A Tale of Two Managers

[carlosisonfire]

Hello, this is my first attempt at an FM story. A couple of years ago I used to frequent the forums, reading all about the exploits of Rob Ridgway, Copper Horse, and Stanley Accrington. I’ve recently found myself with some free time, and have decided to give writing an FM Story a go. Unlike the characters that I used to read, I will only be focused on the football side of life, not any romantic encounters or anything else since at this moment I feel that my attempts would be too cliche.

The current game date as I write this is November 30th 2013. This story will follow the progress of Fernando Sampedro (controlled by me), Spanish manager of Everton, and Lorenzo von Matterhorn (controlled by my dad), the German manager of Tottenham.

I will jump into the story at the beginning of the 2013-2014 season, since I feel I cannot include proper information about injuries/the problems afflicting the squads in the original season. Therefore, THE FIRST FEW POSTS WILL BE A SUMMARY OF THE 2012-2013 SEASON. If anyone wants any screenshots of anything, I will be happy to provide those. The story proper will not begin until the end of the 2012-2013 season, but i wanted to include a summary of the events because if things hadn't occured in that first season, I probably would not be writing this story.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SKIP THE SUMMARY, CLICK THIS LINK FOR THE START OF THE ACTUAL STORY http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php/339160-A-Tale-of-Two-Managers?p=8439801#post8439801

The game uses the original database. Large database, all leagues from all countries loaded and playable.

Managers –

Fernando Sampedro – DOB Nov. 10 1986 – former Spanish international footballer, began his career at At. Madrid, but never broke into the first team. Sold at the age of 19 to Schalke 04, he made his debut at the age of 21 as a creative midfielder. Had two caps for the senior squad before breaking his ankle at the age of 24, cutting his career short. He promptly completed his coaching qualifications before becoming the assistant manager at Everton. Offered Everton job after David Moyes resigns at the beginning of the 2012-2013 season due to family issues, becoming youngest manager in the Premier League.

Lorenzo von Matterhorn – DOB Feb. 16 1977 – German footballer, from the Borussia Monchengladbach academy. A defensive midfielder by trade, he made his debut at the age of 20 and played for 6 years as a squad player. He was then sold to Tottenham Hotspur, where he was also a rotation option. At the age of 30, he decided to call it a day and pursue coaching in order to try to make an impact as a coach where he failed as a player. He is a tactical coach at Tottenham, and is offered the job when Harry Redknapp leaves at the end of the 2011-2012 season(Vilas-Boas will never have taken the squad in this universe, all of his signings will be attributed to chairman Daniel Levy).

[carlosisonfire]

Everton Preseason 2012-2013 Summary

Tactical – Sampedro favors a possession based 4-3-3 formation that presses high up the pitch. The width is provided by the wing backs, everyone else is expected to play a narrow, quick, short passing game with as many through balls as possible. The DM is an anchor man, expected to help out the defence, while the other two CMs are expected be good passers and creative. One of the wingers is a pacey dribbler expected to take men on and shoot on goal, while the other just passes the ball around. The striker is expected to drop back and create spaces for others, but also should be pacey and a good finisher. Sampedro prefers promoting youth from the club, which is perfect for the financial dire straits that Everton find themselves in. In contrast, he does not respect veteran players, and has no qualms getting rid of long term servants if adjuged to be past their prime.

Signings – Everton was in financial dire straits when Sampedro took over, with a balance of -5 million pounds and spending about 30k under the wage bill. Sampedro realized that he had no defensive midfield options besides veteran Phil Neville, so he signed DM/MC Nigel Reo-Coker on a free transfer on a 1 year deal. Steven Pienaar had an injury in pre-season, and unhappy with the performance of Magaye Gueye as cover, he acquired AM RL Nolito on loan from Benfica. Finally, the preseason exposed Phil Neville’s lack of pace, which is fatal when playing a high line, so Sampedro signed DM/MC Jermaine Jenas on loan from Tottenham.

Expectations – The board only requested qualification to the Europa League, but Sampedro has no respect for that competition. Furthermore, Sampedro realizes that improving the squad or even holding on to star players Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines will be impossible without Champions League football. He tells the board he will make the Champions League, confident that his team can compete with the inconsistent Tottenham , Chelsea, and Arsenal squads for third and fourth place.

Preseason – The first preseason game Everton play is against Preston North End, and it ends 5-0. Pienaar opens the scoring in the 7th minute, and Jelavic completes a Hat-Trick by the end of the first half. At half time, Sampedro subs the entire team, and the game fizzes out, until Ross Barkley scores on the 87th.

The second game is against Tottenham Hotspur, direct rivals in the upcoming chase for a Champions League spot, and Everton easily come out on top. Jelavic again scores in the first half, everyone is subbed out at half-time, and Gueye finishes it off, leaving Sampedro ecstatic with a 2-0 victory.

The rest of the preseason involves a US Tour, with a 4-0 win against San Jose, a 2-0 win over Montreal, and a 3-0 win over Vancouver. Pienaar becomes injured for 3 months in the match against San Jose, and Jelavic gets sidelined for a month in the same game. Pienaar’s injury prompts the signing of Nolito on loan. Despite a clean sheet in every game, Sampedro notices that the US teams are having no trouble bypassing Phil Neville when he is playing as an Anchor Man, leading him to sign Jermaine Jenas on loan. Jenas is delight to join, having been lumbering in the Tottenham reserve squad.

The final two games of the preseason are the tough ones, meant to prepare the squad for the trials ahead. The first is a 2-0 victory over Sporting CP, and the second a majestic1-0 win over FC Bayern. Victor Anichebe’s pace split open both teams, and now Sampedro is more than convicend that his team can compete with the big boys. Sadly, every time the subs came on, control of the match was lost, and only great keeping by the impressive Jan Mucha led to the results holding. Also, Victor Anichebe has won the starting role from Jelavic, who is more suited to receiving crosses than playing passing football on the break. Even though Darron Gibson has played better than 19 year old Ross Barkley, the coaching staff highly rate the youngster, so Sampedro decides to make him the starter in order for him to reach his full potential.

Favored line up before 2012-2013 season

	  Anichebe
Pienaar			Mirallas
Barkley  Fellaini
      Jenas
Baines Heitinga Jagielka Coleman

     Howard

2nd Eleven

	   Jelavic
Nolito			Naismith
Gibson  Osman
   Reo-Coker
Oviedo  Distin   Duffy  Hibbert

	Mucha

[carlosisonfire]

Tottenham Preseason 2012-2013 Summary

Tactical – Despite being a defensive player during his career, von Matterhorn idolizes silky passing games. His goal is to have Tottenham play a 4-2-3-1 formation in which the team presses high up the field and passes the ball around the trio of creative players, with wing backs going up to support the attack. There is a central midfielder and an advanced playmaker in the line of 2, both expected to be creative and good passers, with a Trequartista ahead of them dictating the play. The striker is expected to play others in rather than score himself, and the two wingers are expected to play cutbacks for the midfield players arriving late in the box. Sadly, von Matterhorn realizes he does not have the players available to do this, so he trains his team to play a 4-4-1-1 attacking formation and a 4-1-4-1 counter attacking formation.

Signings – Never a big fan of Emannuel Adebayor, his big paycheck, or target men in particular, von Matterhorn decides that he needs another pacey striker to rotate with Jermain Defoe in his counter attacking formation. Thanks to the hefty bank budget provided by Daniel Levy, von Matterhorn signs West Brom ST Shane Long for a fee of 16.75m. The fans and board alike are shocked by so much money being spent on an average player, but von Matterhorn asks for his judgment to be trusted. von Matterhorn’s scouts alert him to some young prospects, and he signs 17 year old DL Rhys Ingles from Swansea for 450k and 16 year old M/AM RL Ryan Gauld from Dundee Utd for 525k.

Expectations – The board completely expects the team to qualify for the Champions League; nothing else is acceptable. Also, they expect the team to play attractive football. Von Matterhorn is confident his team can finish top 4 again. Despite Chelsea strengthening with players like Oscar, Hazard, and Azpilicueta, von Matterhorn believes that Arsenal has become extensively weaker than last season, so there should be no challenge for the top four.

Preseason – Preseason opens with a match against Leyton Orient, which Tottenham begins with a 4-2-3-1 formation. The match ends as a 3-2 victory, but von Matterhorn sees it as evidence that the team is not yet ready for the 4-2-3-1. Assou-Ekotto and Kyle Walker look particularly shaky going forward as wing backs, Clint Dempsey’s passing is inaccurate, and Gylfi Sigurdsson can’t seem to dribble past a man. Moussa Dembele and Thomas Carroll impress though, as well as new singing Shane Long.

The second match is at Everton, and ends in a 2-0 defeat. The team lined up with the 4-2-3-1 and was outclassed by what von Matterhorn believes to be a pedestrian Everton team. For the next match, a less demanding 4-4-1-1 formation is sent out, and it leads to the first victory, albeit a 2-1 win over lowly Guangzhou. The team has trouble adapting to all the new signings and tacticts, leading to a 2-3 defeat at OGC Nice and a 2-2 draw with New York Red Bulls. Von Matterhorn is seething, blaming Kyle Walkers poor dribbling and careless forward runs for the received goals. The team seems to adapt though, and the preseason ends with a 4-0 victory over Roma, with 2 goals from Defoe in the first half and 2 goals from Shane Long in the second half.

Still, von Matterhorn does not trust most of his squad, and is unhappy with the performances of Sigurdsson, Dempsey, Walker, Assou-Ekotto, and Lennon. Furthermore, Scott Parker and Sandro are judged to be poor passers of the ball and not fit to start for the team. The lethargic Huddlestone is favored due to his accurate passing, and young Thomas Carroll is given a starting role due to an impressive performace against Roma.

Favored line up before 2012-2013 season

                Long
        Dembele
Bale	Huddlestone   Carroll      Lennon

Assou-    Kaboul    Vertonghen   Walker
Ekotto
	Lloris

2nd Eleven

               Defoe
     Sigurdsson
Dempsey  Sandro  Parker  Townsend

Naughton  Dawson  Caulker  Gallas

             Friedel

[carlosisonfire]

August 2012 Summary

Everton –

After an undefeated pre-season, Sampedro headed into the first game at Newcastle confident of a victory. Leon Osman, playing on the wing for the injured Pienaar, scored with a long shot inside 30 seconds. Sadly, in the 8th minute, Papiss Cisse caught Jagielka out and scored an easy finish around Howard. 2 minutes later, Gutierrez crosses the ball, and Cisse beats Heitinga in the air, making it 2-1, and leaving Sampedro seething at both of his centre backs. A nice combination of passing in the 16th minute allows Fellaini to come one on one with Krul, and he slots it into the back of the net to tie the game at 2-2. Ryan taylor scores from a long shot in the 34th minute, before Jelavic ties it up again with a header from a Mirallas cross in the 36th. Newcastle seem to be the dominant team for the remainder of the first half, and it is no surprise when Cisse completes his hat trick with a placed finish in the 57th minute after outpacing John Heitinga on the break.

18.8.12 Premier League Newcastle 4 – 3 Everton MOM:Papiss Cisse

The first game showed Everton’s offensive quality, but exposed defensive frailties. The second game of the season was home vs Tottenham, a Champions League qualification rival, making it very important to win. The game started with Everton dominating possession but fashioning no chances. In the 29th minute, Bale skinned Seamus Coleman, ran down the line, and crossed the ball into the box, which was devoid of Tottenham players. Luckily for Tottenham, Leighton Baines miscontrols his header and scores a calamitous own goal. Defensive issues continue when in the 45th minute, Michael Dawson outjumps Heitinga in a corner kick, making it 2-0. Everton lose complete control of the game in the second half, and in the 77th minute, Bale plays the ball in behind the defence. Jermain Defoe outpaces the Everton line, and slots in the 3rd goal for Tottenham.

25.8.12 Premier League Everton 0 – 3 Tottenham MOM:Gareth Bale

Sampedro is shocked to find himself bottom of the table after two games, with seven goals conceded. Maybe he wasn’t ready to make the step up to managing a Premier League side. Still, the team showed quality in the pre-season, they just need to find their confidence in the league.

A Carling Cup match against minnows Bournemouth is a good run-out for the fringe players. Sampedro does not want to tire his starting line up in cup competitions, choosing to focus entirely on the league and Champions League qualification.

28.8.12 Carling Cup 2nd Round Bournemouth 0 – 3 Everton MOM:Victor Anichebe

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Tottenham –

A poor pre-season has left von Matterhorn seething at his squad. They should be winning these games, but they think too highly of themselves, leading to complacency. The first game of the season is home to a difficult Stoke squad. The team fails to create offensive opportunities against the very defensive Stoke line-up, but a Younes Kaboul brace from corner kicks leads to a simple victory against a Stoke side that never threatened.

18.8.12 Premier League Tottenham 2 – 0 Stoke MOM:Younes Kaboul

Von Matterhorn is not pleased at his side’s performance in the opening game. He expects the team to fashion chances from open play, not from set pieces. They head to Goodison Park to face the Everton side that beat them in the pre-season, and victory is expected by von Matterhorn. The first 29 minutes seem like déjà vu, with Everton dominating play and a goal seemingly invevitable. Luckily, Leighton Baines scores a torrid own goal after Bale skins Coleman and crosses into an empty box in the 29th minute. The goal leaves Everton off balance, and Michael Dawson heads in the second from a Bale corner in the 45th minute. The second half is completely different, with Everton on the back foot and Tottenham finding space throught the pitch. A third goal seems a certainty, but it doesn’t come until the 77th minute when Bale plays the ball into space to Defoe, and he cooly finishes for his first goal of the season. Bale finishes with three assists, but von Matterhorn still is not pleased. Only one goal came from open play, and he feels that if the team keeps relying on own goals or set pieces, they will never challenge for silverware.

25.8.12 Premier League Everton 0 – 3 Everton MOM:Gareth Bale

Von Matterhorn is unhappy with his team’s performance despite two victories and two clean sheets from two games. He wants a more fluid game, and feels like right now they are a glorified, overpaid Stoke City. Also, on the 30th of August, a 625k offer for Gomes from Manchester City and a 700k offer for William Gallas from Stuttgart are received. Von Matterhorn is happy to sell both players, who are languishing in the reserves.

[carlosisonfire]

September 2012 Summary

Everton –

A trip to Craven Cottage seems like the perfect way for Everton to record their first win of the season. Sampedro starts Mucha instead of Howard, believing the American needs a break after conceding seven in two games. Anichebe scores on the break in the 5th minute from a fantastic Fellaini pass, and Everton keeps up the pressure for the rest of the half. John Arne Riise scores from a free kick against the run of play in the 37th though, and Sampedro begins to fear the worst. The teams go into the locker room tied, and Sampedro makes his players know his expectations in no uncertain terms. The Everton control continues throughout the second half, and Mirallas scores with a deft finish in the 70th minute, courtesy of a Fellaini assist. In the 80th minute, Jenas puts the game beyond doubt with a long shot, and the team is happy to run out the clock after that.

3.9.12 Premier League Fulham 1 – 3 Everton MOM:Marouane Fellaini

After the convincing win over Fulham, Mucha and Anichebe earn a starting spot against giants Manchester United. Naismith scores from long range in the 7th minute in a roaring Goodison Park, as Everton look really good going forward. In the 24th minute, Mirallas plays Fellaini into space, and Fellaini beats de Gea to make it 2-0. The Manchester side is also very good going forward, but Heitinga’s great positioning allows him to intercept all the passes that United try to play behind the defense. The second half begins much like the first, a very open game with chances at both ends. Ferdinand scores from a corner kick in the 67th after beating Heitinga in the air, leading to a nervy last few minutes for Everton. Sampedro decides to keep a high line and allow United to play on the break, since their forwards are squandering one on one chances but look dangerous in the air. The game ends and Sampedro is ecstatic to have gotten one over Sir Alex.

15.9.12 Premier League Everton 2 – 1 Man Utd MOM:Rio Ferdinand

After the complicated game against the Red Devils, Sampedro is wary to receive Roberto Martinez’s Wigan side. Anichebe scores in the 22nd on the break, and is the only highlight in a very choppy first half. The second half kicks off with Wigan looking dangerous, and they finally even the game up with a David Jones header off a corner kick in the 72nd. Sampedro notes his team looks very weak in the air, particularly John Heitinga. Four minutes later, Anichebe is chopped down inside the box by Gary Caldwell, and Naismith slots home the winner from the spot in the 80th.

22.9.12 Premier League Everton 2 – 1 Wigan MOM:Ben Watson

The Carling Cup 3rd round sees Sampedro sending a completely different eleven than those who played against Wigan. Jelavic, finding himself in this squad, does his best to impress and scores a hat trick as Everton easily dispatch a poor Preston North End side.

25.9.12 Carling Cup 3rd Round Everton 3 – 0 Preston MOM:Nikica Jelavic

An away game against West Brom seems significantly easier now that Shane Long turns out for Spurs, and Everton easily sweep them aside. Heitinga heads the ball in off a corner in the 34th, Anichebe makes it two in the 38th, and Naismith seals the rout in the 56th as an ecstatic Sampedro watches on.

29.9.12 Premier League West Brom 0 – 3 Everton MOM:John Heitinga

After a poor league start, Sampedro finds his team with four league wins from four in September, with an impressive Jan Mucha in goal.

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Tottenham –

After the first two victories, von Matterhorn remained uneasy of his team’s chances. A game vs. Newcastle and the sensational Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse seemed complicated, and he was unsure that his team could cope. Dembele scored a long shot in the 10th minute as Tottenham sat in the driver’s seat and dominated the game, but they couldn’t add more to their tally. Newcastle was on the back foot for the whole game, but managed to tie the game from a Cisse counter attack. Tottenham are unable to convert their dominance into victory, and a distraught von Matterhorn yells at the team after the game.

2.9.12 Premier League Tottenham 1 – 1 Newcastle MOM:Cheick Tiote

After an undeserved draw against Newcastle, an away tie against West Ham seemed like the perfect place to return to winning ways. Jermain Defoe scores in the 14th minute to put Tottenham ahead, but they again are unable to convert dominance into chances. Kevin Nolan scores a brace either side of half time to put West Ham ahead, and substitute Sigurdsson misses a penalty in the 89th minute, leading to Spurs’ first loss and even more rage building up in von Matterhorn.

16.9.12 Premier League West Ham 2 – 1 Tottenham MOM:Kevin Nolan

Tottenham sends out a full squad into the midweek Europa league tie, and it ends up in an easy 2-0 victory with goals from Dembele and Dawson.

20.9.12 Europa League Group J Tottenham 2 – 0 Luzern MOM:Michael Dawson

Tottenham receive Manchester United after their last two poor league results, and von Matterhorn is determined to get something out of the game. Sadly, Kyle Walker looks out of his depth, and Nani runs by him then rounds Lloris to open the scoring in the 35th minute. Shane Long equalizes on the break in stoppage time of the first half, and the teams head into the locker rooms even. In the second half, Nani keeps running circles around Kyle Walker, but it is Tottenham who pull ahead with another Shane Long goal in the 77th, making him seem worth every penny and silencing the doubters in the stands. Still, Nani has been having a great day, and it is he who lays the cross that finds Welbeck, who equalizes the game in the 79th minute. A good display from Spurs, but von Matterhorn remains unhappy.

23.9.12 Premier League Tottenham 2 – 2 Man Utd MOM:Shane Long

Two days later, Tottenham has to play in the Carling Cup, and a reserve side is knocked out in penalties by Sunderland.

