Iranian football might not carry the same glitz, glamour and prestige as the top European leagues, but it is full of drama and interesting subplots and storylines, enough to keep any football fan entertained.
Persepolis are based in Tehran and are one of the most widely supported clubs in the Persian Gulf Pro League, the top flight division in Iran. In this article, we take a look at Persepolis’ performance this season and discuss whether they are underperforming. Read on to learn more.
The History of Persepolis
Before we get into their performance this season, let’s take a look at the history of Persepolis. This will give us some perspective and can help us understand the demands and expectations of the club’s supporters.
Persepolis Football Club was formed in 1963. In 1968, the club was promoted to the top division of Persian football and has remained there ever since. The team plays at the Azadi Stadium, a huge 78,000-capacity venue known for its atmosphere and raucous fans.
Persepolis have been league champions a total of 15 times, and have secured second place 10 times. In addition, the club has won 13 domestic cup trophies and won the Asian Cup Winners Cup in 1991.
While it might not get as many viewers as the Premier League, the Iranian league is still popular, and Persepolis fans account for a large majority. Given their team’s rich history, the supporters have come to expect success on the pitch.
Persepolis This Season
We’re almost at the halfway point in the Persian Gulf Pro League, with most of the teams having played 14 of 30 league games. Currently, Persepolis are in second place. They have accumulated 29 points, with eight wins, five draws and one loss from their games.
With just two points separating them from Sepahan at the top of the table, you might be tempted to look for online odds for Persepolis claiming the title. However, let’s look at their performances in more detail first.
When analysing Persepolis’ results, the first thing that stands out is the number of draws. Five draws at the midway point of the season doesn’t bode well, and these dropped points could prove extremely costly when the trophy is handed out at the end of the season.
Persepolis also seems to have a slight problem scoring goals. They have netted 18 this season, while Sepahan by comparison have scored 33. If Persepolis wants to take the top spot, they are going to have to be more clinical in front of goal. This will also help them turn some draws into wins.
Persepolis tends to win games by a one or two goal margin. These slender leads can easily turn into draws or losses, so working on goal scoring should be a top priority. This could be done by bringing in some new forward players or by switching to a more attacking formation.
Are Persepolis Underperforming?
Persepolis won the league last season, and fans will be expecting the team to retain their crown this year. While they are hot on Sepahan’s tail, there are warning signs that could spell trouble further down the line.
Titles aren’t won halfway through the season, and there are still plenty of games to play. This means that it's difficult to say whether or not Persepolis are underperforming. By looking at the league table, there isn’t too much to be worried about. Things could change quickly, and Persepolis could find themselves on top over the course of a couple of weeks.
Recently, Persepolis had a points reduction revoked by the Iranian football authorities. This could prove crucial and could be the lifeline the team needs to retain the title.
