Everton - Going up, not down!

[lukegraham1991]

This week I have started a fresh save with Everton.

 

 

Being the only team not to be relegated since the Premier League began, that are outside of the top 6, I wanted to start a save here, to take them up, to the heights of europe, rather than down, which is looking like a real possibility IRL lately. Our story begins in pre-season of the 2022/23 campaign....

[lukegraham1991]

First up, I took a look at our formation and tactics to figure out how I was going to approach the season with the small budget I have as well as the tools I currently have at the club.

Ultimately deciding to adopt a 4-1-2-2-1 or 4-3-3 as some like to see this, I think I've given myself a nice balance with the right players (available) in the correct positions and roles.

 

Gegenpress is my adopted approach with a Positive mentality, trying to get the ball down and move it quickly against my opponents.

[lukegraham1991]

Next up, over the course of pre-season, you can see the transfers I have made to bolster our squad and hopefully compete to a better standard that the Toffees are displaying IRL.

Utilising some free agents, filling the gaps in our squad and getting a few players into the club in a few problem positions to give ourselves more options when the time comes.

 

I am not going to get rid of any first team players this window unless a hefty bid comes in late in the final month as I want to give my squad a chance to prove themselves with the tactic, formation and squad I have to use.

[lukegraham1991]

Through pre-season we took on 6 different teams including Galatasaray in Seamus Coleman's testimonial to get minutes under belts & gain match fitness throughout our ranks.

Despite one questionable draw vs a Czech 2nd Division side, I thought pre-season went well and the formation and tactics were working well enough in preparation for the league opener where we will be taking on Wolves (A) in no doubt, a tough fixture.

 

As you can see below, Neal Maupay has been the standout attacker for us in pre-season and with Dominic Calvert-Lewin out injured for a number of months, he will be the man leading the line with Rafael Santos Borre stepping in when that competition is required. 

[lukegraham1991]

GAME DAY 1 - PREMIER LEAGUE - AWAY VS WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

First league game of the season started on rocky terms as our holding midfielder Idrissa Gueye was injured a day or two before the big game, meaning Tom Davies, a lesser alternative had to step in, somewhat short of match fitness.

Away from home, against a Wolves team that was basically matching our formation was always going to be a tough one, to take a 0-0 away from home, I wouldn't be too displeased with.

 

Notable poor performances: Neal Maupay: 6.3.

Standout performances: Ruben Vinagre: 7.3, Jordan Pickford: 7.2, Jarrad Branthwaite: 7.1, James Tarkowski: 7.0.

Edited March 7, 2023 by lukegraham1991

[lukegraham1991]

Early cup draw for the Carabao Cup 2nd round has seen us drawn against fellow Premier League side Leeds United.

We could've probably hoped for an easier draw to start things off but we will need to beat this calibre of team if we want any hope of winning a trophy this season.

[lukegraham1991]

GAME DAY 2 - PREMIER LEAGUE - HOME VS NOTTINGHAM FOREST

Next up we take on newly promoted side Nottingham Forest at home, our home opener to the league so I wanted nothing but a comfortable win.

A bit of a cagey affair, but we limited the Forest chances with another solid defensive performance. A red card helped our chances and the opposition gifted us a penalty to secure the win.

Two poor performances on the bounce for Neal Maupay now, and a goal from substitute Rafael Santos Borre will probably mean that the goalscorer gets a chance up top in our next outing.

 

UNBEATEN IN TWO!

 

Notable poor performances: Neal Maupay: 6.4.

Standout performances: Nathan Patterson: 7.4, Jordan Pickford: 7.3 & James Tarkowski: 7.3.

[lukegraham1991]

GAME DAY 3 - PREMIER LEAGUE - HOME VS AFC BOURNEMOUTH

Another home game vs a newly promoted side.

This one proved to be our first test of the season, sticking with the same formation and tactic as the opening two games where we only scored the one goal via a penalty, but didn't concede yet.

 

The decision to drop Neal Maupay for Rafael Santos Borre looked very good to start us off, with him both winning, and scoring a penalty to put us 1-0 up. Shortly after, Bournemouth took the lead and 10 minutes after the break, went 2-1 up.

