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**Ed@PSG** · 28-09-2024, 08:10 AM

ROUND 10
Fiorentina 2 – 2 PSG

The game went from bad to worse. We lost TAA to a red card just after the half hour mark, and our misery was compounded 9 minutes later when ex-PSG player and ex-Top gun, Luis_Diaz got the opening goal of the game. We got the chance to restructure our game plan during half time, and came back out ready to have another go. Unfortunately shortly after the restart we suffered another blow, losing Declan Rice to a second red card of the game. We had already taken off a defenfder before the first red card, so at this point we were playing 3-0-0-2-3. Somehow we managed to turn the game around with goals from EBH and Ramos. In hindsdight we ought to have tried to close out the game, but we continued our gung ho approach. It was only a matter of time before we conceded another, and we were finally pegged back in the 90^th minute. I have no doubt that the game would have been a walk in the park had we kept 11 players on the pitch, but suspensions have cost us 2 points here.

ROUND 11
PSG 0 – 0 Rangers

A game dominated by the defenders. Rangers came with a gameplan to keep it tight and defend and they will probably be happier with the result. Both keepers made 5 saves but the visitors were better in the tackle, with the hosts edging the chance count 21 – 14. Overall this was a very disappointing performance.

ROUND 12
Borussia Dortmund 0 – 3 PSG

A return to winning ways with a dominant performance. We rotated through the A P E tactics and got the breakthough in the 22^nd minute when Lacroix got the opener. Haaland added a second before the break, but Ramos put the tie beyond reach as soon as the players came out of the tunnel. Hakimi thought he had added a fourth, only to see it disallowed. Things could have took a turn for the worse when Costa was booked in the 68^th minute. Fortunately the infringement was outside the box, so there was no penalty, and the card was only yellow. Man of the match award went to defender Hakimi, for his 2 tackles, 5 passes, 1 assist and 3 shots, and a disallowed goal. With a shot count of 33-22 the victory was totally deserved

ROUND 13
PSG 2 -3 Real Madrid

The 2 juggernauts of EFL1 went head to head for the first time since the Champions League final, and the visitors had a point to prove. The Parisiens started with tactical advantage, but were dealt a sucker punch from the Spaniards first attack. Raheem Sterlings scored from the first corner of the game. The home team immediately subbed Mbappe on for Lacroix after just 3 minutes. Within 1 minute, Mbabbe had the ball in the back of the net, only for him to be judged offside. The hostscontinuedto probe, and finally got their reward on 26 minutes, with mbappe making no mistake this time. Unfortunately, parity only lasted ten minutes, before a deflected shot from Doku trickled past the PSG keeper. Matters went from bad to worse, when a second deflected shot slipped past Costa. To suffer one deflected goal in a game is rare, but to be end on thre end of two is extremely unlucky. The second half was uneventful until Ramos pulled one back to halve the deficit was 25 minutes to go. The hosts continued to push for an equaliser, but the Madrid defence held firm. Stats-wise the game was even, and a draw would have been a fair result, but unfortunately the points went away with the visitors.

ROUND 14
Sporting Lisbon 2 – 7 PSG

The fans witnessed a masterpiece from the PSG forward, Ramos, who managed a massive 11 shots, scoring another hatrick, and rightly earning the man of the match. The French team raced into a two goal lead inside 11 minutes before Lisbon immediately pulled one back on 12 minutes. The next half an hour belonged to the goalkeepers as thet managed to mop up everything that was thrown at them. Shortly before the break, Ramos got his second and PSG restored their two goal advantage. Immediately after the restart, mbappe added the fourth, before Ramos completed his trio just after the hour mark. The Georgian added a sixth with 5 minutes to go. Lisbon managed to grab a consolation inside injury time and immediately from the kickoff, Vitinha put the fans into seventh heaven, completing the rout. The French visitors managed a massive chance count of 59, which provided the home team with the opportunity to garner some impressive tackling abs. With 42 shots, of which 25 were on target, and 27 passes, this was one of the French clubs biggest abs hauls of the season so far.

ROUND 15
PSG 2 -2 AC Milan

Round 15 saw the visit of Cheyenne Hollis and his over performing AC Milan. Yet another C tactic from the French teams opponents. Haaland managed to get his name on the scoresheet first with a goal on the quarter hour mark. Unfortunately things then took a turn for the worse, with goals from Dybala and Romagnoli putting the Italians in front on the stroke of half time. It didn’t take too long after the restart for Haaland to get his second of the game, and put the tie level, with the brace earning the blonde giant a well deserved man of the match award. The French team continued to prod and probe, but were unable to add to their tally, and had to settle for a share of the spoils. With a chance count of 30-16 the home team were very unlucky not to win the game, but there appears to be a pattern developing whereby despite having one of the strongest defences in the league, the tackle percentage is extremely low for the Parisians, whilst opponents seem to regularly achieve or exceed the predicted 35-40%. Today was a poor day for Costs, conceded 2 goals from only 5 shots faceds.

