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#403774 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
BARDZRAGUYN KHUMB
MATCHDAY 17
A near perfect performance to make struggling Kotayk a non-contest. Goalkeeping slip up allowed Malkhasyan a rare goal on the stroke of half time. Yinkibarian doesn't get too many assists but this was one to remember, booting it route one to Ortiz who slipped past his marker and delightfully finish in off the post. A perfect circle when it comes to shots on goal, Kotayk didn't manage a single one.
#403766 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Sadly, I wasn't front runner and they went along with Darius Cesnulis instead. Slightly disappointed at that.
TRANSFERS
OUT
Gained some profit, losing one of our fringe centre backs for 5 grand was a wise decision. Forgot to mention the fact that Ungureanu had his contract terminated, the 34 Romanian striker just couldn't score and with Ortiz now in plus taking up a degree of our wage budget, it made sense to ship him out.
In contract news, delighted to see Mikaelyan commit for an extra year amid interest from Shirak.
YOUTH INTAKE
You'd think I'd be relatively happy with two 3.5* PA in this year's youth intake but given our youth "excellence" in both recruitment and facility complexes, I'm very underwhelmed.
Alexey Andryuschyenko - GK - youth intake
Doesn't have the wow factor in him at the moment nor a great height, but 14 reflexes has him on the right track. His physicals need serious work too.
Finally to end on another cliffhanger. Takeover talks reignite for the FOURTH time. You can probably guess what happens next...
Takeover collapses:
34#403559 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
FRIENDLIES
Goal frenzies against some more obscure Turkish teams plus Ulisses of Armenia. Despite losing the first, bounced back with seventeen goals in only three games. Mikaelyan, Ghazaryan, Pavlov, Borisov and Ortiz helping themselves to perhaps boost confidence.
One major casualty, our only natural left back could be out for a large chunk of the season. The milk has turned in his carton.
...but it's not all hunky dory in the Banants camp. Karasev's underperforming has landed him in the B team until he recaptures his good form. Fair to assume that he went down kicking and screaming, plus turning the rest of the squad against me for it. Are we set to lose him next transfer window?
Oh, here's a familiar sight..will this actually go through this time?
...something else happened this month too.
Nation: Lithuania
Media Prediction (Odds): 1st/8 (5-2F)
Expectations: Title winners
Pros: Strongest team in the nation. Most league titles. A squad full of international experience. Could walk the league with the right manager.
Cons: Just had their 25 consecutive league title run ended by Suduva (yes, really). Board limiting transfer/wage budget.
RESULT:
#403535 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 16
At least we secured something before a long winter break. Vaca and Ortiz both on the scoresheet once again in a one sided game for a change.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Definitely a contrast to October, back to back defeats for the first time managing Banants and costly defeats at that. Vaca and Ortiz providing the goals this month and seem to be settling in nicely in Eastern Europe.
LEAGUE TABLE
Wow..this stung us hard in the table, tumbling down to fifth. While that may be the case, there are only five points between them. Pyunik and Shirak took some Ls, Ararat climbing up to second and Gandzasar coming out of nowhere at a blistering pace, winning six on the trot to leapfrog us. Such drama!
#403534 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 15
What the hell is going on at home? That's two defeats on the bounce now. Alashkert were second from bottom going into this and played the much better football, wiping out Jesús Vaca's deflected effort through a header by Sevak Ohanyan - the bastard who always seems to score against us. Of course the sleazebag scored a second to turn the game around to leave us in a panicky state. Alberto Ortiz rescued what was thought to be a point with Borisov's assistance but we were gravely mistaken. Straight from kickoff, Alashkert restored the lead with Hovhannisyan and to dig the knife further, centre back Ara Mkrtumyan finished it off. From five straight wins to a bumbling decline. This rut needs to end ASAP.
#403532 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Narek Ghazaryan instates himself in Armenia's national side with his first cap.
BARDZRAGUYN KHUMB
MATCHDAY 14
Disaster. Gandzasar took their chances while ours were unleavened. More static defending from set pieces allowed former Banants player Varazdat Simonyan to pump home despite Harutyunyan's best efforts. Second half was despondent getting caught too easily on counter attacks, both from our attacking set pieces. Davit Avagyan and Arsen Poghosyan set the grizzly's up for victory and now leaves us winless in our last three.
