counter attacks is gathered by Mikel Arteta 27 yards out and he strolls into the box and slides it past the keeper. His first of the season puts us 2-0 up!
43m: Gaston Ramirez scores after Jay Rodriguez is free to pass to Hoolahan in the box. 2-1
HT
52m: Rossi injured. Shame, I felt that he was finally getting used to the style of the team. Theo on instead.
67m: Fox gives a penalty away, and Arteta steps up. He doubles his tally for the season, and increases the lead. 3-1
78m: Subs. Vermaelen and Ramsey off. Koscielny and Wellington Nem on.
79m: Jenks deep down the right and gives it to Ox, who from 4 yards out smashes the ball at the near post! 4-1
87m: Consolation goal for Southampton, 4-2 (Hoolahan)
FT
Great win. Puts me top too! :D All I need to do is close out the season and I win the Premiership!

UCL Semi Final: Chelsea (A) - First Leg

MASSIVE GAME!!!

See what I mean about resting key players? OH MY!!! Fully fit team and looks like it's going to be a good game! Fingers crossed that I win! :D

GAME ON!!!
5m: Good build up then gets to Cazorla who thumps it out right to Nem, who lays it back to Fellaini and BOOM!!! GOAAAL!!! 0-1
HT
Plenty of bookings and injuries for both teams.
65m: Triple subs. All for players who appear to have picked up a knock. Cassani def has. Jenks on for him. Wilshere for Cazorla and Arteta for Garmash.
79m: Ramires is sent off! Chelsea down to 10 men.
90m: Wilshere breaks from his own box, crosses into the box. Bit of a scuffle but Giroud comes out with it and puts it into the net. 0-2
95m: Wellington Nem skips past a Lampard challenge and shots from distance. The 25yarder screams into the bottom corner! 0-3
FT
What an away win! 3-0 means that I can kind of relax heading into the second leg! Looks like a Final spot has my name on it!!! :D

BPL Game 34: Fulham (A)

Fulham are 19th in the league and they play Manchester United midweek. I can't hope that they'll do a number on them and then expect them to lay down and die for me.

Decided to field an alternative 11 as I have Chelsea in the Semi-Finals of the Champions League midweek. Also means that I can rest certain players and not worry about them, keeping them fresh for the big test later.

GAME ON!!!
Pretty uneventful first half leads to a 0-0 scoreline at the break.
66m: Trying to inject something into the game. Santi comes on for Tello and Fellaini comes on for Coquelin
87m: Oh wow. Gibbs gives it to Ramsey who casually takes the ball and takes a shot from 20+ yards. Must have taken a slight deflection but it is in. I'll take that! :-) 1-0
FT
Wow. Not one to watch again. Nearly a bore draw but pulled something out of the bag at the last minute. Takes me top again, and consigns Fulham to the bottom.

BPL Game 33: Sunderland (H)

Sunderland currently sitting in the relegation zone, whilst I am comfortably sitting in the top 3 and guaranteed Champions League football next season. Still, need to thump them so I can chase top spot, as you've probably gathered.

Giroud returns and Ramsey gets another game as his form is impressive at the moment.

GAME ON!!!

2m: My word, blink and you'd missed that. Sessegnon didnt though. Good cross from Adam Johnson and it's Sessegnon with the header. 0-1
21m: Equaliser, Fellaini is the scorer with a volley as the ball was bobbling in the opponents box. 1-1
23m: BANG BANG! Garmash's freekick to Gervinho, crossed in for Giroud and he's back on scoring ways! 2-1
26m: Santon cuts in from the left then dishes forwards to Garmash, who slides the ball through and it's that man Ramsey again. 3-1
HT
60m: Some beautiful inter-passing down the right finds Fellaini on the right hand edge of the box and he pumps a cross in to find Giroud's head. His second of the game, the teams fourth. 4-1
Sub. I'm guessing Gervinho's picked up a knock or something cos his condition is really low. On comes Wellington Nem
74m: Garmash sends the ball out to the left to an unmarked Nem, who makes a short run and sends a cross in, to find Giroud on the volley for his hattrick. 30th Goal of the season. 5-1
FT
Wow. What a game. It takes me top temporarily, but for now I am pleased with this win. It may consign Sunderland to play in the Championship next season, but I don't really care. Sorry

UCL Quarter Final Second Leg: Porto (H)

Crucial must win game so that I progress through to the next stage. Currently holding some advantage as I have an away goal, but that counts for nothing if I can't keep a clean sheet.