**Ed@PSG** · 29-09-2024, 03:52 PM

ROUND 16
Atletico Madrid 2 – 2 PSG

The French giants have a very good record against Atletico so were confident going to the game. The Counter Attack was expected from the home team so the visitors set up for Tactical advantage. Eight minutes in, and 2 shots later PSG were 2 down. The game plan went out of the window as the visitors switched to all-out attack. They were quickly rewarded on 16 minutes when Ramos took on 3 players before coolly slotting the ball the home shotstopper. Four minutes later the Georgian got the equaliser and all of a sudden it was all to play for, in what was shaping up to be an exhilarating game. The Parisians continued to go forward in search of the winner, whilst the hosts seemed content to play out the game for a point. With 5 minutes of normal time left, they pulled everyone back behind the ball, and tried to close down the game. After an exciting first 20 minutes the game simply petered out, with both teams only managing 10 shots each throughout the entirety of the game.

ROUND 17
PSG 5 – 0 Feyenoord

Vitinha and Bastoni were rested for this game, with the hosts opting for a four man defence against the EFL strugglers. As expected the visitors played quite a defensive lineup with a sole attacker, presumably hoping to frustrate the Parisians. The plan seemed to be working, but unfortunately, Timber saw red on 21 minutes, and the hosts finally wrestled control of the game, when Ramos fired the ball home from the resulting free kick. The home team were unable to add to their tally before the half time break. On 58 minutes, Ramos bravely threw his head at the ball and got his 20^th of the season, to double the lead. Immediately from the restart, Hakimi added a third, before Vitinha entered the fray. Just after the hour mark thongs went from bad to worse, when Niakhate got his marching orders for a second yellow. As the game edged towards it conclusion, Vitinha got the fourth, questionning the managers decision to start him on the bench. He then followed up with his brace and a nap hand for the hosts. Ramos got the man of the match for his 8 shots and 2 goals, although he was ran very close by attacking midfielder, Vitinha, who also scored two in his cameo appearance.

ROUND 18
Bayern Munich 0 – 2 PSG

For a pleasant change, the Parisians didn’t face the usual 5 man defence C tactic, with the germans opting for a passing approach. Unfortunately the visitors messed up their substitutions, bringing on Lacroix, and playing him as a forward, rather than Mbappe. The mistake may have proved to be costly, with the teams going into the break level. The visitors finally got the breakthrough on 54 minutes when Haaland scored from a spectacular free kick. Vitniha put the tie beyond reach with fifteen to go, scoring his third goal in 2 games. The French team were worthy of the victory, bossing the shot count 18-12. After just missing out from the man of the match award in the previous game, Vitinha made no mistake this time.

ROUND 19
PSG 3 – 1 Roma

The season reached the half way point. PSG hosted the once mighty AS Roma, who were no longer the threat they once were. Roma cam with their usual Passing approach. Roma started the game very lively, prompting a yellow card for Mbappe as early as the first minute. However, it wasn’t long before the Parisians took over, with the next eight attacks, one of which was converted by Ramos from a pinpoint cross for a rejuvenated Vitinha. Mbappe managed to add a second just before the break. The dominance continued after the restart, with Mbappe getting his 2^nd, and appearing to put the tie out of reach. However, Mbappe pushed his took too far, trying to fool the officials with an obvious dive, resulting in a red card, courtesy of a second yellow. Rather than sit back and attempt to close down the game, the home team felt attack was the best form of defence and went onto the front foot. The plan seemed to work, but the French rearguard was finally breached, well into injury time, when a defleted shot trickled past an already committed Costa. Ramos ending up with the man of the match award, which would no doubt have been awarded to Mbappe had it not been for his attempt to con the referee.

ROUND 20
Bayer Leverkusen 0 – 3 PSG

Leverkusen had been on the end of some large beatings this season, and this was probably a factor in their decision to play an extremely defensive game. However, this strategy came unstuck when Haaland opened the scoring with a cheeky lob on 11 minutes. The hosts opened up with a tactical change,making for a more open game. Haaland got his second on 27 minutes, and the Parisians looked to be cruising, heading for the break. Unfortunately, the referee had other ideas, giving Ramos a second yellow shortly before the break. The second half ebbed and flowed, without much really happening. Shortly before the final whistle, Vitniha added a third. At this point, the hosts had suffered enough, and pulled everyone behind the ball and killed off the game.

ROUND 21
PSG 1 – 1 Celtic

The Scotsmen tried something different to previous teams, opting to play route one football. They managed to frustrate the hosts, forcing them to rotate through various tactics, until the Frenchmen got the breakthough from an unlikely source, defender, Saliba. The visitors changed things around, although didn’t really look like scoring. Unfortunately, Costa had a rush of blood to the head, and conceded a penalty, which was converted by Ben Cheddar. The Parisians went in search of a winner, but desite dominating the stats, it proved fruitless, and the game ended all square.

