SIPG FC began their 2016 CSL campaign with a disappointing 1-0 loss to an industrious Henan Jianye side at Hanghai Stadium on Saturday afternoon. In a one-dimensional performance which appeared sluggish and frustrating throughout, the visitors ultimately succumbed a close-range tap in from new Henan signing, Osman Sow – who effortlessly brushed off the challenge of the unusually below-par Wang Shenchao to net at the back post.
Chinese Super League Round 1
Henan Jianye 1
Osman Sow 31′
Osman Sow 31′
Shanghai SIPG 0
That SIPG looked tired from the get go was perhaps no great surprise, given their midweek exertions in the Asian Champions League, although the reds’ first half performance suggested that challenging for honours on two fronts this year may be an even tougher act than first anticipated. In a first 45 minutes packed with very little quality from either team, Sven-Göran Eriksonn’s side struggled to get any foothold in the game, and deservedly went into half time trailing their hosts.
Things did improve slightly in the second half, with the visitors pushing higher up the pitch in search of an equaliser, but at every turn were frustrated by a gritty Henan side, captained by the excellent Eddie Gomes. The Danish centre back will be delighted in the way he stifled the usually dominant Elkeson, who looked a shadow of the player who caused so much trouble to the Suwon Bluewings back four in midweek.
Osman Sow netted the only goal in a tight 1-0 win for Henan.
SIPG’s greatest opportunity came in the 65th minute as Jean Everard Kouassi – back in the starting lineup for the first time in almost eight months thanks to Asamoah Gyan’s absence through injury – headed low towards the bottom corner from a Darío Conca free kick. However, Henan ‘keeper, Wang Guoming reacted superbly to parry the ball out to safety.
A late rugby tackle from Yang Kuo on a visibly frustrated Elkeson saw the Henan right back sent off for a second yellow card, but by then the contest was all but over. Nonetheless, there was still time for an even later penalty shout as substitute Ryan McGowan bundled over SIPG replacement Lv Wenjun as the winger closed in on goal, although the match officials apparently saw nothing and adjudged the contest to be done with.
Post-game, both Wu Lei and Yu Hai attributed their side’s substandard performance to a certain amount of fatigue within the squad after midweek, as well as lamenting the truly awful state of the playing surface on which the match took place. However, as they both also attested to, the pitch was the same for both sides and the blame can lie only with themselves for the result.
This house was built on sand: The pitch in Henan left much to be desired.
Put in the context of the other weekend results – Guangzhou and Shandong both losing, and Shanghai Greenland Shenhua unconvincing in their home draw to newly promoted Yanbian – the result is not a disastrous one. Nevertheless, this was still an opportunity to lay down the gauntlet to the rest of the CSL that was sadly missed.
Indeed, with last year’s top three currently residing in the bottom six of the table, it is certainly not the time for undue panic, however with the lavish-spending Jiangsu Suning topping the table following their rout of Shandong, the expected challengers for the title will all be looking to set their ships on the right course sooner rather than later so as to avoid being cast adrift early on.
As it happens, the next available opportunity to right the wrongs of the opening weekend comes this Friday evening, as SIPG play host to city rivals Shenhua. Whereas both Shanghai sides failed to impress last weekend, the city derby often exists in a vacuum, with a ferocious atmosphere in the stands laying the foundations for what has regularly been an explosive clash on the pitch. Thus it is futile to make predictions on a highly charged cross-city head-to-head based on one solitary opening weekend performance. What can be said for sure, however, is that a positive result this weekend can act as a platform from which either side can launch their thus far stuttering 2016 CSL campaign.
BIG SPENDING PAYS OFF AS JIANGSU SUNING BEAT SHANDONG LUNENG 3-0
Jiangsu Suning convincingly beat Shandong Luneng 3-0 with one goal coming from former Chelsea midfielder Ramires and a brace from 50 million Euro man Alex Teixeira.
It was a high profile match in the first round as last year’s cup winners Jiangsu Suning faced off against last year’s third placed Shandong Luneng. Both sides started March busy with home matches in the AFC Chamions League. Shandong beat Thai side Buriram United 3-0 while Jiangsu were coming off a 3-2 win against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.
A strong crowd turned out to see their new look team. A Jiangsu side that after an off season purchase by retailer Suning made headlines around the world for buying up top European players. A tough first match against Shandong would show if it was money well spent or not.
Worries were quickly put aside though as Jiangsu got a dream start. New Shandong centre back signing Gil slipped in the 3rd minute allowing Ramires to run in on goal. Shandong keeper Wang Dalei rushed off his line, but Ramires chipped the ball over him and into the net.
Ramires starts things off for Jiangsu.
Ramires put in a man of the match performance as the midfielder ran from one end of the pitch to the other, getting further up the pitch than striker Jo at times and going back to defend corners.
CHINESE SUPER LEAGUE ROUND 1
Jiangsu Suning 3
Ramires 3
Alex Teixeira 66, 85
Ramires 3
Alex Teixeira 66, 85
Shandong Luneng 0
Attendance: 49,000
The Brazilian international linked up with fellow compatriot Alex Teixeira slipping a pass in to leave the former Shaktar Donetsk player alone in the box. Teixeira hit the ball calmly into the top corner not even giving Wang Dalei a chance to react.
Teixeira with a cool finish.
The night was very uncharacteristic for a good Shandong side. Jiangsu keeper Zhang Sipeng was left with little to do and was never seriously tested. Shandong’s Walter Montillo was subbed off in the 63rd minute after a disappointing performance and many of Shandong’s other key players contributed little.
In the 85th minute Teixeira made it 3-0 with an almost identical goal this time assisted by Jiangsu captain Wu Xi. All three of Jiangsu’s new foreign signings were subbed off near the end however Teixeira went off to the crowd chanting his name. If he gives more performances like this he will no doubt become a fan favourite.
Both teams next play on March 11 and at home. Jiangsu will host Yanbian and Shandong will host Liaoning.
Jiangsu Suning: Zhang Sipeng, Ren Hang, Zhou Yun, Trent Sainsbury, Li Ang, Ramires(83’ Zhang Xinlin), Wu Xi, Ji Xiang, Jo(89’ Sammir), Alex Teixeira(88’ Liu Jianye)
Shandong Luneng: Wang Dalei, Dai Lin, Zhao Mingjian, Zheng Zheng, Gil, Walter Montillo(’63 Zhang Wenzhao), Hao Junmin, Wang Yangpo, Jucilei, Diego Tardelli(76’ Liu Binbin), Yang Xu.
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