5 lessons from Matchweek 5 of the Singapore Premier League
With the Singapore Premier League (SPL) season heating up and the title race starting to take shape, Matchweek 5 delivered more drama and talking points. From Young Lions’ ongoing struggles to the Lion City Sailors’ dominant win over Albirex Niigata, here are five key lessons as the league signs off for its year-end break.
- Fighting Spirit Fuels another Tigers Comeback
Despite conceding early to Tanjong Pagar United’s Bruno Dybal’s first-half strike, Balestier Khalsa showed why they are being hailed as one of the league’s dark horses. The Tigers roared back with relentless pressure, capped by a brilliant Masahiro Sugita equaliser and a late winner from substitute Daniel Goh. Only an inspired Zaiful Nizam performance in goal prevented a heavier scoreline.
With top assister Jakov Katusa pulling the strings and Sugita in superb form, Balestier look a well-drilled and determined unit. Having lost just once in their opening five matches, the Tigers’ resilience and ability to overturn deficits make them one of the teams to watch this season.
- Young Lions’ Wait for a Point Continues
It was a familiar tale at Our Tampines Hub as the Young Lions took an early lead through Sérgio Mendonça but eventually succumbed to a 3–1 defeat. It marked the third time this season that Firdaus Kassim’s side have surrendered a lead, with their defensive frailties again proving costly.
The Eagles found joy exploiting the gaps between the centre-backs, while Aizil Yazid produced a brilliant penalty save to deny Ryoya Taniguchi. A missed gilt-edged chance from Shuhei Hoshino spared the Young Lions further damage, but the result leaves them still searching for their first point. With the SEA Games looming in December, Firdaus’ young charges will need to find belief and composure to turn effort into results.
- Stags Grind Out a Gritty Win Against the Cheetahs
For 77 minutes, a goalless draw looked likely before Shah Shahiran produced a moment of brilliance, threading a clever ball for Faris Ramli to slot home the opener. Yotsakon Burapha equalised late for Hougang United, but Irfan Najeeb struck deep into stoppage time to seal a dramatic win for BG Tampines Rovers.
The victory lifted the Stags into third place, just behind Geylang International, with a game in hand. Fresh off a morale-boosting win over Pohang Steelers in the Asian Champions League Two, Tampines will hope to carry that momentum into January’s blockbuster clash with the Sailors.
- Albirex Left Searching for Answers
Having beaten the Sailors only once in their last five meetings, Albirex Niigata faced a tough task against the league’s best defence. The White Swans managed just one shot on target in regulation time, with two late efforts comfortably stopped by Ivan Sušak.
Top-scorer Shingo Nakano was often isolated, though his pace still troubled the Sailors’ backline. Defensively, Albirex struggled to cope with the Sailors’ wide play and incisive crosses. With more favourable fixtures against the Young Lions and Tanjong Pagar United up next, Albirex have the perfect opportunity to reset and rediscover their rhythm when the league resumes in January.
- Can Anyone Stop the Sailors?
The much-anticipated showdown between Albirex Niigata and the Lion City Sailors ultimately ended in a dominant victory for the reigning champions. The Sailors controlled proceedings from start to finish, playing a brand of fluid, attacking football that overwhelmed the White Swans.
Lennart Thy, Bart Ramselaar, and Tsiy Ndgene were a constant threat up front, while Ivan Sušak’s saves earned him a first clean sheet for the club. Full-back Akram Azman also impressed on his first start, providing a pinpoint assist and smashing home a stunning second-half goal. With the Sailors firing on all cylinders, they look every bit the frontrunners for another league crown.
