Persepolis Finally Stopped But Still Top

Ali Daei was Hejazi’s player in the early 90’s and now Daei the coach and student was defeating Hejazi the coach and the teacher. While both Saipa and Esteghlal have seven points each, Esteghlal is on the way down with turmoil while Daei and Saipa are simply getting better. Saipa outplayed Esteghlal in a 2 – 1 win that they deserved more goals. If this Saipa team continues on their improvement, they will represent Iran well in the Asian Champions League.

 

Week 5 was when Perspolis was finally stopped. In front over 90,000 Reds fans, Rahahan became the first team that took points away from Perspolis. The two played a fast entertaining game especially in the second half. Rahahan defended with 10 men most of the game and relied on counter-attacks to create offensive moments. Perspolis on the other hand ruled the midfield and with 62% time of possession should have won the match. With this goalless draw, Perspolis now has same number of points as Sepahan but with better goal differential leads the league.

 

Sepahan was on the road and defeated Moghavemat Sepasi. The Yellow Jerseys are scheduled to play Kawasaki of Japan later this week in an ACL Quarterfinal match. With the 2 – 0 road victory, Sepahan is now second in the table behind Perspolis.

 

THE LEAGUE SURPRISES

Last year, Malavan was lucky that it was not relegated to the First Division. Five weeks into the season and with 3 wins and 2 ties, the Caspian Sea team is in the third position. Saba Battery also has 11 points and has showed resilience in two road victories. Their lack of firepower in offense has been made up with good defense. Malavan has allowed 2 goals in five matches and Saba Battery has allowed 1.

 

COACHES IN TROUBLE

Esteghlal – It is unfair to think that Hejazi could be fired from his beloved Blues. The fact is that the current national team head coach, Ghalenoi, can’t wait to see Hejazi gone and replace him. Ghalenoi who has had a disastrous resume with the Iranian national team is at odds with the fans, players and the federation. A successful stay with the Blues could help restore his lost image. 

 

Pegah – Pegah scored its first goal of the season but with two points and sitting at the last place, days are numbered for the current coaching staff.

 

Sanat Naft – With another loss, it is hard to imagine Ghasempoor last much longer in the Southern city of Abadan. The Naft fans expect miracles and Ghaempoor who joined the team days before the season opener doesn’t seem to be able to deliver.

 

Shirin Faraz – They lost again and Serbian coach Yessij is in more trouble.

 

Pas – Begovich and his technical director do not get along. The team lost again at home. Rough days are ahead.

 

Results:

 

Moghavemat Sepassi 0 – Sepahan 2

Esteghlal 1 – Saipa 2

Esteghlal of Ahvaz 3 – Shirin Faraz 1

Abumoslem 2 – Sanat Naft 1

Pas 0 – Saba 1

Zobahan 2 – Bargh 1

Paykan 1 – Pegah 1

Malevan 2 – Mess 0

Perspolis 0 – Rahahan 0

 

Table:

 

1 – Perspolis 13 points

2 – Sepahan 13

3 – Malavan 11

4 – Saba Battery 11

5 – Esteghlal 7

 

BEHIND THE NUMBERS

 

3 - # of players in Esteghlal of Ahvaz older than 26. This team came second last year and then lost most of her experienced players.

 

5 – Going back to last season, Mahmoud Karimi had scored in 5 consecutive games. Sepahan won but Karimi’s streak ended.

 

9 or 10 – Going to last season, Perspolis had won 9 matches in a row before getting stopped by Rahahn.

 

16 – 16 years ago, Daei was a player for a team coached by Hejazi. This week, Daei the former student defeated his coaching mentor.

 

96 – Hosseini, Abumoslem’s forward, scored in the sixth minute of extra time to win the match for the home team. It is never over until the whistle is blown.

 

70,000 – Average number of fans’ attendance for Perspolis’ three home matches.

 

Kaveh Mahjoob