How many chances does Song Lam Nghe An have left in V.League 2021?

Coach Ngo Quang Truong and his team have played 3 matches, 1 draw against the rookie Binh Dinh, 2 consecutive away losses against HAGL and Saigon. If in the first 2 matches, SLNA lost on the winning position, then the loss with the minimum score at Thong Nhat Stadium in round 3 is considered a convincing defeat.

It is worth mentioning that after 3 matches, the performance of SLNA players has not improved much. The proof is the 2 indirect red cards from captain Hoang Van Khanh and Thai Ba Sang. This makes SLNA's defense become patchy right from the beginning.

Phan Van Duc was blocked, SLNA had no player to create a breakthrough. Photo: Huu Thanh

On the offensive line, the midfield is really a problem for head coach Ngo Quang Truong. AfterNgoc KhacAfter his departure, the gap in the midfield is really difficult when Van Lam and Sy Sam have not yet proven their role in initiating, controlling the rhythm, passing the ball as well as creating high-damage passes. The attacking midfielder has not fulfilled his duty, making the burden on Dinh Chau behind not be reduced.

This was clearly shown when in the match against Binh Dinh, SLNA's ball control rate was 51%, but in the match against HAGL, this number was only 32%. Similarly, in the away match against Saigon FC, although not playing with one less player, SLNA's ball control rate was only 39%. The average for the first 3 matches was about 40%.

Little ball possession can be understood as a defensive counter-attacking style of play, but the quality of SLNA's counter-attacks is still very low. Through 3 matches, SLNA could only launch 21 shots on goal, 9 on target and only 1 goal. If they continue to play with an efficiency of 135 minutes/1 goal, it will be very difficult to have a chance to improve their performance.

SLNA's foreign players were constantly "starving for the ball", having to retreat deep because the midfield could not control the game. Photo: VPF

Even when central defender Hoang Van Khanh returns, the midfield and scoring are still a huge problem for the team.SLNA coaching staff. Striker Bruno Henrique has only played 1 match and only had 1 shot on target. Foreign player Peter Samuel is not good at finishing and when Phan Van Duc is blocked, SLNA's play will fall into a deadlock.

Obviously, the lack of the best players is making SLNA have a difficult start. However, even with the best players, SLNA often has a habit of accelerating late. The difference only comes from the two most recent seasons, V.League 2019 and 2020.

Specifically, in V.League 2015 when coach Quang Truong took charge, SLNA only won 1, drew 1 and lost 1 in the first 3 matches, ranking 8th. In V.League 2016, they drew 1, lost 2, ranking 12th. The 2017 season was not any better, SLNA drew 2, lost 1, ranking 12th after 3 rounds.

V.League 2021 will take a break and this is the time for SLNA to stabilize its forces. Photo: VPF

The miracle only happened in V.League 2018 when SLNA drew 1, lost 2 and also ranked 12th like the current achievement of the teachers and students.Coach Quang TruongHowever, that year SLNA accelerated with 8 consecutive wins and finished 4th place in a spectacular way. It can be seen that excitement is a very important catalyst for the Nghe An team.

In 2019 and 2020, SLNA had a similar start in the first 3 matches with 2 wins and 1 draw. In the last 2 seasons, SLNA also had times when they were at the top of the rankings in the first leg, then gradually lost steam in the decisive stage./.