[FM22] The Ballad of Benjani - Phase 4 - The emotional high point has been reached - How far long will he keep this up?

[13th Man]

End of season squad review

It goes without saying that the Portsmouth squad performed very well in the 2026/2027 season.  They won the double, featured four of the best eleven, and got to a Conference League Final with their squad players.

As Benjani looked towards the future, though, he had to look back and see what his players did well, and were the squad needed improvement.

The Forwards 

While the defense was the story of the 25/26 season, it was the forwards that got the headlines in the run to title. James Price was a revelation, scoring 29 in the league and 5 in the cups. 

James Price [Not spoilers, just letting you scroll by if you don't want all the attributes]

Spoiler

[As someone mentioned, Price could turn into a truly world class player if he sticks around and continues to develop.]

Though Price had stolen some of his thunder, Enrique still managed 14 league goals from his deeper position [DLFs], and doubled his assist tally from the previous season to set up others on 6 occasions.

Enrique 

Spoiler

Between them, the fearsome strike duo scored 43 goals over 38 games.[Did Haaland have more than that combined? Yes, but that hardly counts.]  What should scare many in the Premier League is that both are only 20 years old…

With Bayliss and Levitt adding 8 and 6, from midfield and rotational forward Marco Da Graca managing a respectable 6 in limited playing time [including the hat trick in the south coast derby!], Portsmouth managed to score the third most goals in the league at 80 - only 1 behind second best Arsenal. [Again, Haaland’s 50 league goals helped City to score nearly three goals per match on average.]

The fact that Portsmouth were 5th best in chances created and 6th in xG (63.36) shows just how good the forwards’ finishing was. Price especially was exceptional, converting at a higher rate (29%) than any other forward in the league other than fellow wonder kid [regen] Maldonado at Norwich who converted an incredible 38% - but scored far fewer goals than Price overall.

Rotation forwards Garcia and Da Graca also did exceptionally well in the Conference League, leading the side to the final with goals galore.

Midfield

With Dylan Levitt making the team of the year, Tom Bayliss scoring 8 and assisting 8 more, and Maxence Caqueret proving a tidy if unexceptional presence in the center, Benjani was certainly happy with his midfield. 

Levitt continued to defy expectations, scoring six, assisting 9, and leading the team in key passes and chances created.

Dylan Levitt

Spoiler

Hannibal was a talented young man who had shined in the Conference League, but hadn’t made his mark in the league yet.  Even when Bayliss missed some time with an injury, Hanibal didn’t kick on and stake a claim for the starting spot. Benjani hoped he would take his game to the next level now that he had a year in the system.

Hannibal

Spoiler

The big surprise was how well squad player Tommaso Milanese fared. A limited player signed on a free to fill out the depth, he performed excellently whenever he was called upon, especially as a super sub. He was full of running, fast, and scored some crucial goals.  He single handedly turned a game against Aston Villa on its head when he came on in the 62nd minute.  Down 1-0, he quickly scored one and assisted another to lead a come-from-behind victory.

Tommaso Milanese

Spoiler

Benjani wasn’t about to give up on former starter Ivan Izquierdo, but he hadn’t been progressing as much as Benjani would have liked despite over a year of starts. He was still only 21, though, and provided a solid rotation option, but Caqueret’s aggression and intelligence had won the starting role away from Izquierdo.

Ivan Izquierdo

Spoiler

Defense

Once again proving one of the league's best defenses, the backline improved upon an excellent 25/26 season with an even better 26/27 season. Nathan Collins continued to be a rock in the heart of the back three. Wout Faes and Franco Moran continued to give Benjani selection headaches as both excelled in the right sided WCB position, while on the left Alessandro Boungiorno proved to be one of the signings of the season at £22m.  Even departing Tyrone Mings moved graciously into a supporting role and performed very well when called upon.

Keeper Jacob Stolarzcyk had again proved himself a very capable keeper and was also in the Premier League Team of the Year.

Together they made up the Premier League’s shared 2nd best defense, only allowing 37 goals. Level with Arsenal and Chelsea, they were only one behind league best Liverpool. All of this despite being a very progressive, fluid attacking side.

Wingbacks

This was the only position group that didn’t cover itself in glory. There were games that one or both of Luca Pellegrini or Valentin Rosier were absolutely lethal as CWBs, but neither did so consistently. Some of that was likely down to tactics (and the way that ratings are calculated), but Pellegrini especially had a tendency to disappear at times.  Rosier too had fallen off towards the end of the season, possibly as fatigue set in, though he did lead the team in assists with 9.

Behind them, LWB Jordan Zemora and RWB Neco Williams didn’t always inspire confidence either.  Though they both look above their counterparts in average rating, they were both often exposed against the top sides, so Benjani made sure to play them in less difficult matches.

Conclusion

While all position groups played well and contributed, the only group that continued to underwhelm was the wingbacks - though they’d become far more dangerous after being unleashed.  Though Benjani still felt as if Pellegrini and Rosier were quality players based on the way they stretched the pitch, progressed the ball, and generally menaced the opposition, he was thinking that Zemura and Williams could be improved upon…

[13th Man]

Transfer Season

Transfer budget - £100m

This was not a side in need of overhaul - Portsmouth had ridden the wave of a historic season to win the Premier League and the FA Cup while getting to the final of the Conference League. At the beginning of the summer of 2027, the only true need was a left footed WCB option as Tyrone Mings would be leaving the club after two excellent years. Bourgiorno had taken over the left as Mings slowed, but he’d been a solid rotation option.

Still, Benjani knew it was no time to stand still. Portsmouth would be competing in the Champions League in the fall of 2027, and there would be no easy games like there had been in the Conference League, where Benjani could rest almost his entire first team.

With that in mind, what Benjani wanted was better depth in a few areas. He wanted to have trust in his whole squad in any game. With £100m to spend, he knew he had the luxury of choice, but he did want players that would fit into the system…

Left footed WCB

A replacement was needed for the departing Mings, he would ideally be good on the ball and willing to get involved in the buildup.

RWB

Rosier had been solid on the right as a CWB and had as many assists as anyone in the side. Neco Williams was a decent enough backup, and was quite good going forward. His decision making was questionable, however, and he was often exposed against top sides.

LWB 

Pellegrini was a marked improvement over Zemora, and had some excellent games, but he wasn’t consistent enough for Benjani’s liking. In this case, whoever Bebjani brought in would hopefully challenge Pellegrini.

Froward

Price and Enrique were a top strike duo, and Da Graca and Garcia had proven solid rotation options. While free signing Garcia had been on fire in the Conference League, he hadn’t fared especially well in the Premier League when called upon.  It wasn’t going to be a top priority, but if a good option popped up Benjani would like to improve the depth here.

The plan

Benjani was looking mostly for depth, and hoped to keep his side largely together after a 26/27 season that would go down in history. With £100m available to him, Benjani had plenty of cash, but he didn’t plan on spending close to that much.

And they’re off

Ernesto Meza - £6.5m 

NXGN top prospect Meza was a young center back out of Mexico that was a bit raw technically for Benjani’s tastes but had incredible intelligence and physical talent for a player of his age. Benjani arranged the deal well before the end of the season. In the short term, he would likely give Collins an occasional rest in the center of the back three, but Benjani would also have him train as a WCB.

Left WCB

Benjani looked hard into two centerbacks in Tuanzebe and Senesi.

 

But as he decided between which to pursue, he reconsidered. With both likely to cost £40m or more, they would expect and deserve to be first choice.  Boungiorno had been excellent on the left, and spending that much of a replacement for a player who was not in need of replacing was complete folly.

Instead he found a solid option in Germany with a very reasonable release clause of £5.5m (savings £34.5m+!).

 

Bright Arrey-Mbi - FC Koln - £5.5m

 

Arrey-Mbi was a physical specimen - incredible pace and, unlike the other targets - very good in the air. He was also comfortable on the ball and fairly intelligent. All in all, a perfect rotation option for Boungiorno.

LWB

David Raum - Augsburg- £7.25m

David Raum joins from Bundesliga outfit Augsburg. With a wicked cross, an aggressive nature and good physical ability, Raum would challenge Pellegrini for the starting LWB role.

 

SOLD - Zemura to Torino - £11m

After three seasons, and now third in the pecking order, Zemora leaves Portsmouth for Torino. He had his moments, but his lack of aggression was often at odds with the way Portsmouth needed to play and he suffered some horrible spells of form. Benjani appreciated his contributions, but it was time to move on - especially with Arrey-Mbi able to fill in as an emergency left wingback.

RWB

Right wingback had been a lesser priority, but when Norwich came in with a bid for Neco Williams, Benjani managed to negotiate a £28m deal for the backup wingback.

 

 

For a backup that had been signed on a free, and who Benjani liked but didn’t fully trust, it was a great piece of business, and would likely give the player a chance to start more.

Unfortunately, finding a replacement didn’t prove as easy as Benjani hoped. Several players he tried to bring in chose other clubs - including struggling Leeds in a move that baffled Benjani. In the end he settled on spending more than he’d have liked on Brazilian Yan Couto.

 

Yan Couto - Rennes - £24m

 

A very skillful player, Couto was a very good all around wingback who, as Benjani wanted, was excellent going forward. With the CL coming to the south coast, and the sheer number of games in the season, both he and current RWB Rosier would both get plenty of chances.

Forward 

Raul Fuentes - River Plate - £5m

 

When this scout report entered Benjani’s inbox, he knew he had a player he wanted. Further scouting only confirmed his initial impression. The young Argentine was already a pure finisher, and his workrate and determination was clear from the tape. He needed to round out his game, but he’d be an excellent backup for Price.

 

SOLD - Garcia to Ajax - £11m

 

With the arrival of Fuentes, the Conference League phenomenon Garcia would see his game time further reduced. He’d done enough to be a starter somewhere, so Benjani engineered a move for him to Ajax.

Out of nowhere - CM/MEZ

 

Just as the preseason was in full swing, and Benjani was looking ahead to a new season, Newcastle came in to throw a wrench in the gears. Continuing their tradition of throwing money at things, Newcastle triggered CM Hannibal’s £42m release clause.

 

 

The player was an obvious talent, but he hadn’t actually performed as well as Bayliss in the attacking midfield role. Though Benjani had hoped to get the best out of a still young player in his second year at the club, £42m would have been hard to turn down even without the release clause. Benjani offered him a new contract, but negotiations quickly broke down when the player demanded £160k/w despite having yet to prove himself.

 

 

Instead, he was off to Newcastle for a whopping £42m. The problem wasn’t so much losing Hannibal as it was finding another player who could play in the CMa/MEZa role as a rotation option for Bayliss.

 

The role was an unusual one in that the player needed to be tidy on the ball, willing and able to run all day, and also be a decent finisher as he would often find himself as almost a third striker. Benjani found several players he liked, but each demanded astronomical wages (£140k/w or more), and Benjani wasn’t sure they would be improvements upon the steady and consistent Bayliss. Finally he found a reasonable option.

 

Jamie Shackleton - Nice - £17.75m

 

He didn’t exactly fit the bill, but Shackleton was a solid, all-action midfielder who could play any of the three roles in Portsmouth’s midfield - and even do a decent shift as an emergency right wingback.

OUT - £101m

Notable outs

Neco Williams - £28m

Tyrone Mings - Free

Bryan Fiabema - £3.7m - the striker who led Portsmouth’s promotion charge from the Championship finally leaves after two seasons on loan.

Andres Garcia - £11m

Jordan Zemora - £11m

Hannibal - £42m

Overall

A lot of excellent business sees Portsmouth take in record transfer fees, including the surprise departure of Hannibal - who was the only player Benjani would rather not have parted with. 

IN - £66.5m

Notable ins

Ernesto Meza (CB) - £6.5m

Bright Arrey-Mbi (WCB)  - £6.25m

David Raum (LWB) - £7.25

Yan Couto (RWB) - £24m

Jamie Shackleton (CM) - £17.75m

Overall

Benjani was disappointed in being forced to scramble for an attacking CM and he missed out on his RWB targets, but he was proud of how he’d improved the side without spending much - at least in Premier League terms.

Transfer profit of £34.5m

With Portsmouth bringing in massive profits on the sales of several backups and rotation options, many of which had been brought in for free, the suits were sure to be happy with the summer transfer business. 