Giroud still not 100% after his injury in the 1st leg so Theo makes a start at striker.

GAME ON!!!

30m: Arteta knocks it to Sagna on the right wing, who progresses, then belts in a cross and Schurrle heads it home. Cracking start. Porto now need 2 goals to go through! 1-0

HT

53m: Vermaelen gets a second yellow and is off for an early bath. Dropping Ox to the DLP CM position, moving Jack to the BWM and then Arteta makes way for Djourou. 4221 formation.

80m: Wilshere is playing really well but he's really tired so decided to bring him off. Ramsey his replacement.

FT: BALL GAME!!! Through to the next stage of the Champions League. Good win. Hopefully the whole thing with the cards works on here (as in the cards get wiped clear for the next stage). Here's hoping.

BPL Game 32: Everton (H)

Need to win as I am now only 1 point behind Man Utd, and we are now on equal games.

A return to Goodison Park for Marouanne, but let's hope that he silences the crowd!

GAME ON!!!
25m: Ox crosses in and it's Fellaini with the header against his old club. 1-0
HT
83m: Nem and Wilshere on for Rossi and Garmash
FT
Not a very good win, but a win nonetheless, keeps me 1 point behind top spot!

UCL Quarter Final First Leg: FC Porto (A)

Big game. Very congested fixtures now. Boys are going to be struggling for fitness but the prize at the end of the tunnel is going to be so much sweeter as we put the work in now.

GAME ON!!!

30seconds: What a start!!! Gervinho to Jenks, who turns and crosses in for Santi, controls and then smashes it into the net. 1-0. Very quick! Good start and a crucial away goal!

23m: Goal scorer gets injured. Dam. On comes Rossi.

35m: Garmash gets his 2nd yellow very early on. Hmm... Cassani off, Ramsey on. Switch to 3231 formation.

45m +3: Giroud injured. GAH! Rossi goes to striker, and now Vermaelen comes on instead. 4221 formation

HT

FT

Weathered that storm a little bit there! JEEZ! Injuries to key players will make the rest of the season more difficult too. Fingers crossed they won't be too bad. But, a win, away goal AND a clean sheet.

BPL Game 31: Aston Villa (A)

No Podolski for this one. Most of the team are >95% condition and all match fit. Selection headache.

Decided to rest Giroud completely, not like I really need him to finish off a 7th placed Villa, but still not lacking in the striking department.

GAME ON!!!

Walcott has picked up a knock early on, but stays on.

HT. Nothing happening. Bore.

53m: What was I saying? Santon and Tello exchange passes from the throw, Santon to Ramsey, who sees Tello's run into the box and delivers, right foot screamer into the bottom corner of the goal. 1-0

73m: Decided to bite the bullet and bring Giroud on for Theo, and Coquelin replaces Fellaini

77m: Impact sub in Coquelin. Ball won by Ramsey in own half, ball forward to Giroud but Dunne heads 'clear', gathered by Coquelin who coolly takes it around Brad Guzan and slides it into an empty net. 2-0

86m: Sub. Rossi on for Santi

FT

Game over, now level points with Man Utd, 20 goals behind though. AND they have a game in hand. Seems as though I am consigned to remain 2nd, but I will not give up hope that I can take Arsenal to glory!

BPL Game 30: Manchester City (H)

Big game, certainly straight after a big European game. Changes are needed, depressingly. But here we go.

GAME ON!!!

