JANUARY
Lineup - Dubravka,
Lazaro*, Lascelles (Lejeune), Schar, Willems, Bentaleb, S.Longstaff, Dembele, Miranchuk, Almiron, Edouard (Joelinton)
I had a pop at Watford's new manager - Steven Gerrard - before the match so it was nice that my players didn't make me look stupid as they won here.
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FA Cup 3rd Round
Lineup - Dubravka, Yedlin, Clark, Lejeune, Rose, M.Longstaff (Hayden), S.Longstaff, Miranchuk (Lazaro), Robertone, Success, Joelinton (Carroll)
I put my faith in my backups but they couldn't get the job done as we laboured to a draw so a replay beckons. A couple of players who were involved here are soon to leave so I will have a stronger side out for the replay I would imagine.
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Lineup - Dubravka, Lazaro, Lascelles, Schar (Lejeune), Rose,
Bentaleb*, Shelvey, Saint-Maximin (Dembele), Miranchuk, Almiron, Edouard (Joelinton)
A classic smash and grab job this. Wolves were by far the better side yet we walk away with all 3pts despite having Bentaleb sent-off. It was Bentaleb who set us on our way with a stunning 25 yard volley and Almiron doubled our lead shortly after half-time. Wolves kept on creating chances and missing sitters but finally pulled one back and then when Bentaleb got his marching orders I felt the game slipping away but in stoppage time Florian Lejeune scrambled home a 3rd and we were victorious.
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FA Cup 3rd Round Replay
Lineup - Dubravka, Yedlin, Lascelles, Lejeune, Dummett, S.Longstaff, Shelvey,
Dembele*, Robertone, Success, Joelinton (Carroll)
We get the job done here thanks to Karamoko Dembele who scored 2 goals. I am happy for him as he was due to get a run of games when Saint-Maximin got injured last month but Dembele also picked up an injury so couldn't take advantage. Andy Carroll came off the bench to thump in an effort from outside the box to get the 3rd was a great moment.
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Lineup - Dubravka, Lazaro, Lascelles, Schar (Lejeune), Dummett, Bentaleb, Shelvey, Saint-Maximin, Miranchuk (Robertone), Almiron (Dembele),
Edouard*
We have drawn Villa away in the FA Cup so hopefully this is a good sign. Edouard was at the double and he also had a late goal disallowed. This is the 4th time in the league this season that we have won 4 games in a row - we havent extended that to 5 games yet.
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Lineup - Dubravka, Yedlin, Lascelles, Schar, Willems (Rose), Bentaleb (S.Longstaff), Shelvey,
Saint-Maximin*, Miranchuk, Almiron, Edouard (Joelinton)
We do make it 5 wins in a row!!! We were excellent here and fully deserved our win. To win so convincingly with just one signing - Odsonne Edouard - is quite something. Jonjo Shelvey finally got his 1st goal of the season here.
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FA Cup 4th Round
Lineup - Dubravka, Lazaro, Lascelles (Lejeune), Schar, Willems, Bentaleb, Shelvey, Saint-Maximin, Miranchuk, Almiron, Edouard*
A boring cup tie - nothing to see here.
LOL!!!
What a game!!! We were 2-0 down early on and struggling and then Jetro Willems pulled a goal back to give us some hope for the 2nd half. Then in the 2nd period we blew them away. Edouard scored his first hat-trick for the club and St.Max added the 5th and all of a sudden we were cruising. They pulled a goal back but it was not enough.
Get it up ye Villa.
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SUMMARY
What a fun month this was!!!! There was plenty happening both on and off the field so lets get on with giving you the update.
In the league we won all 4 games as Watford, Wolves, Villa and Arsenal were all despatched comfortably enough and we are on a run of 5 league wins in a row. That sees us top the table by 2pts which is stupid but exciting. There are 5 teams in this title race so its going to be exciting!
In the FA Cup my backups drew 2-2 with Bristol City at home before going to Ashton Gate and thumping them 3-0. In the 4th round we were 2-0 down early doors to the hated Aston Villa but we recovered to win 5-3 and a tie against Cardiff City awaits in the next round.
Now for the transfer news and I sold 3 players immediately. Isaac Hayden joined Schalke 04 for an initial £24.5m which is a great price considering he barely featured this term. It was just a pity that due to a transfer clause Arsenal got nearly £4m of that deal.
Ciaran Clark joined Monterrey for an initial £4.3m and Emil Krafth signed for Jeonbuk for £4.7m. A few reserve players left and Andy Carroll agreed to sign for Trabzonspor on a pre-contract the day before he thumped in a goal against Bristol City in the FA Cup.
Incoming were 3 players...….
My first signing was Nathan Ferguson from WBA for £10.25m. I needed another CB with Clark leaving and the 19y/o is a hot prospect so I met his release clause. He should hopefully develop into an England international and I am delighted to bring him in.
Then I signed a player who I hadnt thought of until my DOF put a bid in for him. The initial bid was rejected but I upped it a little bit and despite having enough transfer funds (by £500k) to complete the deal Mike Ashley agreed to go through with the transfer so in comes Everton from Gremio for £21m. I signed him in my Benfica save and although he struggled at first he really kicked on and I think he will be a star for me and although I love Miguel Almiron (my cat is called Miggy after him) I fear he is now 2nd choice for the LW.
Finally I brought in a personal FM20 favourite of mine on a pre-contract but paid £170,000 to bring him in immediately to help my reserves as Isaac Lihadji joined from Marseille
Also I appointed Shay Given as a goalkeeping coach so I am delighted to welcome him back to the club and there are also more rumours regarding a takeover although Mike Ashley has just agreed to improve the training facilities.
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PLAYER OF THE MONTH
ODSONNE EDOUARD
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PREMIER LEAGUE
West Ham sack Moyes and replace him with Martin Jol
)interested to see whats next.