Gian Chansrichawla
Football Tribe Thailand
Buriram United’s impressive 4-1 win over second-placed Samut Prakan City put an end to their four-game winless run in the league and has put the onus back on chasers Bangkok United and Chiangrai to stay competitive by collecting all three points in their respective matches tonight.
Before the game, it was speculated that Samut Prakan City coach Tetsuya Murayama may opt for a defensive approach against the reigning champions, but his team dispelled that notion within the opening minute, coming out as attacking and possession-orientated as ever.
However, it was Buriram who took the lead after 20 minutes, when defender Jakkaphan Praisuwan’s defensive header fell to the feel of Suphanat Mueanta inside the box. The 16-year-old forward rifled a shot toward the far post and a touch from the goalkeeper was unable to prevent the visitors from taking the lead.
Things went from bad to worse for the home side when defender Sarawut Kulanyabandit was sent off shortly after the half-hour mark for an aggressive stamp on Nacer Barazite. Suphanat Mueanta then added a second for Buriram in first-half stoppage time, getting on the end of a cut-back from early substitute Supachok Sarachat to double his side’s lead.
Despite going down to ten, Samut Prakan City wasted no time in sparking hopes of a potential comeback. Ibson Melo brought down a deft lobbed pass from Teerapol Yoryoei and fired his shot past Siwarak at the near post to half the visitors’ lead. They were inches away from leveling just three minutes later when a remarkable defensive intervention stopped what looked like a certain equalizer for the hosts.
Samut Prakan’s need to attack at full throttle despite having only ten men left gaps across the pitch and the hosts made the most of the opportunity it presented to them. They found a third when Supachok Sarachat burst down the left-wing and curled in a fantastic shot into the net. The defending champions were then goalkeeper Supawat’s sloppy pass was intercepted by Barazite, who made no mistake in finding the net to give Buriram a fourth.
This resounding victory means that the defending champions can put some daylight at the top, but it will be only temporary as Bangkok United and Chiangrai both take to the field tonight in hopes of slashing their lead to two points once again.
Chiangrai United will expect a win at home against local rivals Chiangmai FC, who have relocated to play their home games at the Singha Stadium due to renovation works in their traditional home ground. The relegation strugglers are in need of points, as they have been left three points adrift at the bottom of the table by Suphanburi’s 1-0 victory over Trat. The hosts, meanwhile, will hope for a victory to keep on the heels of Buriram, who they are set to play on Wednesday evening.
Meanwhile, Bangkok United’s game against Nakhon Ratchasima could turn out to be less straightforward, especially with the side massively fatigued from the 120 minutes of football they played in midweek’s League Cup match. However, form leans in their favor as the Swatcats haven’t won any of their last five league matches this season, and similarly have failed to take full points off Bangkok United during each of their last five attempts.
Port FC have fallen behind the rest of the title chasers due to a poor run of form, and hope that the appointment of former Thailand U23 coach Choktawee Promrut can help turn things around at the club. They face a Sukhothai side searching desperately for points in order to avoid slipping into the relegation zone for the first time this season.
Lastly, Muangthong United’s revival continued last night with a 2-1 home win over Ratchaburi, while Prachuap slipped closer to the drop zone after a 2-0 loss on their own turf against Chonburi.