 

LWB Raum, RWB Couto, and CM Shackleton all cost less than the players they replaced, and all but Shackleton were clear improvements. Just under £13m for two solid CB options also felt like good business. Benjani even managed to improve his keeper depth by selling one for £5m and bringing in an improvement for £2.5m.

 

After a busier summer than Benjani would have preferred, Portsmouth entered a new season looking to build upon their successes. Not even Benjani expected them to win another title, but he was aiming to challenge for the top four and at least remain in the European places. Unlike before, however, Portsmouth weren’t going to be taking sides by surprise anymore, and they’d have to contend with being one of England’s top sides and the pressure that comes with it.

[SinlessCity]

That's a brilliant transfer window - the sale of Williams being a clear high point.

What are you predicting for the season ahead?  On the face of it, you haven't weakened your squad with those leaving, as you've made good signings...  But have the other clubs around you being doing business?  (e.g. Arsenal).

I'm backing Benjani to wrap up a consecutive league title.... unless he gets bored mid-season and sacks it off to go and do an office-based call-centre job or something...

[karanhsingh]

A little late to the party - but congratulations on winning the title! A magnificent achievement against this dominant City side, and love the way you have built the team up gradually. Not just that but the constant tactical progression as well from the early stages of the save. Super stuff mate! Look forward to seeing what the future now holds.

[13th Man]

8 hours ago, SinlessCity said:

That's a brilliant transfer window - the sale of Williams being a clear high point.

What are you predicting for the season ahead?  On the face of it, you haven't weakened your squad with those leaving, as you've made good signings...  But have the other clubs around you being doing business?  (e.g. Arsenal).

I'm backing Benjani to wrap up a consecutive league title.... unless he gets bored mid-season and sacks it off to go and do an office-based call-centre job or something...

Expectations? Assuming Benjani doesn’t get tempted by the thrills of a call center, he knows being in the CL instead of the EURO II will be a challenge, even for the deeper squad. He’s hoping for a top four finish, but won’t be disappointed unless they miss out on Europe. Other sides have strengthened, nothing terrifying, but a lot of things had to go right last season that made the title happen. Not expecting such luck again.

2 hours ago, karanhsingh said:

A little late to the party - but congratulations on winning the title! A magnificent achievement against this dominant City side, and love the way you have built the team up gradually. Not just that but the constant tactical progression as well from the early stages of the save. Super stuff mate! Look forward to seeing what the future now holds.

Thanks! It’ll go down in the history books for sure. Tactics are my favorite part - okay, yes, I also really enjoyed making a 2nd rate Disney sports story - and will likely continue to develop.

[karanhsingh]

2 hours ago, 13th Man said:

Thanks! It’ll go down in the history books for sure. Tactics are my favorite part - okay, yes, I also really enjoyed making a 2nd rate Disney sports story - and will likely continue to develop.

Sign me up for the movie premier!

[Hootieleece]

With the transfer business the "Bean Counters" will be happy! But will the "true" Fans..... 

I'm glad you are going more physical than technical because I enjoy "Bullying" Technical teams! As it is the only way for "smaller" teams to beat big teams for the most part.

 

[13th Man]

12 hours ago, karanhsingh said:

Sign me up for the movie premier!

Front row seat with your name on it!

10 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

With the transfer business the "Bean Counters" will be happy! But will the "true" Fans..... 

I'm glad you are going more physical than technical because I enjoy "Bullying" Technical teams! As it is the only way for "smaller" teams to beat big teams for the most part.

 

True fans value loyalty! Benjani keeps players who perform, and gets rid of those that don’t.

Actually, it was as much a matter of targets demanding £130k/w or more, with top players currently at the club on £90k/w. The targets weren’t that much better either.

[SixPointer]

Solid summer of business on the south coast! 

[13th Man]

A New Season

Spoiler

A tricky start to the year featured a Tottenham, Manchester United away, and Everton. Tottenham had nearly derailed Portsmouth’s title challenge the previous spring, Everton tended to give them all kinds of trouble, and United away were tough - and Benjani didn’t expect a repeat of last season’s 5-0 win.

August

 

Some early season injuries led to a slightly up and down start.  BWM/DLP Caqueret went down with an injury that kept him out until the beginning of September RWB Couto pulled a groin in preseason meaning he was still very much getting settled, and as soon as he was back fellow RWB Rosier pulled his groin. Left WCB Boungiorno suffered a series of little injuries that kept him out of all but the Community Shield.

 

 

Heartbreak in the Community Shield!

 

Portsmouth did more than enough to win, but a single Haaland header was enough for Manchester City to win the prestigious trophy.  Still, in this glorified friendly, the signs were good.  Portsmouth created a lot of chances, and new signings Couto and Raum looked dangerous out wide while Shackleton was full of energy as a BBM.

 

 

In the league, Portsmouth’s title defense started off with an inauspicious start as they are held to a draw at Brentford despite having far more of the ball, shots, and creating much more.  Price scored of course, but Ihanacho - one of those players that just loves to score against Portsmouth - equalized on the stroke of halftime.

 

Portsmouth then got revenge against Tottenham for their nearly title-denying 4-1 win the previous spring. Enrique converted a penalty to start, then Portsmouth were able to use their central numbers to break through Tottenham’s 4-4-2 twice more to put them to the sword. See this interchange in the middle that ended with Price to Bayliss to make it 3-0.

 

A trip to Old Trafford didn't reproduce the magic of the previous year faded a bit, and they didn't reproduce anything like their 5-0 victory the previous spring. The same gameplan, though, mostly held Manchester United to poor chances - even if Stolarczyk did have to pull off some excellent saves to earn a point.

Deadline day!

Benjani ended up eating up most of the previously reported transfer profits in a deal that brought a solid attacking midfield option into the side.  Overall, he still made a profit of £5m, which is saying something when managing in the Premier League. Zaracho wasn't actually a deadline day signing, but the work permit issues etc did mean the deal didn't go through until the lasat day.

 

Matias Zaracho - Everton - £32m

Spoiler

Benjani hadn’t wanted to pay quite so much for a player that would likely rotate in and out of the side, but over rocky if solid August, he’d felt the absence of a true attacking midfield option other than Bayliss.  Zaracho arrived willing to be in and out of the first 11, accepted a reasonable wage, and made Benjani able to sleep better at night. 

 

Out - Ivan Izquierdo (loan) - FC Porto

Spoiler

 

There was also one 'out' move that Benjani spent a lot of time mulling over. Caqueret was firmly established as the starter in the center of the midfield three, and Shackleton had deputized better in the role while Caqueret was injured. With Zaracho's arrival, Shackleton would be free to rotate with Caqueret rather than in the attacking midfield role. Suddenly without a lot of games for Izquierdo to look forward to, Benjani decided to try and find the young man a place where he could start and, hopefully, develop into a more complete player. FC Porto came in offering to pay his wages in full and give him good game time. It was a move that would hopefully pay off for everyone.

 

The Champions League Comes to Portsmouth

 

August ended with the excitement of the Champions League coming to the south coast for the first time.  The group stage was drawn, matching Portsmouth against Monaco, RB Leipzig, and Portuguese outfit Gil Vicente.  While there were no true powerhouses to contend with, all were good sides.  Monaco and Leipzig were the better known, but Gil Vicente were challenging the Porto/Benfica domination of the Portuguese leagues, and had finished second behind Porto the year before.  There would be no easy games, it would seem, though Benjani figured his side could probably compete - either by squeaking into the knockout rounds or by finishing third and entering the Europa League...

[13th Man]

Unleashed

September was an exciting month on the south coast.  A reasonable run of fixtures in the league and…Champions League football at Fratton Park!!!

 

 

September was a fantastic month - maybe Benjani’s first 100% month, and certainly his first in years.  It started and ended with hard-fought 1-0 victories, but in between that it was a goal fest.  Overall, 19 scored, and 1 conceded, and that against a League One side Crawley in the League Cup.  With the quality boasted in the Champions League, Benjani couldn’t just throw his squad players out into any game, so he had to get his squad rotation just right.  Which he did for the most part.

Premier League 

CM Shackleton chose an excellent time to score his first Portsmouth goal as he came on as a RWB for Couto against Everton.  The other RWB Rosier, had pulled his groin in training, meaning Shackleton was the only player who could do a job there.  In the 81st minute, he did more than a job, securing three points after being found by fellow sub Milanese in a beautiful curling pass from left to right that the new signing smashed past Pickford.

 

After midweek exploits in the Champions League, Portsmouth struggled in the first half against Leeds at Elland Road.  They didn’t create much and looked less than confident when chances did come their way. Benjani told them they needed improvement in their final ball and finishing.  The side rose to the challenge, with Bayliss scoring two excellent goals in the first six minutes of the half on either side of an Enrique penalty.  The second was a beautiful lobbed volley from a Price through ball, and the young striker turned provider again when he crossed for Bayliss to complete his hat-trick.

 

Finishing out the month in the league, Portsmouth faced off against Crystal Palace. Shackleton started off the scoring when Portsmouth's right channel overload pulled Palace to one side.  Shackleton, now playing in his more traditional BBM role, ghosted around the far edge of the box, and when Bayliss saw him in space, he lobbed the ball his way.  Shackleton's finish on the volley was superb, but it was made by pulling Palace to the right side. Look at how the whole defense shifts during the right sided interplay. Later, some beautiful link up play between Price, Enrique, and Bayliss led to a Price goal. This one was just pure, one touch passing, with fluid movement pulling Palace out of position, leaving a massive opening for Price to run into and finish one-on-one. before Enrique finished off the scoring with a fantastic free kick.

League Cup

Portsmouth’s squad took care of League One side Crawley Town in the League Cup. The game was notable for young summer signing Fuentes’ first goal for the club, 4 goals for Da Graca, and Portsmouth’s only goal conceded of the month. Crawley’s goal was scored by one Oakley Cannonier, a former Portsmouth prospect that had only left the club in the summer. It was an incredible finish too, a rocket from 30 yards. The very fast young man had been signed on a free from Liverpool when Portsmouth was in the Championship, and made a handful of appearances, scored a few goals, but by the time he’d matured the club had surpassed his potential ability. Good on him for scoring, and at 3-1 up, Benjani could applaud his former player.

Champions League Group Stage

 

WCB Bright Arrey-Mbi absolutely Gil Vicente. The Portuguese visitors simply couldn’t deal with the German defender at set pieces. He earned the penalty after just five minutes, allowing Enrique to open the scoring from the spot. Array-Mbi then turned in a free kick and a corner into the net in either half. Then Enrique finished off a comprehensive victory with a goal that was half hard work and half sheer quality. He aggressively closed down a CB, won the ball back, took a dribble or two, and tried his luck from 30 yards. The second it left his boot all of Fratton Park knew the keeper had no chance.

 

This match in Monaco was mostly a battle for possession, which the hosts edged, but Portsmouth were able to fashion the better chances. Monaco were so intent on possession that they left themselves open on the counter. Price hit the post and missed an open goal before finally latching onto a Stolarcyzk clearance midway through the second half. He got there just ahead of the center back and left him in his wake - and when he’s at full speed there are few players in the world who can catch him. This time, he cooly side footed the ball into the net and earned Portsmouth a second win in the Champions League.

Player Spotlights - First two months

Bright Arrey-Mbi - WCB

With left WCB Bourgiorno suffering a series of little injuries that limited him to only one start - in the Community Shield - Benjani couldn’t have been happier with his summer signing. His speed and intelligence helped to lead the team in interceptions with 24 (4.08 per 90), with only cover CB Collins close (3.83/90).  He was also more than tidy in possession, attempting 88.13 passes per 90, with a 94% completion rate, and even notching up 3 key passes.  That all goes without talking about his danger from set pieces - from which he’d already scored twice and come close several other times.

Jacob Stolarzcyk - GK

9 appearances - 2 goals conceded. 0 in seven games (the backup keeper was playing in the League Cup) for a total of 675 minutes since he’d last picked the ball out of his own net.  All the defense did their part, but Stolarzcyk pulled off some fantastic saves in several games as well, was always off his line when needed, and generally knew the right place to be.  

Once again, he was close to the best in xG prevented in the league, showing that it wasn’t just the defense that led to Portsmouth’s lack of goals conceded.

The Tables

 

Portsmouth's early draws left them four points behind an Arsenal side that had come out of the gates quick.  It wasn’t all cannon fodder that they’d beaten either.  Liverpool, Tottenham, and Newcastle were amongst those to fall before this season’s early powerhouse.  Ageless 37 year old Immobile continued to score for Arsenal, with 6 in only 3 appearances.  Haaland, of course, had 7 from 6.