25.9.12 Carling Cup 3rd Round Sunderland 1 – 1 Tottenham (3 – 1 penalties) MOM: Younes Kaboul

After the good display against United, Tottenham head to Craven Cottage to play against a struggling Fulham side. Long opens the scoring in the 6th, and is brought down in the box in the 9th. Dembele scores from the spot, and Long adds a 3rd in the 82nd for an easy win.

30.9.12 Premier League Fulham 0 – 3 Tottenham MOM:Shane Long

Tottenham only manage to defeat Fulham; draws against Man Utd and Newcastle, along with the defeat at West Ham have left von Matterhorn pulling his hair out, despite his backroom staff saying the performances against Newcastle and United were great.

[mark wilson27]

Welcome to FMS carlosisonfire, you've made a cracking start on this story and I like the way it is written out. An interesting way of doing a story with two managers and look forward to see how this pans out.

[tenthreeleader]

I like this -- a lot. Great start. Hope you have more.

[carlosisonfire]

Thanks for the support guys, glad you like it. Right now I'm just summarizing my first season though. As soon as i get into the second season, match reports will be more detailed, and it will switch to a narrative perspective from each of the managers' point of view.

[carlosisonfire]

October 2012 Summary

Everton –

After a fantastic September, Sampedro headed into his match against Swansea full of confidence. Feeling Swansea to be a lesser opponent, Sampedro opted to re-insert Tim Howard into the starting line-up so that he could regain his confidence. Things started off great with Ross Barkley scoring from a Mirallas free kick in the 4th minute, but things went downhill from there. Swansea established control soon after that, and Michu’s silky passing tore up the Everton backline. Unfortunately for the Welsh side, a combination of poor finishing from Itay Shecter and great keeping from Tim Howard kept Everton in the lead. The Swans maintained the majority of possession throughout the match, but were unable to break Everton down in the end.

6.10.12 Premier League Swansea 0 – 1 Everton MOM:John Heitinga

After a lucky win over a Swansea side, Sampedro was wary of facing Reading, fearing his side would feel complacent. All of his worrying proved for naught, as Everton quickly asserted their greater quality on the game with Anichebe running behind the Reading line and cooly slotting the ball past Federici in the 3rd minute. Mirallas was responsible for the assist, and he has been looking great lately for Everton. The Merseyside team eased off but maintained their possession, with Reading rarely threatening. Mirallas latched onto a throughball from Naismith in the 52nd minute and added a second goal for insurance. Reading made defensive substitutions and put the game on ice after the second goal, trying to keep the scoreline respectable.

20.10.12 Premier League Reading 0 – 2 Everton MOM:Shane Duffy

Sampedro’s first home game of the season would be against Southampton, another recently promoted team. Southampton had been on a good run though, with great performances from Adam Lallana and Jay Rodriguez fueling their good run of results. The game started off very open, with chances from both teams in the opening minutes. Seamus Coleman scored from a Mirallas free kick in the 21st minute to open the scoring, which seemed to knock Southampton off balance, as Everton added a second soon after. In the 24th, Mirallas played Anichebe in behind the defence, and he had no problem rounding the keeper and putting the ball in the back of the net. After getting an earful from their manager, Southampton’s players regained their composure, and Adam Lallana pulled one back from a Jay Rodriguez assist. After reminding his players to keep his composure, Everton steadied the ship and added a third with a deft finish from Anichebe. Fellaini added a fourth in the 79th with a shot from outside the box, but Southampton had thrown in the towel long before then.

26.10.12 Premier League Everton 4 – 1 Southampton MOM: Victor Anichebe

After the great results in the league, albeit against weak teams, Sampedro decides to rest his first team for the Carling Cup matchup against rivals Liverpool. The fans are unhappy with his decision, as Liverpool sends their strongest line-up, with the exclusion of Luis Suarez in order to give youngster Daniel Pacheco a chance. Liverpool have an easy time playing against the likes of Leon Osman, Tony Hibbert, and Phil Neville, yet heroics from Jan Mucha deny all of Liverpools efforts. Finally, in the 58th minute, the youngster Pacheco breaks the deadlock with a placed header, and the game peters out after that.

29.10.12 Carling Cup 4th Round Liverpool 1 – 0 Everton MOM: Phil Jagielka

Despite backlash from large swaths of Everton supporters for the loss against Liverpool, Sampedro gives no importance to the Carling Cup. The side has now won all of their Premier League games in September and October, making them not only Champions League contenders, but also title contenders. Most pundits say that it is only a matter of time until Everton falls, but young managers are allowed to dream. . .

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Tottenham –

September did not go great in von Matterhorn’s opinion, and October started no differently. A Europa League match saw the B team turn out against Lazio, but different players does not mean reduced expectations for the German manager. Miroslav Klose scores a header in the 2nd minute, and von Matterhorn’s team then squanders multiple chances to equalize the score.

4.10.12 Europa League Group J Lazio 1 – 0 Tottenham MOM:Modibo Diakite

Lacking all sort of confidence in the ability of Benoit Assou-Ekotto, von Matterhorn opts to field Vertonghen at left back against West Brom. The experiment goes well, as Vertonghen is solid throughout, but Kyle Walker has a torrid game marking Chris Brunt, sealing Tottenham’s fate. Gera opens the scoring off a corner in the 4th minute, before Dawson equalizes 6 minutes later from another corner. Brunt has a field day on the left hand side of the pitch though, and only great keeping from Lloris keep West Brom from scoring. Eventually, Brunt’s crosses find his targets, with Odemwingie and Gera scoring in the 56th and 78th respectively, putting Tottenham and Kyle Walker out of their misery.

7.10.12 Premier League West Brom 3 – 1 Tottenham MOM: Chris Brunt

Still reeling from the loss at the Hawthorns, von Matterhorn angrily tells his squad that only victory is acceptable against Swansea. The words seem to have an effect, as Shane Long’s pace allows him to run past his man and put Tottenham ahead with only 3 minutes on the clock. 2 minutes later, Long finds himself stretchered out after an Alan Tate challenge, and Adebayor comes in as a replacement, much to his manager’s dismay. Tottenham keep the pressure going though, and Dawson scores from a corner kick in the 19th, before Dembele scores the third in the 41st with a powerful distance shot. The rout keeps going in the second half, with Dembele making it four – nil in the 48th with another long shot. Shortly after in the 51st, Kyle Walker gets caught in possession up the pitch, leading to a counterattack that is culminated with an Itay Shecter goal. Dembele completes a fantastic hat trick of long rage goals in the 64th, leading Swansea fans to question Michel Vorm’s ability in this league. Luke Moore manages to add a second for the Swans after Kyle Walker loses possession of the ball in an advanced position again in the 81st, but Adebayor cancels it out by scoring from a corner kick 2 minutes later.

20.10.12 Premier League Swansea 2 – 6 Tottenham MOM: Moussa Dembele

After a fantastic performance against Swansea, albeit with a few mistakes from young Kyle Walker, von Matterhorn fields a fringe squad against Celtic in the Europa League, with young Jack Bartham making his debut at right back. Gary Hooper puts the Scots ahead early on, but Sigurdsson and Adebayor manage to turn it around for Spurs.

25.10.12 Europa League Group J Celtic 1 – 2 Tottenham MOM:Steven Caulker

Disappointed with Kyle Walker’s showings against Swansea and West Brom, von Matterhorn decides to field Kaboul in right back, with Caulker and Dawson in the center and Vertonghen at left back. With effectively four centre backs on the pitch, von Matterhorn hopes to be more solid in defense and keep his full backs from marauding up the pitch then getting caught out. Shane Long suffered a bruised rib against the Baggies, and with Defoe also out with a knock, von Matterhorn opts to field Dembele as a striker over Adebayor, whom he does not trust in the least. A tough game against Wigan seems to be the wrong place to experiment, but the gambit pays off as Dembele opens the scoring in the 16th minute. Wigan start pushing forwards though, and Kone and Watson turn things around with goals in the 35th and 38th, but Ronnie Stam accidentally heads a Bale cross into his own goal to even things up in the 41st. Tottenham assert control over the game in the second half, but are unable to score until Dawson secures the points with a header in stoppage time, saving the team from jeers from the fans and von Matterhorn’s hairdyer.

29.10.12 Premier League Tottenham 3 – 2 Wigan MOM: Arouna Kone

Things are not getting better in von Matterhorn’s opinion. Nobody knows just quite what he expects, but he was not pleased by the victory over Wigan, the lack of a clean sheet against Swansea, the defeat at West Brom, and the inability of the B team to defeat Lazio. Furthermore, he seems extremely unhappy with Adebayor, Assou-Ekotto, and Kyle Walker, and a series of assertive and aggressive team talks have made the squad somewhat wary of him instead of motivating them. Rumours are that his backroom staff and the players don’t trust his judgement, though no one can say argue his capture of Shane Long has been fantastic so far.

[carlosisonfire]

November 2012 Summary

Everton –

After his second eleven lost a close game to a mostly first string Liverpool side in the Carling Cup, Sampedro headed into the league match against his city rivals confident of a victory with his first team. Sadly, things started all wrong with Mirallas being sent off for a two footed tackle in the 3rd minute. Sampedro switched to a 4-1-2-1-1 with Pienaar playing behind Anichebe up front, and managed to dominate the game while a man down. Anichebe scored off a Pienaar assist in the 37th, and a stunned Liverpool conceded a second to a Fellaini distance shot three minutes later. Liverpool did not manage a shot on target all game, and substitute Nikica Jelavic added insult to injury by finishing a Fellaini through ball in the 77th.

4.11.12 Premier League Everton 3 – 0 Liverpool MOM: Marouane Fellaini

Everton are in an incredible winning run in the league, and lowly Sunderland seem like they will also be swept up by the in-form Everton squad. The game starts surprisingly even, and it is Sunderland who have the better chances, as Adam Johnson keeps playing Steven Fletcher in on goal. Great keeping by Howard keeps Everton in the game, and Everton scores two goals from corners against the run of play, courtesy of Heitinga and Jagielka in the 29th and 32nd. The game then becomes very stop start, and the first half peters out. In the second half Everton seem happy to maintain the result while Sunderland just don’t want to concede anymore. Anichebe adds a third in the 91st off a fast break, but the game had been over long before.

10.11.12 Premier League Sunderland 0 – 3 Everton MOM: John Heitinga

Everton’s fantastic run continues, and Sampedro is determined to overcome a poor Arsenal side in his quest to maintain top spot in the league. The game has few chances throughout, as Everton dominate possession but are unable to fashion any chances. The one highlight from the game occurs when Fellaini plays Pienaar behind Arsenal’s line and he slots it past Szczesny, putting Everton ahead. Everton only managed 3 shots in the whole game, while Arsenal fashioned 2, though none on target. A boring match, but Sampedro is happy to extend his team’s winning streak.

17.11.12 Premier League Everton 1 – 0 Arsenal MOM: Steven Pienaar

Everton is now challenging for the title, though pundits say that there is no way the team will remain at the top past Christmas. Manchester City are in second, and Mancini’s men are looking to wrench the top spot away from the merseysiders. Sampedro is wary of City’s attacking prowess, and lines up in a defensive 4-1-2-1-2 with a deep line in an attempt to contain Aguero. He is shocked to see Dzeko in the starting line-up when the game begins, as his aerial prowess could take advantage of his deep line, but the first few minutes pass without incident. Everton completely shut City out, until Sampedro’s prediction comes true when Dzeko heads in a Maicon cross after beating Heitinga in the air in the 41st minute. Sampedro wants the half to be over, as the goal has visibly put his team off balance, but in the 2nd minute of stoppage time, a Kolarov cross strikes the wrong footed Seamus Coleman, and an own goal puts Everton down by two going into the locker room. Sampedro yells at his players for their lack of concentration, and switch to his usual 4-3-3 possesion formation. The team simply cannot string passes together, gifting the ball away, and the high line gives Aguero far more room to use his pace, but most of his chances are squandered. The shots that he does manage on target are saved by Tim Howard. Steven Pienaar is substituted in the 50th due to having a torrid game, and loanee Nolito comes on as Sampedro tries to salvage the match. Nolito stabilizes the team, and it is he who breaks through 7 minutes after being introduced to score and bring Everton back to 2-1. The goal gives Everton new found belief, and they stride forward attempting to find an equalizer. It is Nolito again who would provide the spark for Everton, laying in a cross for substitute Nikica Jelavic to head in the equalizer in the 81st. Sampedro pulls his team back and instructs them to time waste, happy with a draw against the holders.

24.11.12 Premier League Everton 2 – 2 Man City MOM:Yaya Toure

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Tottenham –

Tottenham are playing way below von Matterhorn’s expectations, though most agree that he is probably being unreasonable. The temperamental German heads into his game against Southampton expecting nothing besides a goal glut. Steven Caulker scores twice from corner kicks in the 25th and 30th to put Spurs ahead, before Bale adds a third with a curling free kick in the 41st. Jay Rodriguez pulls one back after outpacing Dawson on the break in the 43rd, but Southampton look powerless to stop the North London side. Shane Long scores the fourth for Spurs in a counter attack in the 50th minute, putting the game beyond doubt. Still, von Matterhorn is unhappy that 3 of his goals came from set pieces, not open play.

3.11.12 Premier League Tottenham 4 – 1 Southampton MOM: Steven Caulker

Second string players and reserve squad members are ushered onto the pitch for a Europa League matchup against Celtic that spurs easily wins thanks to an Adebayor strike. Despite his performances in the Europa League, the Togolese striker still finds himself out of von Matterhorn’s favor.

8.11.12 Europa League Group J Tottenham 1 – 0 Celtic MOM: Lasse Nielsen

Reading is up next for Spurs, and von Matterhorn believes the game will be won with little to no effort. Bale opens the scoring by cutting inside and slotting it past Federici in the 20th, and Dembele adds a second from distance in the 31st. Federici’s heroics in goal keep the scoreline respectable, but the game should have ended in double figures.

11.11.12 Premier League Reading 0 – 2 Tottenham MOM: Moussa Dembele

After the convincing display against Reading, Spurs receives relegation threatened Liverpool in White Hart Lane. Brendan Rogers is under fire, and rumors are that a loss here would spell his end. Tottenham begins by dominating possession, and a corner in the 12th minute leads to Caulker opening the scoring with a powerful header. Liverpool never look threatening, but it takes until the second half for Long to secure the result with a goal on the break after a great through ball from Dembele in the 49th. Bale adds a third after a good bit of passing play from spurs in the 79th, sealing the rout and Brendan Rogers’ sacking.

18.11.12 Premier League Tottenham 3 – 0 Liverpool MOM: Steven Caulker

A fringe squad turns out against Luzern in the Europa League, but they are defeated 2-1, much to von Matterhorn’s dismay. He has no respect for this competition, and is angered by being defeated by a team he has never even heard of before. Adebayor opened the scoring in the 50th, but Spurs became complacent and allowed Janko Pacar and Dimitar Rangelov overturn the deficit.

22.11.12 Europa League Group J Luzern 2 – 1 Tottenham MOM: Tomislav Puljic

Despite a good run in the league, von Matterhorn feels his team is playing poorly and it is just a matter of time until results start going against them. The German manager does not believe in relying on set pieces for goals, and his recent victories have mostly occurred courtesy of his center backs heading corners in. A trip to Sunderland and the dangerous Steven Fletcher has von Matterhorn doubting his team’s chances, but when Long is brought down in the box in the 21st, his fears of defeat are somewhat alleviated. Long coolly slots the ball past Mignolet, putting Spurs ahead. Sunderland are having the better of the match though, and it is no surprise when Adam Johnson runs past Kaboul, who remains playing at right back over the poor Kyle Walker, and crosses it for Fletcher to head past Lloris in the 47th. Gareth Bale shortly restores the lead by tapping in an Aaron Lennon cutback in the 51st, but Sunderland remain looking like the stronger team. Von Matterhorn stubbornly refuses to put his team in a defensive or time wasting formation, saying that a team of this caliber should not be afraid of such average players, and it is no surprise when Adam Johnson again runs past Kaboul and cuts it back for Sessegnon, who has no problem tying the game in the 85th. The game ends 2-2, though Sunderland deserved the win.

27.11.12 Premier League Sunderland 2 – 2 Tottenham MOM: Adam Johnson

Von Matterhorn slams his players in the press conference, despite assistant Steffen Freund telling him that if he had opted for a defensive formation to see the game out, victory would have been secured. Freund does not trust his compatriot’s judgment in the least.

Von Matterhorn has never trusted Walker and Assou-Ekotto as good fullbacks, but Kaboul at right back does not seem to be the answer either. Vertonghen suffering an injury in training has also put doubt on the left back position, and no one is sure what the defense will look like for Spurs’ next game.

[carlosisonfire]

Hey guys, I've decided to split the December summary into two parts since there are a lot of games, and it was getting kinda long. Just re-iterating, once I am done summarizing the first season, the narrative and the true story will begin. The performances of this Everton team are what drove me to start a story in the first place, but I felt it to be more appropriate to start in the second season. Still, im posting the first season in short form because I want to share the excitement and results that drove me to write a story in the first place. The Tottenham December summary will arrive later on tonight, or maybe tomorrow morning.

December 2012 Summary Part 1

Everton –

Everton starts December at the top of the league, and a trip to Birmingham to face Aston Villa does not seem very daunting, despite top goalscorer Victor Anichebe being injured. Everton dominate possession of the game, but are unable to fashion any chances in the first half. The second half starts out similarly, but Pienaar manages to score in the 65th with a simple tap in after Mirallas ran down the line and cut the ball back into the box. 3 minutes later, a mirror image of the first goal occurs, putting the result beyond doubt. Finally, Leighton Baines plays a long ball forward to Jelavic, who proceeds to round the keeper and add the third in the 92nd. Aston Villa did not manage a single shot on target the entire game. Everton has been looking really impressive lately, and seem like real contenders.

1.12.12 Premier League Aston Villa 0 – 3 Everton MOM: Steven Pienaar

Everton look like the real deal, and most people expect their match against Norwich in Goodison Park to be nothing more than a formality. 3 points seem a certainty, but the team just don’t seem as dangerous with Jelavic playing instead of Anichebe. Despite Everton being in control, a break against the run of play by Morison opens the scoring in an otherwise pedestrian game in the 59th. Sampedro looks unhappy with Heitinga’s lack of pace. Everton’s attacks don’t seem to pierce through Norwich’s defense, though an equalizer does come from a Leon Barnett own goal off a corner kick in the 67th. Jelavic lacks the pace to latch on to the through balls that the Everton squad have gone accustomed to playing, and the game ends in a draw despite Everton having 71% of the possession.

8.12.12 Premier League Everton 1 – 1 Norwich MOM: Michael Turner

QPR are languishing at the bottom of the league, and Everton fans are confident of an easy win. Still, the team did not look very good in the Norwich match, so Sampedro decides to field an entirely different starting eleven. The disappointment continues as the team looks very unsure in passing and unimpressive in the tackling department. The first half passes without incident, and in the locker room Sampedro makes his expecations known. Mirallas and Fellaini are also introduced at half time, and the Belgian duo turn Everton’s fortunes around. Magaye Gueye has been playing up front all day and looks out of his depth for Everton, unable to latch onto any of the through balls played by Mirallas or Fellaini. Eventually, Fellaini makes a run from midfield into space, finding a pass from Mirallas and calmly slotting the ball into the near post. The Everton crowd roars in relief as the three points look in the bag. A poor QPR side manage nothing, and the Everton fringe players struggle to put any meaningful spell off play together, leading to a poor victory, but a victory nonetheless.

