Timely catch: Selangor goalkeeper Samuel Somerville making a save from JDT’s Bergson Da Silva during their Super League match on Saturday. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) have certainly cut the Red Giants down to size.
The reigning Super League champions’ 2-0 win over Selangor in the Super League on Saturday was their third this season.
JDT first hammered Selangor 4-0 in their first league meeting on March 17 and repeated that drubbing with the same scoreline in the FA Cup semi-finals on June 26.
The Southern Tigers have now put 10 goals past Selangor, without conceding one.
JDT’s latest win also stretched their 100% record in the league to 18 games as they stay top of the standings with 54 points - 14 points ahead of second-placed Selangor.
JDT coach Esteban Solari said to beat Selangor thrice this season without conceding is an achievement to be proud of.
Better still, Saturday’s win was complemented by a dominant display that truly showed the team’s quality.
‘’We controlled the game from the first to the last minute. Selangor didn’t even have a shot at goal. They defended tightly, but we still played well, creating chances and opening the game from the flanks,’’ said an elated Solari.
Selangor, however, managed to contain the hosts at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri until the 79th minute before new signing Heberty Fernandes of Brazil capped a dream debut by breaking the deadlock.
Fernandes’ compatriot Bergson Da Silva sealed the 2-0 win by converting a penalty in stoppage time.
JDT’s win, though, came at a cost as Argentinian midfielder Leandro Velasquez suffered an injury which could sideline him for some time.
They also have key players like Shane Lowry, Diogo Santo, Fernando Forestieri and Natxo Insa
in the treatment room but Solari is far from alarmed, given the depth he has in the team.
“Leandro could be out for long, but we have players to fill in for him,’’ he said.