39m: Fellaini wins the ball, knocks it to Podolski down the left. He smacks it across the box to Tello on the right, who pulls it back to the man with the 'fro, Marouanne Fellaini. 1-0

And that pretty much is the ball game. A good win that keeps me top, but their isn't much between me and Man Utd. They're still only 3 points behind and still have a game in hand.

UCL 1st Round Knockout: Juventus (H) Second Leg

Really super need to win this if I am to (A) Stay in Europe (B) Please the board.
(C) Personal pride!

The 10 days that I had means that most of the team got a good rest and should be fully fit for this game.

Going to be a big game. Gutted that Vermaelen won't be able to play as he has literally just returned to full training. Fellaini a big miss too.

GAME ON!!!

7m: Great start, with lots of good possession and good quality short passes. Ox gets into the box and gets fouled, and Giroud scores the resulting penalty. 1-0

HT

60m: Injury to Jack Wilshere. Schurrle off for Podolski, Santi goes to CM and Rossi on at AM

68m: Arturo Vidal receives his 2nd yellow. Now playing against 10 men.

71m: After Santi wins the ball, Podolski knocks it out wide to Cassani, who crosses in and it drops to his right, and into the back of the net. 2-0

FT

Through to the next stage of Europe! Unhappy that Jack's injured, and Rossi picked up a knock towards the end too. But, positives first, a win and progression!

BPL Game 29: Tottenham (A)

North London derby at the Lane! Going to be a big game. Need to at least draw to stay in contention of finishing top at the end of the season.

GAME ON!!!

Wow. Nothing has really happened. A lot of fouls and yellow cards but nothing really else going on.

76m: Subbing Sagna and Wilshere. Sagna's knackered so on comes Emre Can. Wilshere is playing poorly so on comes Walcott. Theo out to the wing, Ox in the middle.

And that's how it stayed. 0-0

BPL Game 28: West Ham (H)

Back to reality after a nice week off.

GAME ON!!!
5m: Olivier Giroud penalty, no mistakes. 1-0
Some other good chances, but nothing comes of it.
HT: Sub - Vermaelen picked up a knock so going to bring him off, Mertesacker on.
62m: Quick break from a West Ham freekick leads to Schurrle screaming down the left, whips in the cross and the Ox latches onto the end of it. 2-0
66m: Fellaini out right to Walcott, Theo does a few defenders and whips in a cross, back to Marouanne who scores... again! :D 3-0
FT
Incredible 3-0 win. Dominated possession. Allowed only 3 shots and only 1 of them was on target. Still ahead of Man Utd.

UCL 1st Round Knockout: Juventus (A) First Leg

Bring back some key players to make sure that I don't slip up in Europe. Need to keep things going and drive on to succeed where I failed in the domestic cup.

GAME ON!!!

In snowing conditions, nothing much is happening. Few chances either way, but nothing much has happened. Cazorla and Mertesacker have picked up knocks but both are ok to stay on.

HT

70m: Pepe to Matri who beats the offside trap and slots it past the keeper. 1-0

74m: Bringing Santi off, Wilshere on

87m: Vermaelen and Mertesacker off and Monreal and Jenks on

FT

It's a loss which puts a dampner on things, but it's only a 1-0 difference. Easily rectified when they come to the Emirates.

FA Cup 5th Round: Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)

The magic of the cup continues.
Big names like Giroud, Vermaelen, Fellaini, Santi and Wilshere will be rested for this game. Felliani and Wilshere may feature from the bench. I'm doing this because I have Juventus in a midweek fixture so will need the big guns there if I'm to succeed in Europe.

Pretty interesting right? Got some support on the bench, but I'm fully confident!

GAME ON!!!
12m: Counter by Wolves and Doumbia puts them in front. 1-0 Wolves
15m: Great response. Rossi break down the left of the box and passes in to Nem who scores. 1-1
HT
65m: Poor pass by Ramsey leads to a Wolves counter and lo and behold, they score. Can't seem to defend any counter attacks. 2-1
67m: Sub. Ramsey and Nem off, Fellaini and Wilshere on
73m: Injury to Andre Santos. Monreal on
FT
Stayed 2-1. Out of the FA Cup. Never mind, now the focus turns to staying in Europe and winning the Premiership.