 

I took the decision to change the formation to more of a 4-4-2, bringing Maupay back into the fold to partner Santos Borre, thankfully, the extra pressure late in the game at Goodison Park paid off, Santos Borre bagging a second of the game and third of the season to draw us level. A huge bit of luck from a Seamus Coleman cross ending up inside the far post gifted us the win in the 91st minute and it was time to go defensive to see things out.

 

UNBEATEN IN THREE! Although this one was a close call - these are the games we need to win.

 

 

Notable poor performances: Nathan Patterson: 6.4, Ruben Vinagre: 6.4.

Standout performances: Seamus Coleman: 7.8, Rafael Santos Borre: 7.6

 

[lukegraham1991]

GAME DAY 4 - CARABAO CUP ROUND TWO - HOME VS LEEDS UNITED

Well, that didn't go to plan, we made a few changes, as we should for this cup being a midweek fixture and our next game being Manchester United away.

Not enough to warrant a 3-0 beating at Home but being out of the Carabao Cup isn't the end of the world.

Some shocking performances and mistakes cost us badly here along with very little offensive creation is always going to end in tears.

 

Notable poor performances: Neal Maupay: 6.0, Rafael Santos Borre: 6.3, Seamus Coleman: 6.3.

Standout performances: Jarrad Branthwaite: 7.2

[lukegraham1991]

TRANSFER - GONCALO ESTEVES

After weeks of negotiations between ourselves and Sporting Lisbon, we've finally got our man. 

We already have 3 RB's in the squad though so due to his age and the lack of game time he would get with us, we have loaned him back to Sporting for the remainder of the season, a good prospect to look forward to bringing through the ranks though & an absolute snag at 2m considering the ceiling this guy has with his PA.

[lukegraham1991]

GAME DAY 5 - PREMIER LEAGUE - AWAY VS MANCHESTER UNITED

A much improved performance in the scoreline, however, not having even one player having a 7 rating is a bit worrying.

We kept them to a late goal that came from a corner to the giant or Wout Weghorst who nodded home the winner, but if we lose at Old Trafford, a 1-0 loss to a set piece isn't the end of the world.

 

Notable poor performances: Rafael Santos Borre: 6.2, Tom Davies: 6.3 & Alex Iwobi: 6.3.

Standout performances: Amadou Onana: 6.9 & Nathan Patterson: 6.9

[lukegraham1991]

TRANSFER - MOREIRA

Another youngster to bring into the ranks that will be going back out on loan to the club we purchased him from.

A small transfer fee in comparison to the potential ability if he reaches the peaks of what our scouts think he might be capable of.

[lukegraham1991]

GAME DAY 5 - PREMIER LEAGUE - HOME VS WEST HAM UNITED

We take on West Ham in the last game of August. Our 7th place vs their 9th place after the first 4 games of the league season.

Huge win, solid defensively once again which we will need to maintain throughout the season to be where we want to be.

Some players that haven't been at their best recently getting some solid performances in for us as well - namely Alex Iwobi & Dwight McNeil from the wings.

 

Notable poor performances: N/A

Standout performances: James Tarkowski: 8.7

[lukegraham1991]

PREMIER LEAGUE - 5 MATCH TABLE

A quick update before I sign off for the evening after we've completed August 2022 (almost - transfer window to go yet!).

A great start sees us taking up a european spot as things stand, a long way to go yet but things are looking good so far - we can only beat the teams put in front of us as some might say! 

[lukegraham1991]

TRANSFER - ERNEST NUAMAH

I'm starting to figure that we don't have a lot of pace in the side right now, especially offensively.

So, I've taken a punt on a youngster on a cheap deal again to hopefully come in, improve and fill that void.

 

Ratings below on this one, first transfer for the club since I've taken over that has been a deadline day deal!

[lukegraham1991]

GAME DAY 6 - PREMIER LEAGUE - AWAY VS TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Another tough away fixture vs a top 6 side this game week which ended in a 1-0 loss. 

