Just A Few Things: JDT Vs. PKNS

JDT’s Dominance Stops A Surgent PKNS Side

This was a chance for PKNS to show that they are in it to be genuine contenders for the Super League title, although the task at hand was extremely difficult considering their opponent’s impressive home record. A draw would’ve been perfect. However, JDT bounced back from their AFC Cup disappointment with style and commanded the entirety of the match.

While two of JDT’s goals were from PKNS’ own undoing where the defence failed to close in on Gonzalo Cabrera prior to the first goal and no one saw Safawi Rasid coming from the left-wing before he curled in a beauty, it’s what JDT deserved. PKNS just failed to get it going and could not muster a dangerous reply.

Two Missing Players Would’ve Helped PKNS

One has to wonder what would’ve happened if PKNS had two players at their disposal for this match. Mahali Jasuli unfortunately had to miss this match due to a gentlemen’s agreement between the clubs. But he has been such a revelation for the Red Ants in his newfound role on the right-wing. His pace and physique would’ve helped PKNS get a better grip on the match and also had a better match-up against La’vere Corbin Ong compared to the ineffective Khyril Muhymeen.

While Rodney Celvin had been capturing some attention with a consistent great defensive performance, an opponent of JDT’s caliber proved to be too much of an ask. He and Azmizi Azmi just failed to stabilize the defence in this match. This is where the experience and leadership of Zac Anderson would’ve helped tremendously in dealing with such threatening attacks. Zac can guide the 21-year old Rodney on how to cope with the pressure and also keep it tidy at the back. The sooner Zac can come back, the better for PKNS.

No Repeat Of A Physical Matchup By PKNS

PKNS went very physical dealing Perak last week by going body-to-body and going in for strong challenges in order to disrupt Perak’s tempo and their flow of play (Along with a little luck) last week and it nearly paid off until the end.

It would been great had they repeat that performance to stagger JDT, but for some reason they fail to do so and let JDT run all over them. Keep in mind that this is nearly the same side that caused Perak frustrating headaches and the chance to trouble the Southern Tigers was not taken.

JDT’s Wingers The Shining Lights

After tonight, more credit should be given where it’s due to Gonzalo Cabrera. One of JDT’s players last season with 19 goals, he picked up where he left off. He showed precise running and dribbling that troubled the PKNS defence that rewarded him with two goals, albeit one of them was a deflected free-kick.

Safawi meanwhile has been getting more dangerous as the season goes on. His deliveries are more precise where one of his corners would’ve lead to a goal had Hariss Harun pulled the trigger a second earlier and he took full advantage of the space afforded to him by curling into the far top corner that gave Shahril Shaari no chance of saving. He is growing more in confidence. He and Cabrera will give Raul Longhi to think about if they keep a consistent form when Harry Novillo comes in soon.

What’s Safiq Rahim’s Status?

As usual, a midfield trio lead by captain Natxo Insa tonight controlled the center of the park with relatively ease. But all this was mostly done without mainstay Safiq Rahim. After the debacle at Jakarta, perhaps Safiq was expected to return to the starting line-up, but Longhi kept faith on Nazmi Faiz and he did his job well by dictating the attacks.

But a red-card worthy challenge by Romel Morales saw Nazmi’s night over with Safiq replacing him to clean up for the final 10 minutes. Still, Safiq has to wonder what would he have to do to get his place back.