For his part Price ‘only’ had 3 so far, but he’d also been spreading the wealth. He’d turned provider 3 times already, matching his entire tally from the previous season.  Bayliss’ 4 in the league and Enrique’s 3 made for a decent goal scoring record overall.

 

 

Early signs showed Portsmouth and Leipzig dueling it out for the top of the group.  However, while Leipzig beat Monaco, they were forced to rescue a late point against Gil Vicente in the 94th minute.  While that match was in Portugal, Portsmouth had torn Gil Vicente apart, and it boded well for Portsmouth’s success in the group stage. Things could always change quickly though…

[DavidBeckham]

Decent start mate! Draws away against Brentford and Man United aren't bad results, and a perfect September has put you right in the mix! Solid start in Europe too! KUTGW mate!

[SinlessCity]

Bright start for Arrey-Mbi, looking like good business.  Absolutely flawless in Europe as well!

The omens are good and the side are looking settled.  Plenty of time to claw back the gap in the league as well.  

Good work mate, looking forward to the next one.

[SixPointer]

Big Bright was solid for my Sparta side and looks to have continued that as well. Great signing. 
 

Tough start is blown out the water the following month! What a September. Lovely start in the UCL. Benjani really is a god on the south coast 

[13th Man]

On 14/08/2022 at 01:48, DavidBeckham said:

Decent start mate! Draws away against Brentford and Man United aren't bad results, and a perfect September has put you right in the mix! Solid start in Europe too! KUTGW mate!

Brentford was frustrating but United less so.  September was excellent though!

 

On 14/08/2022 at 03:39, SinlessCity said:

Bright start for Arrey-Mbi, looking like good business.  Absolutely flawless in Europe as well!

The omens are good and the side are looking settled.  Plenty of time to claw back the gap in the league as well.  

Good work mate, looking forward to the next one.

Arrey-Mbi has proven to be a perfect fit for the side.  Bourgiorno has actually started to make a fuss about not playing enough, but Arrey-Mbi has proven undroppable.

 

On 15/08/2022 at 22:04, SixPointer said:

Big Bright was solid for my Sparta side and looks to have continued that as well. Great signing. 
 

Tough start is blown out the water the following month! What a September. Lovely start in the UCL. Benjani really is a god on the south coast 

At £5.5m he's proving an absolute steal!

[13th Man]

Work work work has cut down on the FM time, but actually more so on the writeup energy.  I actually played a bunch leading up to this very busy period, and we’ll catch some of the way up here. Tonight, though, I didnt have the energy to handle a loss in a match so I decided to write up instead!

Full Swing

 

The season was truly in full swing, with two matches every week - other than during international breaks.  Unlike the previous season, when Benjani could use the squad in the EURO II/Conference League, the strength of the opposition meant that Benjani couldn’t rest the starters.  Rotation was key, and Benjani tried to never have one player start three matches in a row.  That was sometimes made extra difficult by the international obligations, with players like CB Collins playing every minute of every game for Ireland.

Premier League -  Part 1

 

Everything wasn’t quite going Portsmouth’s way all the time, but the football they were playing was phenomenal.  They were creating plenty of chances, but not quite converting them at the rate they had in September and August.  In fact, underperforming according to xG - something which hadn’t been true of Benjani’s Portsmouth since their days in League One.

 

 

Southampton never went down easy, pulling a goal back after Portsmouth had gone two ahead, but Benjani could (privately) enjoy forcing his opposite in Southampton out of a job.  Phil Neville ended an unsuccessful few seasons on the south coast with a defeat in Portsmouth the last nail in the coffin. They were languishing in 19th.

 

Sheffield United put up quite a fight, scoring first, but a rocket from LWB Raum equalized.  Just as the match looked set to end in a draw, Portsmouth got a corner that bounced around the box…and young Raul Fuentes fought through a mess of bodies to poke the ball home and earn his side 3 points.

 

Aston Villa watched Portsmouth hit the post three times and miss a few other decent chances as they managed to escape with a draw.

League Cup

 

Portsmouth’s League Cup run ended when a heavily rotated side fell to Wolves on penalties, 9-8, with all but the keepers going out to try their luck from the spot. RWB Rosier failed to score in the end, and that was that.

Manchester City - Ouch

 

Brutal.  An even game in the first half, suddenly it felt like two years prior when Portsmouth couldn’t handle the ‘big six’.  Three goals for Manchester City in the last half hour. It was defensive breakdowns and an inability to control the ball.  City controlled the game from start to finish.  The worst part? Haaland didn’t even score.  It was at City, but it was a game Benjani was eager to put behind him.

RB Leipzig x2 - Champions League

After beating both Vicente and Monaco, it was time to face their rivals for the top spot in Group C. It would start with a trip to Germany…

 

It was a hard fought game, but Portsmouth managed to get a goal.  Leipzig played in a 4-4-2 that so often gave Portsmouth trouble - even if they generally came out on top.  Here Portsmouth had by far the better chances, but hit the post several times.  Portsmouth earned their points, however, with a tidy move in the 55th minute.  Enrique picked up the ball around midfield, turned and released RWB Couto, who flew into the empty space on the right flank to put a nice flat ball invitingly for James Price (“The Price is Right!  James Price!!”) to tap in from about 8 yards.  It was another perfect example of the benefits of the CWB role.  Notice how Cuoto is right on the shoulder of the Leipzig LB, waiting for his chance. When Enrique releases him, he’s already clear.

 

 

With CL qualification all but secured, Benjani picked a somewhat rotated side at home.  It was nothing like the match in Germany. The squad players got the job done and then some, guaranteeing passage to the knockout stages.  A lovely early goal by deadline day CM(a) Matias Zaracho sent Portsmouth on their way and Bayliss added a second from the same position in stoppage time. Portsmouth found themselves only a requiring a point against Monaco to ensure topping the group.  Benjani was mostly happy to get his side out of the little dip in form they’d been suffering after their brutal loss to Manchester City.

Liverpool - Premier League

 

Benjani decided to go for it, no defensive tactics. It nearly paid off too, but the match ended in a draw. It was one Portsmouth really should have won, but a few moments of quality did them in.  First was a Kane reverse pass to an inside forward (Doku), and then a superb finish from the man himself after Liverpool took advantage of RWB Couto’s momentary absence for treatment.  Liverpool were nearly done in by Price’s movement and finishing, with the young Englishman scoring two lovely goals, both one-on-one with Alisson.  It was a hard fought match in which Guardiola couldn’t dominate possession (50%-50%) the way he would have liked, but still managed to get a point out of the match.

Monaco - Champions League

 

A less frustrating draw, with Portsmouth’s squad players enjoying a night out in the Champions League in front of the home faithful.  They really should have won, but a point meant that they were guaranteed not only qualification, but to be in the top spot of their CL group.

Stoke

 

This wouldn’t warrant a highlight at all, other than it was 6 goals and against a Stoke side that so often found ways to get undeserved draws against Portsmouth.  It could have even been worse, with CB Nathan Collins unable to convert from the spot to earn a hattrick (after scoring twice from set pieces in the first 20 mins).  Price, however, got himself a hattrick instead and BBM Dylan Levitt got himself on the scoresheet as well.

Summary

 

It wasn’t the best few months for Portsmouth, but they were still doing very well.  The goals started to dry up a bit after scoring for fun…and then came Stoke.

Champions League had gone incredibly smoothly - better even than Portsmouth’s Conference League group the year before where they’d struggled against Athletic Bilbao. 

 

 

Despite a few draws and the loss to City, Portsmouth remained in the Champions League places, if by only by a point.  The top of the table was incredibly tight, with only five points between table topping Arsenal and Manchester City in 5th. Arsenal too were showing signs of weakness, losing twice in only three matches, allowing the chasing pack to close the gap.

Champions League - Top of the Group!

 

It happened in December, but to sneak ahead a little, Portsmouth finished their group off with a win in Portugal.  They’d already assured their top place finish in Group C, but it was nice to end with a victory.

 

 

Only dropping two points, that after qualification was assured, Benjani was thrilled with his side’s performance.  It was, to be fair, not the toughest group, and Benjani feared what awaited him in the knockout rounds, but it would be a successful CL campaign even if they failed to get past the first knockout round.

 

 

Notice too, that Portsmouth only allowed one goal in six CL matches - against Vicente in Portugal, with Stolarczyk giving way to his backup - while scoring 11!

A bit of tactics

 

With more sides trying to hit Portsmouth on the counter, or play around the back, or just play very slow, cautious possession football, Benjani had begun to get more aggressive with his out of possession instructions.  He began to push his lines higher to put constant pressure on the ball and added tighter marking to ensure that the opposition had no easy passes in midfield. With the pace and physicality in the backline Benjani was now much less concerned with long balls over the top and could, in the true way Cruyff meant, make the pitch smaller when his side didn’t have the ball.

Final note on the way out

 

Fratton Park finished a second round of expansions, with the stadium now fitting 34,010 supporters.  It was still on the small side for a Premier League club, but it had only had a capacity of 20k only a few years before.

Edited August 24, 2022 by 13th Man

[SinlessCity]

Spectacular European campaign so far - the Pompey style is clearly too good for sides on the continent!

5 points off top with a third of the season gone is good going, should be proud of that, especially with the exploits in Europe.

How high was the line you were playing before the change?  And what kind of levels of pace/acceleration etc are your WBs at to cope with it?  I've always favored a high line, just not been able to strike the balance, but I tend to play 2CBs and 2 WBs with a deep midfielder in front.

Welcome back - I can relate to the out of FM distractions... sometimes those little windows of time are better used elsewhere, and the prospect of a write-up can be daunting!

[SixPointer]

Interesting to see you adjust the pressing lines, I often use opponent instructions to tailor this.

how have you found things since you changed? Is there a noticeable difference? By eye or by numbers?

[DavidBeckham]

Great work in Europe so far! Only three points off the top too in the league! Decent start mate!

[13th Man]

On 23/08/2022 at 23:02, SinlessCity said:

Spectacular European campaign so far - the Pompey style is clearly too good for sides on the continent!

5 points off top with a third of the season gone is good going, should be proud of that, especially with the exploits in Europe.

How high was the line you were playing before the change?  And what kind of levels of pace/acceleration etc are your WBs at to cope with it?  I've always favored a high line, just not been able to strike the balance, but I tend to play 2CBs and 2 WBs with a deep midfielder in front.

Welcome back - I can relate to the out of FM distractions... sometimes those little windows of time are better used elsewhere, and the prospect of a write-up can be daunting!

The lines started out as high DL and standard LOE.  Switched both to high during Portsmouth's third campaign in the Premier League to counteract route one balls getting in behind.  Now, other than against the top sides, Benjani wants to shrink the pitch and not allow any comfort on the ball.  In another total football move, he also is looking to force the ball to the worst player on the ball (usually a CB) and make them boot it long.

 

On 27/08/2022 at 09:15, DavidBeckham said:

Great work in Europe so far! Only three points off the top too in the league! Decent start mate!

Been a decent season so far indeed!

On 24/08/2022 at 01:12, SixPointer said:

Interesting to see you adjust the pressing lines, I often use opponent instructions to tailor this.

how have you found things since you changed? Is there a noticeable difference? By eye or by numbers?

I haven't actually checked the numbers, and I don't usually start out with very high lines.  But Benjani has found it helping in games where the opposition is getting to comfortable passing it around the back.  With the 3-5-2 defensive shape, it sometimes takes a little bit of extra pushing to get numbers up in the opposition defense's faces. 

I can't really back this up with numbers and stats, but many more chances have been starting with the opposition booting it forward with heavy pressing.  It does shrink the pitch a bit in possession, but with the shorter passing TI, it gets the WCBs up in support and makes switches of play easier in possession as well when the ball is won around midfield.

[karanhsingh]

Just caught up - absolutely phenomenal stuff as always!

The team is really playing like a well-oiled machine now. Hope you get a favorable draw and can go deep in the CL.

[haier_fm]

Late to the party but glad to see you have reached this stage of the save. The previous title win was a rollercoaster of emotions for sure! Lived up to expectations, just like Endgame did.

[13th Man]

On 29/08/2022 at 04:44, karanhsingh said:

Just caught up - absolutely phenomenal stuff as always!

