When we left the Journey in the last episode, we had experienced our worst form of the season. A mixture of injuries and fixture build up put us under extra pressure.
I had decided against any tactical changes. Mainly because the squad was built around this formation and I am cautious about changing too much midseason. Also I needed to remind myself of who we are and where we are. There were always going to be periods of the season like this but we are over achieving so far.
Transfers
There were no new additions to the squad during January but there were a few departures. One massive departure will happen in the summer as Max Verhelst rebuffed all of our contract offers to sign for PSG on a free transfer in the summer.
February 2025
Match 24 - Wolves (H) 1-1
In an evenly contested game the points were shared after a 1-1 draw.
Max Verhelst on the scoresheet to bring us level in the second half, days after agreeing to leave the club for PSG. He's going to be difficult to replace.
FA Cup Fourth Round Replay - Liverpool (H) 5-4 AET
In what will probably go down as one of the greatest FA Cup games of all time.
An awful 1st half performance saw us fall 3-0 down after 44 mins. Max Verhelst took the edge off with a poachers goal in added on time.
What happened in the second half will sit along side Istanbul as one of the greatest comebacks of all time. Jack Clarke got us firing early with a fine finish from inside the box, 3-2.
Liverpool had a goal disallowed before Verhelst made it 3-3 in the 81st minute with a lovely solo goal. Dispossessing a central defender, beating another and lobbing the onrushing keeper, the kid is world class.
It was quickly 4-3 in the 85th minute, but yet again Verhelst showed how important he's been. Latching on to an Adam knock down to fire us level in the 86th minute.
We go into extra time and in the 103rd minute Josh Adam makes in 5-4 with a powerful finish from an acute angle to take us into the Fifth Round. Incredible scenes at Adams Park.
Match 25 - Manchester United (H) - 2-1
Our first Premier League win in seven games and what a time to get it. We narrowly lost in the away fixture and this was the perfect turn around.
We went behind early, but goals either side of half time From Hebert and Verhelst sealed a memorable victory.
Match 26 - Southampton (H) - 4-0
Just like London buses you wait and wait and wait and them two show up at once.
This was the most straight forward win you will see. First half brace from Verhelst set us on our way. Second half goals from Gyabuaa and Pedrosa put a nice shine on the win.
Match 27 - Chelsea - (A) 2-0
Chelsea enacted some revenge after our surprise victory earlier on in the season.
We were thoroughly outplayed and deserved the loss.
March 2025
Match 28 - Norwich - (A) 2-0
We got March off to a perfect start with a solid win away from home against Norwich. Carel Eiting scored a stunning strike from outside the box and Ryan Gauld tucked away a penalty. Job Well done.
FA Cup Fifth Round - Manchester City (A) 0-4
A mixture of squad rotation and a massive gap in ability saw us soundly beaten at the hands of Man City. All four goals were scored in the first 20 minutes, so I suppose we can be grateful it wasn't more.
We also suffered an injury to Jack Clarke, who has been one of our most impressive performers. Looks like he will be out for a few weeks.
Match 29 - Newcastle (H) 4-2
Ironically after my concerns about the Injury to Clarke, it was his direct replacement Vassi who put us in control against Newcastle in the 1st minute.
We were level soon after before another Vassi goal put us ahead again. We conceded a second to take us to half time even.
The second half was a grind and we had to wait until the 88th and then 90th minute to seal a very important victory. Hebert and Verhelst with the goals.
Match 30 - Burnley (H) 2-1
Next up was the visit of Burnley to Adams Park. Another fast start saw us ahead inside 5 minutes as Verhelst scored a powerful finish from just inside the box. Hebert put us 2-0 up in the second half. Burnley made the last 20 minutes some nervy ones with a goal in the 60th minute.
We held on to make it 3 league wins out of 3 in the league during March.
Was good to see the form turn around over the last 2 months winning 5 out of 8 games and only losing 1.
This form has seen us rise back up to 7th place 4 points off of Europe (Let me dream) and more importantly 19 points clear of relegation.
Next time we will finish the season. A season which has been so much brighter than we expected.
Cheers
Panda
If you have enjoyed this episode and want to fully catch up with our Journey so far you can start way back at the beginning here - https://www.sadpanda333.co.uk/post/pre-game-launch-and-save-selection
We also have an fascinating International save going as we attempt to take Jamaica to Gold Cup and World Cup glory after acquiring some new recruits who have been ignored repeatedly by England - https://www.sadpanda333.co.uk/post/ep-1-joining-jamaica-dishing-out-passports