15.12.12 Premier League QPR 0 – 1 Everton MOM: Marouane Fellaini

After securing a win over QPR with fringe players, Sampedro’s starting preferred eleven returns to face an always tricky Stoke City side. The game starts out with Everton maintaining a great deal of possession, but unable to fashion any chances at all. The first half ends without much fanfare, and the Everton team get an earful from their manager about their performance in the locker room. The words seem to have a negative effect, as in the opening kick off, a lack of concentration allows Jonathan Walters to run past two defenders and easily put the ball past a wrong footed Tim Howard. Sampedro can’t quite believe it. Everton resume their dominance and finally turn it into something when Fellaini makes a run from deep in midfield to a Mirallas through ball, finding himself one on one with the keeper. A player of Fellaini’s caliber has no trouble converting such easy chances, and Everton tie the game in the 55th. Despite easily carving open the Stoke backline for the equalizer, Everton cannot manage to find the winner. A disappointing Nikica Jelavic is subbed for Anichebe, who turns in an even poorer performance. The match ends with a frustrated Sampedro wondering how 68% of the possession leads to just two shots on target all game.

22.12.12 Premier League Stoke 1 – 1 Everton MOM: Marouane Fellaini

Everton has definitely been in a slump in the month of December, but they still have not lost in the league since their opening two games. A match against lowly West Ham is no longer a certain win with the way the squad is playing. The match starts out evenly, with West Ham fashioning a one on one opportunity in the 5th minute, though Andy Carroll shanks it wide to Sampedro’s relief. Not much happens until Everton being a good spell of passing play around the 15th minute, which culminates in Fellaini playing a ball into space behind the defense. Young Ross Barkley, currently being tutored by Fellaini, makes a run just like his mentor has in previous games, finding himself one on one with the kepper. Barkley does not hesitate, and Everton find themselves up by one with 21 minutes on the clock. 3 minutes later, Anichebe latches on to a Mirallas through ball and slots in the second. In the 27th, Anichebe turns provider, laying another pass in behind the defense. This time, it is Fellaini who receives the ball in a fantastic position and scores the third. West Ham seem unable to deal with through balls or Everton’s pace. The game then slows down as the Everton side put on the brakes, confident of a win. A fourth goal comes in the second half, as James Tomkins heads a corner kick into his own net, and nothing else of note occurs in the game. A confident Everton performance after a poor run of play.

26.12.12 Premier League West Ham 0 – 4 Everton MOM: Marouane Fellaini

After a strong showing against West Ham, Everton prepare to receive the Newcastle side that inflicted one of their only two league defeats of the season. Sampedro names an unchaged squad from the West Ham match, hoping for a similar performance. The game starts off on a high, as an early foul by Cheick Tiote leads to a free kick in an advanced position. Pienaar hits a cross, which comes near none of the Everton players in the box. Tiote mishits the ball when trying to clear it though, and it ends up in his own net to put the Liverpool side ahead in the 3rd minute. Sampedro is feeling a bit more relaxed, but it all changed when young Nile Ranger uses his pace to get past Everton’s high line. Ranger easily rounds Tim Howard and equalizes the game, as Sampedro shakes his head in disappointment. Everton look the stronger team, and this quality shows when Mirallas plays a through ball to Anichebe, who finds himself one on one with the keeper. A simple sideways pass plays Pienaar in on goal, with no one to stop him. Everton are 2 – 1 ahead now, as Sampedro joins a roaring crowd in singing his team’s praises. The first half has a nervy ending as Newcastle push forward, and Sampedro reminds his team to keep their head in the game before the start of the second half. Papiss Cisse is looking very dangerous, but the Everton defense is ganging up on him, confident that Ranger is not a real threat. The young kid has been impressive today, but nowhere near the level of the injured Demba Ba. Newcastle start piling on the pressure, desperate to equalize, and this creates the perfect opportunity for Anichebe. A misplaced pass by Cabaye finds Ross Barkley, who knocks the ball up the pitch. Victor Anichebe uses his pace to reach the ball first and does not falter when put in front of goal. Newcastle continue their assault afterwards, but their players have visibly lost their belief. The game ends, and Sampedro is proud that his defense restricted a very offensive Newcastle side to only three shots on target.

29.12.12 Premier League Everton 3 – 1 Newcastle MOM: Victor Anichebe

Contrary to most pundits’ predictions, Everton finish the calendar year comfortably atop the league. Fantastic performances from Fellaini and Anichebe have turned them into one of the highest scoring teams, while great defensive work has lead them to be the stingiest defense despite conceding 7 in the first two games. Those first two losses remain the only blemishes on Everton’s record, and many are starting to believe them to be genuine title contenders.

[carlosisonfire]

December 2012 Summary Part 2

Tottenham –

Unsure of his starting defense and disappointed with recent results, von Matterhorn heads into the derby at Chelsea with a starting defense of Naughton, Caulker, Dawson, and Kaboul. Sadly, defensive errors from previous matches make another appearance, this time in the 7th minute. A Petr Cech clearance falls to Dawson for what should be an easy clearance, but he mishits the ball and gifts it to Lampard. The Chelsea midfielder proceeds to dribble past Dawson and down the edge of the penalty area, where he crosses the ball to a completely unmarked Juan Mata. The Spanish playmaker does not hesitate and volleys the ball into the back of the net, as a furious Lloris lets Dawson knows exactly what he thinks of his defending. A second goal for Chelsea arrives in the same ridiculous manners, though Kaboul is responsible this time. An easy lobbed ball is misheaded behind his own line by Kaboul. Eden Hazard latches on to it and runs down the pit and the edge of the box. When he reaches the goal line, a cutback sets up Mata for an easy tap in, putting Chelsea two ahead. Shane Long pulls one back for Tottenham off a counter attack in the 31st, but Chelsea decide to just pass it around midfield without taking any risks, leading to an uneventful second half and an easy win for the Blues. Von Matterhorn is seething at his defense for gifting two goals in a game that they could have and should have won against rivals in the quest for Champions League qualifying.

1.12.12 Premier League Chelsea 2 – 1 Tottenham MOM: Juan Mata

A backup squad is sent to the Europa League to face Lazio, who defeated Spurs the first time around. Defoe has a point to prove, as Shane Long has been fantastic in the league, and he catches his manager’s eye with two goals. Tottenham are now out of their group despite fielding subs and reserve players throughout.

6.12.12 Europa League Group J Tottenham 2 – 0 Lazio MOM:Jermain Defoe

A match against second placed Manchester City is the last thing von Matterhorn wants with his team in a poor run of league form and a defense riddled with errors. He decides to field Assou-Ekotto and Kyle Walker as fullbacks, with Caulker and Kaboul in centre back. He no longer trusts Michael Dawson, but forgives Kaboul’s mistake for being played out of his favored position. The first bit of significant action occurs in the seventh minute, when Gareth Bale receives the ball on the left side of the pitch. The Welshman uses his pace and trickery to run past Maicon down the line, and then drills a cross into the box. The ball misses everyone in the box, and as it is drifting near the far post, Gareth Barry attempts to put it out for a corner. Luckily for Tottenham supporters, he mis-hits the ball and knocks it past his own keeper, shockingly putting the North London outfit ahead. City go on full throttle after that, attempting all sorts of through balls and crosses, as the Tottenham full backs and central midfielders cannot seem to mark them or successfully tackle anywhere on the field. The only thing that keeps Tottenham in the game is the fantastic play of both Kaboul and Caulker. They both are intercepting every through ball and winning any header, shutting out any attempts to shoot at Lloris’ goal. With time dwindling, a Tottenham victory seems assured, but Yaya Toure crashes the party with a goal in the 92nd minute off a corner. Von Matterhorn seems extremely disappointed in his squad for not being able to hold on to the victory, and his squad seems confused as the manager tells them they need to do better in the future.

9.12.12 Premier League Tottenham 1 – 1 Manchester City MOM: Younes Kaboul

The run of difficult fixtures continues for Spurs, having to now face Arsenal after already encountering Chelsea and Man City. The Gunners find themselves languishing in mid table, and the only dreams of European competition involve the Europa League. Tottenham completely dominate the proceedings, but Shane Long is having a torrid day up front, missing the easiest of chances time after time. Long’s poor day continues when he tries to start a sprint in order to run behind the Arsenal line, but instead falls to the ground clutching his hamstring. He is promptly replaced by an energetic Defoe, as his manager looks on with worry. This is Defoe’s chance to prove himself, and it is he who provides the cross for Gareth Bale to score the opener in the 57th. 10 minutes later, Bale returns the favor by laying a ball into space for Defoe to run onto. Defoe easily rounds Szczesny to slot in the second, and the Tottenham team then proceeds to run the clock out. Von Matterhorn rejoices in today’s display of attacking football, as his team had 17 shots to Arsenal’s one. It is one of the few times that anyone has seen the German satisfied.

12.12.12 Premier League Tottenham 2 – 0 Arsenal MOM: Gareth Bale

With the news that Long has suffered a torn hamstring, Defoe starts the game, with the forgotten Adebayor getting his first spot on the bench in what seems like eons. Aston Villa is not performing very well this year, and it is no surprise when Defoe opens the scoring in the 17th after a great lob over the defense by young Thomas Carroll. A free kick on the edge of the area ten minutes later is taken by Carroll, and a poor header by Stephen Ireland sees the ball end up past his own keeper. The first half ends in Spurs domination, and von Matterhorn decides to introduce Emmanuel Adebayor at the break. Tottenham’s players are looking very complacent, and despite his manager’s pleas to focus, Villa manage to pull one back with a Benteke header due to some lax marking from Spurs’ defense in the 70th. Spurs seem off balance after conceding, and 3 minutes later, after a lot of rebounds in the Spurs box, the ball falls to Darren Bent. The England international does not falter, and Villa even the score. Von Matterhorn looks livid, and regrets withdrawing Defoe. The attack seems to have stalled out with Adebayor up front, but the Togolese striker proves his manager wrong with a dazzling display of pace. Adebayor runs past three defenders and launches a powerful shot past the helpless Villa keeper, making it 3-2 with 10 minutes remaining. Von Matterhorn orders his men back, and the result holds to give Spurs a very nervy victory. Von Matterhorn is disappointed with the complacency of his players, but was pleasantly surprised by Adebayor, who he rated very poorly before this match.

15.12.12 Premier League Aston Villa 2 – 3 Tottenham MOM: Thomas Carroll

After playing four games in nine days, Tottenham get a welcome 1 week hiatus before facing Norwich. The Canaries have been hanging around the top half all season, and have proven to be tough opponents. The game begins very evenly, and Grant Holt’s work rake dazzles everyone watching the game. The veteran striker continuously drops back to put in key tackles, and clears the ball off the line during a corner kick in the 37th. Defoe can’t seem to penetrate the Norwich back line, but the opener comes to Tottenham from a Caulker header in the first minute of stoppage time. At the break, von Matterhorn opts to put Adebayor in for the faltering Defoe, but nothing changes. Grant Holt keeps dropping back and overwhelming Spurs’ midfield, and it is no surprise when he wins the ball in one of his trips to midfield and lays a pass behind the defense to find Steve Morison. Morison puts it past Lloris, evening up the score. Despite Spurs best efforts, they can’t fashion any sort of attacking play, and find themselves scrambling to prevent a Norwich winner. It never comes though, giving Spurs an undeserved draw. Von Matterhorn is fuming, and gives the hairdryer treatment to his team yet again. The players don’t seem very happy with the way the manager talks to them, but Spurs still lay in fourth place in the league.

22.12.12 Premier League Tottenham 1 – 1 Norwich MOM: Grant Holt

Tottenham find themselves travelling to QPR, a club that finds itself in the relegation zone despite big spending in the summer. A big win is predicted in the media, but Spurs are struggling to find goals with Defoe as a striker. Kyle Walker must be feeling the holiday spirit as he scores an inexplicable own goal 35 minutes in. An innocuous cross into an empty box seems destined to go out for a throw, but Walker decides to attempt to put it out for a corner instead. He miscalculates the flight of the ball though, and it awkwardly strikes his foot and hits the back of his own net. The young Englishman has always been on thin ice with von Matterhorn, and this has only made things worse. Steven Caulker manages to equalize with a powerful header two minutes later, but the Christmas spirit seems to have possessed Caulker as well. In the 42nd, he attempts to play a back pass to Lloris, but hits the ball too softly. Zamora sees the ball slowly travelling towards goal and runs to intercept the pass, promptly slotting it past an out of position Lloris. Von Matterhorn cannot believe his own eyes, as his team has gifted the opposition two goals. Spurs players get an earful at halftime, and Adebayor comes on for Defoe. No plays are happening, but Bale ties the game in the 66th with a fantastic solo effort. Spurs look poor out there, and things get worse when Adebayor falls to the ground clutching his ribs after a strong challenge from Anton Ferdinand. Dempsey comes on as a striker and also has a poor display. QPR have been gifted a point after essentially doing nothing all game, and a livid von Matterhorn skips giving a full time team talk altogether.

26.12.12 Premier League QPR 2 – 2 Tottenham MOM:Gareth Bale

A difficult away trip to Stoke is not the way von Matterhorn wants to end the year, as they are renowned for their physical play. With only one fit striker in Jermain Defoe, the German manager cannot deal with any more injuries. Tottenham look good as the game begins though, better than they did against QPR for sure. Still, Defoe is not making anything happen up front, and the half ends tied at zero despite Spurs dominating. Jermain Defoe stays on the pitch because there is simply no one to introduce for him, but he elevates his game in the second half, leading to a breakthrough in the 68th. Defoe uses his dribbling ability to make it past his marker, then unleashes his pace to see himself through on goal. Finding the keeper closing down the angle, Defoe opts to lob the ball over him to score a sensational goal. Von Matterhorn wonders where this quality has been all season. Defoe keeps running circles around the Stoke backline but manages to miss multiple clear chances in the ensuing minutes. He is finally brought down in the box with 4 minutes remaining, and Assou-Ekotto calmly places the ball into the corner.

29.12.12 Premier League Stoke 0 – 2 Tottenham MOM: Younes Kaboul

At the end of the year, Tottenham find themselves in fourth place, but with a gap between them and the top three. Everton are somehow still in top spot, but most people doubt that the Merseysiders will outlast the two Manchester clubs. With money still in the bank, von Matterhorn is determined to strengthen his squad in the winter window, as he believes that a title challenge is somehow possible.

Just wanted to make a comment about the 13.1 match engine, there are sooooooo many ridiculous own goals! The Everton team has conceded one or two, but Tottenham seem to have one for or against them every game. Also, the central defenders are averaging sooo much. I’m pretty sure that at this point in the season the top 5 players in the league in rating were Kaboul, Heitinga, Kompany, Ferdinand, and Aguero, who was top scorer by miles.

[carlosisonfire]

I've decided to split all of the remaining summaries into two parts, as I now realize that my match reports got increasingly more detailed as I kept writing. I'm hoping that the summary of my first season will be finished by the end of the week so that I may start posting the actual story, but I don't want to put every part of the summary at once as I feel nobody would read it.

January 2013 Summary Part One

Everton –

Everton finished the 2012 calendar year atop the league with some very convincing performances, so spirits are high when struggling Fulham come to visit Goodison Park for the first game of 2013. Everton start business as usual, retaining high amounts of possession in the midfield, but it is Fulham who break through with a Kacaniklic tap in after a great cut back from veteran Damien Duff. The goal is completely against the run of play, and Everton quickly resume their control of the game. Still, no breakthrough comes, and Sampedro asks his players to focus and give a little extra to get the deserved victory. His words seemingly have no effect though, as Fulham are very organized at the back and continue to prevent any sort of concrete opportunity to form for the home side. With time running out for Everton, young Ross Barkley manages to do what none of his teammates have during the whole game, placing a pass into space for Mirallas to run onto. The pacey Belgian has no problem slotting past the keeper, making the game even at the 80 minute mark. Fulham’s players look distraught at the equalizer, and they quickly lose their defensive discipline. Mirallas turns provider to put in his compatriot Fellaini on goal, who also knocks the ball past Mark Schwarzer for a dramatic Everton turnaround on the 86th minute. Fulham’s players look like they want the ground to open up, and seem plenty distracted when a seemingly innocuous clearance from Phil Jagielka somehow manages to evade all Fulham defenders and land at Anichebe’s feet, who does not hesitate to put the third one in for Everton in the final minute of regulation. 3 goals in 10 minutes see Everton come from one down to secure yet another victory.

2.1.13 Premier League Everton 3 – 1 Fulham MOM:Phil Jagielka

Sampedro sends a fringe squad to face Middlesbrough in the FA cup, featuring the likes of Distin, Neville, Osman, and Hibbert. These players, who were household names under Moyes have barely featured in the league all season. Young striker Hallam Hope gets a start handed to him, and he impresses scoring one of Everton’s goals. Leon Osman manages another, as Everton ease past the Championship side.

5.1.13 FA Cup 3rd Round Everton 2 – 0 Middlesbrough MOM: Sylvain Distin

After a nervy win over Fulham, Everton travel to White Hart Lane to face Tottenham, one of the two teams that have inflicted a league defeat on Everton. Jermaine Jenas, who has been a revelation for Everton at the anchor man position is unavailable to play against his parent club, so Reo-Coker finds himself in the starting line-up. Bad news continue for Everton as top goalscorer and preferred striker Victor Anichebe suffers a double hernia in training, putting the much slower Jelavic in the starting team. Young Hallam Hope, who scored in the midweek Fa Cup tie, finds himself with a spot on the bench.

Things start out dangerously for Everton, as early on it seems apparent that Seamus Coleman will be unable to mark Gareth Bale. The Welshman is having a field day on the left wing, but luckily for the away side his crosses are not finding his teammates. Tottenham seem the most likely to make something happen, despite Everton having most of the possession. Everytime an Everton player makes a mistake and loses the ball, Bale, Lennon, Dembele, and Defoe begin dangerous counter attacks that are miraculously not ending in the back of Howard’s net.

In the first game at Goodison Park, a Leighton Baines own goal opened the scoring. Karma came calling as this time Spurs find themselves at the end of a calamitous own goal from Kyle Walker on 30 minutes, when Everton seemed extremely unlikely to make something happen. Spurs’ manager is seething and screaming at young Walker for his calamitous mistake, but Sampedro knows that it would be extremely easy for Spurs to turn the scoreline around. Apparently unaware that Christmas has passed, yet another defensive error gifts Everton another goal. Nikica Jelavic is brought down in the box by Younes Kaboul in a position of no threat, and the Croatian himself drives the penalty into the net to put Everton ahead by two in the 40th.

The first half ends with that scoreline, and Sampedro asks his players to not get complacent, since Tottenham are looking more dangerous despite the scoreline. Surprisingly, another defensive error gifts Everton their third in the 49th minute. An Everton corner seems to be coming directly at Kaboul’s head, but the Frenchman somehow misses his header, allowing Jelavic to add his second and Everton’s third, putting the game out of reach for the North London outfit. Sampedro instructs his players to keep possession of the ball and not take risks to see the game out, though Tottenham pull one back from Dembele in the 79th, Everton get a very lucky win over a strong Spurs side with a very impressive 65% of possession.

