Notable highlights in SLNA's dramatic draw against Saigon

Attack with all your might

Ngoc Toan and Tuan Tai helped SLNA get 1 point against Saigon. Photo: VPF

In the first half of the match, SLNA entered the match and attacked more than any other match since the beginning of the season. After just over 35 minutes of play, the away team had 7 shots towards goalkeeper Van Hoang's goal. Also in the first half, the opening goal of the match came to coach Nguyen Duc Thang's team thanks to Ngoc Toan. If they had taken better advantage of the opportunities, SLNA could have had more goals to settle the match in the first half, however, with such a confident entrance, SLNA deserves praise.

Ho Tuan Tai fired a gun.

Since the match at Can Tho in April last year, Ho Tuan Tai has scored again for SLNA. After the disappointment of Alves Dos Santos in attack, Ho Tuan Tai recovered from his injury and returned to SLNA's attack. Although he is not in good form, the "killer goal scorer" instinct of the striker from Hung Nguyen is still there.

In the first half of SLNA's away match against Saigon, Ho Tuan Tai chose smart and reasonable positions at least 3 times to make finishing shots. With tireless efforts, striker number 10 scored his first goal in V.League 2019. This not only helped SLNA regain 1 point but also helped Ho Tuan Tai relieve psychological pressure to continue to accompany Olaha on the attack line, before the new foreign players had time to adapt in the second leg.

Defense lost focus

Although they had neutralized almost all counter-attacks which were the main strategy of the home team Saigon throughout the first half, in less than 3 minutes of laxity and lack of concentration, SLNA's defense was continuously punished by Pedro Paulo and Quoc Phuong with 2 consecutive goals against Nguyen Manh in the 67th and 69th minutes.

After only 2 recent away matches at Thong Nhat Stadium, SLNA has conceded 4 goals, just 1 goal less than the previous 10 matches combined. When the attack was at a standstill, SLNA flew high thanks to the defense. But now, when the attack has found its way to the opponent's net, the mistakes and lack of alertness of the defense have caused SLNA to lose unfortunate advantages.

If we do not solve the human and psychological problems soon, mistakes like the last 2 rounds will continue to appear and take away a lot of points from SLNA.

SLNA's defense had a day of unfocused play. Photo: VPF

Missed the chance to return to the top

Only got 1 point in the 12th round of V.League 2019 when having a regretful draw against Saigon. SLNA missed the opportunity to close in on Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi on the rankings, 4 points less than the capital team and 8 points less than the team from the city named after Uncle Ho. After 12 rounds, SLNA, Saigon, Da Nang and Than Quang Ninh all got 18 points, ranked from 3rd to 6th respectively due to the difference in goal difference.

The final round of the second leg will take place after the King's Cup tournament in Thailand ends. SLNA will return to the "fire pot of Vinh" to welcome HAGL in this round.

SLNA fans at Thong Nhat are always great

In the 2 consecutive rounds, SLNA played away at Thong Nhat Stadium, Nghe An fans created a passionate football atmosphere before, during and after the match. This helped SLNA players to be more bold and determined on the field, in every attack. Fueled by a strong and professional fan base, SLNA played at Thong Nhat Stadium just like at home. Hopefully, SLNA players will continue to be welcomed and play under such enthusiastic attention and cheering.

Ho Tuan Tai scored, SLNA shared points dramatically with Saigon

(Baonghean.vn) - Visiting Saigon in round 12 of V.League 2019, they quickly created an advantage with a goal by Vo Ngoc Toan but the Nghe An team only left Thong Nhat Stadium with 1 point.