Competitions (Update)

Rather than edit the other page, I've decided to do a new one! Isn't it wonderful?! ... ... perhaps not.

As of 14th February 2013:

Barclays Premier League:
1st - 2 points clear of Man Utd, but they have a game in hand.


FA Cup, Sponsored by Budweiser:
5th Round, Next game is Wolves away.


UEFA Champions League:
First Knockout Round Leg 1: Juventus away.


Capital One Cup:
Knocked out in the 3rd round by Swansea

BPL Game 27: Swansea (A)

My favourite team, at home. Well, I have to put my love for Swansea to one side and hope that my boys can do a job at the Liberty. Twelfth placed Swansea have won 1 of their last 5 Premier League games, losing 1 and drawing 3. I haven't lost in the Premier League since September (now in February). Not bad...
In other news, Reading have to beat Man Utd... Oh. My. Word.

After International games, I've decided to field this team, as it is my strongest (well, it'd be stronger if Fellaini was starting, but tbh, in his form... impact sub!) Lol.

PS: If I win/draw, I will beat the current unbeaten run record of 28 games. All to play for then...

GAME ON!!!

23m: From the throw on the right, Sagna and the Ox exchange passes before Sagna thumps a ball across goal. Shot by Schurrle beats Vorm... but he's ruled offside. Never mind.
30m: GOAL!!! It's Giroud again!!! Can this man NOT score?! Schurrle latches on to a long ball, drives a cross in to Olivier's head and bang on! 1-0
HT
52m: Frimpong picks up his 2nd yellow... again. Serious words are going to be had here... Tello tired so he's replaced by Fellaini who fills in the empty midfield spot, Ox goes out to the wing.
64m: Ox not looking too fit either now, slight knock I think. On comes Santi
83m: Swansea with a freekick, Britton sends it in and Routledge blasts it wide. Holding on. Still 1-0
90m: Last minute of normal play before a 3m injury time. Second freekick to me after Ki fouled Fellaini (twice!). Sagna takes it and gets it to Santi who gets behind Taylor, crosses in and the other man-of-the-moment scores the header, just after getting fouled! Fellaini makes it 2-0 and that looks like the game is won!
FT
A great victory with 10 men. I think my issues with Diaby will be solved when he comes back from his loan spell. Ramsey will now feature a lot more. Frimpong... I may drop him to the reserves. But, positives! We won,  now leading the Barclays Premier League (for now. Man Utd have a better goal difference... boo).

BPL Game 26: Reading (H)

Reading currently hovering above the drop zone, whilst I really need the 3 to put pressure on Man Utd. Can you get by now that I want to win the League? That Man Utd are ahead of me? lol.

Game fail. Typical. However, luck was on my side and we won 3-0.

Apologies. Now on level points with Man Utd.

BPL Game 25: Norwich (A)

Most games now are "must win" games now. But still, this is Norwich so I should be really smashing them...

GAME TIME!!!
19m: Santon, to Nem, to Santon, cross in, and BOOM! Giroud heads home! 1-0
HT
60m: Second yellow for Denys and he's now off. 10 men now so could be interesting. Soft challenge to be honest. Sub: Nem off and Santi to the left. Arteta on instead of Nem. Also, bringing Giroud off as he's taken some sort of knock and bringing Podolski on.
73m: FML! Arteta is injured. Emre Can to the rescue!
79m: 9 men now. Frimpong off. Now in a 4-2-1-1 formation...
83m: Well, this was going to happen. 1-1.
FT
Dropped points if I'm honest, but it could have gotten worse. Would have been level on points with Man Utd, even though they'd have a game ahead of me. Now I'm 2 points off, with a possibility of being 5 points if they win their next game.

FA Cup 4th Round: Sheffield Wednesday (H)

Time to crunch down with the FA Cup! The magic of the cup is HERE!!! With a win, I will be facing Wolves at away!

