Fenerbahçe manager Ismail Kartal congratulated his players for ending the first half of the season on a high following the 2-0 win over Başakşehir.

“The team played well and deserved the 2-0 win but we could have scored more,” Kartal said.

“We created great chances but our finishing should have been a lot better. 

“The boys beat the best defensive side in the league, we put two past a team that had only let in one goal away from home all season. 

“We have won eight and drawn two of our last 10 games, this is a statistic to be proud of. 

“The win took us to the top of the table on 36 points, sure we have a match in hand but we are in high spirits. 

“I want to thank the players for getting the results required for us to go into the winter break with a positive frame of mind. 

“We will return strong and god willing win the league at the end of the season.”

Fenerbahçe have the best home record in the Süper Lig. The Yellow Canaries have won nine and drawn one of the 10 games played at the Şükrü Saracoğlu stadium.

The Istanbul giants moved into first place on 36 points following the win but will be overtaken by Beşiktaş if the Black Eagles draw or beat Galatasaray in the Istanbul derby.