We held on for as long as we could but it's becoming evident that we aren't creating a whole lot, often winning games 1-0.

 

On the plus side of things, we are looking alright defensively so far, we just need to get more consistency on the offensive side of things.

 

Notable poor performances: James Tarkowski: 6.3 & Ruben Vinagre: 6.3.

Standout performances: N/A

[lukegraham1991]

GAME DAY 7 - PREMIER LEAGUE - AWAY VS NEWCASTLE UNITED

Once again we travel for a tough away test - this time against the new financial powerhouse that is Newcastle United at St. James' Park.

The first half was of our usual expected performance, keeping a clean sheet and not creating too much, with Rafael Santos Borre not having a great game unfortunately.

 

Neal Maupay with a great substitues performance coming on with 24 minutes of regulation time remaining in the game and getting a goal and assist to secure the win for the Toffees!!

 

Notable poor performances: Rafael Santos Borre: 6.0, Alex Iwobi: 6.3 & Ruben Vinagre: 6.4.

Standout performances: Jordan Pickford: 8.0 & Neal Maupay: 7.8.

Edited March 8, 2023 by lukegraham1991

[lukegraham1991]

GAME DAY 8 - PREMIER LEAGUE - HOME VS LEICESTER CITY

Home tie against a struggling Leicester City team ended with us sharing the spoils.

A cagey affair and the draw was probably a fair result in the end but this is one I would've liked to have won, especially with Leicester only taking 6 points from 7 games before our match.

 

Notable poor performances: Ruben Vinagre: 6.3 & Tom Davies: 6.4.

Standout performances: Dwight McNeil: 7.2 & Abdoulaye Doucoure: 7.2.

[lukegraham1991]

GAME DAY 9 - PREMIER LEAGUE - AWAY VS CHELSEA

Fresh from a two week international break, we travel to Stamford Bridge to take on mid-table Chelsea, need to be a bit wary here though as they are clearly under performing considering some of the players they have in their ranks.

However, this was our worst performance of the season so far, and we paid the price suffering a 2-0 loss.

 

The only positive I can take from this one would be the return and half decent performance from Demarai Gray with his appearance from the bench.

 

Notable poor performances: Neal Maupay: 6.1, Jordan Pickford: 6.2 & James Tarkowski: 6.2.

Standout performances: Demarai Gray: 7.2.

[lukegraham1991]

GAME DAY 10 - PREMIER LEAGUE - HOME VS MANCHESTER CITY

Last game of the night this one as we take on a title contender in Manchester City.

 

A couple of changes to the starting lineup after the poor performance last week.

We're not expected to win this one by a long shot - but I can't keep people in the side after that last poor performance against Chelsea (another one we weren't expected to win, but I want to see more of a fight at least).

 

Nathan Patterson & Rafael Santos Borre looked to be a couple of good changes to the lineup early on with Patterson assisting Santos Borre for the opening 2 goals where we went 2-0 up.

But unfortunately, given the attacking & possession juggernaut that is Man City, it wasn't enough - with a second half onslaught putting us to bed for all 3 points.

 

Notable poor performances: Vitaliy Mykolenko: 6.4, Gareth Bale: 6.4 & Dwight McNeil: 6.4.

Standout performances: Rafael Santos Borre: 8.1 & Nathan Patterson: 7.7

[lukegraham1991]

PREMIER LEAGUE - 10 MATCH TABLE

An update on the league table sees us in 8th place after to games. 

Not a bad start considering some of the teams we've played already - however, just outside the european places and we only have a 0 goal difference which is something we need to work on.

 

A long way to go until we finish this season though so hopefully next game vs 18th placed Aston Villa  will result in a win to kick start our next 5 games!

[lukegraham1991]

GAME DAY 11 - PREMIER LEAGUE - HOME VS ASTON VILLA

A must win game at this point in my opinion, to be where we want to be we need to beat those teams at the lower half of the table throughout the season.

So, we did just that with a solid performance and Aston Villa never really threatened from what I saw on the highlights.