12.1.13 Premier League Tottenham 1 – 3 Everton MOM: Nikica Jelavic

After the complicated Spurs match up, another tough encounter comes in the form of a trip to Old Trafford. Sampedro is feeling confident, as his team defeated Ferguson’s side in their first match, but things start off bad for Everton when James McClean finds himself unmarked during a free kick in the 3rd minute of play and volleys it past Tim Howard. United dominate the first half, but a great performance from Everton’s American keeper keeps the scoreline at one nil. The second half begins with the introduction of Naismith for Pienaar, who kept misplacing his passes, but the Red Devils continue to manhandle the Liverpool side. Jelavic is getting outmuscled by Vidic and Ferdinand, so in the 65th minute Sampedro decides to introduce Hallam Hope into the match. The youngster finds himself out of his depth though, and contributes nothing to the match. A solid defensive performance from Everton sees them weather the United storm, so Sampedro only has kind words for his squad as a clearly superior United squad grab all three points. This is only Everton’s third defeat of the season though, and they are still comfortably in first place.

16.1.13 Premier League Man Utd 1 – 0 Everton MOM: Nemanja Vidic

After the tough loss against United, the Everton side head to the DW to face Wigan, who are hard to break down. A dead leg suffered by Coleman in training sees Sampedro field Jagielka at right back rather than trusting veteran Tony Hibbert. As always, Everton gain control of possession, but fail to turn it into anything. Their loss of the ball provides plenty of opportunities for Wigan on the break though, and an impressive Arouna Kone seems unplayable by the Everton defence. Only an even more sensational Tim Howard stops the Ivorian from converting four clear cut one on one chances in the first half.

At the break, Sampedro instructs his players to play with a deep defensive line to limit Kone’s opportunities to use his pace, and it works perfectly in shutting Wigan’s offensive attempts. At the other end though, Everton are still unable to break Wigan down. A breakthrough occurs off a corner in the 67th minute, after a series of bounces leads the ball to Pienaar’s feet. The South African international manages to shoot in between a multitude of players, providing a scrappy opener for Everton. The teams cancel each other out for the remainder of the match, until Jelavic adds another goal from a corner in the 92nd minute. The 2-0 scoreline flatters Everton, as it was a poor match with the better chances going to Wigan.

19.1.13 Premier League Wigan 0 – 2 Everton MOM: Tim Howard

Another FA cup match sees fringe players get a run out, and promising striker Hallam Hope gets yet another start. Nottingham Forest try their best to take the advantage, but Jan Mucha is looking impressive in goal and shuts them out. Loanee Nolito scores the one and only goal of the game for Everton in the 43rd minute for a comfortable win.

25.1.13 FA Cup 4th Round Everton 1 – 0 Nottm Forest MOM: Shane Duffy

The final game of the month is a home match against West Brom, who aren’t looking very dangerous in front of goal this season. Neither are Everton with Jelavic stepping in for the injured Jelavic though, and the game starts of very choppy, though Everton hold most of the possession. Jelavic scores from a corner kick in the 32nd minute, and it is a boring match’s only highlight. A comfortable yet unimpressive win for Everton.

28.1.13 Premier League Everton 1 – 0 West Brom MOM: Craig Dawson

Anichebe’s injury has hit Everton hard, as without his pace the team are looking extremely poor offensively. Somehow they have managed to put wins together though, and hold on to top spot in the league. The Nigerian striker will not be back until late February/early March, and both the manager and fans are hoping that Jelavic will grow into his role.

There was no transfer activity for Everton, though Sampedro wants to strengthen almost every position. The club is spending 30k per week over the 750k budget, and the bank balance is at a precarious -10m by the end of January. Large bids were received from numerous clubs for both Fellaini and Baines, but both the chairman Bill Kenwright and Sampedro believe that the if the club can win the league, they will be able to hold on to their stars through the summer.

[carlosisonfire]

January 2013 Summary Part Two

Tottenham –

A serious injury to Shane Long in December, who has been a revelation since signing from West Brom for 16.75m, led to poor performances from Spurs. Von Matterhorn does not believe Jermain Defoe is up to the task of being the starting striker, and much less Adebayor. A trip to dangerous Newcastle seems less complicated with news that Demba Ba is out, with forgotten Spanish striker Xisco replacing him in the starting line up. Tottenham start in control of the game, but Defoe fails to produce moments of substantial play, ending the half at nil. Dempsey comes on for Defoe at half time, with Dembele moving up to striker. Dembele, more used to creating chances than scoring himself, plays a great ball to Dempsey in the box, who does not hesitate to put Spurs ahead in the 54th. Dembele is creating all sorts of opportunities up front, playing Lennon, Bale, and Dempsey in on goal. None of them can manage to secure the result though, and it is no surprise when Gabriel Obertan plays a long ball up the field that finds Papiss Cisse. The Senegalese striker outpaces and outmuscles the Spurs backline and powers a shot past Lloris in the 74th. Spurs try their best to fashion a winner, but no one seems to have their goalscoring boots on today. The game ends as a draw, and von Matterhorn tells his team exactly what he thinks about their poor finishing.

1.1.2013 Premier League Newcastle 1 – 1 Tottenham MOM: Cheikhou Kouyate

An FA cup tie against Crystal Palace sees a line up containing players who haven’t seen a lot of minutes, such as Parker, Naughton, Sigurdsson, Townsend, and Falque. Reserve prospect William Ekong is given his debut in the center of defense along Michael Dawson, and it is no surprise that both of Palace’s goals originate from errors by Ekong. Dempsey pulls one back late on for Spurs, but the brace by Glenn Murray is enough to see Palace to the next round.

5.1.2013 FA Cup 3rd Round Crystal Palace 2 – 1 Tottenham MOM: Glenn Murray

After the disappointment at Newcastle, von Matterhorn is determined to acquire all three points against an Everton side who, despite being top of the league, were manhandled by Spurs the first time around. Since Everton plays a possession based game, von Matterhorn opts to field Sandro and Huddleston behind Dembele in order to break up play. Parker would have been useful, but a dead leg suffered in training sees him out of the game. Caulker and Kaboul, who have been outstanding this season start at centre back, but concerns remain over the ability of Kyle Walker to handle big games at right back. An injury to Assou Ekotto sees Kyle Naughton also getting the nod at left back. Bale and Lennon on either wing should trouble the Everton back line, but the German’s biggest concerns lie with the prowess of Jermain Defoe. The Englishman has looked unimpressive so far in front of goal.

Things start off great for Tottenham, with a fast break from Bale. The Welshman runs past Seamus Coleman as if he was not there, but Defoe is nowhere to be found and Bale’s cross harmlessly flies out for a throw in. Despite Everton having possession, tough tackling from Sandro and Huddlestone is creating many opportunities for Spurs on the counter attack. The left wing looks the most promising, since Coleman cannot keep up with Bale at all. In one of Everton’s spells of control, Jagielka smashes the ball upfield into the box for a seemingly easy pickup by Lloris. Kyle Walker decides he will attempt to head it out though, and instead misheads the ball over his own keeper and into the back of the net after 30 minutes of play. Von Matterhorn is seething, incredulous that Walker would ruin a game that was going so well.

Spurs are visibly shocked by the goal, but they still continue to effectively play on the break. Defoe just can’t seem to put it past the keeper though, missing multiple clear one on one opportunities against Tim Howard. Disaster strikes again for Spurs as Jelavic receives the ball in the box. The Croatian striker has no good angle to score from, but that does not stop the usually reliable Kaboul from making a clumsy challenge and bringing him down. Jelavic himself kicks the penalty and puts Everton ahead after 40 minutes of play.

At half time, von Matterhorn lets his frustration out on his defenders, who are completely responsible for being two down. Younes Kaboul seems to have lost confidence in himself after being called out, and in the 49th minute, the Frenchman fails to head a ball that was coming straight to him from a corner. Nikica Jelavic pounces on the missed interception and adds his second of the game to put Everton up 3 – 0. Von Matterhorn immediately replaces Kaboul for Michael Dawson, and also decides to remove Defoe for Dempsey and allowing Dembele to play as the striker.

The game resumes the rhythm of the first half, with Everton maintaining possession but making nothing happen. Spurs have chances time and time again on the break, but Dembele is not known as a finisher and cannot put any of them in the back of the net. Eventually one had to go in though, and it comes in the 79th minute courtesy of the impressive Gareth Bale. The Welshman plays a cross into the box after running easily past Coleman, and Dembele heads it into a corner, completely out of the reach of Howard.

12.1.13 Premier League Tottenham 1 – 3 Everton MOM: Nikica Jelavic

Unhappy with the performance of Aaron Lennon against Everton, von Matterhorn decides to field Clint Dempsey on the right wing against West Ham. The Hammers defeated Spurs the first time around, but the North London outfit would not allow them to take all three points again. The opening kick off sees Jermain Defoe receive the ball from Dembele in the center circle. He then proceeds to run past four players and puts it in the back of the net for a sensational solo effort with only 30 seconds on the clock. It was a sign of things to come, as West Ham found themselves completely against the ropes. It was only a matter of time before Spurs added another, and it is Defoe again who taps in a Dempsey cutback in the 34th minute. The second half starts in the same way as the first half ended, with Tottenham in the driver’s seat. Parker adds a third in the 54th off a Dempsey corner, and Dempsey himself seals the humiliation with a fourth goal in the 63rd. Young Robert Hall pulls one back for West Ham in the 89th minute, but it was too little too late.

16.1.13 Premier League Tottenham 4 – 1 West Ham MOM: Clint Dempsey

A tough game at Old Trafford is next for Spurs, after the Red Devils easily took out top of the league Everton. Expecting domination by United, von Matterhorn instructs his side to play with a high line, as van Persie and Hernandez seem more comfortable receiving the ball in the box than running into space. Dempsey finds himself on right wing again after an impressive display against West Ham.

United start with great possession of the ball and fashioning multiple chances, but all of them are balls into space. Despite running onto the balls before the Spurs backline can catch up to them, van Persie is seeing all of his one on one chances either saved by Lloris or off target. Kaboul is also having a fantastic game in defense, and it is one of his clearances that leads to the opener. In the 43rd minute, Kaboul hoofs the ball upfield, where Dembele receives it. The Belgian runs with the ball before unleashing a powerful shot. De Gea gets his hands to it, but does not get sufficient contact to stop the ball from going in. In the ensuing kick off, Bale manages to steal the ball from Nani, but then falls down clutching his ankle after a Rafael challenge. Bale is forced to come off, replaced by Andros Townsend.

At half time, Sigurdsson is introduced for Defoe, who has been having a poor game, and Dembele finds himself yet again filling in the role of striker. Von Matterhorn asks his players to keep focused, as United are still dominating the game, and the defensive heroics continue into the second half. Kagawa comes off for Hernandez as United switch to a 4-4-2, but neither of their strikers can convert chances on the break. The next goal of the match occurs at the other end, with a fantastic Moussa Dembele heading in a Townsend cross after 65 minutes. Sampedro promptly switches to a 4-1-4-1 formation, but maintains a high line. Spurs manage to see the game out for an extremely important victory.

20.1.13 Premier League Man Utd 0 – 2 Tottenham MOM: Moussa Dembele

After the fantastic performance against United, von Matterhorn receives a call from a football agent saying that his client, one Isco of Malaga, would be extremely interested in joining the North London outfit. The player is reportedly underpaid and unhappy with his team underperforming in Spain and is looking for Champions League football. A release clause of 17.5m is promptly met, and the young playmaker quickly signs for Spurs.

New signing – 17.5m MC, AM RLC Isco, 20 years old

In order to incorporate his new signing, who is being touted as one of the greatest players the world will ever see, von Matterhorn switches to a 4-3-3 to face Fulham. Walker and Naughton remain at fullback, with Kaboul and Caulker at centre back. The anchor man position is filled by parker, with Dembele and Huddlestone playing in front of him. Dembele is expected to make multiple runs forward, while Huddleston stays back. Dempsey finds himself on right wing, while Isco debuts on the left. Both are expected to cut inside rather than to stay wide. The unimpressive Jermain Defoe starts at striker, though von Matterhorn cannot wait until Long is back from injury.

What ensued was one of the most amazing displays of passing and attacking football von Matterhorn had ever seen. Isco and Dempsey combined with Dembele, all using first time passes to create countless chances. Jermain Defoe scored a hat trick of goals, though it could have been many more. All three goals were passes into the box with no defenders around, goals served on a silver platter after the three attacking midfielders had taken the defense out of the game. Each one of Dembele, Isco, and Dempsey provided an assist, as a delighted von Matterhorn watched on.

30.1.12 Premier League Tottenham 3 – 0 Fulham MOM: Jermain Defoe.

Jermain Defoe has had a couple of multi goal games, and seems to be growing into the position. Tottenham have a Champions league spot in the bag, but now more ambition sees the manager wanting to challenge for the title. Isco had a fantastic debut, exciting supporters and staff alike. If the kid can play like this at 20, what will we see in the future? Fourth place is currently held by Spurs, with a big gap between them and Chelsea in 5th. Only a few points separate Everton, Man City, Man Utd, and Tottenham currently, so the title race is in full swing. Few people expect Everton to win, as they have the weakest squad, though they are competing in no competitions besides the league and FA cup, which may give them an advantage.

[carlosisonfire]

February 2012 Summary

Everton –

Everton continued their winning ways in January, though they have been scraping by. The attack has ran out of steam with Jelavic leading the line. Victor Anichebe’s injury has hit the team hard, and they are now a shadow of the offensive, entertaining team from the first half of the season.

Swansea come to Goodison Park to face this stumbling Everton side, who start off as always dominating possession. Nothing of note occurs throughout the game, ending in a bore nil nil draw. Everton’s midfield is continuing to dominate possession of the ball, but Jelavic is not explosive enough to connect with the through balls laid by Mirallas and Fellaini.

2.2.13 Premier League Everton 0 – 0 Swansea MOM: Alan Tate

A trip to St. Mary’s is next for Everton, against a Southampton side that surprisingly is in the top half of the league. Jay Rodriguez and Adam Lallana are particularly dangerous up front, and Sampedro is scared that if they score, his floundering offense will not be able to produce an equalizer. Things start off as usual for Everton, controlling possession of the ball, though they make no significant offensive moves. Jelavic is brought down in the box by Jose Fonte in the 19th minute, and Naismith puts the penalty in the back of the net. Everton are thankful for the gift, as they did not look likely to make things happen. A break by Mirallas is stopped by Jose Fonte in the 30th minute with a clumsy challenge, who finds himself sent off due to being the last man. Southampton had been looking dangerous up to that point, but the sending off allows Everton to completely control the game, ending the first half one up.

Southampton look very shaky one man down, and it is no surprise when Mirallas finds space in the 52nd minute and scores a second. In the 63rd, Mirallas makes another appearance, latching on to a Fellaini through ball and slotting past the keeper for the third of the night. Youngster Ross Barkley adds a fourth for Everton with a long shot in the 79th, and substitute Magaye Gueye adds a fifth with a header in the 91st. The Southampton side was completely undone by the sending off, otherwise Everton would have struggled to score at all.

9.2.13 Premier League Southampton 0 – 5 Everton MOM: Kevin Mirallas

Another FA Cup tie sees the backup players get a run out, and impressive youngster Hallam Hope makes a return at striker. Promising midfielder John Lundstram also gets a start at defensive midfielder. The draw has been kind to Everton, giving them a trip to Rochdale when many Premier League sides were in contention. Hallam Hope continues his impressive form with a goal either side of half time for an easy Everton win.

16.2.13 FA Cup 5th Round Rochdale 0 – 2 Everton MOM: Hallam Hope

Reading make the trip up to Goodison Park to face Everton, who are fresh of a drubbing of Southampton. Sampedro does not believe his team can break anyone down right now though, and hopes a red card or penalty will occur to give his team an edge. Sadly, Reading play the game by the rules, and though they only manage 31% of the possession, they hold firm to deny the league leaders. Naismith and Mirallas had exceptionally poor games, unable to get passes to Jelavic, and their replacements, Gueye and Nolito, could not do so either.

26.2.13 Premier League Everton 0 – 0 Reading MOM: Alex Pearce

February had only three league games for Sampedro’s side, all of them against weak teams. The injury to Anichebe has seriously affected the side, as they only managed one win out of three, albeit a blowout victory. Everton still hold top spot though, and have only lost three times all year. Sampedro hopes his team can return to their winning ways in March, with Anichebe expected to be fit for their following game.

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Tottenham –

An unchanged side from the Fulham match turns out for Tottenham against West Brom, with the flashy new 4-3-3 formation getting its second game. Isco and Dembele have a field day in midfield, playing multiple passes up to Jermain Defoe, but the Englishman is having a torrid time in front of goal, missing chances that were easier to score. The breakthrough does not arrive until the 43rd minute, when Tom Huddleston unleashes a fierce drive from 40 yards out. Ben Foster is blocked by his defenders and does not see the ball coming, and the ball hits the back of the net to put Spurs up by one.

The second half begins with Adebayor replacing the disappointing Defoe and Sigurdsson on for Dembele, who suffered a knock in the first half. Tottenham keep playing great dangerous balls, but Adebayor can’t convert any of them. West Brom do not threaten at all, and they look a very poor team.

2.2.13 Premier League Tottenham 1 – 0 West Brom MOM: Tom Huddlestone

Tottenham look much more confident in their new 4-3-3 formation with Isco on left wing, and a trip to the DW is looking like an easy win. Concerns over Dembele’s fitness see Thomas Carroll starting in his stead in midfield, but von Matterhorn is confident with the young midfielder’s ability. Akin to the predictions, the game starts with great passing play from Spurs, though Arouna Kone is looking very dangerous. Great defending from Younes Kaboul is keeping Kone under wraps though, and it is not long before Spurs get on the scoresheet. Isco lays a perfect pass for Defoe in the box, who easily slots it into the back of the net with 15 minutes on the clock. A back and forth game sees chances at both ends, but last ditch tackles from both Gary Caldwell and Younes Kaboul keep the scoreline at one nil.

Sandro replaces Parker at halftime, and Tottenham manage to add a second 3 minutes after the restart. Clint Dempsey runs past his man on the right wing, and plays a pass into Defoe’s feet. Defoe uses his skill to dribble past his man, then places the ball in the near post to make it two nothing. The game has opportunities for both sides for the rest of the game, but great defending from both sides keeps the score unchanged.

10.2.13 Premier League Wigan 0 – 2 Tottenham MOM: Jermain Defoe

The Europa League knockout rounds have begun, but von Matterhorn has no qualms with sending a backup side to the match. Friedel has been the cup keeper for Spurs the entire season, and has been key in making it this far. Their opponents are greek side PAOK, with the first game in Greece.

Tottenham line up with the 4-4-1-1 they played most of the season, and their superior quality shows early with Sigurdsson setting up Adebayor for a goal in the 10th. Adebayor adds a second from a Townsend assists in the 39th, essentially wrapping up the tie. Two away goals are very hard to come back from, but PAOK never give up, managing to pull one back near the end of the game through veteran striker Dimitris Salpingidis.

14.2.13 Europa League 1st Knockout Round PAOK 1 – 2 Tottenham MOM: Emmanuel Adebayor

A week later, PAOK heads to White Hart Lane to face the same side that defeated them in Greece. PAOK is hoping for an early goal to bring belief back to their players, but unfortunately for them, the goal comes at the other end. A Townsend corner in the second minute is headed in by an unmarked Dawson, ending all of PAOK’s hopes. 6 minutes later, Andros Townsed taps in an Aaron Lennon cutback, making it 4 – 1 in aggregate for Spurs. Both teams relax afterwards, as PAOK’s players recognize that there is simply no way to get back into the match.

