Just A Few Things: KL Vs. PKNS
Credits: KL Hawks
Both Teams Put Up A Decent Show
On paper, it was match that won’t get many neutral fans to watch. However, these teams gave a good showing and made the effort in PKNS though, particularly Romel Morales, will rue the few chances they spurned before KL’s opening goal where Paulo Josue’s long free-kick by the right-wing went all the way in. Though in Shahril Shaari’s defense, he was expecting a player to get a touch.
PKNS though hit back and got the equalizer, only for KL to retake the lead immediately after questionable defending thanks to Guilherme De Paula bundling the ball in, all happening in a minute before half-time. PKNS huffed and puffed to get the second equalizer, although KL looked threatening during the counter-attack. The match itself has a nice, decent pace and tempo. It may not be that exciting, but overall, it was a good game of football.
KL’s System Forces PKNS Formation Change
Credits: KL Hawks
KL deployed the 3-5-2 system again for this match. Defensively-wise, they were disciplined. They were able to frustrate PKNS for large parts of the match where they also change to a 5-3-2 formation whenever PKNS attacks. The wing-backs were going back to pressure Nurridzuan Abu Hassan and Faris Ramli with the centre-backs pouring in the box to mark their opposition aided by holding midfielder Irfan Zakaria. With PKNS committing numbers in attack, this allowed KL to launch counter-attacks lead well by Indra Putra and Paulo Josue, who were tasked to play the ball to any teammate that is running free, that sadly didn’t get any further goals despite the effort they put in.
Realizing the team have not made any headway, Rajagobal bought on Safee Sali in the first half for the second match in a row for (strangely) Jonathan Acosta, who prior to his substitution, did quite well in dictating the attacks. Now with what looks like a 4-4-2 system, Safee was bought on to provide numbers in attack and also support Rafael Ramazotti who was closely guarded. Rajagobal got the intended effect when it was Safee who played the ball for Faris Ramli’s goal, only for PKNS to retake the lead immediately.
With the additional striker, KL had to be fully focused to mark any PKNS attacker and did a good job doing so. The closest PKNS scored in the second half was from substitute Mahali Jasuli’s rocket shot that drawed an exceptional fingertip save by Solehin Mamat. KL’s system worked in some degree and got the three points as a reward.
KL’s Strange Pattern Continues
It has become a lot clearer: KL’s season will most likely largely depend on their home form. All their 10 points so far, including their victory over PKNS, has now come from home matches. But the flipside is that they won nothing in their away matches.
It’s a huge contrast as KL played well at home, but seemed meek when they visit other teams. It even baffled left head coach, Fabio Magrao, scratching his head on why this is the case. They have another crack to win their first away points this weekend with a trip to a youthful Kelantan team, who lost 2-0 away at PKNP on the same night.
Nicolas Dul Returning To The City?
During a Twitter conversation, our friend and resident KL fan Hazeem tweeted this out:
Since he mentioned Junior Aparecido, he indicates that it’s a former foreign player from last season that could replace him. There was only one foreign import that left KL after last season ended; Argentinian midfielder Nicolas Dul. Hazeem then provided this picture after being further asked where Dul was sitting. At the top left of the pic wearing a red and yellow shirt:
It looks like Dul is back in KL. But is he here just to support his former team or perhaps there is something more than meets the eye? Let’s see what happens once the second transfer window opens. If he does rejoin, he can provide further steel to KL’s midfield.
Now What For PKNS?
Credits: PKNS FC
After picking up an impressive 10 points in their opening five games, PKNS has now only won one point in three games where the poor run started by getting outclassed by Johor Darul Takzim (JDT) at Larkin 3-0, a disappointing home draw to their Perak counterparts, PKNP and now this defeat despite working hard to get the elusive equalizer.
This match and their last one though found PKNS unlucky with the way they conceded. Although, it feels that they’re missing an important piece of puzzle that Rajagobal has put together in order to come back from a trailing position. Where does PKNS go from here to bounce back?
Shout-out To The Ultras
Only 733 people came down to the Cheras Stadium for the match. But despite the small turnout, two particular groups made noise to liven up the surroundings. Particularly, the ultras of KL and PKNS.
Throughout the whole night, they kept singing to spur their team up and bought a jovial atmosphere to the match. Without them, the match would probably have a very quiet and desolate air surround the stadium. Just want to say thank you to these fans for making noise as they highlight the importance of each team having their group of enthusiastic and energetic fans known as the Ultras.