Submitted by: KingKikilover | 2nd August 2024
Giant slayers have been around in football since forever, smaller clubs that have been able to get results from games against tough sides, teams that are expected to win by a margin. Yet, these slayers have stood ever-so-still grabbing points when possible. Geylang International this season, is just like that. They are the only team apart from their eastern rivals BG Tampines Rovers, that are an unbeaten side. This season they have faced both the Lion City Sailors as well as BG Tampines Rovers, coming out unscathed. The Eagles managed to get draws with both those sides but never actually gotten a win. Compared to Hougang this season where we have failed to win any of our games bar the game against Albirex Niigata Singapore.
Keep it simple I like to keep things simple around here, and so should our team, it's sounds easy but playing simple is probably one of the hardest things to do! We have been dreadful to watch at times, I don't like to over criticise players but with only one game won so far, we have to do much better. It's not like we have a squad that is not able to compete with the rest of the clubs in the league.
Defining The Season This is something Noor Ali's side has done very well this season, they have defied odds at times and even played a style of football that is a little different from what they used to play last season, thanks to their incomings and their new look squad. Noor Ali has excelled in tactical nuances, using pressing traps etc. Noor Ali has become nothing short of a flexible coach. The Eagles have also gotten a season defining player in their ranks, in our good old friend - Tomoyuki Doi. Comparing the current Doi with the Doi in the past, he has certainly evolved as a player. Yes, the man still loves taking his shots at any opportunity he can (you miss 1000% of the shots you don't take) no, I'm not talking about dating advice. But seriously, he has been better in retaining possession, and has become a striker that knows how to leverage his frame to shield the ball. He has shown to be less selfish in some instances, laying the ball off to teammates in better positions. Doi is still currently the top scorer in the league, with a hattricks of hattricks to his name, but he's not the only player who can cause issues......
The More The Merrier
The Eagles are not afraid to get numbers upfront when in posession and set off alarm bells for the opposition. With players who are technically gifted on the ball like Bezecourt and Taniguchi (possibly injured), they can split defences with ease if given the space and license to create openings. Another key cog, Tezuka has not been talked about enough. Tezuka is defintely the well oiled machine in midfield, switches of play from him are usually on point, and he has been instrumental in a midfield where Huzaifah Aziz is out due to an injury.
The Clash
As Hougang prepares to face Geylang, they must draw inspiration from their opponents' adaptability and resilience. While Geylang has found success with their evolving play style and tactical acumen, Hougang needs to focus on their strengths and leverage their squad's potential. Using pace, and speed we can cause issues, but is that enough? Is consistently attacking down from the left hand side too predictable? We shall find out. In an effort to keep this preview a little shorter, it must be said that we do have a solid midfield of Shahda,Salihovic and Ajay. If Marko works his magic and is able to get these 3 to play in a system alongside each other, we could see something wonderful. But till then, the defensive struggles we have are weighing the team down. The loss of Jordan Vestering sees Danish Irfan depuitise for him at left-back. While Danish is capable of playing at left back, I felt that he was not up to scratch other than our win against Albirex. Upfront, it also seems wonky, with Hazzuwan and Shodai often tucking in centrally, leaving space for perhaps Nazrul to attack. But at times it was at the cost of causing congestion in the middle.
Conclusion Bad times don't last, and it should never weigh you down forever. The boys need to pick themselves up, brush the debris of their shoulders and start going again. Results have been damming and it has hurt but, I am sure we will do better.
Hougang Quick Report VSGeylang International :
- Strong and rugged backlien
- Left out: Ryoya Taniguchi and No more Sora Tanaka.
- Doi is on fire
-Be patient and don't rush it anymore
- Hougang needs to keep men behind at all times.
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Is it time to get on the revengetour?
Lets rock it
Tired sia
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