21.2.13 Europa League 1st Knockout Round Tottenham 2 – 0 PAOK (4 – 1 agg.) MOM: Michael Dawson

Swansea make the trip to White Hart Lane to play a Spurs side that has been buoyed by wonderkid Isco. Tottenham’s return to the league sees a return of the 4-3-3 formation, with Dempsey and Isco on the wings and Defoe up front. Gareth Bale is fit again, but finds himself on the bench. Tottenham start off looking very good going forward, and Dembele sets up Defoe for a simple finish in the 16th minute. Clint Dempsey is misplacing a lot of his passes though, sabotaging Tottenham’s offensive moves. Despite Dempsey constantly gifting possession, the Spurs backline is preventing any shots from Swansea.

At halftime, Gareth Bale makes his reappearance on the right wing to replace Demspey, and Tottenham’s fortunes change. Bale is looking unmarkable, though he keeps attempting shots on goal which end in nothing. He is certainly more effective than Dempsey though, and it is no surprise when Bale sets up Defoe for a second goal in the 63rd minute. Sandro comes on to replace Tom Huddlestone after the goal, and the substitute adds Spurs’ third with a great run from midfield to latch on to an Isco backpass. The rout is completed when Jermain Defoe is brought down in the box in the 82nd, and he himself takes the spot kick to complete his hat trick.

26.2.13 Premier League Tottenham 4 – 0 Swansea MOM: Jermain Defoe

Jermain Defoe has freed himself from his poor form, scoring five goals in his three appearances in February. Isco is looking fantastic, and Tottenham look like they could win the title. Everton have dropped points, allowing the chasing pack to catch up, and von Matterhorn honestly believes that his team can outperform both Manchester clubs and take top spot from Everton. The run in the Europa League continues, but the German manager has little interest in Europe’s B competition.

[carlosisonfire]

March 2013 Summary Part One

Everton –

Everton are looking poor without Anichebe and look in danger of throwing away the top spot they’ve fought so hard all season to get. To make matters worse, a serious injury to Tim Howard puts backup keeper Jan Mucha in the starting line up. A trip across the city to Anfield to face a resurgent Liverpool does not seem like a good place to get a much needed win. Brendan Rodgers was sacked in 2012, and replaced by Dutch manager Co Adriaanse. The Dutchman is well known for his strange training methods, but his results speak for themselves. Under Rodgers, Liverpool was languishing in the relegation zone, but now they find themselves safely in mid table and threatening for a Europa spot.

Everton start dominating possession, and look in control of the game. Kevin Mirallas sets Jelavic loose in behind the defense, and somehow the Croatian striker manages to outpace Skrtel and knocks it past Reina. Jelavic’s goal puts Everton ahead in the 11th minute, as the Everton supporters chant his name. After the goal things stop going according to plan though, with Liverpool beginning to fashion good chances. In the first half, Luis Suarez inexplicably misses three sitters, as Gerrard is having his way with the Everton midfield. Despite dominating possession, Everton can’t make anything happen and find themselves on the back foot. The first half ends with Everton miraculously ahead, due to great performances from Howard and Jagielka, coupled with a torrid game for Suarez.

The second half begins much like the first, with Everton wasteful with their possession and Liverpool fashioning amazing chances. Somehow they cannot find a breakthrough, and with time running out it looks like Everton will walk away with all the points. Gerrard has a different idea though, and in the second minute of stoppage time he unleashes an amazing curling shot from outside the box that Mucha has no chance in stopping. The game ends in a draw, though Liverpool are wondering how Suarez managed to miss so many clear chances to secure the win.

3.3.13 Premier League Liverpool 1 – 1 Everton MOM: Steven Gerrard

Another FA Cup tie sees Sampedro sending out the fringe players, though this time luck has abandoned the Toffees for the draw. A trip to Man City seems like certain doom with backup players, but Sampedro decides that endangering and tiring his starters for a cup tie is not worth it.

Victor Anichebe returns from injury to play his first half of football in two months, though he has little effect. City run amok, with Aguero scoring 4 times and Tevez adding another two. Anichebe is subbed out at half time for 17 year old George Green, who scores on his debut to pull one back for Everton. Another highlight of the game is youngster John Lundstram’s performance in the anchor man role. Sampedro never expected to win and is not bothered by the scoreline, though the supporters and media do not feel the same way.

9.3.13 FA Cup 6th Round Man City 6 – 1 Everton MOM: Sergio Aguero

Victor Anichebe makes a return to the starting line up in the league to chants from the Everton support as The Toffees make a trip to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are languishing in mid table and are mostly focusing on their Champions League run, and Sampedro believes that Anichebe’s return will allow them to secure an easy victory. The Spaniard is correct as it only takes 18 minutes for Anichebe to use his pace to get in behind the Chelsea defense. Petr Cech stands no chance as the Nigerian chips the ball over his head for a sensational goal in his return. Chelsea are dominating possession, but it is Everton who get on the board again with another Anichebe goal, this time on 31 minutes. Kevin Mirallas runs down the flank easily outpacing Ashley Cole, and then proceeds to cut it back for a simple finish from Anichebe.

At the half, Jelavic comes on for the sensational Anichebe, who is not fully match fit yet. Despite controlling the ball, Chelsea manage very few offensive plays, and a third seems certain when Fellaini is brought down in the box in the 68th minute. Jelavic steps up, but knocks the ball over the goal for an embarrassing miss. To make things more interesting, John Heitinga gets a second yellow card in the 70th minute due to pulling on Mata’s shirt, making Sampedro very nervous. Despite being a man up, Chelsea create no chances, and Everton manage to score the next goal courtesy of a Mirallas corner. Jelavic beats his man in the air and confidently heads the ball in to make up for his missed penalty. Everton was so great defensively that Chelsea did not manage a single shot on target all game.

13.3.13 Premier League Chelsea 0 – 3 Everton MOM: Phil Jagielka

Everton are shocked by news that Jan Mucha has had a trainigh ground injury, putting him out for three weeks. Due to changes in the recall ruling, Everton cannot get third keeper Mason Springthorpe back from loan, so 17 year old Russell Griffiths has to make a return to the starting line up against Sunderland and the always dangerous Steven Fletcher.

Everton starting dominating possession and doing their best to protect their inexperienced keeper. Dominating the ball, it is no surprise when Mirallas puts Fellaini in on goal after 25 minutes. The big man powers the shot past Mignolet, putting Everton ahead. The first half ends like that, as Sampedro instructs his side to move the ball around rather than take risks that might expose Griffiths in goal.

The second half begins with Everton dominating possession and looking sure of their win, and Mirallas adds a deserved second in the 49th minute after an Anichebe assist. Things seem to be going great for the Toffees, but the mood turns grim in the 52nd minute. A Fellaini through ball seems like the perfect opportunity for Anichebe to add to his tally, but the Nigerian forward instead falls to the ground clutching his hamstring. Jelavic is introduced for Anichebe, and the Nigerian is promptly rushed to the hospital. Mirallas adds a third in the 79th, but everyone’s thoughts are with Anichebe. Everton manage to prevent any shots on target from Sunderland, making it the second straight game that their goal hasn’t been threatened.

16.3.13 Premier League Everton 3 – 0 Sunderland MOM: Kevin Mirallas

Anichebe’s injury has hit the Everton camp hard. The striker completely transformed the ailing offense in the two games that he played since his returned, but news that he has a torn hamstring means he will be out for the entire remained of the season. There are also no fit senior goalkeepers for Everton at the moment, though Jan Mucha is set to return in two weeks. Everton have no games until the first week of April, and Sampedro hopes that Mucha will be ready for that match. Everton still hold on to top spot in the league, but everything seems to be going against them.

[carlosisonfire]

March 2013 Summary Part Two

Tottenham –

For the first time in his entire tenure, Lorenzo von Matterhorn is pleased with his team and their performances. Young sensation Isco has transformed the team with his silky passing and has seen Spurs drop their 4-4-1-1 formation for a more fluid 4-3-3. This new formation is not permanent though, as von Matterhorn believes that his team is only a couple of signings away from the all-out attack 4-2-3-1 system that he holds in high regard.

The first game of March for Spurs is a trip to St. Mary’s to face midtable Southampton. Jay Rodriguez and Adam Lallana have been impressive this year and have prevented Southampton from being engaged in a relegation scrap. With Gareth Bale fit again, he replaces Dempsey on the right wing to play as an inside forward, with Isco on the left. Defoe yet again is the point of the spear, with his recent form impressing his manager.

Things don’t start according to plan, with Southampton getting a slight edge in possession. The Saints are lined-up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and pressing high up the pitch, making it difficult for Spurs to come out of the back with the ball under control. Spurs are being restricted to long shots, while Southampton are threatening from inside the box.

In the 30th minute, Jose Fonte launches the ball up the right side of the field. Guly do Prado and Assou-Ekotto jump for the ball, but the Bazilian wins the challenge, flicking the ball in behind the defense. Jay Rodriguez outpaces Younes Kaboul and runs into the box, where he easily slots into the far post to put Southampton ahead. Von Matterhorn can be seen on the sidelines screaming at Assou-Ekotto for his poor defensive performance.

Southampton are looking more dangerous by far, but they can’t seem to make anything happen. It seems that Southampton will go into the break ahead, but in the 45th minute Spurs tie up the game. Bale receives the ball in a seemingly innocuous position, and plays an equally harmless pass to Defoe. Defoe then accelerates out of nowhere, running in between the full back and the center back. Defoe finds himself in a really tight angle towards the right side of the 6 yard box, but poor keeping from Boruc leaves the near post exposed, creating an easy opening for Defoe to tie the game.

Von Matterhorn assertively makes his expectations of victory known at half time, and Spurs come out determined in the second half. A corner kick in the 50th sees Caulker head the ball into the back of the net, putting them ahead. Southampton react well to going down, reigniting their play from the first half, leading to a very open back and forth game. Poor finishing and great keeping is keeping the scoreline unchanged, until another goal comes in the 77th. Fox receives the ball in Spurs’ half, and the Saints’ left fullback dribbles past Gareth Bale. This pulls Walker toward Fox, which leaves Lallana unmarked behind him. Fox plays a simple pass to Lallana, who runs down the line and puts a cross into the box. Steven Davis gets ahead of Huddlestone and has no problem heading the ball in to make the match level.

Von Matterhorn cannot believe his side let the lead slip away, and instructs them to all go forward to regain the lead. The winner does come, as Isco plays a ball in behind the defense, which lands right outside the box. Defoe beings a race against both the centre backs and the opposition keeper, and manages to get their first. Boruc finds himself awkwardly at the penalty spot, allowing for an easy shot from Defoe.

3.3.13 Premier League Southampton 2 – 3 Tottenham MOM: Jermain Defoe

After the thriller at St. Mary’s, Spurs find themselves receiving Metalist Kharkiv for the Europa League 2nd Knockout Round. A fringe side is sent, and they easily defeat the Ukranians. A Lennon cross in the 8th minute sees Andros Townsed unmarked in the box, and the youngster easily puts Spurs ahead. Another cross, this time from Townsend, finds Adebayor in the 32nd minute. The Togolese striker outjumps his marker and slots past the keeper for Spurs’ second.

7.3.13 Europa League 2nd Knockout Round Tottenham 2 – 0 Metalist MOM: Michael Dawson

Spurs’ next game is the return leg against Metalist. The same squad makes the trip to the Ukraine, though they don’t find things as easy as in England. Kyle Walker, who has never been in his manager’s good books, brings down Cleiton Xavier in the box with only four minutes on the clock. The Brazilian himself steps up and puts it past Brad Friedel. Metalist are putting a great spell of play together, and it is no surprise when Cleiton Xavier makes another appearance, dribbling past two men and unleashing a powerful shot past Friedel. With only 30 minutes gone, Metalist are now tied in aggregate to Spurs and looking likely to take the tie.

The second half starts with Tottenham dominating, but Adebayor is looking poor up front. Metalist have been completely shut down, but Tottenham cannot find a way through. Things go from bad to worse when Jonathan Cristaldo heads a corner kick in, putting Metalist up 3-0 after 67 minutes. Jermain Defoe is promptly introduced in Adebayor’s stead, to fantastic impact.

Two great displays of pace sees Defoe run past the back line in both the 70th and the 75th, scoring identical goals on the break. The game ends 3-2, putting Spurs into the next round. Von Matterhorn observes that the fringe and backup players are unlikely to produce any results against the caliber of opposition remaining in the competition though.

14.3.13 Europa League 2nd Knockout Round Metalist 3 – 2 Tottenham (3 – 4 agg.) MOM: Jonathan Cristaldo

A return to the league sees Spurs receiving Reading, who are struggling but seem unthreatened by relegation. Spurs’ stars are dominating play, but Reading manage to hold out against the pressure until the 43rd minute. Isco plays a through ball in behind the defense, to which Defoe latches on. His marker pushes him wide though, forcing a cross. Unluckily for Reading though, veteran left back Ian Harte has no chance of keeping up with Gareth Bale’s pace, and the unmarked Welshman easily knocks it past Federici. The second half starts with Spurs in control again, and easily adds a second goal. Jermain Defoe receives a Bale pass outside the box, and he passes it sideways to Isco, who proceeds to unleash a fantastic curling shot. Federici had no chance to save it, and Reading find themselves 2 – 0 down after 50 minutes.

The goal makes Spurs complacent, and a lapse of concentration allows Adam LeFondre to lay a ball for Pogrebnyak behind the defense. Lloris comes out to close the angle but hesistates midway, which leaves the goal open for an easy finish from Pogrebnyak. Reading don’t look like a team that can equalize though, and it is Spurs who find the back of the net next. In the 82nd minute, a cleared Reading corner kick sees Defoe receive the ball on the intersection of the left byline and the halfway line. Defoe uses his fantastic dribbling skills to lose his marker, then unleashes his pace to run in between two more Reading men. Clean through on goal, Defoe rounds the keeper then passes the ball into the goal, sealing a fantastic solo effort and Spurs’ victory.

17.3.13 Premier League Tottenham 3 – 1 Reading MOM: Jermain Defoe

A trip to Anfield against resurgent Liverpool is next on the list for Spurs, but von Matterhorn feels his team is more than up to the challenge due to their recent displays of fantastic offensive football.

Things start off well enough, with Spurs dominating possession, but a horrible error allows Liverpool to pull ahead. Kyle Walker plays a backpass to Hugo Lloris, but the Frenchman slips in the rain when attempting to clear the ball, instead lightly passing it in Downing’s general direction. The left winger has no problem kicking the ball at goal, and Spurs find themselves undeservingly down by one after 10 minutes. Von Matterhorn can be seen seething on the sidelines at having conceded such a ridiculous goal. Liverpool can’t manage any sort of attacking play though, and it seems a matter of time until Tottenham scores.

The goal never comes though, and Tottenham’s players get an earful from their boss at halftime. The second half begins with Spurs dominating, but they cannot find any spaces to create meaningful chances. Huddlestone decides to take matters into his own hands, shooting from 40 yards out on a regular basis despite instructions from his manager not to. His wastefulness yields results in the 70th minute though, managing to put one of his long drives on target. Reina was not expecting the ball to come near the goal, and finds himself poorly positioned and unable to save it.

After the restart, Spurs look like they’re hungry for the victory, and start pressing forward. 20 minutes seems more than enough for Spurs to find the winner, but errors become their downfall yet again. A free kick is conceded near the halfway mark, and Agger launches it into the box. Kyle Walker, who was responsible for the backpass that led to Liverpool’s first, jumps unfairly with Downing, conceding a penalty. Gerrard steps up to the spot and confidently slots it in, leaving Spurs with 10 minutes left to try to get any points. The goal stripped the confidence away from the players though, and Spurs undeservedly lose the match. Von Matterhorn does not even go into the locker room to address his players, and Steffen Freund makes an appearance at the post-match press conference.

31.3.13 Premier League Liverpool 2 – 1 Tottenham MOM: Daniel Agger

Liverpool handed Tottenham their first loss in 9 league games, but Spurs still is in contention for the title. Isco has been a revelation, and the team is looking unstoppable. They have also progressed further in Europe, and von Matterhorn is considering whether or not to send his starters into the next tie. The German manager is extremely unhappy with Walker’s recent errors though, and is considering replacing him. A 12.5m bid was reject from Man City for him in January, but today he would sell the man in a heartbeat.

[carlosisonfire]

April 2013 Summary Part One

Everton –

Everton managed to recover their early season form with convincing wins in the middle of March, but a season ending injury to key player Victor Anichebe sees the team depending on the underwhelming Nikica Jelavic. To make matters even worse, both Tim Howard and Jan Mucha are out injured. The Toffees have already played one game with U-18 keeper Russell Griffiths in goal in which they managed to prevent Sunderland to shoot on target. Now Everton face an underperforming Arsenal team at the Emirates, hoping that again they will be able to protect their young keeper

Everton begin the game with a great domination of the ball. Seven minutes into the match, all of Everton’s players find themselves in the Arsenal half. A back pass sees John Heitinga, filling in the Anchor Man role, receive the ball as the last man for Everton near the halfway line. He plays it up slightly forward to center back Shane Duffy, who first tries a first time pass forward toward the byline. Wing back Seamus Coleman is there to receive it, and he decides to play the ball in the middle toward Marouane Fellaini. The big Belgian holds off a challenge from Mikel Arteta, then lays a fantastic pass in behind the defense, where Kevin Mirallas has made a run into the box. The pacey winger plays a first time cutback into the box, where Nikica Jelavic finds himself unmarked. Jelavic makes no mistake with the finish, slotting in a fantastic team effort.

The first goal was a sign of things to come, as Everton’s silky passing play completely overwhelms the north London side. To make matters worse, a late challenge from Jack Wilshere sees him draw red with 40 minutes on the clock. The young midfielder came in late with his studs up, though obviously there was no intent. Being a man down, Arsenal are unable to stop Everton from adding a second goal. With 44 minutes on the clock, Phil Jagielka plays a long pass on the ground towards Fellaini. The big-haired Belgian plays it one touch upfield in between two defenders, where Jelavic has made a diagonal run. The Croat finds himself one on one with the keeper, and slots it into the near post to score his second goal of the match.

The second half starts with even more Everton domination. A deserved third comes in the 60th minute, courtesy of Kevin Mirallas. The move starts at the halfway line, with Phil Jagielka passing the ball forward to Fellaini. The playmaker controls the ball with his first touch, and puts a through ball in between the centre back and left full back with his second touch. Kevin Mirallas makes a fantastic run in behind Andre Santos to reach Fellani’s pass, and cooly finishes to end the rout. Everton come out comfortable winners, keeping Arsenal from even managing a shot on the day. Young Russell Griffiths now has two clean sheets in two games, though he has not had to face a single shot.

1.4.13 Premier League Arsenal 0 – 3 Everton MOM: Marouane Fellaini

Everton receive Chelsea at Goodison Park with the news that Jan Mucha is fit again, meaning that U-18 keeper Russell Griffiths will get relegated to the bench. Chelsea are far off the Champions League spots, but are keeping their European run alive. New signing Stevan Jovetic is Chelsea’s top goalscorer, and has been setting the league alight in recent times.

From the opening kickoff it is evident that this will be a tight match, with both sides struggling to find any spaces. Everton’s possession based 4-3-3 and Chelsea’s high tempo 4-2-3-1 are cancelling each other out. It seems like the only way that a goal will come is through a moment of individual brilliance or a defensive error, and it is the latter which produces a breakthrough in the 13th minute. Marouane Fellaini unleashes a powerful shot from outside the box, which Cech can only parry. The ball drifts towards the edge of the box, where Mirallas is there to receive it. The winger attempts to put in a cross, but mishits it and lofts it high in the air instead. Branislav Ivanovic jumps to clear the danger, but instead hits it into the middle of the box where Nikica Jelavic is waiting. The Croatian striker makes no mistake with his finish, putting Everton ahead.