The team is really playing like a well-oiled machine now. Hope you get a favorable draw and can go deep in the CL.

Thanks!  Especially with work being so exhausting, it's nice to have a team that is set up nicely with a variety of tweaks I can fall back on!

On 30/08/2022 at 12:35, haier_fm said:

Late to the party but glad to see you have reached this stage of the save. The previous title win was a rollercoaster of emotions for sure! Lived up to expectations, just like Endgame did.

Many thanks!  Hopefully, also like Marvel, these updates after the big climax will generally be fun even if it all feels like a bit of a let down...

[13th Man]

Back and forth we go

December was always a long, long month in the Premier League, but the fixture list had been generally kind to Portsmouth this time around.  The only true test would be Arsenal - and Portsmouth’s legs!

Frustration and relief.  Portsmouth dominated both Wolves and Burnley, but only managed four points.  

Against Wolves, DLF Da Graca opened the scoring, but a defensive lapse saw Wolves forward Chong break too easily to score.  BBM Shackleton scored one of his signature rockets from just outside the box…only for a defensive lapse to allow Chong to break through and score late on.  It was really two long knockdowns that Portsmouth somehow failed to anticipate - the second balls being the key.  It was especially frustrating after Portsmouth had been so good against those balls.  However, Benjani had to take some of the blame here, as young summer signing Ernesto Meza - in for a jaded CB Collins - seemed to be a bit lacking when dealing with long balls.

Against Burnley they were again dominant but got the three points they deserved.  Bayliss managed to wrongfoot the keeper after a wonderful, precision move that saw Enrique put him in with a beautiful reverse pass.  The keeper really should have kept the shot out, but the move before it deserved a goal…and Portsmouth deserved the win.

Next up - table topping Arsenal.

Arsenal had been in a bit of a wobble after starting the season nearly perfect, and Portsmouth managed to put another notch in their L column.  The previously unstoppable Immobile was smothered and it really could have been a worse scoreline for the Gunners. It only took 3 minutes for Portsmouth to put their noses in front.  Price made a fantastic run up the left flank, crossing it in for Enrique to poke home just in front of his marker.  Price should have gotten his own a few minutes later only to hit the post. Enrique scored a second through pure determination and hard work, closing down the backline and intercepting a back pass by putting into the back of the net.  While Benjani loved a beautiful, well worked goal as much as anyone, this was the kind of goal that made him unbelievably proud.  

Arsenal’s one good move of the match saw them get a goal at the back post, but it wasn’t enough and Portsmouth rose to the top of the table.

It was clear that while Arsenal had their moments, Portsmouth were the better side.

Relief and frustration again - only in reverse. Two more games in which Portsmouth outplayed their opponent but only managed four total points. Enrique and Price both scored in both matches, but while Portsmouth managed to keep Norwich at bay, West Ham’s Arthur Carbral managed to score twice in five minutes after Portsmouth had gone up two.

Portsmouth were dropping points…but so was everybody else. 

In an incredibly tight top of the table, 1st and 7th were separated by a mere 3 points. All seven sides were moving fluidly around the table as results came in.  Portsmouth, however, had managed to stick their noses in front after the Arsenal win, and were just about keeping hold of the top spot by the end of each weekend’s action.

Two more matches, two more dominant performances, and, this time, two more wins.  The most surprising part though - two of the three goals were scored by CB Collins from corners.  The first earned his side three points against Sheffield United in a game Portsmouth really should have won by more, and the second served as a insurance goal against rivals Southampton at Fratton Park after Price had opened the scoring.  Shout out to CM(a) Zaracho who got himself both assists against Southampton.

December Summary

Portsmouth were in their grove to such an extent that both draws were entirely undeserved and felt like kicks in the teeth.  BUT - A month with no losses and five league wins was certainly a successful month.  Other top sides couldn’t boast anything like it, with Arsenal falling to 4th places after losing four league games in December alone.

At the close of 2027, Portsmouth had taken hold of the top of the table.  Everton, surprisingly were just behind, and the rest of the chasing back were all four or five points back.  It was turning out to be a very interesting season, with sides like Liverpool winning 6-1 against decent sides like West Ham, only to fall 2-1 against Aston Villa a few weeks later.  Chelsea too were doing very poorly down in 9th.

Recognition for Price 

Young James Price earned the World U21 Footballer of the Year award after leading his side to the Premier League title and continuing his good form into the next season.  Problem was…he was attracting some serious interest from other clubs.  While Napoli, Newcastle, and Tottenham didn’t really scare Benjani, a side like Paris SG might just come and take advantage of his £72m release clause.  Of course, for money like that, it would be hard to say no anyway, but Benjani had grown fond of the young man and wanted to see if he could turn him into a top, top player at Portsmouth…

One favorable draw and one…not so favorable

In a draw that could have seen Portsmouth face the likes of Barcelona, Napoli, Inter, Dortmund or Paris SG, they instead drew Feyenoord.  The Dutch side had also emerged from an easy group (Roma, Rangers and Salzburg) but had been beaten to the top spot by Roma.  Benjani would not be taking the game lightly, but it was certainly a kind draw!

In the FA Cup, however, Portsmouth would travel to Manchester City in a tough, tough match.  With an FA Cup win the previous season, though, Benjani felt like a loss in this game could be a blessing as he hoped to fight to retain the title and see how far he could make it in Europe’s top competition.  Still, Benjani never liked to lose a game…

A possible future…

[It’s unlikely that these youngsters will mature before this save ends, but I’m curious to see how these strikers look…]

 

[SinlessCity]

I LOVE goals where you nick it from between the Keeper and defender when they're messing around with backwards and sideways passes - excellent from Enrique.

You don't get a more stark contrast than losing to Burnley and then beating top of the table...  High flying and leading the way, I'm confident of another title for Benjani's boys.  Based on City's league form - and how early it is in the comp - I think you've got a great shout in the FA Cup... And as for Feyenoord... should be a doddle ;-)

When I read some of these narratives I often forget how young Price is - only 21...  The kid is going to bring the Ballon d'Or to Fratton Park before long.

Great work and pleased to see the save is still bringing you back for more!

[13th Man]

On 31/08/2022 at 22:53, SinlessCity said:

I LOVE goals where you nick it from between the Keeper and defender when they're messing around with backwards and sideways passes - excellent from Enrique.

Glad someone else enjoyed it.  The least "beautiful" goal I've captured, but seeing pure workrate and aggressive closing to score in a big game was just too good not to share.

On 31/08/2022 at 22:53, SinlessCity said:

When I read some of these narratives I often forget how young Price is - only 21...  The kid is going to bring the Ballon d'Or to Fratton Park before long.

Having a potential world class player is definitely a selling point to keep me interested in this save.

[13th Man]

A tale of two City [games] and some stuff about strikers

There’s something immensely satisfying about being the reason someone gets sacked, and for the second time in a season Benjani got to (privately) enjoy forcing a rival out of their job. [Also got Gary Neville sacked at Southampton].

The Emirati were likely frustrated that Tuchel’s City came second best the previous year, but Tuchel managed to convince them that the next season would be better.  Sitting in 7th at the start of the new year, it was a cross from Portsmouth’s RWB Couto, a bit of a scramble in the box, and a toe poke by CM(a) Bayliss that finally put Tuchel out of a job. 

It really could have been worse for his side too, with City looking second best throughout.  Benjani had largely gone away from defensive tactics except to see out tough games, he didn’t abandon caution all together.  In most games he ran a system with a wide with and encouraged a shorter passing range (though they were allowed to be more expressive and switch it up at times).

Generally Prefered Tactic

Against the big sides, however, Benjani had gone back to a slightly more narrow, and compact tactic to ensure players had options nearby, and a more open passing range so they could punish over aggressive pressing.

Big Game tactic

It was subtle differences, wide width to narrow width and the CWBs pulled back to support duty instead of attack, but these made the difference.

The narrower width helped Portsmouth control the ball effectively.  The defense kept Haaland was quiet ran out deserved winners.

Benjani was then invited in for an interview, which he barely dignified with a response.  Unlike Portsmouth, he had no fond memories of his time at City.  Instead, he hoped to make it two for two and beat City the following weekend at the Eitihad in the FA Cup.

City set up in a surreal, Route-One 4-1-2-1-2. The narrow formation made Benjani decide to play with the wider width and try to dominate the flanks and channels.  He ended up playing into City’s hands on the whole.  Despite dominating possession and getting into dangerous areas, Portsmouth didn’t create much and deserved to lose - even if there was more than a bit of fortune in both of City’s goals.

A rare mistake by Stolarczyk gifted a goal to City, as the Polish keeper couldn’t hold onto a simple cross and bundled it right into forward Alexander Isak’s lap.  Enrique leveled the score after a nice move late in the game, but only minutes later, deep in stoppage time, a good block in the box resulted in another ball in Isak’s lap which he duly poked home.

Benjani took solace in the fact that not being in the cup would help his side compete better in the league and in Europe.

Transfer Alert

DLF Da Graca went down in training with a nasty long term injury, and young Fuentes was called up for several weeks of Argentina U23 international matches (apparently U23 Olympic qualifying in South America happens in January?).  Suddenly, Portsmouth had only two first team strikers with lots of matches on the horizon.  

It also put Benjani face to face with a hard truth - Marco Da Graca was a hardworking, physical player, but he was lacking in that top level skill and intelligence.  He often was in good positions only to fail to score.  It was maybe time to move on.  Short term, it was also prudent to bring in some reinforcements as many clubs were circling James Price, hoping to pry the young starlet from the South Coast so it would be good to have reinforcements at the ready anyway. Napoli had come in with a dirisory £30m bid (though with another £10 in add-ons) but Paris SG could easily come in and throw £72m at Portsmouth and activate his release clause.

Maximiliano Casariego - Boca Juniors - £10m

In comes Argentine striker Maximiliano Casariego from Boca Juniors.  He was not the finished article, but he could backup Enrique in the DLF role, and also step into the AF role as well.  He had some room to grow, but he was determined, an excellent finisher, good dribbler, and a good passer. He also brought a bit of extra physicality. He certainly had a thing or two to learn on the mental side of the game, but there was enough about him to slot right into the first team as Enrique’s backup. At £10m, the deal was easy.

Young and Devastating Strike force

Benjani now had a fantastic quartet of strikers that would make Leonardo DiCaprio proud, if he was into strikers. [Cue the DiCaprio pointing meme]. While the two 21 year olds were clearly better rounded - with Price developing into one of the worlds best strikers - the two 20 year olds had plenty to offer as well.

James Price - 14 league goals, 5 assists

Enrique - 9 League goals, 3 assists

Raul Fuentes - 2 League goals from only 2 starts and 9 substitute appearances

With excellent, young and hardworking depth in the front line, Benjani felt both thrilled about his strikeforce, and a little less afraid of losing Price.  Even if Fuentes wasn’t nearly at Price’s level, he was a very good young striker and would likely do well.

[Hootieleece]

Leonardo would only be interested if the strikers were Supermodels, but the age range is right....

I am always interested where the big name Managers end up in a Longterm save.

Most rotate between the big clubs England, Germany, Italy, Spain.

IE: Klopp left Liverpool for Man City and then left Man City for Real Madrid in my current save.

[deltablue]

You don't need City

[13th Man]

21 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

Leonardo would only be interested if the strikers were Supermodels, but the age range is right....

I mean, no they’re not supermodels, but Enrique is irresistible and the new fella Casariego has some luscious locks…

 

21 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

I am always interested where the big name Managers end up in a Longterm save.

Then you’ll enjoy that Zidane just ended up at a Chelsea side languishing midtable…

18 hours ago, deltablue said:

You don't need City

Absolutely not a chance.

[haier_fm]

On 03/09/2022 at 09:05, 13th Man said:

Benjani now had a fantastic quartet of strikers that would make Leonardo DiCaprio proud, if he was into strikers.

And they are both below the age of 25! How convenient!

Also, I didn't know that the Ballad of Benjani would take such a sinister turn - City and Route One? Such a juxtaposition.  

[13th Man]

It seems like I’m not the only one with a busy schedule these days - missed weeks here and only a few posts!  Here’s my latest (a few more coming soon probably/maybe)...

Back to the Story

After the back to back Manchester City matches, Portsmouth had a slight lull in their tough January with matchups against midtable Aston Villa and West Ham before two successive trips to the capital to face Chelsea and Tottenham.

