Turkish League Review – Besiktas stall again, Galatasaray return to winning ways ahead of the Istanbul derby

By
Emre Sarigul
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French forward Bafetimbi Gomis (C) is greeted by fans as he arrives at the Ataturk International airport on June 28, 2017 in Istanbul. Turkish top flight side Galatasaray said on June 28, 2017 it was in talks to sign French international striker Bafetimbi Gomis from Swansea City of the English Premier League. Turkish press reports said Gomis, 31, was due to arrive in Istanbul later on Wednesday and would sign for the club after a medical. / AFP PHOTO / OZAN KOSE (Photo credit should read OZAN KOSE/AFP/Getty Images)

Turkish League Review – Besiktas stall again, Galatasaray return to winning ways ahead of the Istanbul derby

Osmanlispor 2-0 Genclerbirligi 

Despite both sides being in abysmal form there is only 10 points separating last placed Genclerbirligi with 10th placed Akhisar. Osmanlispor ended up beating the visitors and moving into 16th place. However, neither side showed any signs that their luck is about to turn around.

Goztepe 2-0 Akhisar

Goztepe were expected to fade away after a red hot start to the season. After four weeks without a win it looked like nature would takes its course. After all they were only promoted over the summer. In fact the boards priority this season was avoiding relegation. Well the Izmir based outfit are not finished just yet. Adis Jaovic did not add to his 11 goals but did provide an assist against a tricky Akhisar side. Just eight points now separate Goztepe from Galatasaray.

See More: 3 Turkish Players That Could End Up In The Premier League

 

Galatasaray 2-0 Alanyaspor

They were calling for Igor Tudor’s head last week following the 5-1 loss to Basaksehir. I would like to remind everyone that Galatasaray is first in the league. The Lions made light work of Analyaspor. Yasin Oztekin courted controversy last week after being spotted puffing on the hubbly bubbly but he responded on the pitch with a goal and an assist. Oh and Gomis just can’t stop scoring. He now has 13 goals in 13 games this season. The victory keeps pressure off Igor for now but a loss against Besiktas next week and we could see a manager fired despite being first in the league…

Malatyaspor 0-0 Besiktas

Here is a crash course into the crazy world of Turkish football. Besiktas made history last week becoming the first Super Lig side to book a place in the Champions League Last 16 as group leaders. Even more impressively they managed to do so with a game in hand following the 1-1 draw against Porto. Fans were ecstatic, pundits were calling Besiktas the best side since sliced bread. And then they drew to Malatyaspor… the same players and manager were slammed, the boards transfer policy was ripped to shreds, pundits claimed the club is in crisis. This just goes to show how quickly perceptions can change in Turkey. Is there a crisis? Besiktas have been held to a goalless draw in their last two league games. More importantly they have not lost and have not played poorly either. Just six points separate the Black Eagles from leaders Galatasaray.

Sivasspor 1-2 Trabzonspor

Trabzonspor extended their win streak to two games. Looks like a change of manager has done them the world of good. There is no reason why this side should not be challenging for a top four spot. They are vastly talented with strength in all areas. The Black Sea Storm do have a habit of playing well for a few games and then crashing again. We will have to wait and see if they have finally got things right this time.

Bursaspor 2-1 Karabukspor

I have said this for a few weeks now but I’ll repeat it anyway. Bursaspor are playing the most aesthetically pleasing football in the league. Paul Le Guen has his side playing fast flowing attacking football. Sure they concede but boy is it exciting to watch and different, they are the only side playing a 3-5-2 for example. The Green Crocodiles are on a great run, unbeaten in first games and have moved up into 6th place.

Kasimpasa 2-1 Konyaspor

Kasimpasa have become one of those sides that are too good to go down but missing something to challenge for Europe. The Istanbul based side won for the second week running. Chelsea fans will be pleased to know loanee defender Kenneth Omeruo bagged the winner. As for Konyaspor if they don’t turn things around rapidly they will be embroiled in a relegation battle.

Antalyaspor 0-1 Fenerbahce

Fenerbahce have put together back to back victories and while the media as well as sections of the fan base may be back on board I am not. The wins are doing little more than glossing over the cracks. This side have serious problems that must be addressed. Antalyaspor were awful and are hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone.

Kayserispor 1-1 Basaksehir

Kayserispor continue to demonstrate that they are no pushovers. Besiktas, Trabzonspor, Fenerbahce and now Basaksehir have all failed to beat the Anatolian Stars. Basaksehir thrived on counter-attacking football but could end up being a victim of their own success. Opposition sides are starting to sit back and play defensive. I’m not saying the Istanbul minnows are a one trick pony. It’s a misconception that they are a defensive side. Basaksehir play possession based football but the counter attack remains an important weapon in their arsenal. How will they cope with having to open up stubborn defences? well we are about to find out.

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