The first half then transforms into a gritty midfield battle, with neither team managing any clear chances. The second half starts off with another defensive error, yielding another goal. Chelsea kick off the half, with Oscar playing the ball back to Mikel. The Nigerian midfielder launches the ball into the Everton half, where it strikes Shane Duffy in the face. The young Irishman falls to the ground dazed, while the ball takes an unlucky bounce and lands at Jovetic’s feet. The Montenegro striker has a clear run on goal, and has no problem slotting past Jan Mucha, evening the game up with barely 30 seconds after the restart. The match again turns to tackling and misplaced passes in the midfield, and seems like it is going to peter out into a bore draw. Yet another mistake changes the course of the game, this time in the 89th minute. Jelavic is brought down by Luiz in the box, and Naismith confidently slots in the penalty kick. A boring match in which neither team created chances, defensive errors by Chelsea give everton all three points.

6.4.13 Premier League Everton 2 – 1 Chelsea MOM: Marouane Fellaini

Second placed Manchester City are some points off Everton, and need a victory at the Etihad in order to cut the defecit. Sampedro is wary of last season’s champions, uncertain that his squad can compete toe to toe with them.

Everton start off completely on the back foot, with City dominating possession and creating a multitude of chances. With top goalscorer Sergio Aguero out injured though, Edin Dzeko gets the nod for the striker role for City’s side. The big man lacks the pace to truly exploit the balls that Silva, Nasri, and Toure are laying out for him, and the first half ends miraculously tied at nil for Everton. Sampedro praises his players in the locker room, and begs them to keep it up for one more half. His players do even more than that, fashioning a great move with 47 minutes on the clock. Mirallas uses his pace to run past Kolarov, then plays a cutback for Nikica Jelavic. The Croatian striker paused his run into the box, losing his defenders, and finds himself unmarked when Mirallas’ cross comes in. Jelavic hits the ball on the volley, and Hart has no chance to stop Everton from being one up.

The play is an anomaly though, and Everton find themselves struggling to defend against City’s onslaught. Finally, City breaks through, though it takes them until the 70th minute to do so. Yaya Toure wins a ball in the midfield, and he plays a pass into the wide left area of the match. Samir Nasri is there to receive in, and the Frenchman uses his skill to make it past Seamus Coleman. Nasri then crosses the ball into the box, where Edin Dzeko lays in wait. John Heitinga is no match for the Bosnian striker, and Dzeko scores an easy header from 7 yards out. The last twenty minutes are a nervy affair for Everton, with City pressing for a winner. Edin Dzeko is wasteful though, and Everton manage to hold out for a very undeserved point.

17.4.2013 Premier League Man City 1 – 1 Everton MOM: Marouane Fellaini

After a very lucky point against City, Everton look really likely to take the EPL title. Fantastic performances from Fellaini in the past three games have secured really big results, and their next fixture against Aston Villa at home is looking relatively simple.

Everton get things kicked off in the 16th with a goal from Jermaine Jenas. The move starts with Jenas in between the midfield and defense lines of Everton. Jenas plays the ball up to Mirallas then makes a run up the pitch. Mirallas plays it back to Jenas, who lays it first time forward to Nikica Jelavic. The Croatian striker sees that Jenas has continued his run, so he holds off his marker before playing the ball in behind the defence. Jenas’ run places him in the perfect spot to receive Jelavic’s ball, and he lays a neat finish past Brad Guzan.

Everton look to be cruising, and Kevin Mirallas wastes no time adding a second goal in the 20th. Ross Barkley finds himself under pressure in the midfield, and he opts to clear the ball up the field. Mirallas sees potential in the clearance though, and makes a run to latch on to it. His pace allows him to reach the ball before the Villa keeper or defenders can reach it, and he easily passes the ball past Brad Guzan, who finds himself halfway between the goal and the ball.

Everton relax afterwards, and the first half passes by without any excitement. The second half starts much the same, with Everton maintaining possession and Villa barely getting a sniff. In the 60th, Bent manages to pull one back after a goal line scramble following a corner kick, but Villa lack the belief to manage an equalizer. Everton coast to a victory, while news reaches them that both Manchester clubs have lost their respective ties.

20.4.13 Premier League Everton 2 – 1 Aston Villa MOM: Seamus Coleman

Everton are pulling even further ahead at the top of the league, and only four games remaining sees the dream turning into a reality. A trip to Carrow Road to face Norwich is always complicated, but Sampedro is confident his side can take all three points.

Things start off on the wrong foot though, with Norwich dominating play. Howson is managing great passes to Holt and Morison, but Jagielka is everywhere today. Heitinga isn’t having a good day marking either of Norwich’s forwards, but somehow Jagielka is stopping both of them singlehandedly. Everton are looking poor in the attack though, with Pienaar misplacing most of his passes, leading to Norwich counter attacks. Jagielka is cleaning up all of Pienaar’s mistakes though, and the veteran center back takes it into his own hands to create something at the other end of the pitch as well. With 30 minutes on the clock, Jagielka plays a long ball in between the centre back and the full back. Kevin Mirallas sees the ball coming, and he makes a diagonal run in behind the full back to reach the ball and find himself through on goal. He then executes what seems to be a poor finish aimed right at John Ruddy, but the ball sneaks in between the goalkeeper’s legs and puts Everton ahead by one.

Still, Norwich are looking great and seem dead set to get an equalizer. Fantasic rear guard play by Jagielka and Mucha let the half end with Everton still ahead, with Norwich’s manager wondering how this all came to be. In the locker room, Sampedro encourages his boys to give something more, and also replaces the error prone Pienaar and the unimpressive Heitinga with Naismith and Duffy respectively.

The introduction of Duffy seems to have been a bad decision though, as the youngster is the catalyst for Norwich’s equalizer. A seemingly harmless cross with 53 minutes on the clock is headed straight for Shane Duffy, but he misses the header. The ball lands at the feet of veteran Grant Holt at the penalty spot, with Mucha nowhere near. Norwich grab a deserved equalizer, and Everton seem to be sinking without a trace. Jagielka has a talk with Duffy following the goal, and the youngster seems to regain his composure.

The Norwich onslaught continues, and a shell shocked Everton team look powerless to stop it. Poor finishing is keeping Everton in the game, and good fortune shines once more when Jelavic is brought down in the Norwich box. Naismith steps up to the spot, and the Scot puts Everton ahead in the 80th minute. A deflated Norwich are unable to produce any further attacking moves, and Everton are ecstatic to have gotten all three points. News reach the supporters and the manager that both City and United have lost again, meaning that Everton have won the Premier League with 3 games remaining!!

27.4.13 Premier League Norwich 1 – 2 Everton MOM: Phil Jagielka

Everton have amassed fantastic results in the month of April with fantastic performances from Fellaini and Jagielka, as well as a healthy dose of good fortune. Poor results from Manchester United and Manchester City have handed Everton a completely unexpected league title with 3 games remaining. Sampedro and the players are ecstatic, preparations for the title defense next year as well as the Champions League has begun.

[carlosisonfire]

Sorry for not posting for a while, things got a bit hectic during the holiday period.

April 2013 Summary Part Two

Tottenham –

With his team comfortably in third place behind Everton and Manchester City, Lorenzo von Matterhorn is confident that his side can make a push for the league title. With this in mind, von Matterhorn sends a fringe squad to face Leverkusen in Germany for the Europa League Quarter Final. Shane Long has returned from injury, and finds himself in the starting line up in order to gain fitness.

The game begins surprisingly even, as von Matterhorn expected the likes of Sigurdsson, Carroll and Dempsey to be overrun in midfield. Long is finding all the right spaces, and in the 13th minute he loses his marker and finds himself alone in the box. Before he can get his shot off though, Wollscheid takes his legs out from under him. The referee signals to the spot, and Sigurdsson steps up to take the spot kick. The Icelandic midfielder skews his shot wide though, and von Matterhorn is livid on the sidelines. The first half peters out without much going else going on. It is apparent that Long is going to need a lot more match practice to get back to his early season form, and he also seems to half lost quite a bit of pace.

At half time, Jermain Defoe is introduced for Long, and the game instantly changes. Defoe’s pace and incisive runs are cutting Leverkusen open, but they’re also exposing Spurs to the counter attack. It is on one of these counter attacks that the opening goal comes, 56 minutes into the game. Aaron Lennon’s cross into the box is easily cleared by Leverkusen, who quickly work the ball up the field. Stefan Kiessling receives the ball in an advanced position, and the Spurs backline cannot keep up with his blazing pace. Kiessling easily slots into the back of the net, putting Leverkusen ahead.

Tottenham press forward as they find themselves undeservedly down, but lack the final pass to put a player in on goal. Defoe takes matters into his own hands, shooting from outside the box in the 64th minute. His shot catches Bernd Leno completely out of position, equalizing for the London side. Tottenham keep pressing for a winner, which they deserved, but cannot make anything concrete happen. Leverkusen are still looking dangerous on the counter, and no one is surprised when Kiessling breaks free again and adds his second in the 78th. Von Matterhorn seems furious at his players for the result.

4.4.13 Europa League Quarter Final Leverkusen 2 – 1 Tottenham MOM: Stefan Kiessling

A return to the league sees midtable Sunderland visit White Hart Lane. Von Mattehorn is expecting to secure a win in order to keep up their title challenge, but Martin O’Neill’s men have a different idea. Tottenham dominate the game right off from the start, but from early on it shows that Sunderland will be very tough to break down. Sunderland are playing with a very deep line, packing all of their players into their own half. Tottenham is used to playing on the break and finding spaces for their players to showcase their pace, not crossing the ball into the box for the best headers.

Sunderland’s compact line up is preventing the likes of Isco and Dembele to provide a pass for Jermain Defoe up front, who is being outmuscled by Wes Brown and John O’Shea. It looks like the first half is going to end without anything of note occurring, but Kyle Walker finds himself dispossessed by Adam Johnson in the Sunderland half with 45 minutes on the clock. This sparks a counter attack with Johnson running down the left flank, with Sessegnon, Fletcher, and Craig Gardner making runs into the box. Assou-Ekotto, Kaboul, and Caulker are also making runs backwards, leading each to man mark one of the Black Cats. Johnson aims his cross towards Sessegnon, who is being marked by Assou-Ekotto. The Cameroonian full back is not very good in the air, but neither is Sessegnon. Assou-Ekotto wins the aerial challenge and heads it away. . . right into the path of Craig Gardner. The midfielder smashes it on the volley and Hugo Lloris can’t do anything to prevent Sunderland from going ahead.

In the locker room, von Matterhorn lays into his team for being so poor out there, and particularly Assou-Ekotto for gifting the goal. Assou-Ekotto is replaced by Naughton and Defoe comes off for Long to start the second half. The Irishman Long proves to be as ineffective up front as Jermain Defoe, and despite continuing to dominate proceedings, Spurs can’t find an equalizer. Sunderland leave London with all three points, while von Matterhorn curses the poor performance. Tottenham’s title chances have taken a serious blow with this defeat.

7.4.13 Premier League Tottenham 0 – 1 Sunderland MOM: Wes Brown

Disappointed with the latest result in the league, von Matterhorn decides to redeem his side by sending out his first team into the still-winnable Europa League quarter final tie against Leverkusen. The 2 – 1 defeat they suffered away means that Spurs only need to win one nil in order to qualify for the next round.

As the teams come out on the pitch for the opening whistle, it is pretty obvious that Leverkusen did not make the trip to North London to put on any sort of attacking display. The German side has lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation designed to park the bus. Tottenham dominate proceedings but find it impossible to find any spaces to create meaningful plays. The game seems like a mirror image of the league fixture against Sunderland three days before, with Spurs putting in cross after cross to no avail. Stefan Kiessling is being properly marked by Kaboul and Caulker, so no counter attacks can come from Leverkusen, but Spurs are finding it equally as hard to procure any type of shot. The match ends as a bore draw, with Leverkusen managing zero shots the entire game. Von Matterhorn does not really care about the competition, but he is troubled that his starting line up could not make anything happen.

11.4.13 Europa League Quarter Final Tottenham 0 – 0 Leverkusen (1 – 2) MOM: Philipp Wollscheid

After the defeat to Leverkusen in the Europa League, Tottenham must prepare for the North London derby at the Emirates. Arsenal has been performing poorly this year, and Wenger’s side find themselves in 6th place with no chance of Champions League football. Von Matterhorn sends out his preferred 4-3-3 with Walker, Kaboul, Caulker, and Assou-Ekotto in the back. Huddlestone plays the holding role, with Carroll and Dembele in front of him. Bale finds himself on the right wing, with Isco on the left, and Shane Long makes a return to the starting line up despite poor recent performances.

Von Matterhorn is quite confident that his side will shut down Arsenal’s lackluster 4-2-3-1, but he is in for a shock. Wenger’s boys look like they’ve got a point to prove and come out guns blazing. Kaboul and Caulker are looking strong at the back though, and the Gunners’ control is allowing Tottenham to play on the break, which suits their pacy forwards. It is this way that the opener comes, as Jack Wilshere loses the ball outside of the Tottenham box. Huddlestone knocks the ball upwards toward the left side of the pitch. Isco is nowhere to be found, so Dembele makes a run towards the ball, reaching it before Carl Jenkinson. The Belgian midfielder then uses his pace to make a diagonal run towards goal, as Jermain Defoe is lagging behind. Dembele dribbles past Jenkinson, jumps over an Aaron Ramsey tackle outside the box, and then rounds the keeper to score a magical goal with 27 minutes on the clock. Wenger can be seen screaming in anger at his players on the sidelines.

Wenger’s words seem to have an effect, as Arsenal seem even more determined after the restart. They are unable to break through the middle though, and begin to play the ball wide to Oxlade Chamberlain on the right. The young Englishman is having an easy time running past Assou-Ekotto, but his crosses are not finding their targets. If Arsenal are going to equalize, it looks like it will come from an Oxlade-Chamberlain play though. In the 42nd minute, one of Chamberlain’s crosses is headed out for a corner by Caulker. Arteta takes the corner kick, and finds the head of Giroud, who is inexplicably unmarked. The French striker scores an easy header, while von Matterhorn wonders what his defense were thinking.

At half time, von Matterhorn lays into his team for allowing that equalizer and tells them that he expects a victory. Defoe comes on for the disappointing Long, which makes Spurs more competitive. Defoe is moving into spaces that Long couldn’t seem to find, but his finishing is poor. Time after time Defoe is put in on goal by Isco and Bale, but he squanders every single chance. At the other end, Arsenal seem unlikely to make anything happen, as they are just putting crosses into the box, and Giroud cannot seem to win an aerial dual against Kaboul or Caulker. A lapse of concentration by Caulker in the 79th minute sees Giroud get away from him, and the French striker easily heads it in to give Arsenal the lead. The game ends with Wenger instructing his team to knock it around midfield and waste as much time as possible, stopping Spurs from getting an equalizer. Von Matterhorn looks furious with Defoe, as it is his poor finishing that has cost Spurs the victory. Tottenham have failed to win any of their games in April so far.

14.4.13 Premier League Arsenal 2 – 1 Tottenham MOM: Olivier Giroud

After their poor recent run of results, Tottenham seem unprepared to face Chelsea in another London derby at White Hart Lane. Spurs are in fourth while Chelsea are in fifth, but a ten point gap makes it unlikely that Tottenham will fall out of the top four. Chelsea are currently in the Champions League semi final though, with a good chance of making it to the final. While it is very unlikely that Chelsea win the Champions League again, von Matterhorn does not want to take chances. He needs his team to finish 3rd ahead of Manchester United in order to guarantee being in Europe’s elite competition.

The game starts in a way that nobody could predict. Spurs kick off with Defoe passing the ball to Isco, who knocks it back for Dembele. The Spaniard makes a run forward down the wing, and Dembele plays a long ball into the path of his run. Azpilicueta cannot get to the ball before Isco, who puts a cutback first time into the box. Jermain Defoe times his run to get into the box at the perfect moment, hitting the ball on the volley into the back of the net. Spurs, who were expected to continue their poor run, find themselves ahead with 34 seconds on the clock.

A fight back from Chelsea, who easily beat Spurs the first time around, is expected but never comes. Spurs take advantage of the still reeling Blues, and begin to dominate possession and an extremely quick and smooth first touch passing game. Von Matterhorn watches his own team in awe, as they have never displayed this level of cohesion, quickness, and understanding. Time and time again balls are played in dangerous positions for Isco, Bale, Defoe, and Dembele, but a fantastic performance by Petr Cech is keeping the scoreline respectable. Isco is pulling all the strings for Spurs, and it is no surprise when it is he who provides the assist for Spurs’ second. With 27 minutes on the clock, Isco receives the ball on the left wing. He uses his trickery to dribble past Azpilicueta, then easily outpaces John Terry. Finding himself one on one with Cech, Isco instead opts to pass the ball across the goal, where Bale finds himself unmarked. The Welsh winger easily slots it into an open goal. Von Matterhorn is delighted with being up by two, as well as with Isco’s unselfish play.

Isco turns provider yet again ten minutes later. Isco again receives the ball on the left and dribbles past Azpilicueta, who seems unable to mark him, and crosses theball into the box. Bale easily outjumps his marker Ashley Cole and directs a powerful header past Cech’s outstretched hands.

The teams go into the locker room with Spurs up by three. Von Matterhorn congratulates his team on an amazing performance and makes no changes going into the second half. Di Matteo decides to remove the underwhelming Azpilicueta for Branislav Ivanovic, which shuts the game down. Tottenham remain in control, but Ivanovic is not letting Isco dictate play. Spurs run out the clock, preventing Chelsea from mustering any shots at all.

20.4.13 Premier League Tottenham 3 – 0 Chelsea MOM: Isco

The Tottenham performance against Chelsea was the most convincing display of passing football that any English team has displayed so far this season, so pundits and fans alike are predicting a Spurs victory over Manchester City, who have been on a poor run of form lately.

Lorenzo von Matterhorn is scared of the city side, and decides to line up in a 4-1-4-1 formation against the suggestions of his backroom staff. The players don’t seem too happy with the decision either. The defense is composed of Walker, Caulker, Vertonghen, and Assou-Ekotto, since Kaboul is injured. Huddlestone finds himself in the anchor man position, with Lennon, Dembele, Isco, and Bale ahead. Defoe finds himself as the lone striker.

Things start off terribly with a corner in the 4th minute. The ball strikes Bale on the leg and bounces into the path of Aguero, who manages to put the ball in between everyone’s legs to put City ahead.

The Spurs players seem shocked, and they don’t seem ready to kick off. A poor backpass from the restart is intercepted by Tevez, who then runs in between both Spurs centre backs and places the ball into the near post. 5 minutes into the match, Spurs find themselves two down. Steffen Freund, von Matterhorn’s assistant, believes his boss gave the match away by coming out with fear. Von Matterhorn believes the game can no longer be saved, and withdraws Isco for Scott Parker in order to attempt to keep the deficit at two. The move is ineffective, as with another goal comes in the 10 minute mark. A Kolarov corner is put into the six yard box, where Edin Dzeko is standing in front of the keeper. No one rises to challenge the Bosnian, who is left with an easy header to put the Manchester side three up. Spurs pull one back in the 30th minute from a Defoe long shot, but the game is long over. The second half is just a long spell of control for City, who fail to score more due to complacency and poor finishing from their forwards.