It wasn’t the most awe inspiring run of form, but Portsmouth managed to scrape three wins and a draw from a tricky run.  Against Aston Villa Enrique scored an absolute stunner - a rocket from 20 yards on the turn - to earn three points in a game in which Portsmouth weren’t at their best at all.

West Ham saw some wasteful finishing but BBM Levitt managed to score a nice goal after a good move in the 3rd minute that saw Portsmouth through.

A truly bore draw (0.68xG combined) against a struggling Chelsea side [now under just hired Zidane] made Benjani wish he’d tried to play a bit more against the London side.

Another trip to the capital seemed destined for another goalless draw until Price sent a hopeful cross into the box, and CM(a) Zaracho picked it up on the far side. Zaracho floated a wonderful cross back across the face of goal - over the keeper - for LWB Raum to head into the net.  Another perfect example of the attacking threat of the CWBs as Raum drove inside of Price when the striker made his in-to-out run and was on hand to convert and earn 3 points.  Notice he’s already in the box when the ball gets to Zaracho on the far side and he drifts towards the goal as if he’s an attacking midfielder rather than a leftback.

Taking over the table

With the wins coming - even if the football wasn’t quite as convincing - Portsmouth extended their lead at the top of the table to five points.

In a fun bit of waffle, the Premier League somehow ranked only 3rd in transfer spending in the January window.  Napoli must have been taken over as they single handedly spend £115m, but the Bundesliga somehow went ahead and spent more than twice as much as the English clubs.

However, Benjani was most relieved that no club came in and triggered James Prices’ £72m release clause and pried him away from the south coast.  Instead, shortly after the window had closed, Benjani convinced Price to sign a five year contract that more reflected his ability and importance to the club.  With interest from teams like PSG, the young man had been reluctant to discuss the future with Portsmouth, but with no bids coming in from the French giants, Price decided to commit his future to the club that was making him a star.

The contract was massive by Portsmouth's standards…but fully deserved for a player of his ability.  It also increased his release clause to £129m meaning if he did leave, it would set up the club wonderfully for the future.

[I was a bit hesitant to do this contract for realism’s sake, but Portsmouth has solidified its place near the top of the table, is in the CL, and has £70m+ in the bank, so £150k/w for a potential superstar seemed okay to me…]

[haier_fm]

Fun times at the top yet again! Glad to have you back, even if sporadically

[Hootieleece]

I just thought everyone was mourning the queen.

Glad to see this continuing,

The James Price contract was the right thing to do. Keep him out of Man City's hands!

 

[13th Man]

On 18/09/2022 at 07:08, haier_fm said:

Fun times at the top yet again! Glad to have you back, even if sporadically

Thanks - it will continue to be sporadic, but I got one more for now!

 

On 18/09/2022 at 08:02, Hootieleece said:

The James Price contract was the right thing to do. Keep him out of Man City's hands!

It was PSG I was most worried about - Napoli and Tottenham came in with not-quite-insulting-but-close bids, but Price wasn't all that keen anyway.  PSG may have pried him away though.  Happily, they never came in with an offer.

[13th Man]

Can we do it again?

February and March would be an important section of Portsmouth’s season, even if it wouldn’t necessarily define it.  If Portsmouth could continue to defend their lead at the top of the table, Benjani might just be able to rotate enough to keep his first 11 fresh for the Champions League. 

After a series of 1-0 victories, Portsmouth burst to life.

Benjani went for it against Chelsea after being too cautious in London a few weeks prior. It was a beautiful night at Fratton Park for the home fans. The breakthrough didn’t come until the second half, but it seemed inevitable with the way Portsmouth were playing.  Enrique released Bayliss clean through on goal and the midfielder cooly slotted home.  Enrique then got his own from the spot after Price was fouled in the box.  Chelsea made things a bit nervy in the 71st minute as they managed a rare opportunity and an excellent finish, but that would be the last of their 3 total shots. Bayliss restored a two goal lead with a powerful header only two minutes later, while Collins added a fourth from a corner in stoppage time.

Against Brentford, defender Kilo Klaher made things easy for Portsmouth by getting sent off early.  Price scored just before the half hour mark, and there was a bit of a lull until the last quarter of the match when the floodgates opened. CM(a) Zaracho scored, and Price supplied new signing Casariego his first goal for Portsmouth before rounding out a brace for himself in stoppage time.

The narrow wins were suddenly explained when Benjani was notified of Price finally breaking his goal drought against Brentford. He’d been supplying some assists and generally looked dangerous, so Benjani hadn’t even thought to worry.

With the Champions League on the horizon and a decent lead in the league, Benjani rolled the dice away to Norwich with the second team. He paid for it - and it would have been worse if young Raul Fuentes hadn’t scored his second stoppage time goal of the season to rescue a point.

A fantastic away win in the Champions League rounded out an excellent month for Portsmouth.  Two of the three goals were scored through RWB Couto, with his assist helping Price open the scoring in the 7th minute, and only an own goal from Feyenoord keeping him from providing Price with a brace.  In between, CM(a) Bayliss scored a beauty of a goal after some good link up play with Price and then Enrique.  Just see how Enrique dropping info space with the ball pulls the defense apart opens a huge hole for Bayliss to run into. Of course, Bayliss had plenty to do here to score, but the movement was making the Dutch defenders dizzy.

Benjani was a bit disappointed when a simple ball over the top beat CB Collins far too easily to give Feyenoord some hope, but the Irishman could be partially forgiven for feeling a bit giddy after going up 3-0 in a Champions’ League knockout round.

Young Spanish CB Moran - who’d been in excellent form - gifted Arsenal the lead after 8 minutes when his control let him down and he bundled the ball right into the lap of Arsenal’s Demir who writhed through Portsmouth’s defense to slot home.  Enrique equalized from the spot, only for some more comedy defending from Stolarzyck and the back line to let Chiesa restore the lead.  Just before the half, however, Portsmouth responded again with one of Benjani’s all time favorite goals.  Five first time passes, pinging around the half at pace with fluid movement, starting and ending with Enrique, who’s finish was as glorious as the move that led up to it.

Considering how both Arsenal goals were scored, Benjani felt as if he’d dropped two points, but a draw away to Arsenal was in no way shameful.

Enrique’s reign of terror continued against Brunley and Stoke, and Price eagerly joined in.  

Against Burnley, Enrique was even sporting enough to miss an early penalty before scoring only three minutes later from open play.  Burnley managed to equalize from a corner, very much against the run of play, but RWB Couto restored the lead with a one-touch howitzer after a CM(a) Bayliss cutback from the byline - again showing the worth of the CWB role!  Price, having provided Enrique’s assist, was assisted by the new striker Maximiliano Casariego (on for Enrique) and returned the favor in to give the young Argentine his second goal for the club.

Stoke, so often a thorn in Benjani’s side, were likewise swept aside by goals from Enrique and Price, with CB Moran joining in the fun as well.

Between the Premier League matches, a heavily rotated Portsmouth side finished the job against Feyenoord at Fratton Park, with only wasteful shooting keeping it from being a second rout.

Summary

Another incredible two months for Benjani’s Portsmouth as they were held only by Norwich [with a heavily rotated side] and Arsenal.  Feyenoord were swept aside, as were four Premier League opponents.

Portsmouth extended their lead at the top of the table to a full eight - though with a game in hand that number could easily be reduced right back down to five.  Liverpool also remained within touching distance, but the rest of the top 7 had fallen well off the pace, including early leaders Arsenal.

Champions League Draw

Portsmouth were truly in the big time now, under the brightest of lights. They would face perennial champions Real Madrid in the quarters.   Managed by Jurgen Klopp and, obviously, featuring many of the best players in the world, Benjani was under no illusions about his side’s chances of progressing.

If they somehow managed to get by Real Madrid, they would go on to face either Bayern or PSG. The other side of the bracket had City, Arsenal, Roma and Portsmouth’s Conference League foes in Athletic Bilbao.

Making things even trickier, was the fact that Portsmouth would face off against Liverpool in between the Real Madrid matches, likely forcing Benjani into tough, tough choices on which competition to focus on…or to risk exhausting his players by making them play three huge games in a row.

[Hootieleece]

Liberally use Recovery Periods in between the matches and try and play your strongest side in each of the three matches.  You need to do so because you want to keep the pressure on your rivals in the Premier League and you want to see if you truly are ready to take on the likes of Real Madrid and others. 

If you need to rest players and rotate after the three games do so as needed. Especially if you are still in Champions League. Mostly you are trying to see where you need to strenghthen for your next Champion's League run. Since you seem to have the Premier League as your oyster.

[13th Man]

I have been a bit inspired here to write up a fuller post than normal, as these games were intense to say the least.  It’s not quite a return to the cinematic post of old, but more like that. Did I need all the 'hidden' things? No, but it's a nail bitter so I had fun with that.

Three huge matches in a row

Portsmouth v Real Madrid

Champions League Quarterfinals First Leg

4 April 2028

Fratton Park

Welcome to Fratton Park on this historic Tuesday night as Portsmouth host Real Madrid in the first leg of this Champions League quarter final.  Yes you heard that right.  The city is abuzz with anticipation for this massive matchup, and Real Madrid must be enjoying the novelty of this trip to a new stadium!  While Portsmouth are leading the Premier League, and have proven many doubters wrong, they are a young side that has never delt with pressure quite like this…especially not against opponents who have won the competition more than any other club…

1st Minute

Portsmouth work a ball nicely in Madrid’s half…Shackleton plays a through ball…Price is one on one with Courtois…SAVED!  Price had neither the power or the placement to beat the Real Madrid keeper, but it’s a warning sign for the visitors that Portsmouth are not a side to be trifled with.

32nd minute

The heavy press from Madrid has Portsmouth pinned to their left flank.  LWB Pellegrini manages to wriggle free and Shackleton comes up in support.  His first time ball finds Bayliss in the center circle.  Portsmouth threatening again.  Baylis plays it on to Enrique, who takes on CB Milenkovic on the dribble.  A reverse pass to Price - Enrique has pulled the CBs out of position and Price only needs to beat Ruben Neves…he’s through on goal…WIDE!!! Price has put a GOLDEN chance wide.  That’s the second time today that the young English striker has failed to score one-on-one.

37th min

Real Madrid clear their lines, getting a momentary breather after another sustained spell of Portsmouth pressure.  This is not the way that anyone thought this match would go, but so far Portsmouth have failed to take their chances.

Once again, Madrid can’t get out of their own half, with Salah no match for CB Collins in the air.  With one header its back to Shackleton in the middle of Madrid’s half.  The midfielder takes a touch, and sends it out to RWB Couto.  He’s to the byline in acres of space!  The cross comes in…OH!  Milenkovic is there with some desperate defending to deny Price again!

HALF: Portsmouth 0 - Real Madrid 0

Portsmouth have stunned just about everyone by dominating the first half.  Some worry must be creeping in though, as they haven't been able to make their chances count.  Against a side such as Real Madrid, you have to imagine that if they don’t score soon, doubt just might start to creep into this young side.

Spoiler

45th

We have an early throw in for Portsmouth in Madrid’s half.  They’ve started the second half well already and are continuing to attack Madrid.  RWB Couto plays it into Enrique, who drops it back to [DLP] Caqueret.  He’s got Alaba beat!  Caqueret sees it and returns the pass first time…Enrique is through but at a difficult angle…OOOOOOOHHHH WHAT A GOAL!!! ENRIQUE SCORES AN ABSOLUTE STUNNER!!!  AN UNSTOPPABLE HIT FROM THE SPANIARD!!!

57th 

Madrid finally have a bit of sustained possession in Portsmouth’s half, with a few attacks down the flanks.  Now Alaba has the ball, into Neves, now to Camavinga…he sends a ball into [newgen] Lambert!  He’s through on goal…SAVED BY STOLARCZYK!!! Great stop by the Polish international, though it must be said that the ball was right at him.  Fratton Park breaths a sigh of relief!

62

Madrid continue their spell of pressure.  Portsmouth have remained firm so far, but Enrique’s goal has certainly seemed to serve as a wake up call to the Spanish giants.  Camavinga plays a ball in towards Salah…Collins seems to have it covered…only no!  There’s a mix up between him and Stolarczyk…Salah has it…GOAL!!! Heartbreak here on the south coast as the simplest of errors allows Salah to level the score!  After all their good work, Portsmouth have let Madrid right back into the game!