#403530 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
BARDZRAGUYN KHUMB
MATCHDAY 13
Gnashed out a solid draw to leaders Pyunik, perhaps missing out on the better result. Narek Barseghyan produced outstanding defensive work to win the majority of aerial battles to keep the home side frustrated. Pyunik had the best chance of the game, Hayk Koshoian completely unmarked in the box with a free header but headed onto the bar from six yards out. Six shots on target for us compared to their two but barely counted as half chances. Good result before the international break.
#403491 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 12
Bitter end to October, edged out by the superiority of Shirak. Stats were on our side but the goal tally was not, leaving too many defensive gaps, thus allowing Yinkibarian and Tevosyan in for two simple goals. The response was positive with Karasev forcing a top stop from their keeper onto the bar before the live wire that is Mikaelyan banged one home to grab a foothold. With nothing clear cut created, Shirak were happy to control the game and end our winning streak.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Can't honestly fault this month, only losing to a well oiled machine in Shirak. Garnik Mikaelyan in flying form with three goals and an assist. Lot of rotation this month gave us a smorgasbord perspective of dexterity and potential within the Banants camp. Future looking quite bright.
LEAGUE TABLE
The defeat topples us down to third again, but remain persistent with the big boys in the division. The annoying mosquito that are Ararat continue to match our results and only H2H keeps us ahead of them.
#403486 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 11
At long last, we finally beat Ararat in a league game. An even first half ended with a silky switch of play between Borisov, threading a ball through to Mikaelyan and nudging us in front. I had my critics about stand-in GK Harutyunyan in the past but wow was he in top form to gain man of the match, saving a crucial penalty and the rebound that followed to keep the scoreline in our favour. Borisov killed the game at the end, with help from a cross by Vaca. We continue to march on.
Great Bananter, it really is.
#403483 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Lucky we have enough depth at centre back, but a real shame for Abramyan who is a serious look in for the main team at only 17.
ANKAKHUT'YAN GAVAT'
QUARTER FINAL SECOND LEG (HOME)
Two games in four days against Kotayk, this one was more a free-for-all in the second leg of the cup to reach the semi finals. Our American hopeful Ortiz showed more great promise with a tight angle curler into the top corner in just eight minutes, while centre backs Hakobyan and Esoyan combined to head in our second before the break. Cheap defending, yet an exquisite solo run from Avakiants kept the tie alive but for Milk Carton redeeming himself for his error in the previous encounter to get a rare Banants goal. A safe passage through.
SEMI FINAL DRAW
Another favourable draw, facing off against low hanging fruit Alashkert over two legs.
#403475 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Dear God, just sell the damn club. This is the third breakdown now.
BARDZRAGUYN KHUMB
MATCHDAY 10
Straightforward three points at the whipping boys of the division. Mikaelyan was architect and deliverer for the first, delivering the freekick which everyone came for, bounced back and had the simple task of placing the ball into an empty net. Kotayk were more bark than bite, offering precious little threat to our goalmouth and were hit with a counter, man of the match Mikaelyan sliding through Borisov who ran away and finished with power to seal it. A bizarre own goal from Milk Carton from a Kotayk cross with no Kotayk player in sight near him. Definitely a sour ending to his game.
Way to paint me out as an "unremarkable" manager based on only 3 defeats in our last 20 matches.
#403473 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Talk about a wonderful start to the month. Our number one 'keeper gone for a while.
BARDZRAGUYN KHUMB
MATCHDAY 9
Didn't stop us from reaping the rewards against Erebuni, however not in the manner in which I would have liked. Lost not one, but two centre backs in the process - Asoyan first and then his replacement Barseghyan losing his head to get sent off on the hour. Despite a man disadvantage we remained calm and collected with left wing prodigy Malkhasyan contributing with a dribble and a finish away from Shevelev before Avetisyan blasted one in at the near post from a corner. Erebuni thwacked the crossbar late doors but revenge had been accomplished.
Nice one, Ararat.
#402723 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 8
Finding our rhythm again it seems, overturning Alashkert's lead to take the spoils. Another set piece made it stupidly easy for Sevak Ohanyan, a free kick went over everyone's head and into the feet of the striker to pracitcally hand them the lead on a silver platter. Trusty Borisov rubbished any criticisms of his recent performances to equalise with a proper poacher finish. Esoyan nearly allowed Alashkert to restore their lead but Ohanyan royally screwed up a one on one to blast wide. A melee in the area ended with Ghazaryan to fire us in front with twenty minutes left and Ortiz came off the bench and superbly turned his marker inside out before smashing one into the top corner. Watch out Borisov, Alberto has his eye on your place.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
A month which started off rather awry to the champions, our performances certainly improved. Alberto Ortiz is being introduced slowly but two goals in two games is helping his case for stapling him in the first team sooner rather than later.
