Just A Few Things: PKNS Vs. JDT

Credit: Johorsoutherntigers.com.my

Frustrating Draw For JDT

It’s one of those days for Johor Darul Takzim (JDT). Kept so much possession and was the most attacking of the two. But were sadly letdown by lacking those killer final passes as one of the major reasons they failed. Coupled that with the disciplined defending & the muddy field conditions, it was all the more frustrating for the league champions.

Every attacker unfortunately had an off-day. While the midfield did well to cut out any PKNS counter-attacks, they didn’t supply the passes properly. Harry Novillo was hooked off at half-time after failing to create anything notable, Jorge Santos Silva was surrounded by a sea of orange shirts and even the on-form Gonzalo Cabrera couldn’t muster anything magical to break the stubborn PKNS defence. Safawi Rasid was perhaps the better attacker with two of his shots well saved by Shahril. JDT may still have a healthy six-point lead, but they rather win this for reasons we’ll go later.

Anderson The Key Player

In the reverse fixture at Larkin, JDT enjoyed themselves when they took advantage of loose defending to slam past three goals against the hapless PKNS side. This time around, they were given no such thing. The difference between then and now was one player: Zac Anderson.

Without Anderson due to injury, PKNS were fully taken advantage with defensive coordination non-existent that allowed JDT the victory earlier in the season. Here at Shah Alam though, Anderson’s presence helped PKNS to shut down any space for JDT to exploit and bought a sense of composure among his fellow defenders to clear any impending danger. There is a reason why he is the captain when Safee Sali is not starting and this is it. Although it’s a shame PKNS couldn’t do anything worthwhile whenever they have the rare share of possession.

We Need To Talk About The Shah Alam Field

Knowing the Shah Alam Stadium field, if it rains in the evening, there should be enough time for the field to soak up the wetness and would still be in good condition in time for the kick-off. Unfortunately, the rain ended about an hour before kick-off and the effect of it can all be seen.

Patches of the field looked very muddy and grass came off the garden when the players get rough trying to get the ball. For a stadium that has so much significance in Malaysian football, this is simply unacceptable. Hopefully whoever is in charge can fix this as soon as possible.

Durakovic Is Rubbing His Palms

According to Goal.com Malaysia journalist Kin Fai, Perak head coach Mehmet Durakovic was at the Shah Alam Stadium to check out JDT as they prepare to visit the Larkin Stadium next Saturday. Considering what he has just seen, he could well be relishing how well timed the match is taking place.

JDT’s run of form has been average lately and while their last three opponents, including PKNS, couldn’t take advantage of it, Perak may most likely will. Perak’s wild attacking prowess has been a joy to watch and seen as a major reason why they’re in second place. Thanks to the draw, they’re now only six points behind the leaders. A victory is not impossible at Larkin since Pahang did so in the FA Cup quarter-final. If there is a time Durakovic gets his first win versus JDT, next Saturday is the time to do so provided they don’t have an off day like JDT did here.