 

Disappointing challenge from Rafael Santos Borre means we will be without our leading scorer for the next 3 games but Dominic Calvert-Lewin just got back to full training, and we have Neal Maupay to step in to start right away.

 

Notable poor performances: N/A

Standout performances: James Tarkowski: 8.1 & Dwight McNeil: 7.5.

[lukegraham1991]

GAME DAY 12 - PREMIER LEAGUE - AWAY VS ARSENAL

Another tought fixture on paper, made even tougher by some poor performances on our end which then inevitably ends in a comfortable loss as Bukayo Saka puts it on us with a brace.

A late red card was too late for us to gain anything from the game, but again, a loss away from home against a team going for the league title by the looks of things is something we have to expect at this stage of the career.

 

Notable poor performances: Neal Maupay: 6.2, James Tarkowski: 6.3 & Idrissa Gueye: 6.3.

Standout performances: N/A

[lukegraham1991]

GAME DAY 13 - PREMIER LEAGUE - HOME VS LIVERPOOL

Now this one hurts.

To  lose in the 90th minute at home vs our biggest rivals was a huge blow considering we are definitely the lesser team on paper here, managing to keep them to 0-0 for 89 minutes, and concede a poor goal so late on, is a tough one to take.

Two below par performances from James Tarkowski against a top team on the bounce now, if he doesn't improve in our next outing I may have to start looking at a rotation.

 

Notable poor performances: James Tarkowski: 6.3, Idrissa Gueye: 6.4 & Tom Davies: 6.4.

Standout performances: Jarrad Branthwaite: 7.3, Vitaliy Mykolenko: 7.2 & Nathan Patterson: 7.0.

[lukegraham1991]

GAME DAY 14 - PREMIER LEAGUE - AWAY VS SOUTHAMPTON

3 losses on the bounce now after conceding a very poor goal here.

3 goals without scoring a goal as well as 3 poor performances, we changed it up to go more attacking with two forwards in this one as well which is disappointing considering we only had 7 shot, and only 2 of which ended up on target.

 

Some big improvements need to be made here and we need to change our fortunes otherwise we could be in trouble if we can't start finding the back of the net.

 

Notable poor performances: Dominic Calvert-Lewin: 6.3, Nathan Patterson: 6.4 & Neal Maupay: 6.4.

Standout performances: N/A

[lukegraham1991]

GAME DAY 15 - PREMIER LEAGUE - AWAY VS BRENTFORD

This 0-0 draw makes it 4 games on the bounce without scoring now, we had Santos Borre back but he was well below par on his return, Maupay & Calvert-Lewin weren't much better either to be honest.

I don't think it's worth sticking with the 4-4-2 formation because we aren't seeing a return from our forwards, our wingers are playing much deeper and we are also taking away a CDM - while in this game that didn't matter too much, the last few games against Southampton & now Brentford and not scoring with two strikers is a bit worrying so we need to become more solid in other areas and tweak maybe some set pieces and how we approach the attack.

 

Notable poor performances: Dwight McNeil: 6.3, Vitaliy Mykolenko: 6.4 & Neal Maupay: 6.4. 

Standout performances: Jordan Pickford: 8.1, Nathan Patterson: 7.3 & Jarrad Branthwaite: 7.0.

[lukegraham1991]

GAME DAY 16 - PREMIER LEAGUE - HOME VS FULHAM

We revert back to our initial 4-3-3 formation for this one as we return to home turf after a tough fixture list lately.

With this being our final league game until after the world cup, I wanted to take the game to Fulham and come home with the 3 points.

 

Despite Idrissa Gueye getting dismissed with a lot of time left in the second half, we win the game comfortably with Santos Borre back on the score sheet and also chipping in with an assist to lead the line magnificently.

 

Next post I will do an overview on the seasons results so far after we finish the month of December with our final league games of 2022 vs Crystal Palace (A) & Leeds United (H).

 

Notable poor performances: Nathan Patterson: 6.5.

Standout performances: Rafael Santos Borre: 8.3 & Alex Iwobi: 7.8.

