The (not so) Invincible's

Lets get down to business...

The injury list was bad. I disabled transfer budgets in the first window. Fantastic. I managed to pull a left back out of thin air for a couple months until Natxo Monreal was fit as I was desperate in that position. He isn't great but will do of cover.

The story so far. Not great, obviously I wasn't expecting to go undefeated this season, we are far from that. But I didn't expect to lose 4-1 to Villa, especially after taking the lead early on. Big game against Liverpool next to set the tone for the season.

Not 100% set with my tactics yet but I'm fairly happy with it. As you could guess I'm going for a 4-4-2 similar to what they played that season.

This is what I was dealing with going into the Liverpool game.



It didn't make much difference though...

The first step of my plan is underway...



1. Bring back some familiar faces from that wonderful season. First came the one and only Dennis Bergkamp, who better to coach ball control? Also Martin Keown has been promoted to defence coach.
2. Sort out the centre back situation. We only really have three centre backs, one of whom is the wrong side of 30 and I just don't see Paulista good enough. Some younger players will be needed here, preferably with some pace.
3. The midfield needs toughening up. We have all the flair in the world but where are the Patrick Viera's and Gilberto Silva's. Mikel Arteta will do for now but he's not really the mould I am looking for.
4. The left wing was Arsenal's showpiece that season. The way Ashley Cole, Robert Pires and Thierry Henry linked up was masterclass. This will be the toughest to implement.

Great start mate, loving the use of graphics too.

Good luck Try and bring in Viera is possible too to add to your backroom staff.

Cheers mate!

I tried to bring him in, but he wants HoYD and the current one is much better. I'll try and tempt him with u21 manager if he leaves Man City.

Form has been far from perfect but upcoming games against Man Utd, Spurs and Everton could make or break the season. The target for November/December is 22 points from 30. I think that should be enough to get us back in the top 4.

My first permanent signing will join in January, only costing £3.7 million. At only £30k p/w too. I imagine I'll be able to flip him for a massive profit after a few seasons. Delighted.

What a signing! How did you manage to get him so cheap?!

He had only played 2/3 games and was on the transfer list, I almost missed him too, ended up battling Monaco to sign him.

Think it has been recognised by SI as a bit of a bug, him and Digne are usually stupidly cheap.

Ah, is it. Worked out well for me.

Getting close here, I think a few more tweaks and I will have it the way I want it!

This is how you make the charge for a top 4 spot, up next Everton...

Ohh revenge is sweet...

Some good results mate, like to see people developing the squads/tactics

Cheers Dan, it's all starting to come together!

What a turnaround it has been from 6th at the start of November to title challengers in January. After the transfer window I am confident that I will basically have two full strength squads at my disposal.

Over the first half of the season the Ozil and Sanchez partnership has been outstanding, and Oliver Giroud has been chipping in with 15 goals and 7 assists.

Mesut Ozil - false 9 (s)


Alexis Sanchez - complete forward (a)

Delighted to get Sven Bedner in. It was between him, his brother, Lars and Javi Martinez. Ultimately I went for him as he best suited the role of defensive midfielder and although at first glance Mikel Arteta looks the better player Bedner is more suited to the role.

Some superb results

I think Bergkamp played as Treq than F9.

Thanks man, I tried that at first but Ozil just seemed to be getting too close to Sanchez.

It was only fitting he got injured on his final day at the club...

I brought in Andrea Poli as a cheaper and younger option to Flamini, he only cost £1.9 million and saves me around £20k p/w in wages. I think that will be the end of the transfers this window.

You should get the treatment room renamed 'The Abou Diaby Suite' in his honour!

I'm surprised he's not player/physio by now!

Your tactics look spot on. This really is a great read man.