GAME ON!!!
23m: Freekick, Mertesacker to the Ox, lofts it over to Podolski, beats the last defender and scores. 1-0
27m: Counter from a Sheffield Wednesday corner. Stayed down the right side, passing between Ox, Sagna and Fellaini. Gets to the edge of the box and Fellaini launches a stunning shot and beats the keeper. 2-0
HT
73m: Decided to bring Fellaini off and replacing him with Denys Garmash.
83m: Injury to Mertesacker. On comes Emre Can. Sub also for Schurrle. Ox switches to the left and Theo comes on to the right wing.
FT.

Not a destruction but it does mean that I'm through to the next round. Wolves away.

BPL Game 24: Chelsea (A)

Big game. Must win. This will allow me to keep pressure on Manchester United, but also effectively kill off Chelsea's chance of over taking me - points gap would be 16 (currently 13).
Considering the game against Newcastle, I think it's best to keep the I selected as best as possible. However, the rigours of the modern game mean that I unfortunately must make changes.

This is going to be difficult, but I feel that with this team, I can prevail.

GAME ON!!!
Eventful first half, with disallowed goals for both teams.
61m: A meandering run from Theo Walcott and he gets free, slots a lovely shot into the top corner of the net. Not disallowed. 1-0
75m: Good possession for Chelsea results in Hazard having a good shot on goal and scoring past Szczesny. 1-1
80m: Subs. Giroud, Garmash and Frimpong off for Podolski, Ramsey and Emre Can.
82m: Massive counter attack from a Chelsea corner. Passing forward, and it finally gets to Frimpong and he slots it past Cech. 2-1
FT.
That victory now gives me a 16 point gap from Chelsea, and again I keep within 2 points of Manchester United. Only time will tell if I can fully capitalise on this chance and really challenge for the title. As I don't play them again, I have to hope that they slip up at some point and I do not.

BPL Game 23: Newcastle (H)

This is an interesting time for me. Very close fixtures, Newcastle then Chelsea midweek, Sheffield Wednesday (FA Cup) weekend, followed by Norwich midweek and then Reading the following weekend. Newcastle are currently 5th, Chelsea 3rd, but they are 13 and 10 points behind me respectively. Norwich 12th and Reading are bottom. Not 100% sure how to play this. Question is, do I go all out with the best team I can against Chelsea (as I really see the BPL as my main competition this season) to solidify 3rd. Or, do I look to play my best against Championship side Sheff Wed? Dilemma is a small one really as I have such a good depth in my squad, I think I can prevail rather well.
However, to today's game:

Decided to field a pretty strong side considering the midweek fixture. Vermaelen will feature against Chelsea, just wanted to make doubly sure that he doesn't get injured or anything in this game.

Let's GO!!!

6m: Intercepted goal kick, Fellaini to Giroud, who slots in Tello, bangs it past the keeper. 1-0

21m: Freekick from offside. Szczesny hits Giroud, nods it onto Fellaini who hits the inside of the post and goes in. 2-0

43m: Santos injured. Cassani comes on. Looks like Santon could feature in the next game after all...

HT: 2-0

66m: Sub - Cazorla off, Nem on.

FT: Stayed 2-0. MOTM performance by Giroud, but could easily have been Felliani. Now only 2 points behind Manchester United.

BPL Game 22: Liverpool (H)

A home game in the league against Liverpool. An early kick off, so I have to wait to see if I close the gap on Man Utd, but here's hoping.

As you can see, I've decided to give a debut to Andre Schurrle. Also bought Davide Santon off of Newcastle! :) However, he wasn't fit enough to play.

Game!

Interesting first half, a few chances for both teams but it remains scoreless. Couple of times the ball is getting in from the right (Tello) onto Giroud's head, but it's the sheer class of Pepe Reina that is keeping it 0-0.

Neither Schurrle nor Giroud are having a fantastic game, so replaced them with the Ox and Podolski. Giroud's had a lot of chances, but keeps hitting the woodwork. Frustrating.

87m: Great ball from the through, helped on by Cazorla's head on to Podolski who beats "Mr Reliable" Jamie Carragher and scores! 1-0

AND THAT'S THE GAME! Thrilled we could pip it at the death. Brilliant.