[lukegraham1991]

MID-SEASON UPDATE

I thought we would take a look at how the season has gone so far after playing from August up until the World Cup break, and I've also played 2 friendlies in the lead back up to the Premier League restart on the 28th December vs Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

 

16 Premier League games played sees us sat in 10th place, an improvement on where we were expected to finish up the at the end of the season, so a positive on that front.

We were knocked out of the Carabao Cup early on after being hammered by Leeds United - which was disappointing, but not the end of the world, allows us more time to focus on improvements in the league.

 

The loss to Southampton was a really disappointing one, however, only losing to Man Utd, Tottenham, Chelsea, Man City, Arsenal & Liverpool aside from that isn't too much to be disappointed with right now.

We need to be 'the best of the rest' before looking to infiltrate the top 6 which is, of course, the long term plan here.

Only two of our defeats have come at Goodison Park - losing out to Man City after being 2-0 up and losing late to a De Bruyne penalty in the 91st min & losing 1-0 in the 90th minute to Liverpool.

 

We do however, need to find more goals, our list of scorers at the moment is as follows:

 

Rafael Santos Borre - 7 goals.

Dwight McNeil - 2 goals.

Neal Maupay, Idrissa Gueye, Seamus Coleman, James Tarkowski & Gareth Bale - 1 goal.

 

These stats are bit worrying but on the flip side of that, Jordan Pickford (along with his defence) has 7 clean sheets so far this season.

 

Hopefully we can keep up these kind of recent results from the Fulham win and the two friendly results now going into the second half of the season.

Crystal Palace (A) up next, stay tuned....

[lukegraham1991]

GAME DAY 16 - PREMIER LEAGUE - AWAY VS CRYSTAL PALACE

All of the good talk about us playing against teams outside of the top 6 and doing well so far this season has been undone by a shocking performance, once again.

Our best player being our keeper isn't a great sign because it means we aren't helping him out further up the field in regards to defending and keeping the ball away from the net.

 

Notable poor performances: Tom Davies: 6.2, James Tarkowski: 6.3, Nathan Patterson: 6.3 & Rafael Santos Borre: 6.3.

Standout performances: Jordan Pickford: 7.3.

[lukegraham1991]

TRANSFER - RUNE JARSTEIN

We've recently agreed the sale of Asmir Begovic who was our backup goalkeeper to Benfica for 550k as well as clearing up 40k per week on wages.

Jarstein was available right away due to being on free agency, I like to have an aging goalkeeper in backup as well as a youngster (still on the look out) to learn from him and the starter.

Free agent on 20k per week to replace 550k selling fee on 40k a wage is a no brainer for me!

 

January coming up soon and there will be more moves in the transfer market!

[lukegraham1991]

GAME DAY 17 - PREMIER LEAGUE - HOME VS LEEDS UNITED

The last game of 2022 was a home tie against Leeds United.

Another frustrating performance in which we managed to avoid defeat late on - Santos Borre will have to start moving forward because he's the only goalscorer we have by the looks of things.

With January coming up I'm seriously considering selling Calvert-Lewin now to cash in while the value is there & a few clubs are already interested.

 

We can then invest into younger talent that will improve & probably in more than one position because of the fee he will sell for.

 

Notable poor performances: James Garner: 6.4, Ruben Vinagre: 6.5 & Nicolas Dominguez: 6.5.

Standout performances: Alex Iwobi: 7.5 & Rafael Santos Borre: 7.5.

Edited March 11, 2023 by lukegraham1991

[lukegraham1991]

TRANSFER - YOUSSOUFA MOUKOKO

We've had this in the pipeline for quite some time, waiting for the player to turn 18 initially, and then having to wait for the new transfer window to happen to complete the loan deal.

Hopefully this will give us more of a threat from ST or AML/AMR moving into the second half of the season.

 

If this lad performs like we know he can, we have the option to sign him permanently for 40.5M.

HUGE IMPROVEMENT to be had here! 

