Analyzing the reasons why Song Lam Nghe An lost in the first match of 2025

Too focused on Michael Olaha

Before accepting defeat in the last match, the army ofCoach Phan Nhu Thuathad 2 wins and 1 draw. Of which, there were 2 good results against 2 strong teams, Hanoi Police and Becamex Binh Duong. The special thing about these 3 matches is that the Nghe team only played with 2 foreign players (Michael Olaha was absent due to injury).

Therefore, when Michael Olaha returned, Nghe An fans expected their team to become stronger and more comprehensive. However, the presence of Michael Olaha did not help Song Lam Nghe An's attack play as smoothly as expected.

This can be explained by the fact that Michael Olaha has not regained his best playing form after his injury, making the Nigerian striker's handling of situations not very effective.

Along with that, the teammates' high expectations of Michael Olaha made most of the Nghe An team's attacks focus on this striker wearing the number 7 shirt. Therefore, Hanoi Club easily predicted the attacks of Song Lam Nghe An.

After Tran Manh Quynh and Le Dinh Long Vu were brought onto the field in the second half, the Nghe An team's attacks were more widespread. Therefore, more good opportunities appeared. Unfortunately, the excellence of goalkeeper Van Hoang and a lucky turn away caused Song Lam Nghe An to suffer a heavy defeat.

The connection between the players is not good.

Although the team was the strongest, the connection between the players in the last match was not high. The situation that led to the second goal was outstanding.

This was a situation where Vuong Van Huy and Sebastian Zaracho did not understand each other, causing the header of the defender wearing the number 2 shirt to look like a beautiful assist for striker Van Quyet to score.

Besides, there are 50/50 passing situations that put teammates in a difficult position. There have been many times when playersNghe An football teamlost the ball right in their own half after these 50/50 passes. The situation of center back Hoang Van Khanh in the last match is a typical example. It can be said that the recent Lunar New Year holiday has significantly affected the connection between the players in the Song Lam Nghe An squad.

Hopefully, this will be improved in the next match. Especially when it is the reverse final against Hai Phong Club at Vinh Stadium.

Song Lam Nghe An has fallen into a trap

Before the last match, Hanoi Club was not in good form. They had just lost 2 consecutive matches and lost key players due to suspension. This further increased the confidence of the Nghe An team in the trip to Hang Day Stadium.

Entering the match, the Capital team did not launch too many attacks. They even left striker Joao Pedro on the bench (only coming on to replace Le Xuan Tu who was injured in the 37th minute). These things made Song Lam Nghe An mistakenly think they could play an equal game with the home team and exposed many gaps in the defense.

Nguyen Van Quyet's opening goal was the consequence that the Nghe An team had to accept after pushing their formation too high to attack. In a 3v3 situation, the Captain of the Capital team confidently and decisively handled the ball to defeat goalkeeper Nguyen Van Viet. This goal helped the Hanoi Club have an easier game, thereby winning the overall victory.

This is not the first timeLam River Nghe Anfell into the trap of strong teams. Because, before that, the Nghe An team had suffered similar defeats against Thep Xanh Nam Dinh or The Cong Viettel.

Therefore, this will be a lesson that Song Lam Nghe An needs to learn to achieve better results in the remaining stages of the season./.