63 

Right from the kick-off Portsmouth look to retake the lead.  RWB Couto sends in a hopeful ball towards Price…he’s through again…SURELY THIS TIME…IT’S ANOTHER MISS!!!  This time blazed over the bar.  The young man just seems to be snatching at his chances today.  That should have been his hattrick, only he hasn’t scored any of them!

71th min

Price makes a good run into the penalty area, but he’s well covered.  He intelligently drops the ball back to support.  He’s played well today, just hasn’t scored.  Caqueret with it now, to Bayliss…who takes a hopeful hit…OH WHAT A GOAL!!! FROM OVER 20 YARDS!!!!  PORTSMOUTH RETAKE THE LEAD!!! That’s his 50th for Portsmouth.  What a milestone, what a goal for a player that Portsmouth picked up on a free in while deep in the Championship!

78th 

[FW] Fuentes plays in Enrique after a quick counter.  HE’S THROUGH ON GOAL!  MISSED! Price has been subbed but it seems he passed the baton to Enrique, who spurns a chance that was really much easier than the one he scored!

81st

[BBM] Levitt with the corner…it’s [CB] ARREY-MBI WITH THE HEADER!!!  The Giant German has put Portsmouth up 3-1 with a towering near post header.  What a game this has been for the home side!

FULL TIME 

Portsmouth 3 - Real Madrid 1

Portsmouth did not sit back and try to absorb pressure as many had anticipated.  Benjani and his side set out to attack Klopp’s Real Madrid and got their just rewards.  Couto especially was a constant threat down the right.  The midfield trio of Shackleton, Bayliss, and especially Caqueret gave a masterclass in both aggressive pressing and movement and passing.  Caqueret was completely cool on the ball, finding Enrique for the opener, and just generally recycling possession with intelligence and calm from his slightly higher than anticipated position [DLP(s) instead of DLP(d)].

Really it should have been more for the home side, with Price spurning three golden opportunities while Enrique missed a glorious chance at a brace.  The goal that Real Madrid got back has to have hurt as well, with a mix up between Collins and Stolarzcyk letting Salah in.  As we’ve seen so many times, a two goal lead is not a comfortable lead when traveling to the Bernabeu!  

Still, there’s not a soul in Portsmouth who wouldn’t have bitten off your hand at the chance for a 3-1 win over Real Madrid before kickoff…

 

Liverpool v Portsmouth

Anfield

8 April 2028

Spoiler

90 + 2

It’s 1-0 here as we enter the dying minutes of this game.  Portsmouth get a throw in Liverpool’s half.  It’s been a tough nervy game, with Mbappe’s 51st minute dart through Portsmouth’s defense proving the different so far.  The Kop is in full voice, but there’s certainly a nervousness about the stadium.  Portsmouth have scored plenty of goals in stoppage time to salvage points.  RWB Rosier takes the throw.  Enrique returns the ball.  Rosier carries it forward.  Where are the Liverpool defenders?  Jones sprints back from his inside forward position, but Rosier is away.  It’s a wonderful low cross…CASARIEGO IS THERE FOR A TAP IN!!! THE AWAY STAND GOES WILD AS ANFIELD IS SILENCED!!!  THIS PORTSMOUTH SIDE SIMPLY REFUSE TO LOSE!!!  The two subs combine to finally breakthrough where the starters had failed.  What a finale!!!  What a moment for the young forward!  To come on and score in stoppage time at Anfield!!!

Portsmouth v Real Madrid - Second Leg

Champions League Quarterfinals Second Leg

12 April 2028

Bernabeu 

Spoiler

Portsmouth bring a 3-1 lead with them to the Bernabeu, but they will know that a two goal lead is tenuous at best in this cathedral of football.  Think of the 2021 semi-final when Madrid came back from two goals down in stoppage time against Manchester City as only one of the examples.  Now Portsmouth must last 90 minutes here against a hostile crowd.  Real Madrid will have no doubts that they can overcome their deficit…it’s up to a young Portsmouth side to withstand the barrage that is certainly coming their way.

15th min

Matteo brings the ball down the right flank and is met by [LWB] Pellegrini.  Matteo surges forward and…OH MY!  It’s a HORROR tackle by Pellegrini.  He goes in with two feet.  The Madrid players sprint towards the ref, but there’s no need.  He’s already pulled out the red card.  Pellegrini has just made a daunting task that much harder for his side.  Portsmouth will have to defend their lead with a man down for 75 minutes plus stoppages!

31

Real Madrid have Portsmouth pinned back into their box.  They send the ball back, recycling possession. Henderson to Casemiro.  Portsmouth have held fast so far, their defense keeping disciplined.  Casemiro sends the ball wide to Alaba. He’s got space down the left hand side.  [RWB] Rosier out to meet him.  Alaba twists, turns, and gets a cross away.  Buongiorno is there but…it deflects to Lambert…GOAL!!! REAL MADRID ARE A GOAL AWAY FROM LEVELING THE TIE!  Portsmouth are once again undone by bad luck when they’d previously looked so stout in their defense.  Now Madrid only needs one more…and they have two thirds of the game to get it!

HALF

Real Madrid 1 (2) - Portsmouth 0 (3)

Real Madrid have the upper hand in this match, but trail by a goal after their 3-1 loss in Portsmouth.  The visitors have put up a valiant effort after going a man down, but Madrid has been knocking on the door all half and managed to slip through with Lambert in the 31st minute.  Can this young side hold on for another 45 minutes?

Spoiler

46

Maffeo down the right side. He gives it inside to Neves.  His ball finds Salah in the box….WIDE!!! Salah pulls the shot just wide after he’d found himself a few yards of space in a crowded box.  What a let-off for Portsmouth!

63

Portsmouth get out of their own end, with Price carrying the ball into Madrid territory before intelligently passing it back.  Price to [LWB] Raum.  Raum to [DLP] Caqueret…to [BBM] Bayliss…to Price, dropping into space.  To [CMa] Zaracho.  This is a good spell of possession for Portsmouth here.  Price makes a run…Zaracho finds him…he’s THROUGH….AGAIN, Price is denied by Courtois when you would have bet your house on him scoring.  It wasn’t quite the chances he squandered at Fratton Park, but will that miss come back to haunt his side?

90 + 2

A corner for Real Madrid.  Time is running out for the home side.  Portsmouth have stood firm, holding Madrid to hopeful shots and desperate hollywood passes.  But they need to defend this corner.  Madrid have everyone forward.

Salah with the corner…Boungiorno beats Alaba in the air and clears it out of the box.  Henderson heads it back in, but Boungiorno is on hand to deal with it again.  This time the header is beyond Henderson…and everyone!  It’s a footrace between Price and Henderson and there would only be one winner there!  CB Lacroix is gaining ground on an exhausted Price as he approaches the box…Courtois is out to meet him…Price takes the ball out…towards the corner flag.  Oh that’s intelligent play from the young man!  No use in scoring when you can run out the final seconds…

AND THAT’S IT!  THE FINAL WHISTLE!  Portsmouth have done it!  They’ve beaten one of the biggest clubs in the world, they’ve held on to a narrow lead after going down to ten men.  What a night for the away fans.  It wasn’t pretty, but it was glorious, and they can return to England knowing their side survived despite so much going against them!

Post Game

There is no question that Madrid dominated the game from the moment Pellegrini earned his red card.  However, they were limited to lots of poor chances with Portsmouth’s defense remaining compact and efficient.  Portsmouth were able to keep the ball very well when they had it, actually managing an impressive 59% of possession and Price did a great job of releasing pressure on occasion with his runs in behind. The young man really should have scored midway through the second half, but was again unable to convert.

So, unbelievably, Portsmouth progress while Real Madrid are knocked out of the competition. A combination of a fantastic performance at home and a gutsy, gritty display at the Bernabeu proved enough, and I think a lot of people are going to start taking Portsmouth seriously at this point.

Looking Ahead

Spoiler

PSG beat Bayern to progress to the semi finals, where Fratton Park would again host the first leg. Wouldn’t you know it, but this tie would also sandwich another huge league game, this time against Manchester United.

United were on an incredible hot streak lasting months, having won fourteen straight in all competitions [including the FA Cup and Europa League] and not having lost since the first of the year.

Before the PSG match, Portsmouth would also travel again to Liverpool to face an Everton side that was challenging for Champions League football.

Sandwiching the Madrid and Liverpool games Portsmouth had earned wins against Newcastle (1-0) and Wolves (2-0) keeping up Portsmouth’s lead at the top of the table.  Manchester United, however, had gained ground after the draw at Liverpool, and stood poised to pull within four if they won their game in hand.

Manchester United Remaining Schedule

It was a brutal schedule for United, but they were on a terror and there didn’t seem to be any that could stop them at the moment.  Benjani had to hope that Manchester City would do him a favor…

 

[Hootieleece]

Great Work! You proved you could win against the Big Boys. Are you going to rotate during the PSG Match? Since the Man U match is so important to the title race.

 

I'm not sure that the team would survive another 3 match stretch even with extra recovery periods.

 

[karanhsingh]

Phenomenal stuff! Just caught up. Going to be an exciting end to the season.

New contract for Price is huge news, even if you did him a massive disservice by calling him a potential superstar, surely he is one already 

[13th Man]

I’m back! I’ve played through the season, but it’s taken me a while to get back to write things up.  Here we go - a Champions League semi and a title deciding matchup on the south coast…

Much to be decided

A rotated Portsmouth drew with Everton 2-2 while Manchester United took care of their rivals 3-0 before also beating Sheffield United to narrow the gap at the top of the table to one point.

There were still two games to go after the matchup of the top two at Fratton Park, but this match felt like the title decider. A Portsmouth win would extend their lead back to 4 and leave them needing one win over either Crystal Palace or Leeds (both bottom half sides). A win for United would see them top of the table with a two point lead. A draw would lead to a nervy final two games.

It was true that United had to face Liverpool and Chelsea to close out the season, but Benjani wasn’t about to rely on other sides, not with United’s form.

15 matches, 14 wins, and the only draw coming in the Europa League as they rested many starters in preparation for the matchup with Portsmouth.

Portsmouth had no such luxury. While Benjani had rested some starters in the draw with Everyon the previous weekend, he played a full strength side midweek against PSG.

Truth was, while he knew a win over United would all but guarantee the title, Benjani couldn’t help but dream of European glory.  With training cut back to match preparation and shadow play, the first 11 were asked, once again, to play three massive matches in a row.

PSG already had the Ligue 1 title completely wrapped up, and had rested most of their starters at the weekend - which they would also get to do the following weekend when Portsmouth would face off against United. The first leg would be crucial.

Benjani knew it was strange to feel disappointed with a draw against PSG, but it was more a matter of an opportunity missed. Portsmouth didn't dominate, but were clearly the better side. Price again failed to convert several good chances. The young man was going through another goal drought right when his side needed him most. It would be down to who won at Parc de Princes.

In Price’s defense, he had been providing assists at an incredible rate, especially in comparison to the previous campaign. By this point he’d provided 13 assists to go along with his 19 goals, compared to 3 total assists the year before. He looked dangerous, but was going through a bit of a dip - as young players do.

So it was that Portsmouth found themselves hosting a potentially title deciding game following a Champions League semi final, not to mention looking ahead to a tough second leg in Paris.

 

30 April, 2028

Portsmouth v Manchester United

Fratton Park

Just another massive match at Fratton Park in what very well could be a title decider.  Portsmouth’s lead at the top of the table reduced to only a point, their players tired from their midweek exploits against PSG.  Manchester United rampant, scoring for fun and hardly giving up a goal.  With two tough games ahead for United and relatively simple league games for Portsmouth, the home side was still very much in it if they lost. A win though, and they’d only need to beat one of Crystal Palace or Leeds, both of which were in the bottom half of the table.

Spoiler

As was so often the case in the 27/28 season, it was Enrique who stole the show.  Price had a fairly poor game, coming off in the 60th minute as another goal drought continued.  His replacement, the rapidly growing in stature FW Casariego supplied the assist that broke the deadlock shortly after coming on.  The Spaniard’s off the ball movement was superb, as he ghosted into the box, checked his run and was on hand to thrash in a cutback from his Argentinian counterpart.  [It’s actually a shame that the move before it didn’t end in a goal as it was a beautiful move.]