27.4.13 Premier League Man City 3 – 1 Tottenham MOM: Sergio Aguero

Tottenham manage to put out the most impressive display of football out of any team this season against Chelsea, but that turns out to be the only victory they record on the calendar month. Their title challenge has ended due to them losing four out of their last five league games, but falling out of the top four is not possible due to their ten point lead over fifth place Chelsea. Chelsea have made it to the Champions League final though, so a third place finish is required to ensure qualification in case Chelsea manger to win it again. Man City is the current third placed team, meaning this last loss has severly hurt Spurs’ chances.

[rGade]

Couldn't help but smile at Lorenzo von Matterhorn. I know what a Lorenzo von Matterhorn is, though I don't see what a Lorenzo von Matterhorn is in Football Manager terms, can you elaborate?

[carlosisonfire]

rGade - hah, i was wondering when someone would catch on to that Well, in this case, the Lorenzo von Matterhorn isn't any particular play, unless you consider being a tactically inconsistent, mean-spirited manager a good way of getting the ladies. We just had to get creative when making names, and who knows, maybe his evil twin brother Julio will make an appearance.

May 2013 Summary Part One

Everton –

League champions Everton find themselves with 3 games that mean nothing to end the season, so Sampedro decides to give fringe players a run out. Tony Hibbert, Bryan Oviedo, Nigel Reo-Coker, and Magaye Gueye are all handed a rare start against Q.P.R. in Goodison Park. Promising striker Hallam Hope, who was impressive in both the FA and Carling cups is rewarded with a league start as well.

It doesn’t take long for the Everton players to show how much they want to be in Sampedro’s first team. At the opening kick off, Hope plays the ball backwards to Ross Barkley. Barkley then hits it back even more, towards left back Bryan Oviedo. The Costa Rican fullback then launches the ball forward behind the Rangers’ defense. Hallam Hope makes a run in between both center backs, and his superior pace allows him to latch onto Oviedo’s clearance right outside the box. Hope keeps running toward goal and chips the ball over Julio Cesar when he tries to cut down the angle. Less than a minute on the clock and Everton find themselves ahead thanks to their young ace.

That turns out to be the Toffees’ only highlight though, as poor performances all around indicate to Sampedro why these are not his favored players. It takes Q.P.R. until the 35th minute to score from a corner thanks to Djibril Cisse, but they should’ve equalized much earlier. Their own lack of quality is preventing them from overrunning the Everton side.

At half time, Sampedro instructs his players to relax, but it seems to have no effect. Rangers keeps dominance of the match, but lack the killer instinct to put themselves ahead. John Heitinga gets himself sent off in the 63rd minute with a second yellow, but Q.P.R. can’t seem to find a winner despite all the help they’re getting from their hosts.

4.5.13 Premier League Everton 1 – 1 Q.P.R MOM: Bryan Oviedo

After the draw against Q.P.R., Sampedro decides to field an unchanged squad for his team to face West Ham at Goodison Park. From the opening whistle it is apparent that the Hammers are going to make this game as physical as possible, with Kevin Nolan getting booked for a crunching tackle on Barkley only seconds after the opening whistle. A very choppy game sees Everton dominate early possession, but persistent fouling makes it hard for them to put any sort of meaningful play together. Nobody is surprised when Magaye Gueye is left sprawled on the ground and has to be replaced after a Guy Demel tackle. The Ivorian only gets a yellow card, to which Sampedro voices his disagreement. In the 30th, Andy Carroll runs right into Shane Duffy chasing after a ball, knocking the young Irishman down. While Duffy manages to get up, he looks ragged and out of breath. Meanwhile, in midfield, Darron Gibson seems completely unable to cope with all the tough tackling going on around him.

At halftime, Sampedro decides to replace the hurt Duffy and Gibson with Jagielka and young prospect John Lundstram respectively, leaving him with no substitutions. The second half starts with Everton still in control of the match, and a breakthrough comes in the 50th minute. Tony Hibbert makes a run forward with the ball, and Matt Jarvis elects to keep his distance and run alongside him instead of making a challenge. This allows Hibbert to put a pass along the ground into the box, where Naismith has made a run. The Scot has outpaced his marker, and makes a powerful shot from an improbable angle. Poor keeping from veteran Jaaskelainen allows Everton to pull ahead.

The lead lasts less than a minute though, due to a mistake by the Toffees. The restarting kick off sees West Ham make an attacking movement into the Everton half, but Jagielka intercepts Nolan’s pass to Carroll. Jagielka then plays the ball up to Lundstram. The young midfielder is looking nervous and dallies on the ball, allowing Nolan to take full advantage. The veteran steals the ball and then plays a pass to Andy Carroll in between both defenders. The big striker shoots first time with too much power for Howard to be able to stop the ball, tying the game.

Neither team manages anything else after that, with both sides seeming content with the draw. The physical play continues from the Hammers though, causing Reo-Coker to leave with an injury in the 60th minute. 10 man Everton switch to a 4-4-1 formation, but 5 minutes later Hallam Hope collapses. Unable to continue, Everton are left with 9. A 4-3-1 line up with Naismith as a striker is the best Sampedro can come up with, but West Ham lack the drive to take advantage of their numerical superiority. Everton have escaped with two undeserved draws from their last two fixtures against relegation candidates, showing that their back up players are maybe not good enough for the division.

12.5.13 Premier League Everton 1 – 1 West Ham MOM: Tony Hibbert

Sampedro wants to end the season on a high, sending out his starting line-up to secure a victory against Stoke in the always difficult Brittania Stadium. Howard is in goal, with Coleman, Duffy, Jagielka, and Baines ahead of him. Impressive loanee Jermain Jenas is in the anchor man position, with young Ross Barkley and superstar Marouane Fellaini in the midfield. Veteran Steven Pienaar lines up in the left with, with Belgian speed merchant Mirallas on the right. Croatian striker and Everton top goalscorer Jelavic gets the nod up front.

This is the Everton line up that only lost three games in the league this season, and their superior quality shows right off the bat. Smooth, quick passing is seeing them control possession, but finding the final pass for Jelavic is proving to be very difficult. On the other end, Kenwyne Jones is looking very dangerous, and Duffy is having trouble dealing with him. Still, the first half ends with no goals, as Everton keep Stoke under wraps but lack the cutting edge.

Everton’s failure to score is mostly due to poor passing from Steven Pienaar, so Sampedro promptly replaces the South African at half time. Magaye Gueye comes on to replace him, and the team immediately begins looking more dangerous. Gueye isn’t making any great runs or key passes, but the fact that he is not giving the ball away has strengthened the Everton control.

The breakthrough arrives in the 51st, though a little help from Huth is needed. Mirallas plays a pass into the box for Jelavic, but Huth clears it towards the right side of the box. Mirallas continued his run into the box after putting in the ball for Jelavic, and finds Huth’s clearance right in his path. He volleys it past the outstretched hands of Begovic for the opener.

7 minutes later, a similar play occurs. Mirallas makes a run down the right and puts a cross into the box. Huth cannot win the duel against Jelavic this time, and Everton’s leading scorer adds another to his tally with a placed header. The Toffees put the brakes on after that, deciding to relax and enjoying their well deserved victory. The final whistle signals the end of the season and a fantastic Everton league victory!

19.5.13 Premier League Stoke 0 – 2 Everton MOM: Kevin Mirallas

Everton relaxed during May, knowing that they had already secured the league title. Unnerving draws against West Ham and Queens Park Rangers show that maybe the squad players are not good enough for this league, which will be an issue when the team has to compete on multiple fronts with the Champions League next year.

[carlosisonfire]

May 2013 Summary Part Two

Tottenham –

Von Matterhorn knows that his side require three wins and a poor run of form from Manchester United or Manchester City in order to secure a third place spot and ensure their appearance in the Champions League. Lowly Aston Villa has travelled to White Hart Lane, and the Spurs manager is expecting a victory. Von Matterhorn has opted for a 4-1-4-1 formation focused on the counter in order to exploit Jermain Defoe’s pace up front. Isco and Dembele find themselves in creative roles in the middle of the pitch, with Bale on the left and Townsend on the right. Huddlestone is in the holding role, but he is expected to play deep passes to create opportunities for his teammates.

Tottenham easily maintain control of the game with their five man midfield, but Defoe finds himself isolated up front every time he receives the ball. In the 25th minute, rather than take on the defense by himself, Defoe makes a sideways run when he receives the ball in an advanced position. Defoe runs with the ball toward the left touchline, giving Bale and Townsend a chance to get themselves into the box. Lifting his head up to see his teammates’ movement, Defoe unleashes a cross which is directly into the path of Townsend. The young winger hits it on the volley, smashing it into the back of the net.

6 minutes later, a Tottenham counter attack sees Defoe receive the ball again. The forward holds the ball for a few seconds to allow Bale and Townsend to join him up the field, then plays a sideways pass to Bale. The explosive winger unleashes a burst of pace upon receiving the bass, leaving his marker in the dust. The Welshman runs down the line, seeing Defoe and Townsend making a run into the box. The pacey striker reaches the box before the central defenders do, and is faced with a simple tap in after Bale’s cutback. Defoe does not falter, and puts Spurs up ahead by two.

Von Matterhorn instructs his team not to get complacent at half time, but they do the exact opposite going into the second half. In the 57th minute, Vertonghen plays a poor pass, gifting the ball to Darren Bent. Bent then plays the ball into the space behind Vertonghen, directly onto the run of Agbonlahor. The Spurs defense stands no chance of catching up with him, and Agbonlahor finds himself one on one with the keeper. Lloris is prepared for a finish at the far post, and anticipating that, he leaves his near post exposed. Agbonlahor realizes this, and easily taps it into Lloris’ exposed near post.

Spurs is obviously reeling, and three minutes later Bent scores an equalizer from a penalty box scramble resulting from a corner. Von Matterhorn is furious at his players, and instructs them to go on an all out attack to find the winner. It never comes though, as Villa assume a very disciplined defensive posture.

4.5.13 Premier League Tottenham 2 – 2 Aston Villa MOM: Jermain Defoe

Q.P.R. are the next team to make the trip up to White Hart Lane, but von Matterhorn has long since given up on third place. The draw against Villa doomed them, and now they will have to hope that Barcelona defeats Chelsea in the Champions League final in order to secure their spot. The only change that the German manager makes is introducing Aaron Lennon instead of Townsend at right wing, maintaining his 4-1-4-1 shape despite Steffen Freund’s glaring objections.

The result is a bore draw. Rangers and Spurs evenly share possession, but Huddlestone in the holding role manages to break up every Q.P.R. attack. At the other end, Defoe finds himself completely isolated, and is able to contribute nothing to play. Spurs manage a number of shots, but all of them from long range, and very few on target. A furious von Matterhorn explodes at his team during half time and at full time, but the players seem unaffected. The team seems to have lost their drive, as players looked uninterested in giving the extra effort to secure a win.

12.5.13 Premier League Tottenham 0 – 0 Q.P.R. MOM: Nedum Onuoha

A trip to Carrow Road to face a strong Norwich side is the last thing Spurs want to end the season. Von Matterhorn is hoping for a win in order to end the season on a high, but Norwich are on a good run of form right when Tottenham are playing their worst football of the season.

Von Matterhorn’s fears become reality when Andrew Surman plays a diagonal ball in behind the defense from left wing. Vertonghen seems to fall asleep and does not follow the run of Steve Morison, who finds himself completely alone after receiving Surman’s pass. The Welsh striker runs in on goal and finishes past coolly into the far post. Both Lloris and von Matterhorn can be seen yelling at Vertonghen for his poor defending.

Things go from bad to worse in the 27th minute, when a Norwich corner kick is aimed at the far post. The ball evades the head of every Norwich and Tottenham player and falls at the feet of Kyle Walker, who is guarding the far post. Walker tries to head the ball away, but he inexplicably knocks it into his own net instead. Tottenham’s fans and players are shocked at the error, while Norwich celebrate their second goal.

Spurs have been on the back foot the entire first half, and miraculously go into the half only down by two. Von Matterhorn yells at his players to do better, but again no one seems to be listening. The second half continues in the manner of the first, with Norwich dominating play and creating chance after chance. Morison and Holt seem to have forgotten their scoring boots though, and they miss sitter after sitter. Defoe pulls a goal back from a counter in the 87th, but the Tottenham team had given up long before that. No one tries to find an equalizer, and the year ends with a defeat for Spurs.

19.5.13 Premier League Norwich 2 – 1 Tottenham MOM: Andrew Surman

Tottenham have only won one of their last 8 league games, but have comfortably finished in fourth place. Chelsea, who are fifth, face Barcelona in the Champions League final. Spurs has to pray for a Catalan victory so that they may enter Europe’s elite competition next season. Tottenham have met preseason expectations, but von Matterhorn feels that his team could have and should have done more than a top four finish. He is angry at his players, particularly Walker in particular, for throwing away games with silly mistakes. The ill-tempered German already has a few transfer targets in mind, and cannot wait for next season.

[carlosisonfire]

2012-2013 Premier League Table

| Pos   | Inf   | Team        |       | Pld   | Won   | Drn   | Lst   | For   | Ag    | G.D.  | Pts   | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 1st   | C     | Everton     |       | 38    | 26    | 9     | 3     | 77    | 26    | +51   | 87    | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 2nd   |       | Man Utd     |       | 38    | 24    | 5     | 9     | 79    | 39    | +40   | 77    | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 3rd   |       | Man City    |       | 38    | 21    | 13    | 4     | 92    | 50    | +42   | 76    | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 4th   |       | Tottenham   |       | 38    | 20    | 9     | 9     | 78    | 43    | +35   | 69    | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 5th   |       | Chelsea     |       | 38    | 18    | 9     | 11    | 69    | 47    | +22   | 63    | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 6th   |       | Newcastle   |       | 38    | 17    | 8     | 13    | 69    | 53    | +16   | 59    | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 7th   |       | Stoke       |       | 38    | 17    | 7     | 14    | 47    | 46    | +1    | 58    | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 8th   |       | Arsenal     |       | 38    | 13    | 13    | 12    | 63    | 62    | +1    | 52    | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 9th   |       | Norwich     |       | 38    | 14    | 10    | 14    | 61    | 62    | -1    | 52    | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 10th  |       | Sunderland  |       | 38    | 13    | 11    | 14    | 50    | 60    | -10   | 50    | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 11th  |       | Liverpool   |       | 38    | 11    | 12    | 15    | 49    | 61    | -12   | 45    | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 12th  |       | Swansea     |       | 38    | 12    | 7     | 19    | 51    | 62    | -11   | 43    | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 13th  |       | West Ham    |       | 38    | 11    | 10    | 17    | 41    | 65    | -24   | 43    | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 14th  |       | West Brom   |       | 38    | 11    | 9     | 18    | 49    | 68    | -19   | 42    | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 15th  |       | Southampton |       | 38    | 10    | 10    | 18    | 51    | 67    | -16   | 40    | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 16th  |       | Reading     |       | 38    | 10    | 10    | 18    | 48    | 71    | -23   | 40    | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 17th  |       | Wigan       |       | 38    | 9     | 12    | 17    | 39    | 49    | -10   | 39    | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 18th  | R     | Aston Villa |       | 38    | 11    | 6     | 21    | 47    | 71    | -24   | 39    | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 19th  | R     | Q.P.R.      |       | 38    | 7     | 16    | 15    | 40    | 65    | -25   | 37    | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 20th  | R     | Fulham      |       | 38    | 7     | 10    | 21    | 43    | 76    | -33   | 31    | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
|       |       |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 

[carlosisonfire]

2012-2013 Premier League Awards

Top Goalscorer - Sergio Aguero (Man City) - 25

Most Assists - David Silva (Man City) - 25

Golden Glove - Hugo Lloris (Tottenham) - 14 Clean Sheets

Footballer of the Year - David Silva (Man City)

Player's Player of the Year - Sergio Aguero (Man City)

Player's Young Player of the Year - Gareth Bale (Tottenham)

Manager of the Year - Fernando Sampedro (Everton)

Team of the Year

GK - Hugo Lloris (Tottenham)

DR - Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea)

DL - Leighton Baines (Everton)

DC - Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd)

DC - Vincent Kompany (Man City)

MR - Kevin Mirallas (Everton)

ML - Gareth Bale (Tottenham)

MC - David Silva (Man City)

MC - Sergio Aguero (Man City)

ST - Steven Fletcher (Sunderland)

ST - Arouna Kone (Wigan)

Not sure why Aguero got put in as an MC, he was by miles the best striker in the league.

[carlosisonfire]

25.5.13 Wembley, London 7:30 P.M.

Lorenzo von Matterhorn was waiting in the stands. He had made the short trip to Wembley witness first-hand the fate of his team’s Champions League qualification. If Chelsea won, fourth place Tottenham would fail to make it into Europe’s elite for the second year in a row, and would make this whole season a failure.

Of course, the ticket had not been an easy find, but a man who earned as much money as he did did not really have an issue splurging that sort of cash. Von Matterhorn was known for only wearing the finest suits at all times, no matter how informal the situation.

Still, the German manager would not be caught dead watching the game, much less at the stadium. When asked about it in the press conference after the final league match at Stoke, he had replied

“Chelsea have finished fifth in a weak Premier League. Everton being champions with their poor squad only servers to prove the fact that England is at a low. I have no doubt that Barcelona’s strong team will sweep aside Di Matteo’s inconsistent side.”

Von Matterhorn always portrayed this image of confidence, of superiority. It wasn’t just an image. Throughout the whole season, he honestly believed that his Spurs side could have and should have won the title, not the ragged bunch of finished veterans at Goodison Park.

Von Matterhorn had disguised himself. He was wearing a fake beard – an expensive one, the kind that would be seen in movies. He was also wearing a Chelsea tracksuit, as well as a blue cap. Anyone that knew him and his commitment to looking formal and classy at all times would never recognize him, much less in Chelsea colors.

As far as his players, his chairman, and his staff was concerned, von Matterhorn had already gone on vacation. He would never let them know that he doubted for a second that their Champions league football was on the line.

The press knew of his commitment to suits at all times, as well as his disdain for Chelsea, so no one would ever suspect him of being there.

“I shouldn’t even be here,” he whispered to himself.

Von Matterhorn was bitter about the whole situation. His team should’ve been challenging for the title, not waiting for charity from Barcelona.

Everton.

Everton were champions. A financially insecure side with poor players. Only Fellaini and Baines were good enough for a title team. The rest of their players were a sorry excuse for top flight talent in the German’s opinion.

It was partly his fault too. Jermaine Jenas, a forgotten Spurs player, had joined Everton on loan and become their star midfielder in the anchor man position. Jermaine Jenas. . . A terrible excuse for a midfielder. He wasn’t strong, wasn’t fast, didn’t excel at tackling, didn’t excel at passing, didn’t excel at anything. Garbage. Even in Harry Redknapp’s eyes, Jenas was not good enough.

“If there is one thing that old illiterate fool got right, it was benching Jenas” muttered von Matterhon muttered to himself.

Or maybe he was just jealous. If there was one thing that Everton had that Spurs didn’t have, it was belief in their manager. Von Matterhorn’s side had more talent, more money, more support, more everything than the league champions.

“The players. . .”

The Tottenham squad did not believe in him. He demanded excellence, and they thought it was too harsh. They wanted to be pampered, to be nursed after a loss. Pathetic.

