Of all the tricky away games in the Süper Lig, this one against Sivasspor always had 'banana skin' written all over it. And my word, it nearly was. Trabzon, under the Georgian's guidance, looked a different beast after that break – but let's rewind a bit.
You see, the starting lineup raised a few eyebrows. Gianniotis between the sticks? Really? After some, let's say, shaky recent performances, many expected Uğurcan to reclaim his throne. But Arveladze, stubborn as a mule sometimes, stuck with his man. And you know what? For large parts of the game, it paid off.
İlk Yarıda Denge Hakim
The first half was... well, it was a football match. Both teams probed, like boxers in the early rounds, searching for a weakness. Sivas, backed by their typically vocal crowd, had the better openings. A few heart-in-mouth moments, I can tell you that much. But our Greek guardian stood firm. A couple of smart saves, good command of his area – it was the confidence boost he desperately needed.
Then came the second period. A different story altogether. Trabzon came out with real purpose, playing with a tempo that Sivas struggled to live with. The pressure built, chance after half-chance went begging. You could feel the goal coming. And then... well, it just didn't. The final ball, that killer instinct, was missing. It was one of those frustrating nights in front of goal.
Son Dakika Gerilimi ve Kritik Puan
As the clock ticked down, Sivas threw everything forward. Desperate stuff. A late, late flurry of corners, a goalmouth scramble that had everyone holding their breath. But the defense, marshaled superbly, held on. Gianniotis claiming one final cross with authority. The final whistle felt like a relief, honestly. A point gained? Or two lost? Depends who you ask, I suppose.
Looking at the bigger picture, this could be a crucial point. Away from home, against a tough opponent, it stops the rot. It builds a little momentum. Arveladze's gamble on Gianniotis, at least defensively, worked. But the questions about where the goals will come from? They remain. A solid, if unspectacular, foundation to build on. The marathon continues.
