In the last episode we had witnessed a really strong start to the season after an admittedly kind run of fixtures. We have got 7 games to look forward to over October and November, so lets get straight into the action.
October 2024
Match 8 - Chelsea (H) 2-1
We welcomed Chelsea to Adams park for the first game of October. Another sold out crowd witnessed the biggest win of our fledgling Premier League history.
Max Verhelst got us firing with a composed finish from inside the box on 31 minutes. It was the least we deserved after coming out all guns blazing. We went in at half time at 1-0.
The second half saw us continue the pressure on Chelsea who must not have expected this from what most of the league see as relegation fodder.
We went 2-0 up through a very unlikely source. When Ethan Laird picked the ball up on the edge of the 18 yard box out to the right I was hoping he could put it on a plate for one of the players in the box.
I didn't expect him to take a touch, look up and fire an unstoppable shot passed the Chelsea keeper. What a way to open your account for the club.
It was a nervy last 10 minutes after they pulled a goal back but we held out for a brilliant 3 points.
Match 9 - Norwich (H) 1-0
We were dealt a huge blow in the build up to this game with the news that Max Verhelst picked up and injury in training. Ruling him out for 4 whole weeks.
Ian Davenport would take his place for the visit of Norwich.
It was another solid display, especially from the back 5 as we limited Norwich to a handful of chances. We took the lead through Josh Adam. He picked the ball up wide on the left beat his man and placed it perfectly beyond the keepers reach.
Another solid performance and more vital points. 1-0 at Full Time.
Match 10 - Newcastle (A) 2-1
After back to back home games we were on the road for the one and only time in October. A trip all the way to Tyneside was the next order of business.
We again started really really strongly. It has become a theme of our success at the beginning of this season. We put ourselves in control on 26 minutes after Ferhat Hebert found space inside the box to easily finish from close range. We went into half time 1-0 up.
The second half we absorbed a lot of pressure but were caught pressing for a 2nd goal to kill the game off and were hit on the counter attack. We got to the stage of the game where we were settling for a point. Then, in the 86th minute Mich'el Chorley found a yard of space in the box and finished perfectly on the half volley.
Three More points and a "Perfect month" A three game perfect month but either way, I am taking it!
November 2024
Match 11 - Burnley (A) 0-0
If October started with a band this was the definition of a whimper. If i hadn't had committed to writing a description of each game for this journey i probably wouldn't have mentioned it at all.
Both teams could only muster 1 shot on target each. This game, I will guarantee will be last on Match of The Day.
Match 12 - Aston Villa (H) - 2-4
Another home game, with Aston Villa making the short trip down the M40. Again we started fantastically with Ryan Gauld slotting in from the penalty spot in the 2nd minute.
We were facing a penalty ourselves just 10 minutes later, however Collins was up to the task to keep it at 1-0. Sadly it wasnt 1-0 for long as a quick fire double put Villa 2-1 up at Half Time.
The second half continued in the same vein as Villa went 3-1 up in the 70th minute. A small fight back was left way too late as we made it 3-2 in the 92nd minute through Carel Eiting. But the scoring wasnt over as Villa made it 4-2 with the last kick of the game.
Our first defeat in 4 games.
Match 13 - Arsenal (A) 2-4
We were back on the road with an exciting trip to North London. I've preached about how starting quickly and catching teams off guard has been a massive part of the way we have started this season, Arsenal taught us a lesson in this.
We were 4-0 down after 37 minutes and just like that the game was over.
We managed a couple of consolation goals. Another Ryan Gauld penalty and a Jack Clarke effort either side of half time put some respect to the score line.
Back to back 4-2 defeats. These sorts of results were always going to happen but lets make sure they don't become the norm!
Match 14 - West Brom (H) 1-0
After conceding 8 goals in 2 games the game at home to West Brom gave us a chance to turn the recent defensive form around.
The returning Verhelst was back in the starting line-up, and proved to be a massive boost for the whole team. The first half was full of end to end football with the defences definitely on top.
The game was decided with what can only be described as a wonder goal.
The ball was delivered in from the left after a corner had been cleared, it was flicked on and was met at the back stick by Verhelst who unleashed an unstoppable scissor kick into the top left corner of the net.
The goal was worthy of winning any game, and it did. Back to winning ways in the last game of November.
A solid two months sees us still well clear of danger and sitting comfortably in 8th position.
Another positive set of results. The win against Chelsea was a particular highlight, we aren't expected to win games against teams like Chelsea and the results against teams of that size probably wont define our season. But unexpected wins like that will do wonders for our survival chances.
The next episode will cover a bumper run of fixtures as we enter into December and January.
Thanks for being with me on this Journey
Cheers
Panda
Whilst you are enjoying the Wycombe Wanderers Journey please be sure to check out our Joining Jamaica save too. In this save we have granted nationality to host of Premier League stars after they were cast aside by England. These players wanted a chance to play at a World Cup and the Reggae Boyz needed the back up.
https://www.sadpanda333.co.uk/post/ep-1-joining-jamaica-dishing-out-passports
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