**Ed@PSG** · 08-10-2024, 01:13 PM

ROUND 22
Napoli 1 – 3 PSG

The hosts set up defensively, but the attacking approach of the visitors brought instant rewards when Haaland fired them ahead with the first attack of the game on 3 minutes. On the quarter hour mark the Parisians changed things around a little, gaining tactical advantage with the European tactic. In hindsight, this was potentially a foolish move as the home team managed to grab an equaliser against tactical advantage. However, upon the restart, the Frenchmen immediately restored their advantage, courtesy of a stunning strike from the Georgian. On the half hour mark the visitors completed their “large monkey” tactics and saw out the game to the break. Just before the hour mark, Mbappe made it 3, and gave his team a two goal cushion. There was little further action and the Parisians finished the game as victors, with a 3 – 1 scoreline. The away team were well worth the three points, dominating the stats, and Mbappe just edged the Man of the Match award, despite having similar stats to Haaland

ROUND 23
PSG 1 – 2 Inter Milan

After suffering their first taste of defeat at the hands of Inter Milan earlier in the season, the hosts were keen to exact their revenge today. The Parisians got the early tactical advantage, and bossed the early exchanges, but were unable to convert the chances to goals. It was actually the visitors who drew first blood on the quarter game mark, courtesy of a shot in off the post. The home team continued to press and probe until their goalkeeper foolishly conceded a penalty on 57 minutes. Luckily Costa was able to remain on the pitch, but he was unable to stop the penalty, and the Italians took a 2 goal lead. On 68 minutes the Frenchmen were finally able to convert one of their chances, courtesy of Vitinha, and it was “game on”. Unfortunately the Italian rearguard was resolute, and they were able to see the game out, and claim a double against the Parisians. With almost twice as many shots, and a better strikeforce, this one was a hard pill to swallow. To concede two goals from 6 shots faced is very disappointing, and I hope it isn’t a forewarning of what is to come. We will play Inter Milan in the EFL Cup final, and the Italians will certainly go into that game extremely confident, after having done a league double over us.

ROUND 24
Lazio 1 – 2 PSG

Expecting the usual Counter attack that they seem to face most games, the visitors opted for tactical advantage with an often unreliable E tactic. After an uneventful first quarter hour, the Frenchmen continued to rotate their APE variant. The hosts took the lead on 24 minutes, courtesy of Harvey Elliot. Surprisingly the Italians then went into attack mode, buoyed on by their breakthough. Unfortunately their lead lasted a mere 6 minutes before the Georgian restored parity. The teams went into the dressing room level at the break. The Parisians continued to switch through their tactics in search of a winner, and were finally rewarded on 73, when Ramos got his name on the scoresheet. This proved to be the winner, with the visitors winning the game two goals to one. Looking at the stats, PSG were worthy winners with an 18-8 shot count, and the Georgian took home the man of the match champagne.

ROUND 25
PSG 6 – 2 Barcelona

There was some uncertainly about who selected the team for this game. The manager, Sam Bradwell, claimed it was a random sheet, but the FFO hierarchy confirmed that a teamsheet was in fact submitted. Presumably the Spanish manager wanted to dis-associate himself from such a feeble performance. The visitors looked like they were opting for the direct approach playing hoofball. It didn’t take long for the hosts to take the lead. Mbappe got his twentieth of the season on 6 minutes with a scorcher. The fans didn’t have to wait too long for their team to double their lead, courtesy of Haaland, just a minute later. The game seemed to quieten down a little at this point, with the fans having to wait a full half hour for the third goal, a cheeky lob from Vitinha. By this point, the Parisians were started to take things for granted, and a brief lapse in concentration let in veteran, Lewandowski, who managed to give the visitors a glimmer of hope before the break. The teams came back out after the break, and the Frenchmen continued to probe and just after the hour mark, Mbappe got his 2^nd of the game to restore the three goal advantage. Not to be outdone, shortly afterwards, Haaland also got his second of the game, and 25^th of the season, when his ferocious shot slipped through the hands of the Spanish shotstopper. The visitors managed to grab a consolation just before full time when Ake managed to lob the home keeper. However, that wasn’t the end to the action, when Ramos made it super six in injury time. It was a close call between Mbappe and Haaland for the man of the match award, with both players scoring a brace. However, the accolade ultimately went to the French man courtesy of his 10 shots. This will be a game that Sam Bradwell will wish to forget – not many teams will manage a 10-3 aggregate scoreline over the 2 league games. This game was a complete domination from the home team, with a 31-9 shot count. The only worrying aspect was the fact that the keeper continues to be inconsistent conceding 2 goals from 5 shots faced. If the goals dry up, the French team will experience issues if they cannot sort out their shots:goals conceded ratio.

