Lokomotiv extend away losing streak

3 away matches, 3 loses. 1 goal scored, 5 goals against. For any reason not a ratio which a team looking to win a championship should aim for - and for sure to date no club won a league with goals coming from midfielders and defenders. This is because, 5 matches in and apart of the penalty scored by Sychev, Odemwingie and Traore have yet to score. Really poor. Nevertheless with regards to the latter you can't really blame him. How an earth a towering striker can score when you've got a winger in the form of Odemwingie who isn't able to decently deliver in an ordinary dead ball let alone cross in open play!! Sorry mate, your time is truly up!!! It's clear that the World Cup is the only thing he is thinking of!! Too much is too much!!! Undoubtedly a 16 year old would do better!! It's true that I am writing harsh words but few of the true Lokomotiv fans would disagree with the me on the matter!! Another massive disappointment for Lokomotiv was the loss of Aliev to an injury. With him on pitch I am pretty sure that we would have never lost against Zenit. For the fifth time running Sychev disappointed again - I just hope that he finds his form and fitness as soon as possible because we are suffering a lot to construct a decent attack. On the other hand, a positive thing from today's encounter was Maicon, who in the minutes afforded showed that he can be a pretty good signing for Lokomotiv. His speed is second to none, have good control and is eager to help his teammates at the back - Truly encouraging!! Anyways the final score was 1-0 and to add insult to injury, Tarasov was sent off and thus he will sorely miss the next tie away to CSKA - let's hope Charles fill up his boots as Tarasov was immense to date - today no different!! Another bright spot was Glushakov who apart of showing Mr Peter Osaze how to deliver in a decent set piece, the lad brought in a much needed new lease of life in Lokomotiv's final third.

With, as aforementioned, Aliev missing and a difficult task to hold Zenit's attacking trio of Lazovic, Danny and Bystrov Semin employed three defensive midfielders and changed his formation from 4-2-3-1 to a 4-3-3 one. Actually for the first time in the season, Charles, Dujmovic and Tarasov were employed simultaneously at the centre of the park. The backline and the keeper were identical of last week while in attack Sychev and Odemwingie, who played in a wide position had the mission (which they failed miserably) to assist (the often lonely) Traore.

From the first minutes of encounter, Zenit came out stronger and eventually forced Lokomotiv to show their inability to connect their defensive midfield with the attack. Nevertheless it was Lokomotiv that threatened as on the stroke of 15 minutes Sychev forced Malafeev into making a difficult save as his first-touch goal bound effort brought out the best of Malafeev. Minutes later, on the other end, Vladimir Bystrov drove past Sychev and let in a shot to which Guilherme was equal to. Nevertheless, other than a Kerzhakov effort the first half offered nothing more and the ref sent both teams to the dressing rooms with either team have yet to score. Clearly Zenit were better than their counterparts as for most of the match Loko's attack was literally inexistent.

For the second period, with Charles yellow carded and reprimanded, Syomin decided to withdraw the Brazilian for Denis Glushakov. Nevertheless Zenit were determined to continue where they left in the first half and actually in the opening five minutes the club from Saint Petersburg came close not less than three times, with Bystrov coming the closest as having only the keeper to beat he sent the ball into Row Z. Nevertheless within minutes, Zenit were ahead through the same player. Kerzhakov raced down the left and let a cross which found Bystrov, who unmarked bundled home to sent the home crowd (?) into "raptures". Loko coach responded immediately by withdrawing the isolated Traore for Maicon. The move seem to pay dividends as from Maicon first touch it seemed clear that his technical ability is superior's to Odemwingie and actually did what the Nigerian wasn't able to - that is dribble past a player. On the hour mark Lokomotiv nearly silenced the home crowd as from nowhere, Yanbaev mishit cross hit the crossbar and bounced out. Some minutes after Lokomotiv came close again as Sychev's header went just inches above the crossbar. With Zenit parking the bus in their half it was clear that there was no way back for Lokomotiv and eventually the only final drama was Tarasov's second booking which means that he will be suspended for the next match. Huge loss to say the least. 1-0 for Zenit the final score.

Player Ratings
Guilherme - 6
Nothing to do with the goal. Delivered the ball very well
Kuzmin - 6
Did no mistakes and on the day was more an attacking threat than his mate on the other flank
Asatiani - 6.5
Composed and consistent as ever.
Basha - 5.5
Some hesitant decisions spoiled what was otherwise a strong showing
Yanbaev - 6
Failed to close down Bystrov's threat. Nevertheless nearly scored one hell of a lucky goal.
Dujmovic - 5.5
Failed miserably to impose any authority in the midfield. Lost some balls too.
Tarasov - 5.5
The best of the pack in the middle. Ruined his match with a late tackle which got him sent off and eventually sit off the next important fixture against CSKA.
Charles - 5.5
His match lasted only 45 as he looked a likely candidate for a red card. Lucky to end the first half.
Odemwingie - 4.5
A poor rating thanks to his outrageous delivery. Didn't get a single one well!! Without words.
Sychev - 5.5
Poor yet again. Unsurprisingly withdrawn late in the match. The most dangerous Loko player on the day
Traore - 5.5
Lacked decent service and was too isolated. Unsettled Zenit's defence.

Substitutions
Glushakov - 6
Done a little bit better than the man he replaced. Decent delivery.
Maicon - 7
My question is - why didn't he started the match? The lad is very talented! Encouraging showing!
Smolnikov - N/A
No time to impress.