FA Cup 3rd Round: Middlesbrough (A)

A chance again to rest some key players, but not too much so that I look or play complacently.

12m: Ox in the middle takes on the defence, and slides in Fellaini who kicks the scoring off. 1-0
32m: Failure to clear from the corner sees Emnes picking the ball up, runs unchallenged into the box and smashes it past Fabianski. 1-1
HT: Sub - Theo off and Tello on. Picked up another knock. FML.
79m: Freekick whipped in by Gibbs, picks out the Ox and he puts it past the keeper. 2-1
82m: Subs - Giroud and Cazorla on for Adem and Podolski
85m: the 2 subs picking each other out, Cazorla chips through for Giroud to beat the offside trap to put him one-on-one with the keeper, and there's only 1 outcome. 3-1
91m: Another long ball forward from Cazorla finds Giroud and its another goal. 4-1
FT! WOOP

January Transfer Window Shenanigans

We are in January! Taken our time with this one, but to be honest, we wanna get it write for the people reading our blogs. (Please check out my friends blog: http://portsmouthunderdogstory.blogspot.co.uk/ - it's my friends attempt to not only save Portsmouth from ruin, but to also rebuild).

Luckily, I'm still at Arsenal, and I've been asked to re-evaluate my expectations. Slightly arrogantly I have changed from a Europa League qualification through my position in the league, to a Title Challenge. It means that I get £36.5m transfer budget, and a £1.75m wage budget. YAY MONEYS! I aim to strengthen my strike options as Ademilson seems to be a little bit of a flop, but I'm not panicking. Didn't really expect him to perform brilliantly from day 1. Andre Schurrle (see below) is very unhappy where he is and I could snatch him, which would bolster my LAM position greatly, and even free up Podolski for the striking positions.

I have already signed young defender Doria from Botafogo:

And here is Andre Schurrle, a potential prospect:

-------------------------

UPDATE!!!
Absolutely delighted by this next signing...
For a total fee of £35m (£5m up front and £30 over 2 years), I have signed Giuseppe Rossi from Villarreal!

BPL Game 21: WBA (A)

In this busy period, and with the game against Man Utd 3 days ago, I have been forced to make some changes to my team.

Good games for all the boys. Didn't start too brilliantly with some early chances going awry, even worse when Andre Santos tripped Lazovic in the box, allowing Peter Odemwingie to slot away the penalty in the 12th minute. Equalised soon after with Tello having a good chance, but being saved - only for Ademilson to strike home. Several chances both side of the half meant that it remained 1-1 going into the last 20mins of the game. However, Jack Wilshere seems to be in a rich vein of scoring form, as he latched onto Gervinho's cleared cross with a stunning right foot volley to make it 2-1 in the 77th. The generally positive game took a pinch of salt with the injury to Frimpong in the 82nd. A few corners were all that remained of the match. With that win, I am 2nd in the table still, with 2 points separating me and the leaders.

Other news: 1st of January, new window opens. Watch this space for more Transfer news!

BPL Game 20: Man Utd (H)

OH MY GOODNESS!!! Crunch game. Have to win this to stand ANY chance of challenging at the end of the season! If I win, I will go nuts.

Apologies for the lack of game commentary, was pretty much living each second! Vermaelen got sent off in the 27th for an elbow. Evra got booked twice in the space of 2 minutes so the advantage that Man Utd had was thrown away. Rooney opened the scoring in the second half (48m), my heart dropped. I thought it could have been the beginning of the end. But the boys didn't back down. First Fellaini latched onto a loose ball in the box and scored in the 51st, followed by a very tired Olivier Giroud in the 56th minute. It stayed 2-1. I danced.
This win brings me within 5 points of Man Utd, as we are already in the second half of the season. Newcastle, despite their 2 game advantage, are 10 points behind me.