October word count so far 964

**Ed@PSG** · 09-10-2024, 12:59 PM

ROUND 26
Sevilla 1 – 1 PSG

Sevilla are so predictable with their tactics – start L and switch to C when 1 down. Rather than start with the obvious passing tactics, the Parisians continued their attacking style. They didn’t have to wait long for some action, with TAA lobbing the Sevilla keeper on 7 minutes. Unfortunately it was disallowed for a dubious handball, seen by no one else other than the referee. Undeterrred by this, the visitors continued their onslaught, and 6 minutes later they finally got another breakthrough, when Haaland launched a scorcher. It was too hot to handle for the hosts goalkeeper, and he dropped the ball into his own net. Inexplicably, the referee continued to show his allegiance to the home team by disallowing a second valid goal. It was clear that this was going to be a very questionable performance from the man in black, and the Parisians were going to be extremely lucky if they were to take anything at all from this game. It was becoming clear how the Sevilla team were managing to defy all the pundits with their CL placings. The visitors had the ball in the back of the net for a third time on 26 minutes, and this time the man in the middle was unable to find any reason to disallow the goal, and had to let it stand. As expected, the hosts then changed things around and started to play a counter attack, so the French team also changed accordingly to maintain tactical advantage. The officials continued to favour the home team, giving dubious corners and freekicks, whilst the visitors carried on their attack, hitting the woodwork twice shortly before the break. However, shortly after the break, the officials finally got what they were perhaps being paid to do, and the referee had no hesitation awarding a goal as the ball hit the post and came back out. The black cheetah (sic) claimed the ball somehow went over the line. It was clear to the Parisians they were not going to win this game, so they concentrated on not conceding further, and the game got extremely scrappy with foul after foul and card and after card. PSG completely bossed the stats and can feel extremely hard doe to, to only get one goal from 22 shots (or should that be 3 goals from 22 shots).

ROUND 27
PSG 9 – 2 Monaco

After the debacle away at Sevilla, the french were keen to get back to winning ways with a home tie against the French team that is not really French aka the imposters. As appears to be the norm this season, the imposters set up to counter and catch the hosts on the break. The home team continued their attacking style despite coming unstuck in recent games. Many fans missed the first goal as they were still filtering into the stadium. The kickoff was passed back to the Monegasque keeper, who clearly wasn’t expecting it. Reminiscent of John Hendries goal against Peter Schmeichel, the keeper sliced the ball into the path of a hopeful Lacroix, who made no mistake in the first minute. The pressure from the hosts was relentless, with Ramos getting his 25^th of the season on 7 minutes. The Monegasque manager then changed things around, thinking he could go toe to toe with the French juggernauts. After being allowed to venture up into the AM position, versatile defender TAA got the teams third on 12. After seeing TAA get his reward for moving up the pitch, fellow defender, Hakimi wanted a go, so crept into a defensive mid position. Unfortunately he left a gaping hole, and the Monacans were able to take advantage, getting a foothold back in the game on the quarter hour mark. Four goals and we were only a quarter hour into the game. Hakimi was rightly ordered to retake his position in the back line. Mbappe managed to restore the 3 goal lead on 22 minutes, and again Hakimi snuck into the midfield. And again, the team was punished, with the visitors pulling back a second shortly before the break. On 52 minutes, Lacroix got his second of the game, and again Hakimi ignored his manager, and repositioned himself in front of the back line. We had to wait another quarter hour for the next goal, with Mbappe getting his second of the game. Sensing the game was in the bag, Hakimi continued to press forward at every opportunity and he finally got his reward on 67 minutes. The crowd went wild and the team was in seventh heaven. Hakimi was having the game of his life, and it wasn’t about to stop. After a scary few minutes during a VAR check, he was awarded his second goal of the game, and the first brace of his career. Vitinha completed the rout with the last action of the game, to make it nine. Yes, nine. Mbappe was awarded the man of the match by the sponsors for his 2 goals, 9 shots, and 6 passes, but everyone left the ground knowing that the real hero of the hour was Hakimi.

ROUND 28
Juventus 1 - 0

Round 28 saw the Parisians visit the current league leaders, Juventus. Still on cloud nine, after their 9-2 mauling of the Imposters, the visitors elected to continue their attacking style. The manager had already accepted that they were no longer in the title race and was just happy to please the home fans to some entertaining football, after having to witness the meanest defence in EFL 1 playing their boring but effective style. The game took some time to get going with very little happening in the first half hour. However, the breakthrough came on the half hour mark, when ex-parisian ESR got the opening goal. Just like they did in the game in France, the Italians pulled everyone back behind the ball and battened down the hatches. Shortly after the break, the Georgian came on in place of Declan Rice, and the visitors formed two banks of five as they searched for an equaliser. It was wave after wave of attack, but the Juventus keeper had a blinder, saving everything that was thrown at him. The home team managed to see out the victory, and achieve a rare double over their opponents. The stats suggest a dominant performance from the visitors, but the hosts won the stat that really matters. As expected, the Juventus goalkeeper was awarded man of the match, and the Italians remained top of the table.