LEAGUE TABLE
Bridging that gap between the top two, we now lie just two points off Shirak and are looking comfortable within the top half. Only, if only we could have done better against Pyunik.
#402722 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
QUARTER FINAL FIRST LEG (AWAY)
Defensive frailty cost us again, but two away goals at Kotayk leaves us in a favourable position for the return leg. Alberto Ortiz started his first game in our white kit and came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half but denied from close range. Second half produced a lot more electricity but it was us who fell behind first, caught on the counter to allow Simonyan a way through. We weren't behind for long and Pavlov got us level before a proud moment seeing Ortiz belt one in from Eskedijan's cross to flip the scoreline. A bit of fortune about how the second was scored but no excuses for our high line to let Begoyan wriggle through, hitting the post but Simonyan tapping in the rebound for his second and what could be an exciting second leg. Surely we can't blow this at this early stage...
Bad news for Eskedijan, out until November at the earliest.
#402720 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 7
No full backs? No problem. A makeshift back four helped us to a rather fortunate win at Gandzasar. Attacking set pieces were a large part of their gameplan, Karen Poghosyan coming close twice from corners - firing narrowly over and forcing a solid stop from Yinkibarian. We were almost handed a gift when a backward header allowed Borisov in on goal but for a superb stop he was denied (lacking confidence too I've noticed). The focal point of the match came from 12 yards, Borisov shoved in the box to hand us a penalty and Narek Ghazaryan held his nerve to coolly finish. Could be a crucial win.
#402718 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
___________________________________________
BARDZRAGUYN KHUMB
MATCHDAY 6
Nightmarish. Slender defeat to the league leaders and we actually had a good foothold in the game. SI must know it's approaching Halloween IRL because our goalkeepers are both producing horror shows lately; Yinkibarian fumbling an effort at the near post for an o.g....AFTER ONLY 25 SECONDS. We retorted positively, Pavlov almost stole the limelight in consecutive matches but the angle was too tight for him and ended in the side netting. If the task wasn't hard enough already, right back Poghosyan saw red moments after the restart, sinking us into a predicament. Not even Borisov could unstick us; going one on one but for a top drawer fingertip save by Vladimir Kovalev. Mr. Milk Carton (formerly known as Mkrtchyan) buried us further with his second yellow, leaving us with no full backs and no hope in coming back. What hurts the most is that Pyunik were far from their best and we had a good shot.
#402701 Dominating The World [FM18]
DNZY
#402665 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
TRANSFERS
IN
With the embargo lifted, we managed to sneak in two exciting prospects into the team via agent offers.
Alberto Ortiz - ST(C) - unattached free agent
Alberto is a landmark signing for me as I've never had an American in FM. Has a lot of promise with high determination and a lot of pace at his disposal. Not quite there yet with finishing but can compose himself which could be a crucial factor. Rest of his technical game is bleak but I'd say Borisov will show him the ropes so to play second fiddle to him.
Jesús Vaca - DM/M(C) - unattached free agent
Bolivian, established in their under 20 squad, this guy looks moderately well rounded and also is a stand out defensive midfielder in the team. Not the strongest nor fittest but could fill in that hole to potentially help us not leak goals as we have lately. Looks a right coup for us and with good youth facilities, he'll surely improve rapidly.
Very, very soon after bringing in two new recruits, another embargo.
ANKAKHUT'YAN GAVAT'
QUARTER FINAL DRAW
Must be the luck of the draw again, getting the weakest club in the quarter final. No offence Kotayk, but you do sit at the foot of the league.
#402662 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Here we go again...
BARDZRAGUYN KHUMB
MATCHDAY 5
Solid result against one of the big two, Dmitry Pavlov to the rescue. Shirak squandered two great chances from Tevosyan and Prokopenko but twice denied by Yinkibarian in net. Their goal was simplistic route one and we sat back and switched off, allowing a clear sight of goal for Prokopenko to nudge them in front. With the flow going against it, we fought back with Pavlov's equaliser squared in by Ungureanu to hand us a valiant, perhaps undeserved point from Shirak's point of view.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Could have been a better month, the obvious performance let down away at Erebuni. Borisov picking up where he left off and Pavlov is fitting into Karasev's boots nicely on the right wing upon his impending return.