[lukegraham1991]

TRANSFERS - ANDRES CARO & FILIPPO TERRACCIANO

We've also managed to bring in more youthful prospects, Caro is a central defender and Terracciano is another RB.

I will always look to bring these kinds of players in for the right fees as even if they don't get first team football here, their value will only go up and then we can make money for the club and our transfer kitty!

[lukegraham1991]

TRANSFER OUT - ASMIR BEGOVIC

Confirmation of the earlier mentioned transfer of backup goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

[lukegraham1991]

TRANSFER OUT - SEAMUS COLEMAN

Seamus Coleman has also left the club while we can get some money in for him.

The player was running out of contract in the summer and I had no intention of keeping hold of him.

On 70k a week and being able to gain a small fee for the sale of Coleman it was a no brainer - 11k per week is being paid to him from ourselves until the end of the season and that's a small price to pay.

[lukegraham1991]

TRANSFER OUT - YERRY MINA

Another player that hasn't featured at all for us all season due to injury, I'm not a big fan of the player anyway.

So we waited for him to get back from injury and have now cashed in on him while we could - securing a fee of just over 8M & clearing over 100k per week in wages.

[lukegraham1991]

TRANSFER OUT - MOREIRA

This one is only a loan deal for one of the young fullbacks we brought in earlier this season.

His value has already improved dramatically - we signed him for 3.4M and he is currently worth 17-25M so it's a no-brainer to keep him playing regular football with this loan deal.

[lukegraham1991]

GAME DAY 18 - FA CUP - HOME VS SOUTHAMPTON

Today we took on Southampton in the third round of the FA Cup.

We could have hoped for a better draw early in this cup competition again, similar to the Carabao Cup - however, if we want to win a trophy then we need to beat these types of teams and better regardless.

 

Only scoring from a penalty was disappointing - once again, Santos Borre stepping up to slot one home.

But that wasn't enough as we had to deal with an onslaught of crosses from Southampton late in the game and that paid off for them with Caleta-Car nodding home late on.

 

Notable poor performances: Jarrad Branthwaite: 6.5 & Mason Holgate: 6.5.

Standout performances: Rafael Santos Borre: 7.1 & Alex Iwobi: 7.1.

[lukegraham1991]

TRANSFER OUT - TERRACCIANO

Another one of the youngsters we have on the books from recently signing - we've loaned out to get more first team football.

Once again, we signed this lad for 1.8M this month and hope to improve the player to come back and fight for the RB position or we get his value up at least and make some money off his talents.

[lukegraham1991]

RETIREMENT FOR GARETH BALE

This was always the plan, we knew he was only a short term signing and despite looking for him to reconsider, the Welsh legend has now retired.

He only made 9 substitute appearances and chipped in with one goal during his time with the toffees.

 

This will now free up around 40-50k in wages and someone who didn't feature very much is off the books.

[lukegraham1991]

GAME DAY 19 - PREMIER LEAGUE - HOME VS BRIGHTON

A home tie against Brighton next as we look to get 3 points under our belts.

Nice to see a different goal scorer on the sheet for once with Demarai Gray scoring a direct freekick to win the game!!

 

Notable poor performances: Alex Iwobi: 6.4.

Standout performances: Demarai Gray: 8.0

[lukegraham1991]

GAME DAY 20 - FA CUP - AWAY VS SOUTHAMPTON

A tough game here where we were taken deep into extra time at St Mary's Stadium but for a late Neal Maupay dart across the box to finish neatly and secure the win in the 119th minute for us to advance to the 4th round of the FA Cup where we already know we will take on Burnley in a few games time.

 

A solid overall performance by the boys here though which was rewarded with that late goal from Maupay who came off the bench specifically for extra time.

 

Notable poor performances: Idrissa Gueye: 6.4 & Demarai Gray: 6.4.

Standout performances: Neal Maupay: 7.6, Nathan Patterson: 7.6, Jordan Pickford: 7.4 & Alex Iwobi: 7.4.

[lukegraham1991]

GAME DAY 21 - PREMIER LEAGUE - AWAY VS LEICESTER CITY

Really poor performance in this one, even before the red card we weren't doing much but once that happened, we had no chance.