Enrique was also on hand to put the game to bed when LWCB Arrey-Mbi lifted a ball to him.  United looked to have it covered only for Enrique to nick it off the CB’s toe and then chip the keeper to make it 2-0.

It was an even game overall, with United getting more shots, but few good chances.  Enrique looked much like he had in his first year with the club as he won three huge points for Portsmouth.

With two games to go, it was Portsmouths’ title to lose.  They needed to only beat one of Crystal Palace or Leeds.  First, though, was the small thing of a Champions League semi final…

3 May, 2028

Parc de Princes

Paris Saint-Germain v Portsmouth

Champions League semifinal

There would, of course, be no rest for Portsmouth.  Having drawn 0-0 in England, they would have to win in Paris to progress.  PSG was a young, and very fast side that could catch Portsmouth out if they weren’t careful.  Still, Benjani didn’t want to cede too much of the pitch to the opposition, and with a speedy backline, he wasn’t going to be afraid of a bit of pace.

Spoiler

41st minute

Portsmouth attack down the right flank.  RWB Couto sucks up the PSG left back before putting it inside to CMa Bayliss.  Bayliss sends for Enrique, who makes an intelligent run into the space behind the PSG leftback.  PSG close in, but Enrique sends a through ball into the space behind the PSG backline.  It’s an incredible ball because there seems to be no danger when he plays it.  Price sees the ball and he’s on it like a flash. Meeting the ball just before Donnarumma, Price ended his second goal drought of the season with a massive goal.  Away at PSG.

84th minute

Portsmouth are exhausted, running on fumes, but they’re hanging on…

Until a cross and a scuffle in the box allows winger Jovane Cabral to equalize far too easily in the 84th minute.  It was a lucky bounce, it must be said, but Benjani feared for their ability to hold on in extra time.

Spoiler

Extra Time

RWB Rosier comes on for Couto, giving a bit of extra energy to the side in extra time. Only substitutes BBM Levit, FW Casariego and Zaracho are even reasonably energetic by this point.  But somehow Portsmouth’s solid defense repels PSG’s attacks - largely holding them to hopeful strikes from distance and under pressure.

After the first half, Portsmouth simply couldn’t muster any attacking threat, but they stayed firm, even through an extra 30 minutes.  It would come down to the lottery of penalties.

Spoiler

Penalties

Up first for PSG, Karim Adeyemi, who absolutely skies it.  Rugby pitch and all that.

Portsmouths’ Zaracho, FW Casariego, Price, and rated at a League One level Dylan Levitt all hold their nerve and score from the spot.  As to PSG’s other four penalty takers.  It’s down to DLP Caqueret…who sends a powerful shot into the left corner, giving Donnarumma absolutely no chance.

Portsmouth progress to the final on penalties!  They held their nerve in Paris!

Taking away a bit of the sheen and excitement of a Champions League final, Portsmouth will face an Arsenal side that snuck by Manchester City in the other semi…at Old Trafford.  Portsmouth have had the beating of Arsenal in recent seasons - usually winning at home and drawing away - but anything could happen in a Champions League final, and the margins have been slim.

Then there was the little thing of beating Crystal Palace at the weekend…with a squad that was absolutely gassed after three massive matches.  There would be no choice but to play the squad players at the weekend, and several of those had played a solid 60+ minutes of football in Paris…

 

[GIMN]

I've finally caught up.  What a fantastic journey - and glad to see that there might be an opportunity to one-up the "emotional peak"!

[13th Man]

Just a few more points

Benjani had no choice but to play a side consisting mostly of squad players away to Crystal Palace after so many starters had gone 120 minutes in Paris only days before.  He figured that even if they didn’t win, however, they only needed to beat Leeds the next weekend to clinch the title - or hope that one of Liverpool or Chelsea would hold Manchester United.

Benjani needn’t have worried, as the squad got the job done in style, with CMa Zaracho bagging a brace after Enrique opened the scoring from the spot after only three minutes.  Incredibly, Benjani had led Portsmouth to back to back titles.  As it turned out, United would lose 1-0 to Liverpool the following day - though with nothing left to play for some of the wind may have been taken out of United sails anyway.

A 4-1 romp over Leeds on the final day was mostly notable for Leeds scoring first before Portsmouth came roaring back late in the match…and for the final goal of the afternoon, assisted by WCB Arrey-Mbi.  After playing a one-two with LWB Raum, Arrey-Mbi charges into the box from his centerback position and his run is found by BBM Zaracho.  Arrey-Mbi then squares it to Enrique for the goal.  [This is exactly what makes the new WCB role so magical, they don’t always make these runs, but sometimes they do and it’s just fantastic to see!]

Final Table

In the end, Portsmouth ran away with the title.  Most shocking, however, was the fact that Portsmouth nearly pulled off an Invincibles season, with their heavy 3-0 defeat to Manchester City away their only loss of the entire season.  

They had more draws than many of the sides around them, but they simply refused to lose.  They also boasted the best GD - unlike the season prior.  Unsurprisingly, Benjani was named Manager of the Year, but Portsmouth players also just about sweeped the other awards too.  Stolarczyk earned the Golden Glove after leading a defense which gave up only 24 goals all season - the lowest in the league by 17 goals.

The defense was absolutely brilliant in the 27/28 season, with no one close.  Opponents were reduced to a measly 7% conversion rate from less than 9 shots allowed per match.

WCB Arrey-Mbi was considered the signing of the season after earning a 7.34 average rating and earning a place in the Premier League first 11 - while only costing £5.5m.  

He was joined in the Premier League first 11 by CB Collins, Stolarczyk and midfielders Bayliss and Levitt - though the later addition was a bit puzzling, but the former fully deserved it scoring 10 goals and setting up another 4 from his CMa position.  The two centerbacks kept the other member of the backline Moran out of that first eleven, but not to fear - he won Young Player of the Year!

The 21 year old Spaniard deserves a spotlight for his incredible work in his second full season at Portsmouth, and first as the undisputed starter.  His defensive work was absolutely top notch, and while he’d previously been prone to let occasions get to him, in the 27/28 season he grew into his own.

You might notice, however, the absence of either Enrique or Price in the forward lineup.  Price seemed to drop off a bit in his second year, but while his goal haul nearly halved (from 29 to 16), his maturity shined through as he still contributed a team high 13 assists.  Enrique was the beneficiary as he netted 20 league goals, many set up by his strike partner.  With 36 goals between them, they made up a fearsome duo, and if Price could recapture some of his 26/27 form in front of goal, they could be terrifying.

Woe for Manchester United

After getting within a point of Portsmouth, Manchester United lost their final three matches of the season to Portsmouth, Liverpool, and Chelsea before also being defeated in both the FA Cup and the Europa League final.  With a potential treble on the table in the final days of April, United ended the season trophyless.  City beat them at Wembly, Milan beat them in Saint Petersburg, and they would be forced to watch on as two Premier League rivals played for the Champions League title at Old Trafford…

 

Edited October 2, 2022 by 13th Man

[Hootieleece]

I think this might be a place to end the save and allow yourself some rest before FM 23 comes out.

Amazing season! the only way it could have been better is if you didn't lose.....and matched Arsenal's Invincibles.

Price's passing is great. He was responsible for 29 goals if you count the assists.  Which is more than respectable. 

 

[13th Man]

 

Going for Glory!

27 May 2028

Old Trafford

Arsenal v Portsmouth

Champions League Final

Old Trafford would be the site for an all English Champions League final.  Arsenal had defeated Italian champions Inter Milan, Athletico Bilbao and Manchester City in route to the final, arguably a far easier journey than Portsmouth’s - though getting Feyenoord in the first knockout round had been a favorable draw for Portsmouth. The same could not be said about two European powerhouses in Real Madrid and PSG, of course.

Over the previous two seasons, Portsmouth had managed to get the slightest of edges over Arsenal - earning three draws and one win in their past four meetings.  The south coast side had tended to play better than their London opponents, but little errors or moments of individual brilliance had allowed Arsenal to keep in all the matches.

But this was a Champions League final.  Anything could happen.

Benjani decides to play his big game tactic - a narrow shape with the CWBs in a slightly less attacking role [CWBs], and with Portsmouth looking for opportunities to counter.  Arsenal AMC Yusuf Demir had caused Portsmouth problems in their previous matches, and so Benjani instructed DLPd Caqueret to man mark him specifically.  Wanting both of Arsenal’s IFs to be under pressure, he kept both WCBs on support duty, knowing that Enrique would drop into midfield to help out as well.

Spoiler

2nd minute

Portsmouth have a throw deep in Arsenal’s half.  It’s a simple ball to CMa Bayliss, who moves it to BBM Shackleton.   DLP Caquaret moves sees acres of space just outside the Arsenal box and Shackleton sees him.  The strike is absolutely superb and leaves the keeper no chance.  IT’S 1-0 TO PORTSMOUTH!!!

9th minute

Goalscorer Caqueret moves the ball on to CMa Bayliss in the center circle, who keeps it going out to RWB Couto.  Enrique shows to him and receives the ball.  With Arsenal’s left back pulled towards Couto, one centeback closing Enrique down, and the other two defenders worried about Price, BBM Shackleton is left free as he makes a left to right run into the box.  Enrique picks him out and the midfielder makes no mistake as he waits for the keeper to commit before passing the ball into the back of the net.  

2-0 to Portsmouth!

Spoiler

22nd minute

Portsmouth’s dominance has not let up.  Benjani has noticed, however, that his instructions to go in hard on a few Arsenal players had led to more free kicks than he was comfortable with.  With a two goal lead, the last thing Benjani wants would be a free kick to allow Arsenal an opportunity back into the match.

A well worked passage down the right leads to a Bayliss effort that is only barely parried and cleared up the pitch.

CB Collins gobbles up the clearance and quickly distributes to DLP Caqueret.  Caqueret to Bayliss, Bayliss to RWB Couto.  Couto to Enrique…this is looking eerily familiar, almost like deja vu…

Only this time Enrique’s on the edge of the area and has a go himself and his snapshot catches the keeper entirely wrongfooted.

3-0 to Portsmouth and it’s not even been 30 minutes!  Surely the trophy is Portsmouth’s!

Spoiler

37th minute

Stolarcyzk plucks a hopeful cross out of the air as Arsenal manage a rare foray forward.  The ball is played out of the back with Arsenal trying to press but unable to get close to the ball due to Portsmouth’s quick passing and constant movement off the ball that always seems to give the ball carrier options.

Stolarczyk on the ball again.  He is under a bit of pressure but cooly distributes left to WCB Arrey-Mbi who takes his space.  CWB Raum rushes forward but then checks back to Arrey-Mbi and receives the pass just inside the Arsenal half.  Raum turns and spots the run of Enrique who sprints into the huge space behind Arsenal’s high line.  Raum’s quick release allows Enrique to run onto the ball at full sprint.  Onana rushes out to meet him but Enrique powers it past him to make it 4-0!!!

Half Time

Benjani makes some slight adjustments, telling his side to play it out of the back and work the ball into the box.  He wants to kill the game off, but still keep the pressure on Arsenal.  He wanted to give them no chance of a comeback.

Spoiler

48th minute

An attack down the left is blocked off and LWB Raum sends a long ball across to his counterpart on the right in Couto.  Couto manages to corral the ball and drop it back to WCB Moran who sends the ball forward towards Bayliss.  The attacking midfielder’s height and aerial prowess comes in handy once again as he is able to rise above his mark and head the ball down to Enrique.  The Spaniard pushes the ball back out to the right for Couto to run onto.  Jordan Sancho is doesn’t quite track the RWB’s run and Cuoto is given the space to deliver a square pass into the path of Price for the striker to get on the scoresheet.

It’s 5-0, an unbelievable scoreline for a Champions League final.

52nd minute

Far too late Arsenal have awoken from their slumber and are starting to look dangerous.  Surely it’s far to late, though…And yes, Enrique is on hand to intercept a pass in midfield.  

Arsenal manage to get it back, though, and attack again.  Some decent passing down their right side sees Arsenal get back into Portsmouth’s half…only Arrey-Mbi is there to ease forward Botta off the ball.  Arrey-Mbi to Caqueret, to Shackleton, to Caqueret, to Arrey-Mbi to Collins, to Moran.  This Portsmouth side get around Arsenal’s press once again, and they hardly seem to be breaking a sweat!

