Strong showing: Johor Darul Ta’zim’s Arif Aiman Hanapi (third from right) fires a shot on goal against Perak during their Super League match in Ipoh. – Bernama
PETALING JAYA: The Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) juggernaut remains unstoppable.
And it’s going to stay that way for a long time, given the Southern Tigers’ disciplined and focused display in their 5-0 demolition of Perak in Ipoh on Tuesday.
Coach Esteban Solari was pleased with his players for staying focused throughout the 90 minutes as they kept a clean sheet in another big win.
JDT have also set a new club record of winning the first seven league games, scoring a remarkable 30 goals and conceding only one.
They lead the Super League with 21 points, five ahead of Selangor.
Solari said he remains committed to raising the level of his players.
“We are satisfied today because we really expected a difficult game. It was not easy in the beginning and we focused on scoring early goals and we managed to control the game,” said the Argentinian.
“It was a good performance with five goals and we want to build a high-intensity game. Every game is an opportunity for us to improve and maintain concentration.
“It’s not easy to score five goals and not concede because it’s not easy to keep our focus throughout 90 minutes, so I’m happy because every player is now more focused and ready to face the pressure with good spirit.
“This is proof that we are on the right track.
“Winning the first seven games is a new record for the club. We are proud but we won’t get carried away. We have to stay focused and work hard because the journey is still long.’’
Against Perak, JDT were handed an early gift in the fifth minute when Perak player Hasnul Zaim Zafri kicked the ball into his own net while making a clearance.
Argentine Leandro Velasquez converted a penalty in the 24th minute before Brazilian Diogo Luis Santo gave JDT a comfortable 3-0 lead at half-time.
After the break, Brazilian Bergson da Silva scored in the 65th minute before Velasquez got his second through a free-kick in the dying minutes of the match.