October wordcount 2054. job done

**Ed@PSG** · 27-11-2024, 11:11 PM

ROUND 29
PSG 1 - 3 Fiorentina

Round 29 saw the French giants host Italian club, Fiorentina, managed by Neil Kirby. The club were hoping to go one better than the away game earlier in the season, when the club threw away a lead after suffering 2 red cards. The Parisians guessed correctly, expecting a strong counter attack, and set up with tactical advantage. However, this counted for nothing, with the visitors converting from their first attack. They then attempted to park the proverbial bus, with a tactical change. Against the run of play, the Italians scored from their second attack of the game, to open up a two goal lead. The hosts continued to press, but it clearly wasn’t their night, when they found themselves trailing by 3 goals within 20 minutes. To further compound their misery, Haaland had a valid goal ruled offside just after the half hour mark, and the hosts went into the break trailing by three. Haaland finally got his name on the scoresheet and gave his team a lifeline on 68 minutes, but it proved to be too little too late, with the Parisians being unable to add to their tally. The result was a complete travesty, with the weaker Italians scoring 3 from 4 shots on target, whilst the hosts put in a very poor performance.

ROUND 30
Rangers 1 – 5 PSG

Round 30 saw the Parisians visit the blue side of Glasgow. After only 4 minutes the PSG keeper brought down Kean inside the box, and the referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot, before reaching to his pocket.Would it be yellow or red? Fortunately for him the man in the middle was feeling generous and brandished a yellow card. Hlozkek made no mistake, and sent the ball flying into the top corner. On the quarter hour mark, the visitors threw caution to the wind, and within 5 minutes, they were level, courtesy of an own goal. Just two minutes later, the turnaround was achieved when Lacroix put the French men in front. Haaland added a third three minutes later. A further 2 goals in 2 minutes shortly after the break from the Georgian and Ramos completed with the rout with 5 goals in 30 minutes. Despite continuing to probe, the visitors here unable to add to the five, but ran out comfortable winners. The viditors had 5 different goal scorers, but it was Haaland that was awarded with the Man of the match award. The game stats appeared to be quite even, but on this occasion, the quality shone through.

ROUND 31
PSG 2 - 0 Borussia Dortmund

Round 31 saw the french giants host the german club, Borussia Dortmund, managed by Niall Grimes. The fans were expecting a reaction after the previous home defeat at the hands of Italian club, Fiorentia. When the visitors lined up with a Normal tactic, the fans were visibly expectant of a mauling. And it didnt take long. Their first attack saw Halland fire a warning shot just over the bar, but in the following minute, Ramos made no mistake, slotting the ball in off the post. Bouyed by their lead, the parisians switched to an attacking formation on the quarter hour mark, and just before the game was a thirds of the way through, Haaland made up for his earlier misses, nutmegging the Dortmund keeper. The hosts continued to press and probe but were unable to add to their tally before the break. On the hour mark, the germans switched to route 1, and it seemed to kill the momentum of the game, with no further goals. The home team were very easteful with their chances, converting only 2 of their 25 shots, which was nowhere near their typical 7 shots per goal ratio. Fortunately Dortmund had very little to offer, not even managing a single shot on target, and it ended a dominant 2-0 victory. It was a toss up between the two goal scorers for the Man of the match reward, but it was awarded to Ramos, simply because he won the shot count 7-6. The next game will see the Parisians visit the runaway leaders, Real Madrid, where they will hope to revenge their earlier home defeat.

ROUND 32
Real Madrid 0 – 2 PSG

Round 32 saw the French club visit league leaders, and reigning champions, Real Madrid. The visitors were hoping to avenge an underserved home defeat in round 13. Vitinha was rested, but the Parisians played an extremely attacking formation. The game was nip and tuck, before Mbappe leapt like a salmon to put the visitors in front on 28 minutes. Sensing a change in tactics from the hosts, PSG were ready, and made their own changes to gain tactical advantage. The game continued to be pretty even, but scorer mbappe received his marching orders on 55 minutes courtesy of a second yellow card. Rather than try and protect their lead, the visitors continued to press for a second goal, and when the Georgian unleashed a power driver on the hour mark, it looked like it happened. However, a late flag from the linesman cancelled out the goal. On 65 minutes, defensive midfield, Declan Rice, was replaced by Vitinha, as the visitors tries to increase the pressure. The Parisians finally got their second goal om 72, thanks to Haaland, before managing to see out the game, and keep a clean sheet in the process. The man of the match award was surprisingly given to defender, Guehi. The game stats suggested a very even game, and the visitors were perhaps lucky to get the win, but the same could be said about the return leg earlier in the season.