Santos Borre is our main goal threat but is also somewhat of a liability when things aren't going our way (and sometimes when they are!) as he's prone to getting sent off - this being his second red card of the season & now we're without our top scorer for 3 games meaning Calvert-Lewin or Neal Maupay need to be relied on to lead the front line.

 

Notable poor performances: Rafael Santos Borre: 6.3 & James Tarkowski: 6.3.

Standout performances: Jordan Pickford: 7.3 & Amadou Onana: 7.1.

[lukegraham1991]

TRANSFER - JOSIP SUTALO

Nearing the end of the January transfer window there was an opportunity to put our hand in the ring for Sutalo & it was an option I couldn't let slip through our fingers.

Most of the transfer fee will be paid over installments which helps us out while we continue to get our finances sorted as a club but this signing will be the first spark to force ourselves up the league table in the coming years.

 

We had to include a buy out clause from any champions league clubs but I'm hoping to be in europe ourselves in the coming seasons so will hopefully be able to offer the player a new deal and get rid of this before it becomes a problem.

Worst case scenario though, we more than double our investment.

[lukegraham1991]

GAME DAY 22 - FA CUP - AWAY VS BURNLEY

This result was exactly what we needed given recent circumstances.

Changes were rang in as we made 11 changes to the starting 11 to give people some game time in a game we were probably expected to win, but if we went out of this cup it wouldn't have been the end of the world right now.

 

Calvert-Lewin & Maupay both chipping in with the goals in Santos-Borre's absence through the first of his 3 game ban.

We gave debuts to Rune Jarstein & Josip Sutalo as well as getting Andros Townsend into the starting lineup for the first time this season due to a long term injury.

 

Notable poor performances: Ruben Vinagre: 6.5.

Standout performances: Dominic Calvert-Lewin: 9.0 & Mason Holgate: 8.3.

[lukegraham1991]

TRANSFER - ASHLEY YOUNG

I saw that Ashley Young was available on a free transfer. 

His 80k wage put me off initially but I made the offer to see what his demands were and he went from his 80k per week deal at Villa to sign for us on 25k on a short term deal.

 

Vast amounts of experience and professionalism - a number of positions he can play - this was a no brainer for me given a lot of injury issues we've had throughout the season so far.

[lukegraham1991]

GAME DAY 23 - PREMIER LEAGUE - HOME VS NEWCASTLE UNITED

Brilliant home win vs 5th placed Newcastle United in this one.

Calvert-Lewin continuing to impress and as you can see below, a solid all around team performance!

 

Hoping the Wague injury is short term as Patterson is already out at the moment but we can always pop Mason Holgate in at RB if we need to.

 

Notable poor performances: Dwight McNeil: 6.3.

Standout performances: Demarai Gray: 7.9, Dominic Calvert-Lewin: 7.8 & Josip Sutalo: 7.6.

[lukegraham1991]

LEAGUE TABLE - 21 GAMES PLAYED

Just a quick update on the league table after we've now played 21 games of the season.

[lukegraham1991]

GAME DAY 24 - PREMIER LEAGUE - AWAY VS MANCHESTER CITY

Not much to say on this one unfortunately, if you play poorly against a team like Man City, you lose!

Kept things tight in the first half but couldn't kick on from there to push for the points.

 

Notable poor performances: Mason Holgate: 6.3, Josip Sutalo: 6.4, Idrissa Gueye: 6.4 & Demarai Gray: 6.4.

Standout performances: N/A

[lukegraham1991]

GAME DAY 25 - PREMIER LEAGUE - HOME VS CHELSEA

Another really poor performance against Chelsea who are working hard to get themselves back into european places at the moment.

Probably should have ended 1-0 but a defensive error late on gifted them a second.

 

Notable poor performances: Dwight McNeil: 6.2, Nathan Patterson: 6.3, Dominic Calvert-Lewin: 6.3, Jordan Pickford: 6.4 & Josip Sutalo: 6.4.

Standout performances: Alex Iwobi: 7.0.