This might be the best promotion story I've had as an FM player
I finished the season with Sunderland about 30 minutes ago and my hands are still shaking. The number of miracles that I needed for this to happen was astounding. By gameweek 29, I was 14th in the table, 15 points off 6th place Middlesbrough, with 3 wins in the last 3 months. Only after a disgusting 1-1 draw against Hull City did I decide to change my tactics, fearing for the safety of my job. Never in a million years did I expect that I would end up in the playoff spots, especially in the way that I pulled it off.
Table after a 1-1 draw against Hull
What followed after that Hull City match was the first of many miracles.
I only expected to have an outside chance of making the playoffs, with the top 6 teams pulling away. In gameweek 42, Sunderland played Leeds at Elland Road. Going into that match, I was 7th with 64 points, while Leeds were 6th with 74 points. A dominant display led to a 1-0 win. The only way I could have made the playoffs, would have been a generational collapse from Leeds, who were up 7 points with 5 matches remaining (game in hand).
They won 1 out of their last 5 matches
I've genuinely never seen anything like their collapse from gameweek 42 to 45. Heading into the final gameweek, I was 1 point behind them on 77 points, where I played 7th placed Sheffield Wednesday, out of playoff contention. Leeds were playing a Southampton side who had already secured a playoffs spot.
Leeds needed a win to make it into the playoffs. Thankfully I scored first, eventually winning the match 6-1. I was appalled when Leeds took the lead in the 65th minute thanks to an Archie Grey goal, but physically cheered when Southampton had equalised due to an own goal in the 81th minute own goal. This enjoyment was shortlived, as Leeds took the lead in the 84th minute, leading me to believe all hope was lost. Then, the third miracle struck, a 93th minute equaliser from Adam Armstrong propelled me in 6th even before my game had ended. With this, I had made the playoffs.
My playoff semifinal was "largely uneventful", with a 3-2 win at home, before a 5-5 thriller at Ipswich, culminating in an extra timer winner by Jack Clarke. I would call this a minor miracle.
Then comes the playoff final against the very same Southampton side that brought me to the final. Within 10 minutes, Ndoye picked up a harsh red card (not a red by the way). I was utterly devastated. Next highlight, a goal kick by Badia, my keeper. He hooved it long straight to Elis, where the Southampton defender missed the interception and he scored off the chance. Smooth sailing? Nope. Armstrong equaled the scoring by half-time.
5 minutes into the second half, Sulemana scored. Southampton were up 2-1 with a numbers advantage. Hope was not lost though. A 73rd minute screamer by Jack Clarke off a corner made it 2-2. Into extra time we go. 111th minute, Luke O'Nien, who I had been trying to sell since the start of the season rocketed the ball into the net from 20 yards out. Best part was, Badia faced 37 shots, saved 12 of them, AND prevented 4.62 xg. Player of the match and instant cult hero for an emergency signing brought in in January. This was the final miracle.
Thank you for listening to my TED talk. Would like to give some special shoutouts to the players who've helped me along the way. Firstly, Jack Clarke for being essential in the run leading to the final, thank you for your service. Next, Badia and Ndoye who were brought in as emergency signings in January, played crucial roles (as seen in the final) in securing promotion. Pembele, who went from not playing the first 10 matches of the season to being the most consistent player on my team. And finally, Adam Armstrong, for making all of it possible 🙇♂️🙇♂️🙇♂️. What a run, here's to not getting relegated next season.