ROUND 33
PSG 6 – 1 Sporting Lisbon
It was the turn of the Champions League group whipping boys to visit Paris. The hosts abandoned their usual attacking style, and adopted a more open European approach. Despite attack after attack, the visitors held their own, and it wasn’t until the 14^th minute that the hosts got the breakthrough, courtesy of an opening goal for defender, Hakimi. Surprisingly, both teams then went on the attack. On 21 minutes, Haaland got his 30^th goal of the season, and the clubs second of the game. The hosts continued to push for a third, but had to settle for a two goal lead at the break. We had two goals in one minute shortly after the break. First Declan Rice put the hosts three up, before the parisian goalkeeper brought gave away a penalty which was converted by Nunez. The Frenchmen continued to press but had to wait another twenty minutes before Bastoni though he had got the 5^th goal of the game, but it was ruled out following a foul. However, in the following minute there was no mistake, when the Georgian scored when the ball came down off the crossbar. With 10 minutes to go, the Georgian got his second of the game, whilst Haaland got his second, and the teams 6^th bang on 90 minutes. It was a very dominant performance, with 33 shots to the home team. Haaland was awarded the man of the match award for his brace.

**Ed@PSG** · 29-11-2024, 12:02 PM

ROUND 34
AC Milan 1 – 3 PSG

Round 34 saw the French side travel to Italy, to play AC Milan under the stewardship of Cheyenne Hollis. The first half was even but uneventful as the away side flip flopped between tactics trying to catch a break. Both goalkeepers appeared to be on top form as the game passed the hour mark still goalless. However, the game sprang into life when Haaland broke the offside trap and lobbed the Milanese keeper. This prompted a tactical change from the home team, and the game finally opened up. It took just a further 3 minutes for Haaland to get his second, and give the visitors some breathing space. However, the Italians were given a lifeline on 80, when Hernandez pulled a goal back. Both teams continued to slug it out like heavyweight boxers looking for the knockout. In the final minutes the ball nestled in the back of the net, and it was the PSG attacking midfielder, Vitinha, who put the tie out of reach. Haaland was deservedly awarded the man of the match award for his brace.

ROUND 35
PSG 2 – 0 Atletico Madrid

Round 35 saw the visit of Spanish team Atletico Madrid, managed by Simon Marsh. Despite bring a strong team, this tie rarely results in a defeat for the Parisians. I t was therefore no surprise to see the visitors line up with a cowardly defensive combination of 5 defenders and 2 defensive mids protecting them. Whether of not they had come to play for a point, or they intended to open up later in the game would presumably become apparent. One thing was clear – it was likely to one way traffic, and the result would depend how clinical the hosts were. The home team were dominant, with wave after wave of attacks, but the Madrid defence held firm, and the teams went in level at the half way point. However, something had to give, and shortly after the restart, Sessegnon pulled back an advancing Saliba. This was one misdemeanour too many for the many in black, and he had no alternative but to issue a second yellow card. It didn’t take long for the home team to utilise the man advantage, with Declan Rice breaking the deadlock just before the hour mark. The visitors finally changed from the pussy tactic, but it would ultimately prove to be too little too late. The hosts continued to dominate, with Haaland sealing the victory just before the 90 minutes were up. The chants of “Can we pay you every week” were so loud, it was difficult to hear the referee blow for full time on 93 minutes. Parisian defender, Saliba, was surprisingly awarded the man of the match, despite the French defence having extremely little to do throughout the match.

ROUND 36
Feyenoord 1 – 7 PSG

Round 36 saw the French giants travel to Feyenoord, one of the leagues weaker teams, and likely relegation candidates. For the second game in succession the French team had to contend with a very defensive setup. However, the hosts had the best of the first few minutes, but once the Frenchmen settled into their stride it was one way traffic, and surely only a matter of time before they put the ball into the back of the net. It came courtesy of Ramos, who finally broke his barren spell on 21 minutes. The visitors continued to push for a second, and the Georgian was on hand just after the half hour mark, to give his team some breathing space. Five minutes before the break, Ramos got his second of tie, and surely put the tie out of reach, as the Parisians looked to go into the dressing room 3 goals to the good. However, the PSG keeper flapped at a corner, just before the break, and Goncalves was on hand to give the home team a brief glimmer of hope. However, now looking for his hat trick, Ramos came out of the tunnel hungry for more, and soon chipped the keeper to get his 3^rd. Not used to being out of the limelight, this caused Haaland to up his game, and he finally got on the scoresheet on 51 minutes. Saliba got the teams sixth on 74 minutes, before Haaland got his second of the game, and put the team in seventh heaven. Ramos was rightly given the man of the match award to accompany the match ball.

ROUND 37
PSG 3 – 0 Bayern Munich

Round 37 saw the visit of a youthful Munich team, under the stewardship of Jonathan Banks. With the title now out of reach, the hosts decided to try something different, and set up with a back 3, and Haaland nowhere to be seen, presumably being rested for the upcoming Champions league final. With Mbappe walking a suspension tightrope, the PSG manager, Simon Clark, Was clearly making sure he wasn’t going to be missing 2 forwards for their most important game of the season. The weakened side were still way too strong for their visitors, and they took the lead with their first attack. The Parisians cycled through various tactics but were unable to add to their tally before the break. Vitinha got a second, before the Georgian settled the tie with a third on 80 minutes. Hakimi was awareded the man of the match award for a solid defensive performance, with a goal being the cherry on the top.

