When we left the journey last time out we had suffered a heavy defeat away to Chelsea and surprised Liverpool with a win at Anfield. This time up we will go through September and October which will include the start of the League Cup as well as some solid Premier League action!
Lets get going.
We start with some bad news. After starring in the draw with Arsenal, Brad Collins picks up a Calf strain and is out for 5 weeks.
A big month for new recruit Apetrei who will make his debut against City.
Some club news and another step towards our save goals!
October 2025
Match 5 - Man City (H) 3-3
The game started true to form with Man City racing into a healthy 2-0 lead within the first 10 mins. I was disappointed to see us concede twice so early, but both were from corners which was even more concerning.
Jack Clarke and Contento scored either side of another Man City goal to make it 2-3 going into half time. Jack Clarke grabbed his second of the game in the second half to secure an unlikely point.
Match 6 - Leicester (H) 1-0
In the first of a double header with Leicester we start with a home game in the league. A very tight affair with little separating the two teams. The game was eventually decided by a late Bigongiari goal.
EFL Cup Third Round - Leicester (A) 3-1
After the tight league game last time out we went behind in the first half. We didn't look like causing Leicester any concerns at the back but 3 goals in 28 minutes changes the whole tie.
Almada got on the scoresheet twice, his first goals for the club and Jack Clarke continued his strong start to the season too. 3-1 and we are in the hat for the next round, where we will face.......Arsenal.
Match 7 - Newcastle - (A) 1-1
Two first half goals meant the points were shared at St James Park. Hebert with a powerful finish from just inside the box
Match 8 - West Ham (H) 4-1
An absolute demolition of bottom of the table West Ham followed as we completely outplayed them from start to finish. We were 2-0 up inside 10 minutes with goals from Almada and Vassi, who was brought in for his first game of the season after injury.
West ham scored just after half time, But Almada with his second of the game and a late Bigongiari strike sealed the 4-1 win.
Match 9 - Wolves (H) 2-2
A classic game for the neutral as two attacking teams went toe to toe. First blood went to Wycombe as we scored through Bigongiari in the 14th minute. However we were immediately pegged back.
An own goal in the 70th minute put us 2-1 up and we looked to be taking all three points when the concentration dropped and we conceded a silly goal in the 90th minute.
A tough one to take.
Match 10 - Middlesbrough (A) 5-2
The strong league form continued as we blasted 5 past a poor Boro side. Almada and Chorley helped themselves to a brace each and a Bigongiari goal rounded of the scoring.
EFL Cup Fourth Round - Arsenal (H) 4-1
This was a stunning performance from start to finish. We were 1-0 up through a well worked Bigongiari goal after 11 minutes. Almada made it 2-0 in the 57th minute before a stunning Saint-Maximin solo goal made our lead precarious.
Jack Clarke scored 2 goals in the last 10 minutes to send us through to the quarter finals for the first time during this journey.
The league table looks something like this. A promising start hovering around the Europa League places. However the concern for me is the amount of gaols conceded. I know the 6 against Chelsea have skewed the total but we've conceded the 6th most goals in the league.
An unbeaten episode as we won 3 and drew 3 in the league as well as progressing into the latter stages of the league cup.
This is mainly down to the stunning goal scoring form across the 8 games of messes Almada (7), Bigongiari (5) and Clarke (5).
Lets hope this form can continue all season.
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