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18/04/2025 Friday League Round 27
21/04/2025 Monday League Round 28
23/04/2025 Wednesday European Cups SF Leg 1
25/04/2025 Friday League Round 29
28/04/2025 Monday League Round 30
30/04/2025 Wednesday European Cups SF Leg 2
Delighted to make it 5 cup finals in 5 years, the only person to get to a final in every season of FFO since the reboot.
But on the game we did a little bit more than City, who did have 2 players missing, one Harry Kane which weakened their fire power a bit. We was at full strength for this one having missed 3 players against City in league game R20, so a bit roles reversed.
The goals came later one, we scored on the hour mark and City levelled 17 minutes later. We tried to shut the stable doors but it didn't work. We had to wait for extra time for the decider, our star boy Gavi settled the game. We actually didn't have our shooting boots on by standard, a poor amount of shots on target but otherwise we did control big parts of the tie, keeping City's defence very active and busy.
We face Palace who've had an upturn under Rob since he returned, one of the teams in the chase for Zebast on loan next season, so we know it'll be a tough final and we will have to be on our A game.
Well, when the draw came out I asked on Discord whether anyone had A_Pardew available, and the similarities to 1990 burn bright in this one - a 4-3 victory over Liverpool and a final against Manchester United - although let's hope we can end this with a different outcome than we did 35 years ago!
To the game itself, we knew Liverpool had players out, and we set up in a way hoping that we would at least be able to have the better of the game with some early subs in the second half. As it happened, it didn't pan out at all like I expected, scoring two goals in the first two minutes and being 3-0 up after 20 minutes. We got to half time with the clean sheet intact, but while we've managed to score plenty of goals lately, we have been leaking them too. There was a mad period where Liverpool scored three in eight minutes, but thankfully Rutter got his second and our fourth in amongst them, and the D tactic with twenty minutes to go got us over the line.
Clearly I'm delighted to get into a final with the club I support in my first season back in the game after many years away, and it could potentially be two finals if we can get the better of Roma home and away. A word on Livi though, and I mentioned it when we faced them in the league, one of the great men of FFO and it's bittersweet we get to the final at your expense. A touch of class wishing us well before the semi final, and I'm just sorry you didn't get full crack at this game with your suspended players available (as long as we had Gosens available too!). I'm sure you'll get your revenge in the league as we chase the CL places. Up against another fine fellow and excellent manager in Steve at United for the final, but a lot of league football to be played before we can really focus on that one.
Again, commiserations Livi, and best of luck for the rest of the season.
No excuses from us - Palace started like an express train and blew us away and there was no way back despite our best efforts. Disappointing for us as it was our last chance to try and salvage something from the season but I'm pleased for Rob who is a top bloke/manager and deserves his place in the final and a chance to grab some silverware.
Two good guys in the final - may the best man win.
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