Playes had called him distant, had called him apathetic. Even his own assistant said he was a tactically inconsistent fool. Still, despite only winning one of the last nine league games, Tottenham had finished comfortably in fourth, meeting the board’s expectations.

Daniel Levy had enjoyed the signing of superstar midfielder Isco, and a meeting was already scheduled to discuss von Matterhorn’s contract extension. It didn’t matter if the fans, the staff, or the players disliked him. Levy was happy with the results, with the ambition, and his decision was the only one that could lose him his job.

The Chelsea fans next to him burst into song, signaling him to join in. He grudgingly joined in to keep his cover, hoping that the Chelsea side would be as humiliated as he was at the end of the game.

[carlosisonfire]

25.5.13 Wembley, London 7:45 P.M.

von Matterhorn watched as the teams came onto the pitch. Chelsea had their first choice eleven and were lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation bent on attack, which had yielded them great victories in Europe but left them exposed in the league.

Chelsea line-up: 4-2-3-1

GK – Cech

DR – Azpilicueta DC – Terry DC – David Luiz DL – Cole

MC – Lampard MC – Mikel AMR – Ben Arfa AMC – Mata AML – Hazard

ST – Jovetic

Barcelona, on the other hand, were having issues with injury. Starting left back Adriano, along with star center back Gerard Pique were out with injury. Barcelona are notorious for their lack of depth at the back, and were forced to start with 22 year old Marc Planas at left back and 22 year old Marc Muniesa at center back. Midfield general Xavi would also miss the game through suspension, further damaging Barcelona’s chances. Chelsea fans rejoiced upon seeing the line up, confident that their strong attack would be able to pierce through the Catalan weakened back line.

Barcelona line-up: 4-3-3

GK – Valdes

DR – Dani Alves DC – Puyol DC – Bartra DL – Planas

DM – Busquets MC – Song MC – Iniesta AMR – Sanchez AML – Villa

ST – Messi

Messi and Iniesta stand in the center circle, waiting for the referee’s signal. Upon hearing the whistle, Iniesta taps the ball to Messi, who first time lays it back to Busquets. The anchor man plays it further backwards to captain Carles Puyol. The big haired Spaniard plays it first time towards the right, where Dani Alves is waiting.

The Brazilian international keeps the first touch passes going, playing it down the line into Alexis Sanchez’s feet. The tricky winger cuts inside past Ashley Cole, who cannot keep up with the Chilean’s pace. Sanchez plays the ball across the field to David Villa, who controls the ball with his first touch and lays it to Messi in the middle with his second.

The diminutive forward finds himself forty yards from goal with both of Chelsea’s center backs in front of him. He decides to play a ball into space toward the right side of the pitch before making a run into the box. Alexis Sanchez easily gets to the pass before veteran Ashley Cole, and he puts a first time cross directly into Messi’s path. The Argentinian ace has left Luiz and Terry in the dust, and finds himself with a simple tap in to put Barcelona ahead.

“Amazing,” remarked von Matterhorn, while receiving dirty looks from the Chelsea supporters surrounding him.

Barcelona found themselves up by one with barely 30 seconds on the clock, having shown a fantastic display of first touch passing. Chelsea walked up to the center spot without having a single touch on the ball.

Still, the Chelsea side recovered well rather than panic. They quickly begin to move the ball around midfield, trying to find spaces in Barcelona’s brittle back line. Chelsea’s patience leads to Barcelona’s next opportunity, when Song intercepts a sideways pass from Mikel to Lampard near the middle of the pitch. Song quickly lays it off to Messi, who has his back turned to goal. Messi plays a cheeky backheel behind the defense, where David Villa has made a run. Villa collects the pass then runs toward goal with Azpilicueta hot on his heels.

Villa realizes that he cannot outpace his countryman, so instead he unleashes a fierce drive towards the far post. Cech makes a fantastic leap and redirects the ball for a corner with his fingertips. With only four minutes on the clock, Chelsea look like they will be overrun.

“I guess I shouldn’t have come after all,” thought von Matterhorn to himself. To be completely honest, he had come to not only see if his side would qualify for the Champions League, but also to see first-hand the so-called best team in the world. And he had to say, it was pretty damn impressive.

Di Matteo orders his players to be more cautious with their passes and to retain the ball, which they surprisingly manage to do, but their caution means that they are producing zero attacking play with their possession. Busquets and Song keep pressing in the midfield, preventing any sort of creative play from Mata or Lampard, and Muniesa and Planas are coping with the occasion surprisingly well.

Barcelona look like they’re going to be force to play on the break, which suits Messi. With 26 minutes on the clock, a frustrated Mata attempts to run past Alex Song in order to create a chance for his team, but loses possession to a well timed tackle from the Cameroon international. The loose ball makes its way toward the center of the pitch, where Messi has dropped back to regain possession. The diminutive playmaker finds Mikel in front of him, with Terry and Luiz behind blocking his path to goal. A sudden burst of pace combined with otherworldly dribbling ability sees Messi run past them as if they were posts. Messi continues his run into the box, where Cech has come out to close the angle. The Barcelona striker attempts to place the ball into the near post past Cech’s left hand, but the ball hits the outside of the post and goes out for a goal kick.

It was an easy chance, but Messi just smiles and gives Song a thumbs up for the set up. The whole Chelsea support is silent, as Messi just easily disposed of their defensive midfielder and both center backs as if they were not there. Von Matterhorn is already thinking about next year’s European campaign, and also worrying about what he will do if he ever has to come up against the Catalan side.

Chelsea maintain possession of the ball, but Vilanova seems happy with that. His team are closing all offensive avenues for the London side, and Mata and di Matteo are visibly frustrated.

Chelsea have 60% of the possession, but all they are managing are long shots from visibly frustrated midfielders. Hatem Ben Arfa, who was expected to take advantage of the inexperienced left back Planas, is being schooled by him instead. In the 39th minute, Ben Arfa attempts to take on Planas, but the youngster calmly sticks his foot in front of the ball to dispossess the French winger. Planas then hits a long ball up towards Messi, who collects the clearance in the center circle with Terry and Luiz standing in between him and the goal. Messi does what he does best, which is dribble with the ball directly at the defenders. Luiz comes up first to attempt to tackle Messi, while Terry stands behind him to cover.

Messi comes to a sudden stop, dodging Luiz’s tackle, then begins a diagonal run towards the left side of the pitch and away from John Terry. The veteran defender tries to keep up, but stands to chance to stop the Argentinian forward. When Messi sees that Terry has been left in the dust, he cuts inside again, coming into the box with a good angle to shoot on goal. Cech comes out to narrow Messi’s arc, and does an amazing stretch to tap Messi’s finish wide of the far post.

The ensuing corner comes to nothing, but Chelsea are obviously shaken. Every time one of their forward players loses the ball, a deadly counter attack ensues. Luiz and Terry obviously cannot cope with Messi, and Chelsea are happy to run out the clock passing the ball around their defense. Di Matteo just wants the half to end so that he can regroup in the locker room, while Vilanova needs to address his team’s lack of possession.

25.5.13 Champions League Final – Wembley

Half Time

Barcelona – 1 (Messi 1)

Chelsea – 0

[carlosisonfire]

Hey guys, sorry for the break. Turns out I'm moving overseas, so I had to do a lot of things to prepare for that. Hopefully I can get back to regularly posting

Second Half

Both teams step out with unchanged line-ups, which von Matterhorn finds odd. Di Matteo seems to believe that his team will be able to use its control of possession to overturn the deficit, while Vilanova is happy allowing Messi to play on the counter.

Chelsea maintain their control, moving the ball around midfield without being able to reach the final third. In the 47th, Cech plays a short pass to Terry, who in turn plays it sideways to Luiz. The Brazilian looks to be struggling with some sort of injury, but his manager has not removed him from the game. Luiz plays a ball forwards to veteran Lampard. Song spots the pass and steals it away from Lampard before the Englishman can control it. Luiz comes up to attempt to disposses Song, but he plays a sideways pass to Messi.

The diminutive Argentinian finds himself 40 yards away from goal with only John Terry blocking his way. Messi explodexs into a diagonal sprint towards the right of the field, running in between Terry and Ashley Cole. Terry tries to keep up and manages to force Messi out wide towards the right side of the box, with Luiz coming in to help. David Villa has made a run into the box and finds himself unmarked. Messi cuts it back toward Villa, who volleys it far out of Cech’s reach into the top left corner. The Catalan outfit side are up by two with 48 minutes on the clock.

The Barcelona supporters roar in approval of the fantastic play by Messi, while the Chelsea fans sit in silence. A few Tottenham supporters can be seen in the stands cheering and singing with the Barca supporters and jeering at the Chelsea fans as well.

Chelsea are in a deep hole now, but Di Matteo refuses to make any changes to his side.

“How stubborn,” thinks von Matterhorn to himself. No wonder Chelsea failed to reach the top four with such an incompetent manager.

From the restart, Chelsea maintain control of the ball like throughout the whole match, but are unable to create anything of note. Their fans are getting antsy, and the frustration is tangible. A spell of play occurs in the Barcelona half with Chelsea probing for openings, but unable to find any.

In the 52nd minute, Lampard finds himself with the ball about forty yards away from the Barca goal. Rather than quickly move it around, the veteran midfielder dallies on the ball and gets caught out by Alex Song. The Cameroonian steals the ball and lays it sideways to David Villa. The Spanish international then lays it up for Messi, who receives the ball in the center circle with Luiz and Terry in front of him.

Messi begins to dribble towards them with amazing speed and jumps over Luiz’s tackle with surprising ease. The Argentinian then showcases his agility by quickly changing directions to avoid Terry and running around him. With Terry trailing Messi, Azpilicueta tries to come in from a wide position to cut Messi off, but Messi is too fast. Messi reaches the edge of the box and sees Cech coming out to try to close the angle. Barcelona’s ace isn’t put off by this though, and clinically finishes past Cech’s outstretched fingers into the far corner. 53 minutes in, Barcelona are up by three and have secured the triumph.

The stadium erupts into song from the Barcelona supporters, while the Chelsea fans either grimly stare at the pitch or are filing into the exits. Di Matteo opts to make his first change then, removing the unimpressive Hatem Ben Arfa for Oscar. Hopefully the Brazilian youngster can exploit the inexperience of Carles Planas.

Chelsea are reeling though, and Messi sets Alexis Sanchez up for a golden one on one opportunity in the 58th minute, but the Chilean falters and Cech is left with an easy save.

In the 63rd, a Chelsea corner sees the ball bounce outside the box, where Mikel is standing. The Nigerian volleys it toward Valdes’ goal, but the keeper manages to knock it away. The ball falls right into the path of Juan Mata with no defenders around, who also shoots it first time. Mata’s finish is poor though, right into the hands of Valdes, who still had not gotten up from the ground from the previous save.

The Chelsea players lack belief despite the best efforts from Lampard and Terry to motivate them. Their two leaders are the ones to blame for the result, so their words fall upon deaf ears.

Chelsea manage another move in the 73rd minute. Hazard runs down the left then cuts it back to Jovetic in the middle of the box. The forward has two defenders in front, so he plays a sideways pass across the box towards the unmarked Oscar. Valdes is at the complete opposite end of the goal, making it a golden chance to pull one back. Oscar somehow skews his shot wide though, completely missing the goal.

After that, the Chelsea team visibly gave up. They created two golden opportunities to make the game closer, but they lacked the cutting edge to put it in the goal. The misses sucked the life out of the side, and the game fizzed out. Despite having 64% of possession, Chelsea lost by three to a patchwork Barcelona team. Despite their injuries and only completing 66% of their passes, Barcelona was lifted by Messi to yet another European title.

25.5.13 Champions League Final – Wembley

Full Time

Barcelona – 3 Messi (1,53) Villa (48)

Chelsea – 0

Man of the Match – Lionel Messi

Von Matterhorn left the stadium glad that his team would be in the Champions League the next year, but he couldn’t help but be concerned at the same time. If his team ever faced them in the competition, he wasn’t sure how he would cope with Messi or if his players would do what Chelsea had not been able to – finding clear spaces to create goalscoring chances. These sort of concerns are what von Matterhorn left with, not any sort of joy at the qualification.

[carlosisonfire]

June 1st, 2013. 9 a.m.

Fernando Sampedro walked towards the Everton FC boardroom looking somewhat haggard. His fine tailored suit could not mask the nervousness in his face, or the bags under his eyes. He had barely slept at all last night.

The past week had been full of adulation for the rookie manager. He was just a youth coach at Everton ever since a broken leg cut his career woefully short. He had gotten surprisingly close to David Moyes, and when Moyes resigned due to family issues, his final request to the board was that they give the job to young Sampedro.

The board had not been keen on honoring the request, but Chairman Bill Kenwright trusted his long-time manager. People were now calling Kenwright a visionary.

Winning the league on a shoestring budget with an average squad, Sampedro had captured the hearts and minds of all the Everton supporters and the national press. And all this adulation weighed heavily on the young Spaniard.

The league victory had come under no pressure with zero expectations. The board was ecstatic with him and if they didn’t win, it didn’t matter. This was the exact same attitude that he took in the team talks with the players, and they played magnificently without any expectation too. Truth be told, he did not think his team was very good. Or any good at all, actually. Besides Fellaini, Baines, and maybe Mirallas, he found his whole team pretty average. And he was not sure he could keep those three happy.

Sampedro had not slept at all the previous night, and had a wrenching feeling in his gut. This was due to the financial situation of the club. When he first came into the side, the club had a balance of -5 million pounds, and despite him not spending any money, running costs had left them at -20 million by the end of the season. Winning the league left them with a prize of 12 million, which would put the club 8 million in the red by his calculations. This was only a rough estimate, and he was anxious to hear the truth.

As he walked through the door, all of the board were seated around a long oval shaped table, with an empty chair at one end for him. As he walked in, the Everton executives began to clap and congratulate him on his success, but Sampedro noticed a grim expression on Kenwright’s face.

“Welcome Fernando, the board and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on a fantastic and amazing title win again,” said Kenwright, followed by another brief round of applause.

“Thank you for the honors gentleman, and also thank you for believing in an inexperienced young manager. I doubt top flight club would have considered me for the job,” replied Sampedro.

“The club always likes to promote from within, and David Moyes’ recommendation certainly helped a little. But enough of that, let’s get to business. This meeting has been arranged in order to discuss the season that has just ended, as well as to plan for the next season. First of all, you have exceeded all expectations in team performance, there are no words that can describe our joy and satisfaction. So I would like to move to more pressing matters, particularly the financial side of things. Mr. Elstone?”

The room’s attention shifted to director Robert Elstone, who flipped through a large stack of papers. He suddenly stopped, then turned to Sampedro.

“Fernando, there is a lot of depth that I could go into here, but that does not concern you. The board and I have already discussed the financial situation in depth, so I will just cover what concerns you. First of all, the board is glad that you stayed within the wage budget. Inexperienced managers usually offer way too much money to players, or offer deals that are too long, but you have shown yourself to be particularly savvy in your business negotiations.”

“Thank you for your praise, Mr. Elstone,” replied Sampedro.

“Call me Robert please. Anyway, despite the fact that we made no transfer budget available to you, and that you stayed within the wage budget, the club suffered major losses due to operating costs this season. The prize money from winning the league was much needed, but the club still has a balance of about –8.53 million pounds. We are currently negotiating a new sponsorship deal, and many other prospects for revenue. But all of our calculations predict that we will start the next season with a balance of somewhere between –2 and –3 million pounds. Due to these predictions, we cannot offer you a transfer budget for next season.”

The words cut through Sampedro like a knife. He knew it would be bad, but nothing!? Zero. There would be no money to strengthen the team.

“Furthermore, the wage budget for next season will be of 725k pounds per week.”

“b-b-but, we’re currently spending 800k per week!” stammered Sampedro. “and we’re in the Champions League! Shouldn’t the team be granted more funds for wages and signings than last year?”

“Think about it Fernando, the club suffered a loss of 3 million pounds this past season. And the loss is only that small because you managed to somehow win the league. The board has decided that this following season, we will attempt to solidify the club financially.”

The color drained from Sampedro’s face. “Does that mean. . .” he mumbled

Elstone cut him off. “No, you will not have to sell any players. But the money from the Champions league and TV rights will be used to straighten our financial woes. This, combined with the cutting of wage costs, should ensure Everton FC’s solvency in the future.”

And just like that, Sampedro’s hopes were crushed. He expected, at worse, to operate under the same budget as last season without any money to spend. But these cuts would destroy the team. He glanced at Kenwright to attempt to find solace, and saw the chairman’s sad eyes. It was obvious the chairman felt disappointed that it had come to this.

“I’m sorry Fernando, but this is the best we can do,” offered Kenwright in support. “which brings us to the final matter of the day – the expiring contracts. Mr. Earl will discuss the matter with you.”

Robert Earl addressed Fernando, “The contracts of the following first-team players will expire at the end of this month – Sylvain Distin, Jan Mucha, Phil Neville, Nigel Reo-Coker, and Jermaine Jenas’ loan contract is also up. Furthermore, you have allowed Leon Osman to discuss terms with Aston Villa for a transfer fee of only 1m pounds. The board is not very happy with you letting fan favorites go, especially our captain Phil Neville. Also, many of the fans have been requesting Jenas on a permanent basis, as he was a key member of your squad this year. Finally, selling a long time player and academy product Leon Osman for only 1 million pounds is not sitting well in most circles. What do you have to say about that?”

“Let’s be honest,” said Sampedro. “Distin is 35 and Neville is 36. These players were not good enough for the league this year and will not be good enough next year. I understand that the board wants to show loyalty, but you just told me we cannot afford our current wage bill. There is no way to justify resigning players who we can no longer afford and who will only get worse. Jan Mucha played a multitude of games this season, but he is only the backup keeper. I have plans to bring in a new keeper much better than him, even better than Tim Howard.”

“Let’s see, who else. . . Leon Osman. Leon prides himself on playing in any midfield position, but honestly he has not been good enough in any of them. I’m selling him for cheap because he is a drain on wages. And finally, Reo-Coker and Jenas. Nigel was signed because we had no players to play the anchor man position, but he was unimpressive. Jenas on loan has been great, but I honestly believe the English champions can sign a better starting defensive midfielder than a reservist from the fourth placed side.”

“Well, that certainly is interesting,” replied Earl. “You are very ambitious and you have grand views of the future, but may I remind you, there are no transfer funds and very little room to wiggle with the wages. I suggest you look to free transfers and have a talk with Mr. Furlong.”

Owen Furlong was the man that the club had assigned to work on transfers with Sampedro. Fernando had been given free reign over transfers and sales, as well as contract negotiations, but Furlong had to sign off on it. This would prevent Sampedro from offering contracts that would break the wage structure and putting the club in precarious financial procedures.

“Yes, I certainly will. I am certain that the club can pull ahead despite the finances.”

That was a complete lie. Fernando had no idea how he would muster any signings, much less pull ahead. He foresaw a long and hard season. He was letting a multitude of backup players go, which would leave him with a very, very thin squad if he did not manage to sign anyone.

“If you say so. . .” said Earl, looking doubtful and condescending.

Bill Kenwright looked at Fernando, with a glimmer of hope in his eyes.“Very well, Fernando. The board and the fans have full confidence in you to pull ahead despite these obstacles. I hope that you can pull our great club ahead, and wish you luck in your transfer dealings. With that, we will conclude our meeting.”

So the board meeting ended, with Sampedro feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders. Kenwright was looking at him to save his club, in contrast to Earl’s complete lack of belief. He had foolishly promised signings to his employers in that room, but he had no idea how he would deliver.