Eagles fall to seventh defeat of the season against the White Swans
Geylang International suffered their seventh defeat of the season after going down 3-0 to reigning Singapore Premier League champions Albirex Niigata at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Tuesday.
The Eagles remain in fifth spot in the nine-team standings with 16 points from 13 games.
Albirex fired the first salvo in the 21st minute when Shuto Komaki beat his marker Fadli Kamis to tap in Seia Kunori’s pinpoint low cross.
Geylang International defence led by Rio Sakuma did well to retain the scoreline until the end of the first half.
Geylang International had their first clear chance of the night through Amirul Adli, but his header in the 49th minute was brilliantly saved by Hassan Sunny.
Four minutes later, The Eagles French ace Vincent Bezecourt also threaten the White Swans’ post with a well-taken free-kick effort but it went straight to Hassan.
A lapse in concentration at the back saw Geylang International finally concede their second in the 55th minute.
This time, it was Komaki who returned Kunori’s favour when he picked up the throw-in from the right flank before setting up the latter to slot in from close range.
Albirex completed the rout in the 80th minute with Keito Komatsu joining the scoresheet after he took advantage of Danish Irfan’s defensive error before firing the ball into the low corner of the net.
Head coach Noor Ali admitted that Albirex were the better team of the day.
“They were the better team, said Noor.
“We lost the game through three moments of brilliance from Albirex, they took their chances well.
“Of course, the outcome could have been different had Hassan not pull off a very good safe when were a goal down.
“The second goal, from the thrown in…it was just too easy.
“But I think the boys have given their all and defended well throughout the whole game.
“We managed to shut the space they wanted to get into, keep the number 10 literally out of the game. He didn’t do much although he did score a very good second goal which was due to poor marking.”
Noor has welcomed a much-needed two-week break as the team look to regroup and sharpen their attack.
“Although we defended well, the most important thing in the game is that you need quality in attack. This is something that we lack throughout the whole season,” he said.
“To win a game, it’s always about scoring goals.
“We’re going to have a break and we need to regroup. It’s a much-needed one as the boys need some rest, especially with the small squad I have.
“Hopefully we will also have all injuries cleared and have a full squad back by then.
“The season is still long, hopefully, we can pull something off at the end of the season.”