November wordcount : 2000+

**Ed@PSG** · 26-01-2025, 12:50 AM

SEASON 5

Round 1

Sporting Lisbon 1 - 0 PSG

After thrashing the hosts 4 times last season, we were expecting more of the same, but the ESMS gods were simply not on our side this round. We matched the home team in terms of shots, and you would expect the best FWs in FFO to score more against a weaker GK, than poor FWs would score against the best GK in FFO. Unfortunately, this was probably that 1 game in 20 that bucked the trend. Wont be the last time this happens this season, but at least we matched the result of the champions, and a few other big teams appeared to struggle.

xSH 12.89 : 17.12 (14 : 14)
xG 1.20 : 2.44 (1 : 0)

Round 2

PSG 4 - 4 Roma

We hosted fallen giants Roma, who were the shadow of them former selves under the stewardship of Hamza Siddiq. Surprisingly we were gifted Tactical advantage by our visitors, so a convincing win was expected when we saw the lineups. However, as is usually the case, the ESMS gods had other ideas, with the Italians going in front aas early as the 4th minute. EBH pulled us back level, but Roam were in front again shortly before the half hour mark, exceeding their xG for the game with less than a third gone. 3 goals without reply put us comfortably in front on 72 minutes. We well on top and with a superior keeper and far better forward, the victory should have been a formality. However, as previously stated,the ESMS gods,not for the first time this season,had other ideas, gifting the visitors 2 late goals and a totally underserved draw.
I have said on numerous times i would prefer a 4-4 draw than a 1-0 with 10 shots,so i got what i wanted. I am happy with the abs haul,and for Fati to hit 24. The plan is for him to be captain for the 2nd half of the season,giving us a front line of 25-25-25, and at 35 abs a game,this should be easily achievable.

Good game Hamza

xSH 29.02 : 13.62 (35 : 16)
xG 4.44 : 1.46 (4 : 4)

Round 3

PSG 7 - 5 Celtic

The frenchmen went into the game still in search of their first win of the season, against scottish team, Glasgow Celtic. It was the defender, Hakimi's turn to sit this one out as the hosts continued the policy of rotation, whilst maintaining their regular tactical combination. The home team scored with their first attack of the game and things were looking good for PSG. However, as seems to be too much of a regular occurrence this season, the lead didnt last very long, with the french teams keeper getting nutmegged fron the first shot he faced. However EBH restored the leads 2 minutes later before Vitnha provided a 2 goal cushion on 18 minutes. The visitors adopted a more attacking approach, and found themselves level just after the halfway mark. Psg had surrendered a 2 goal lead at home for the 2nd game running - the fans were not happy. EBH got his second of the game just before the break, giving the hosts something to protect in the 2nd half. The game continued to ebb and flow, with the hosts going 2 clear again, before being pegged back yet again to 5-5, surrendering a 2 goal lead yet again. Two late goals finally secured the tie, and the first win of the season for the Parisians. Whilst it is great to score 7 goals, conceding 5 goals at home is a major worry for the french team. That is now 9 goals conceded in the clubs first 2 home games of the season, and Costa is now the only keeper in EFL1 with total negative abs over the first 3 games.

Round 4

Rangers 2 - 5 PSG

Round 4 saw the parisians visit the blue side of Glasgow.The home team had the better of the early exchanges, but it was the visitors who scored first, through club talisman, EB Haaland. An immediate change to the European tactic would appear to give PSG the edge, but a on their next attack, weetabix hands managed to tip a shot onto the post before it came back and hit him on the head before deflecting into the net, to level things up. However, three quick goals in 6 minutes appeared to put the tie beyond reach, and TAA was allowed to venture into the AM spot, leaving the visitors playing a very attacking 40033A. Just after the half hour mark, TAA got his reward, and the fifth for the visitors. The frenchmen went in at the break 4 goals to the good. On the hour mark Hakimi was brought off to give a squaddie some valuable minutes, and it soon became apparent that 3 defenders and a squaddie wasnt that strong against home and tactical advantage, and the hosts pulled back a goal to make it 2-5. However, the visitors eased back on the attack and EBH was taken off to give another squaddie some valuable minutes. There were no further goals. Despite getting a brace, EBH was disappointed not to get the man of the match award, which surprisingly went to the Georgian, despite not even getting on the scoresheet. Ramos and Ansu Fati also got on the scoresheet.