BPL Game 19: Wigan (A)

Another away day, but now a trip to Wigan for the Boxing day festivities. With Coquelin injured for a long time, along with Arteta, I really have to think about who I want to play in that holding CM position until they return (unless they really impress and solidify the position for themselves).
However, I need to be quite clever with this one, as I have Man Utd 3 days after. So I'm thinking I'm going to have to rest the big guns. COULD be a risk, but what's the point in playing safe?!

Lets go!

Decided to balls to the "rest the big guns" tactic and went for a reasonably strong side, which worked as I won, but it means that Wilshere and Gibbs have picked up knocks.

Scores traded sides (1-0... 1-1... 2-1... 2-2) until Giroud decided that he wanted to be on the score sheet. It's his 2 goals that take me away from Newcastle and a little bit closer to Man Utd.

BPL Game 18: QPR (A)

Luxury of not having to make any changes! :D Man Utd also drew against Southampton so the gap is less, but I still need to win to gain the advantage.

Went down early to a Cisse goal, lost Coquelin to injury (6-8 weeks out with Knee ligament damage). HOWEVER, EPIC COMEBACK!!! Goals from Coquelin (before he came off) and Garmash (in the 93rd of 94m) secure the victory. Good stuff really.

BPL Game 17: Stoke (H)

A clear must win game against an opponent that can be a potential banana skin to many top sides. Lying in 12th, Stoke can beat any team on their day and I have to pick the best team I can to counter that chance.
Bring in, current golden boot candidate, Olivier Giroud.

Could be an interesting game. Especially as I've decided to go with Denys rather than Coquelin. And Santi on the wing...

Oh well, Game on!

18m: After the throw, Giroud finds himself with his back to goal, but he offloads to Fellaini, who cracks a shot off and brings out a fabulous save by Begovic for a corner. Nothing comes from it.

30m: Cazorla down the left, in to Fellaini and Shawcross fouls him. Penalty! Giroud makes no mistakes. 1-0

36m: Sagna in from the right to Giroud who escapes the defence. Shot parried by the Stoke keeper, but the rebound is pounced upon by Wilshere who smashes it home. 2-0

HT

56m: Injury to Wilshere. On comes Tello.

82m: Countered and it leads to a goal for Stoke. Jones puts it away. 2-1

Done. FT 2-1

BPL Game 16: Southampton (H)

Back to the league. Man Utd are 7 points clear with a game in hand, so looks like it could be a lot more difficult for me to win the league, but a good place in 2nd will be brilliant. Need to solidify that position though with a win over 6th placed fliers Southampton - who could go 3rd if they win and all the other teams above them lose.

Game on!

19m: Injury to Arteta brings Ramsey into the fray.
23m: Sagna dishes to the Ox and he delivers the cross to Giroud who "block tackles" the defender to score... weird. 1-0 me! :D
HT
87m: Sub. Bringing Jenks on for Sagna.
And that's a wrap. Stayed 1-0 and Bould says that we were lucky to get away with that.
Keeps the gap at 7 points, but Man Utd still have that game advantage.

UCL Game 6: Ajax (A)

As I'm through already, I think it might be cool to try out some reserve players... that are registered for the Champions League. However there isn't anyone that is really good enough to play.

GAME!
3m: Walcott bends in a cross from the right, Adem makes a challenge on the defender, and Fellaini grabs the loose ball and puts it in the net. 1-0
40m: Eriksen makes a break into the box, and passes to Rajtoral, who hits it hard so that Zieler can only parry it into the net.
44m: and to make matters worse, Koscielny picks up his second yellow of the day and is off. Decided to take Walcott off (not fully fit) and brought on Jenks.
47m: Corner bent in and put away by Sigporsson. 2-1 Ajax
50m: Gibbs takes it down the left and puts in a gorgeous pass for Adem, who breaks the offside trap and is one on one with the keeper, and takes it around him and puts it into an empty net. 2-2
85m: Cazorla whips in the corner and it's Djourou who heads home. 3-2
90m: Coquelin and Adem do a nice one-two which puts Coquelin in behind the line of defence. He cheekily then chips the keeper to make it 4-2 and the game is done.