LEAGUE TABLE
At this early stage, a gap already emerges with Pyunik and Shirak pulling away but a point at Shirak lifts us into third. We head the chasing pack for now but a cluster of teams will surely keep it busy around here. Another interesting season awaits.
#402659 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 4
Yet again we struggle to outmuscle Ararat. They gripped us hard in the first half with Karen Poghosyan running the show, arrowing one straight into the top corner and shortly after the restart missed a sitter in a one on one situation. The equaliser gave us the confidence boost we needed, centre back Avetik Esoyan got to the ball before the keeper and heading over him. Cumbersome performance once more but we'll take the point.
#402656 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 3
Business as usual, however far from professionally done against newbies Kotayk. Borisov returned to the starting XI and worked his magic with the opening goal, taking on four defenders in the build up and calmly slotted underneath the keeper. The visitors came in with nothing to lose and that attitude was apparent, countering us at any given moment and turned the game on it's head with Simonyan (debatably offside) and a Begoyan header from a corner. The end to a breathless first half came with Borisov's second, unleashed by Avetisyan to power in from a tight angle. Second half lost a bit of fluidity but didn't stop us from retaking the lead and capping off a hat-trick for in form Borisov, capitalising off a defensive error. Wobbling somewhat.
#402637 Dominating The World [FM18]
DNZY
#402428 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 2
A valuable lesson; never EVER rotate when you're on a high, it ends in tears - especially against my former club. Second string goalkeeper Harutyunyan really ballsed it up from the get go, letting Israelyan's effort before sixty seconds elapsed. The response was hasty, Karasev's replacement Dmitry Pavlov drove one home from the edge of the area while an unmarked Mikaelyan effortlessly tucked in from Ungureanu's cross. Narek Voskanyan (who I nearly brought in previously) unleashed a screamer to restore parity at the break. We went into meltdown thereafter; bunched defending allowed a pass into an unmarked Voskanyan for his second and if it couldn't get any worse for us, one of my signings during my time at Erebuni, Levon Elazyan closed the matter. Such a bitter taste in my mouth.
The fans clearly voiced their displeasure over the result, blaming my naivety but also threw Harutyunyan under the bus too. That at least I can agree with.
#402350 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
BARDZRAGUYN KHUMB
MATCHDAY 1
Winning start, thought it came right at the death. Lethargic match but on balance we deserved what came and Anatoly Borisov finished splendidly in injury time on a breakaway thanks to a defence splitting pass by Arman Malkhasyan at left wing. May be playing him more over Eskedijan if he continues on that trend. Good start.
#402262 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
TRANSFERS
OUT
Couple of fringe players get the snip, including third choice striker Shanin who was a dull breadknife in our utensils. Veteran Czech defender Marek Hanus retired at 37 as our then oldest player at the team.
IN
I had a shortlist of players lined up but for a major spanner in the works clamped that idea in place for the time being, meaning only one player came in under the hood of the transfer window before it slammed shut.
Ararat Asoyan - D(C) - unattached free agent
Adding a bit of sheen to an already substantial defence, ironically named Ararat because we can't seem to beat them...must be a positive sign. Formerly of Pyunik, he's at his apex and well established with a naturally fit physique albeit that little bit sluggish. Top tackler, good heading and his marking & positioning isn't bad either. Also a determined individual to perhaps tutor some bright sparks for the future. A move to suit many aspects.
..and if you were wondering why we weren't delving in for the best of the best.
THIS is why. And what happened with this consortium proposal?
Collapsed in a heap, but according to our current chairman it won't be the end of this little rigmarole.
Yeah, too little too late d*ckhead.
FRIENDLIES
A very encouraging set of results, not to mention a Krasnodar side who played the majority of their main starters. Three other victories against lesser opposition, Borisov grabbing a few.
Major setback losing Karasev to a lengthy spell on the sidelines before the season begins.
SEASON EXPECTATIONS
The board understandably want to see improvements this season, the bare minimum is to make the Europa League without a shadow of a doubt. Semi finals of the cup is doable as long as we avoid the big two (Pyunik/Shirak) at the first hurdle. Nice bit of cash which I barely had access to. Sound.
Bookies predict fourth, so nothing new there. Pyunik and Shirak have nothing between them with outsiders Gandzasar predicted for third. Kotayk are the new kids on the block to scrap it out with Erebuni in the basement. Let's have at it!