Round 5

PSG 5 - 2 Bayer Leverkusen

The frenchmen were looking for their 3rd consecutive league win at home to german outfit, Bayer Leverkusen, who would appear to be under caretaker stewardship. Just like Mick the Miller, the double derby winner, the hosts flew out of the traps. Ramos was denied in the first minute, but the Georgian made no mistake in the second minute. The parisians seemed to shoot at will but the leverkusen goalkeeper was equal to everything thrown at him,and the teams went in at the break with the score at 1-0. Shortly after the restart, PSG were awarded a well deserved penalty kick, which was duly converted by Ramos, who had taken over spot kick duties from EBH. Five minutes later, TAA broke the offside trap, and got his 2nd in two games, making it 3-0 on the night. Shortly after the hour mark the visitors were given a lifeline, However, on 73, defender Bastoni restored the 3 goal margin and put the tie out of reach. TAA continued to venture up the pitch, and was caught out of position, allowed the germans to close the gap again. However, it was too little, too late, and just before full time, EBH completed the nap hand. Ramos was awarded the man of the match award, but it could easily have gone to any of the other 4 goalscorers. The frenchmen move onto 10 points for the season, and get to that imortant 2ppg average that typically puts you in the hunt at the business end of the season.

Round 6

Marseille 1 - 2 PSG

Round 6 saw the Parisians make the small trip to fellow french club Marseille, who were currently above them in the table in an unexpected second place, under the stewardship of James Bucknall.
The hosts set up with tactical advantage but they were subject to an onslaught from the off, not managing to touch the ball in the first 10 minutes of the game. They finally managed to get shot off on 11 minutes, but that was their only foray into their opponents half inside the first 20 minutes.The breakthrough finally game on 19 minutes, and it was a surprise that the hosts had kept the visitors at bay for so long. The home team finally managed to get a foothold into the game as half time approached, The opening exchanges of the 2nd half were even until PSG got their seond in the game on 53, courtesy of Ansu_Fati. The visitors then appeared to take their foot off the gas, and it appeared they were happy to settle for a 2 goal victory and their first clean sheet of the season. As the board was held up showing 6 added minutes the stadium was already half empty, but deep deep into stoppage time, Guler managed to score a scrappy goal after the ball rebounded to him off the post, allowing him to tap the ball home. Could the hosts actually get a totally undeserved equaliser? It certainly wasnt the end of the game, with the hosts managing to get another shot on target, and a corner, but the visitors managed to hold on for a thoroughly deserved win. Win 2 goals from 29 shots, this was the parisians worst conversion rate since the opening day, and with 15 shots of their own, Marseille were unlucky not to get an undeserved draw. D_Costa continues to be the achillees heal, and is clearly the worst performing keeper in EFL1. It is understood the management are beginning to lose patience, and if the keeper doesnt keep a clean sheet very soon, he could find himself looking for a new club. Ansu_fati was given the man of the match champagne for scoring what appeared to be the winning goal, following the EBH opener. EBH is now the leagues joint top scorer with 8 from 7 games, and the club move up into 2nd on goal difference. Elsewhere, current champions, Real Madrid, continue to stutter, and Juventus suffer their third consecutive defeat.

ROUND 7

Round 7 saw the visit of Spanish team, Barcelona, under the stewardship of Argentinian manager, Mati Finkelstein. Both teams were on 13 points before the game, having both won 4 games and drawn 1 game from the opening 6, with French team ahead on goal difference. Historically, the French team have found Finkelstein to be a bogey manager, having suffered their first ever Champions League Final defeat, when managing AC Milan, and ever since then, has also seemed to have been fortunate in the encounters.
The hosts drew first blood in the 6^th minute, courtesy of Vitinha. The visitors immediately dropped their counter attack approach and switched to a more attacking one. They were rewarded on 20 minutes with an equaliser, courtesy of Kyle Walker. The visitors then reverted back to counter, apparently happy to take a point back to Spain. The teams went into the break all square. On 62 the Spaniards took a shock lead through a dubious refereeing decision, and then opted to park the proverbial bus. From that point, as expected, it was one way traffic, but it looked like the visitors were going to walk away with a totally undeserved victory. Finally, with five minutes remaining the hosts got their leveller thanks to a lob from defender, Hakimi. The bus didn’t move, and Barcelona were content to play out the remainder of the game without incident.
Yet again, the keeper has let his PSG teammates down, conceding 2 goals from just6 4 shots faced, and his inclusion is starting to be seriously questioned. He is, without question, the worst performing keeper in both top tiers, performing worse than keepers 2 ratings worse. With a 18-6 shot count the hosts can consider themselves extremely unlucky, and the ESMS gods seem to have decided early that this will not be a successful season, after also suffering a similar fate in the Champions League games. The team drops down to 4^th place, with Barcelona now 5^th, both 2 point brhind surprise leaders, Fiorentina, who appear to be scoring for fun, having scored the same number of goals as PSG – 25, but they appear to have a keeper worthy of playing in the top tier. Elsewhere, both Juventus and Real Madrid enjoyed convincing wins, and closed the gap. Next up for the Frenchmen is a visit to Atletico Madrid, managed by Simon Marsh. Marsh has historically struggled against his namesake, Clark but will no doubt fancy his chances this time around with the French team unable to keep a clean sheet this season, conceding at least 2 goals in 8 of their 9 games.

January wordcount : 2015 words

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