BPL Game 15: Sunderland (A)

Really need this win. Manchester United are 7 points clear of me and I need to close the gap.

KO

15m: Sessegnon tackled by Garmash, collected by Wilshere in the box and he scores 1-0

60m: Poor defence allows Sessegnon to give it to Connor Wickham, and the young striker knows how to get it done. 1-1

65m: Beautiful counter from a Sunderland corner. Sagna clears to the Ox< who bends in a cross for Giroud to head home. 2-1 -- Sub = Carl Jenks is on for Vermaelen.

85m: Subs = Lukas and Coquelin on for Giroud and Frimpong

Ball game. Finishes 2-1. Only 4 behind Man Utd, but they have 2 games in hand.

BPL Game 14: Fulham (H)

With only 5 points between me and Manchester United, but only 2 ahead of Manchester City. So gone for a good team, but had to rest some key players.

GAME ON!

Bore draw. 1-1. Berbatov and Cazorla are the scorers.

BPL Game 13: Aston Villa (H)

With Manchester City playing the early game, and losing, this game would see me go second if I win! Gone for a strong team, bearing in mind the tough rigours of midweek European football.

We've seen this line up before, and it does well. Decided to go for Andre Santos as left back, over Kieran Gibbs. Frimpong has been doing well in training so decided to reward him with some game time.

KICK OFF!!

9 seconds: I get a freekick. Wilshere goes down after an early challenge. Knocked wide to Sagna, on to the Ox and crosses in for Giroud to get his head to the ball. Goal. Clocked in at 48 seconds. 1-0

8m: Long ball, gets to Giroud. He passes to Wilshere, who slides in Frimpong who is clear through on goal. Doesn't disappoint and buries it in the bottom left corner. Dench. Leave it. 2-0

29m: Fabian Delph runs across the outside of the box, and then bends a run into the box, and scores. 2-1.

41m: Corner. Drills across to Wilshere, who flicks on to Giroud to score his twelth of the season. 3-1

75m: Substitution. Podolski on for Giroud (condition down to 70%) and Arteta is on for Frimpong.

FT

Brilliant game. Great performances by all the players, and I'm up to second! Bring on the title challenge!

UCL 5: Red Bull Salzburg (H)

I'm already through to the knockout stages of the Champions League, but I still think it's best to go with the regular side, to get them match fit etc.

20m: Wilshere slides the ball into the box for Coquelin to get onto, and he doesn't disappoint. 1-0

25m: Fellaini intercepts the pass, and knocks it to Wilshere. He crosses in for Coquelin, but Douglas (Salzburg centre back) tackles him, but the ball falls to Cazorla who smashes the ball home. 2-0

38m: Referee gives Salzburg a freekick, Lindgren passes to Douglas, who offloads to Cristiano who scores. 2-1

HT

48m: Sagna heads to the Ox, passes to Coquelin, who gives it back to Sagna, and he swings the cross in... but it's in the net!!! What a goal! 3-1

53m: Sekagya pushes Adem in the box, and the ref gives the pen. Wilshere steps up and knocks it home. 4-1

FT

Another good win for the team. This time I actually congratulated them on it. I think I'm getting the hang of these Team Talks now... lol. Top of the group and sitting pretty.

BPL Game 12: Everton (A)

This game didn't crash, but I didn't bother with the match commentary so decided just to post the final report and give you, the reader, a brief description of the game.

To be honest, it was a poor game. Both sides had goals disallowed for offside, but in the 96th minute (there was only supposed to be 3) Podolski was in the box and I was praying for him to score. Instead, he gets fouled and the ref gives a penalty. JOY! Lukas steps up and scores. Told the team, cautiously, that I wasn't too happy with it, that it was a bit of a let off. Mixed reactions. The game tells me that my team never looked like losing and controlled the match. In a foul game (there were 29 in total), my team DID come out on top. Phew. Still 3rd in the league... thus...

BPL Game 11: Manchester City (A)

Again, my game crashed (seriously, not deliberate!) and luckily, I won again.