Pratama Arhan had a debut for remember on Sunday as he made his True Bangkok United debut in their 3-2 win over previously unbeaten Thai League 1 leaders Buriram United at the BG Stadium in Pathum Thani. The former PSIS Semarang ace, in his brief cameo, contributed massively to the winning goal as it was his through pass that led to Nitipong Selanon snatching all three points right at the end of the game.
The top-of-the-table clash between 2nd placed Bangkok United and leaders Buriram, played at BG Pathum United’s BG Stadium instead of Bangkok United’s usual home ground at the Thammasat Stadium, saw Bassel Jradi and Muhsen Al-Ghassani giving the hosts a 2-0 lead in the first half, before Buriram’s Supachai Chaided halved the deficit just before half-time and Guilherme Bissoli’s 65th minute effort rendering the tie finely-poised coming into the late stretch.
With 10 minutes to go, Bangkok United head coach Totchtawan Sripan decided to bring Arhan into the fray, replacing veteran left-back Peerapat Notechaiya.
And despite having only signed for Bangkok United a few days ago, Arhan immediately took the Thai League 1 like a duck to water, aiding the Bangkok Angels’ defense in staving off Buriram’s fearsome attackers.
Arhan’s contribution did not stop in defense, as in the second minute of injury time, the Indonesia international sent a through pass towards Al-Ghassani, with the Oman international immediately passing it short towards Thitiphan Puangchan.
Former Oita Trinita loanee Thitiphan wasted no time in laying the ball off towards Selanon, the defender immediately blasting home a shot that crept past Buriram goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.
The goal ended up sealing all three points for Bangkok United, as well as inflicting Buriram with their first league defeat of the season.
Arhan’s performance drew praise from both the Thai and Indonesian fanbases, with the former being utterly bewildered at how criminally underused Arhan was at his previous clubs in Japan and South Korea.
“I’m confused why (Pratama Arhan) isn’t allowed to play for the teams in Japan and Korea. He spends the whole year there but only plays for 4 minutes. Today, our team gave him a 15-minute chance, and he performed beautifully, contributing to our winning goal. He played well. He might need to continue improving his fitness, as he’s been away from the field for quite a while. Please keep progressing. Support from Thailand!” wrote a Bangkok United fan online.
Totchtawan was also impressed by Arhan’s performance, saying that Arhan may still need time to adapt to Bangkok United’s tactics and style of play as well as his new teammates, but there’s a good chance that Arhan might become a main fixture in the Bangkok United starting lineup in the near future.