#402191 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
___________________________________________
Anatoly Borisov stepped up to the plate in the last quarter of the season to rally home with the player of the season award with over half the vote, the five goals he scored against Alashkert was certainly a highlight. David Ghazaryan's goal wouldn't load and I doubt it was that good anyways so let's relive this monstrous 55 yarder from Borisov when I took a 6-1 hiding with my Erebuni side. Left back Artur Mkrtchyan (that name certainly needs changing...) didn't sign under my reign but took signing of the season in from Gandzasar. Narek Ghazaryan perhaps surprisingly scooped young player of the season from Karasev but his vibrant performances of late, it may be deserved.
Also why the f*ck is Karasev set up as a left back in team of the season?! Garth Crooks in charge of this?
https://streamable.com/7xiyk
Quite the well-rounded year for the Russian born striker, Anatoly Borisov; most goals (12), most assists (7), highest average rating (7.20) AND joint highest red cards (1). Must be some serious водка he's drinking. Central midfielder Narek Ghazaryan was the best passer at 88%, someone I value in this Banants selection. Also, who is this Panosyan guy? Most man of the match awards and barely saw him during games.
#402050 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 28
Penultimate match of the season was flat soda, securing fourth place in the making. That's literally the only description I can come up with for this snoozefest.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Overall a good stint to the end of my Banants takeover, losing only once in nine, winning five of those. Eskedijan, Borisov, Ghazaryan, Mikaelyan and Karasev were instrumental in those three victories, overall looking in peak performance. Let's have more of the same next season.
FINAL LEAGUE TABLE
Devastated that our efforts were in vain, edged out of the European places thanks to Pyunik choking the cup final and handing Ararat a Europa League place ahead of us. Pyunik finished out league winners thanks to a serious collapse by Shirak towards the end, Gandzasar were rampant on the home stretch and picked up third well above us. Shenghavit going down while Erebuni survived in the end.
#402024 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
News emerging of a possible takeover on the brink of the season finale. Potential windfall for next season?
BARDZRAGUYN KHUMB
MATCHDAY 27
The race is well and truly on for Europe, climbing into fourth with a comfortable win over relegated Shenghavit. Not quite the same magic from Borisov on this occasion but up stepped Narek Ghazaryan to take the plaudits. Left winger Eskedijan threaded some beautiful passes for the opening two goals for Ghazaryan blasting in his first into the top corner and Karasev tapping in at the back stick within eight minutes. Borisov did make amends for not scoring by squaring for Ghazaryan's second and the rout was completed shortly into the second half with Narek completing a well earned hat-trick from a Karasev cross. Seventeen shots on target, Shenghavit were lucky to escape with four here.
#402023 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 26
Christ, can we have a game with a little less exhilaration? Quite the day for the returning Anatoly Borisov, back from suspension and back with a bang. An 11 minute hat-trick had us coasting in at half time 3-0 ahead, but he wasn't done there. Karasev crossed in Borisov's fourth to slap more punishment on Alashkert's woeful defending but that's when things turned jittery. Two quick goals by Ohanyan roped them back into it, however momentarily we restored a three goal cushion - Mikaelyan brilliantly assisting for the third time to grab Borisov's fifth goal of the game. The game was far from over, defensively unorganised and in blind panic we conceded two penalties in the last quarter of the game - both were easily dispatched by Arsen Petrosyan to leave a very tense last couple of minutes. Thankfully we didn't hang ourselves with our own noose and a 10/10 performance from Borisov helped us to back to back wins for the first time.
#402022 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 25
A dramatic homecoming, arriving to my old club in showstopping fashion and snatching the points at the very death....with just 9 men! Erebuni tore up the formbook to take an unconventional lead with ten minutes remaining in the first half and despite Yinkibarian's best efforts he couldn't keep out Armen Stepanyan's effort. Before half time we restored parity via an Eskedijan penalty after Shanin was brought down to give us a blueprint on how to play for the second half. Omnishambles is the only way to describe the following half; red cards for both Avetisyan and Esoyan depleted our attacking shape entirely, our third choice striker missed key opportunities and Erebuni were keeping us on the ropes. If there was one moment to jump out of your technical area and sprint in celebration (especially against your former club), it was certainly for Eskedijan's injury time winner. The effort: completely ambitious from 25 yards but deceived Stepanyan in goal to slip underneath him and to win the game. Never write us off!