The ball is worked to Bayliss in midfield, then to Enrique who sends it wide to Couto.  Back to Moran, to Enrique…

Suddenly, after 15 or so short passes, Enrique sends the ball in behind Arsenal’s backline.  They’re alive to the danger, and while Price gathers it he is forced wide of goal…But he turns on the ball and cuts it back for Bayliss who…powers it into the lower right corner for goal number six!!!

 

Spoiler

Chiesa did, in the end, manage to get one back for Arsenal in the 61st minute, but that did little to dampen the celebrations as Portsmouth lifted the Champions League trophy with an historic performance.

Portsmouth massively outperformed their xG, but still dominated the match by just about every metric. Arsenal did largely own the second half, but after scoring four in the first half alone, Benjani was happy to sit back and let Arsenal try their luck, especially after scoring two extra in the first minutes of the second half.

The passing diagrams were brutal, with Portsmouth passing the ball around with ease while Arsenal struggled to string passes together.  In the end, Portsmouth ended the game with 65% possession and nearly 3 times the number of completed passes (904 to Arsenal’s 355).  In what had seemed likely to be a tight affair, Portsmouth’s finishing absolutely overwhelmed a stunned Arsenal side.

Portsmouth Do the Double!

An incredible season saw Portsmouth defend their league title and win the Champions League playing a modernized, more physical version of Total Football.   

 

Champions League Best 11

Portsmouth’s backline proved too much for the competition, and with Raum and Couto running rampant down the flanks - proving much more effective in Europe than they were in the league - Portsmouth made up the entire back four of the ‘dream team’.  Onana must have been good otherwise during the campaign as he didn’t exactly cover himself in glory when he gave up six goals in the final.

Special mention should go to Caqueret, who not only patrolled the deep midfield spaces, but was a great distributor and was largely responsible for the 3-1 win over Real Madrid that looked like it would be the side’s best match of the campaign…until the final happened.  Enrique too was unstoppable for so much of the season, capping it off with a brace in the final that killed off any hopes of an Arsenal comeback.

Oddly, the dream team and the position group’s top players of the campaign differed a bit, with Stolarczyk recognized as the best keeper, Arrey-Mbi and Moran as its best defenders, and Enrique and Price as its second and third best forwards.

It was really incredible to see the defender who had cost only £5.5m be a dominant force in the world’s top competition.

Bright Arrey-Mbi

This is the end...

So, dear readers, this is the end…of the writeup.  Winning the Champions League certainly seems like the right note to go out on, after all.  I’m actually playing the next season with Benjani currently, but at this point it's just for fun and not worth the write up…and I may or may not finish the season before the arrival of FM23.  Funnily enough, I wasn’t sure if I’d actually go in for FM23, but then they said that they’d done a lot to the AI managers. So now I’m sold.  Last year it was the WCBs, now improved AI managers.  I guess I’m in!

 

Edited October 6, 2022 by 13th Man

[karanhsingh]

Great stuff, congratulations on another league title!

It's amazing that Levitt & Bayliss have done well enough for you to play such a big role and even make the team of the year given their limited potential ability. Goes to show how effective the system has been to get the best out of them (and the others of course).

You also came quite close to matching Mourinho's record of goals conceded in a Premier League season. Super stuff. Look forward to hopefully capping it off with a CL win against Arsenal.

[13th Man]

2 minutes ago, karanhsingh said:

Great stuff, congratulations on another league title!

It's amazing that Levitt & Bayliss have done well enough for you to play such a big role and even make the team of the year given their limited potential ability. Goes to show how effective the system has been to get the best out of them (and the others of course).

You also came quite close to matching Mourinho's record of goals conceded in a Premier League season. Super stuff. Look forward to hopefully capping it off with a CL win against Arsenal.

Thanks!  Agreed on the midfield duo.  Bayliss has got some key attributes which make him perfect for the role.  Levitt?  He's a good passer but I can't explain his effectiveness! 

On the CL - the news is hot off the presses...

[karanhsingh]

13 minutes ago, 13th Man said:

 

Going for Glory!

27 May 2028

Old Trafford

Arsenal v Portsmouth

Champions League Final

Old Trafford would be the site for an all English Champions League final.  Arsenal had defeated Italian champions Inter Milan, Athletico Bilbao and Manchester City in route to the final, arguably a far easier journey than Portsmouth’s - though getting Feyenoord in the first knockout round had been a favorable draw for Portsmouth. The same could not be said about two European powerhouses in Real Madrid and PSG, of course.

Over the previous two seasons, Portsmouth had managed to get the slightest of edges over Arsenal - earning three draws and one win in their past four meetings.  The south coast side had tended to play better than their London opponents, but little errors or moments of individual brilliance had allowed Arsenal to keep in all the matches.

But this was a Champions League final.  Anything could happen.

Benjani decides to play his big game tactic - a narrow shape with the CWBs in a slightly less attacking role [CWBs], and with Portsmouth looking for opportunities to counter.  Arsenal AMC Yusuf Demir had caused Portsmouth problems in their previous matches, and so Benjani instructed DLPd Caqueret to man mark him specifically.  Wanting both of Arsenal’s IFs to be under pressure, he kept both WCBs on support duty, knowing that Enrique would drop into midfield to help out as well.

  Hide contents

2nd minute

Portsmouth have a throw deep in Arsenal’s half.  It’s a simple ball to CMa Bayliss, who moves it to BBM Shackleton.   DLP Caquaret moves sees acres of space just outside the Arsenal box and Shackleton sees him.  The strike is absolutely superb and leaves the keeper no chance.  IT’S 1-0 TO PORTSMOUTH!!!

9th minute

Goalscorer Caqueret moves the ball on to CMa Bayliss in the center circle, who keeps it going out to RWB Couto.  Enrique shows to him and receives the ball.  With Arsenal’s left back pulled towards Couto, one centeback closing Enrique down, and the other two defenders worried about Price, BBM Shackleton is left free as he makes a left to right run into the box.  Enrique picks him out and the midfielder makes no mistake as he waits for the keeper to commit before passing the ball into the back of the net.  

2-0 to Portsmouth!

  Hide contents

22nd minute

Portsmouth’s dominance has not let up.  Benjani has noticed, however, that his instructions to go in hard on a few Arsenal players had led to more free kicks than he was comfortable with.  With a two goal lead, the last thing Benjani wants would be a free kick to allow Arsenal an opportunity back into the match.

A well worked passage down the right leads to a Bayliss effort that is only barely parried and cleared up the pitch.

CB Collins gobbles up the clearance and quickly distributes to DLP Caqueret.  Caqueret to Bayliss, Bayliss to RWB Couto.  Couto to Enrique…this is looking eerily familiar, almost like deja vu…

Only this time Enrique’s on the edge of the area and has a go himself and his snapshot catches the keeper entirely wrongfooted.

3-0 to Portsmouth and it’s not even been 30 minutes!  Surely the trophy is Portsmouth’s!

  Hide contents

37th minute

Stolarcyzk plucks a hopeful cross out of the air as Arsenal manage a rare foray forward.  The ball is played out of the back with Arsenal trying to press but unable to get close to the ball due to Portsmouth’s quick passing and constant movement off the ball that always seems to give the ball carrier options.

Stolarczyk on the ball again.  He is under a bit of pressure but cooly distributes left to WCB Arrey-Mbi who takes his space.  CWB Raum rushes forward but then checks back to Arrey-Mbi and receives the pass just inside the Arsenal half.  Raum turns and spots the run of Enrique who sprints into the huge space behind Arsenal’s high line.  Raum’s quick release allows Enrique to run onto the ball at full sprint.  Onana rushes out to meet him but Enrique powers it past him to make it 4-0!!!

Half Time

Benjani makes some slight adjustments, telling his side to play it out of the back and work the ball into the box.  He wants to kill the game off, but still keep the pressure on Arsenal.  He wanted to give them no chance of a comeback.

  Hide contents

48th minute

An attack down the left is blocked off and LWB Raum sends a long ball across to his counterpart on the right in Couto.  Couto manages to corral the ball and drop it back to WCB Moran who sends the ball forward towards Bayliss.  The attacking midfielder’s height and aerial prowess comes in handy once again as he is able to rise above his mark and head the ball down to Enrique.  The Spaniard pushes the ball back out to the right for Couto to run onto.  Jordan Sancho is doesn’t quite track the RWB’s run and Cuoto is given the space to deliver a square pass into the path of Price for the striker to get on the scoresheet.

It’s 5-0, an unbelievable scoreline for a Champions League final.

52nd minute

Far too late Arsenal have awoken from their slumber and are starting to look dangerous.  Surely it’s far to late, though…And yes, Enrique is on hand to intercept a pass in midfield.  

Arsenal manage to get it back, though, and attack again.  Some decent passing down their right side sees Arsenal get back into Portsmouth’s half…only Arrey-Mbi is there to ease forward Botta off the ball.  Arrey-Mbi to Caqueret, to Shackleton, to Caqueret, to Arrey-Mbi to Collins, to Moran.  This Portsmouth side get around Arsenal’s press once again, and they hardly seem to be breaking a sweat!

The ball is worked to Bayliss in midfield, then to Enrique who sends it wide to Couto.  Back to Moran, to Enrique…

Suddenly, after 15 or so short passes, Enrique sends the ball in behind Arsenal’s backline.  They’re alive to the danger, and while Price gathers it he is forced wide of goal…But he turns on the ball and cuts it back for Bayliss who…powers it into the lower right corner for goal number six!!!

 

  Hide contents

Chiesa did, in the end, manage to get one back for Arsenal in the 61st minute, but that did little to dampen the celebrations as Portsmouth lifted the Champions League trophy with an historic performance.

Portsmouth massively outperformed their xG, but still dominated the match by just about every metric. Arsenal did largely own the second half, but after scoring four in the first half alone, Benjani was happy to sit back and let Arsenal try their luck, especially after scoring two extra in the first minutes of the second half.

The passing diagrams were brutal, with Portsmouth passing the ball around with ease while Arsenal struggled to string passes together.  In the end, Portsmouth ended the game with 65% possession and nearly 3 times the number of completed passes (904 to Arsenal’s 355).  In what had seemed likely to be a tight affair, Portsmouth’s finishing absolutely overwhelmed a stunned Arsenal side.

Portsmouth Do the Double!

An incredible season saw Portsmouth defend their league title and win the Champions League playing a modernized, more physical version of Total Football.   

 

Champions League Best 11

Portsmouth’s backline proved too much for the competition, and with Raum and Couto running rampant down the flanks - proving much more effective in Europe than they were in the league - Portsmouth made up the entire back four of the ‘dream team’.  Onana must have been good otherwise during the campaign as he didn’t exactly cover himself in glory when he gave up six goals in the final.

Special mention should go to Caqueret, who not only patrolled the deep midfield spaces, but was a great distributor and was largely responsible for the 3-1 win over Real Madrid that looked like it would be the side’s best match of the campaign…until the final happened.  Enrique too was unstoppable for so much of the season, capping it off with a brace in the final that killed off any hopes of an Arsenal comeback.

Oddly, the dream team and the position group’s top players of the campaign differed a bit, with Stolarczyk recognized as the best keeper, Arrey-Mbi and Moran as its best defenders, and Enrique and Price as its second and third best forwards.

It was really incredible to see the defender who had cost only £5.5m be a dominant force in the world’s top competition.

Bright Arrey-Mbi

This is the end...

So, dear readers, this is the end…of the writeup.  Winning the Champions League certainly seems like the right note to go out on, after all.  I’m actually playing the next season with Benjani currently, but at this point it's just for fun and not worth the write up…and I may or may not finish the season before the arrival of FM23.  Funnily enough, I wasn’t sure if I’d actually go in for FM23, but then they said that they’d done a lot to the AI managers. So now I’m sold.  Last year it was the WCBs, now improved AI managers.  I guess I’m in!

 

What a finale  absolutely astonishing

More congratulations are definitely in order... I love how you have slowly perfected the system over time

Certainly seems like a fitting end to an excellent thread and I am glad you are sold on FM23 - like you the best part of the features video for me was what they mentioned about AI managers. Let's just hope that playing a Pep side will actually feel like playing a Pep side now.

Sadly I left too many journeys incomplete on this edition but am now keenly looking forward to the new game dropping soon

[Netm]

A fitting end to a great thread. I hope you'll make a thread for FM23

[Hootieleece]

Great Finale!

I will be looking forward to your FM23 thread.