Lokomotiv succumb in derby

Today, the Lokomotiv Stadium was the stage for the much anticipated encounter between Lokomotiv and Spartak. Although the match was scheduled to take place at 16.00 Moscow time, the authorities decided to move the match to 21.20 Moscow time in order to safeguard players and spectators alike from the recent heatwave which hit the Russian capital. However if the heat badly hit Moscow, certainly it didn't had any effect on Spartak as the visitors produced a resolute display and took home an invaluable three points. Welliton, who as you may remember was signed by Spartak because they failed to sign our Odemwingie, together with captain Alex proved to be the big difference between the two rivals as their link up play was unstoppable at most times. Although Lokomotiv never gave up, and clawed one back with 5 minutes to go, the end was already written on the wall when Spartak scored the third goal. This is because Lokomotiv needed something special to recover from such setback and let's set the record straight, Lokomotiv apart of Aliev are unable to provide something special. By now it's needless to say that we need a striker. Moreover I believe that the time is rife for Semin to scrap the 4-2-3-1 formation as the players we have at out disposal doesn't suit such formation.

Sadly to say, Lokomotiv's weakest link today was the hole at the back. Although Asatiani wasn't that bad, Rodolfo was quite shocking as twice he lost Welliton for goal. Talking about the backline, Lokomotiv stroke a good deal when we've signed Shishkin as yesterday he was the best of the back four. Another bright point was Aliev, who although wasn't at his total best was and is obviously Lokomotiv's best player. While his freekick was breathtaking, his assist for Sychev was Loskov-like. Actually, for the book records Sychev's goal was his 105th, that is the same number of goals scored by former Zenit hero Andrey Arshavin. Another one for the records was Loskov's return to Lokomotiv, which was amazingly cheered by Loko's faithful - and rightly so anyways, he's the man who holds the record appearances and goals for Lokomotiv. Moreover, something important to higlight was Dujmovic and Odemwingie's omissions from the squad which surely mark the end of their adventure in the red-green part of Moscow.

The derby started in a frantic manner, with both clubs showing some decisive and aggressive play. Wagner and Aliev took the initiative for Lokomotiv but eventually it was the visitors who drew first blood as Alex drove well down the left and crossed the ball pinpointly to Welliton, who with his studs bundled home. Spartak fans erupted in joy, joy which eventually lasted just 2 minutes as Aliev let off yet another freekick which gave Pesyakov absolutely few chance. 1 all and game on! The goal seemed to have encouraged Lokomotiv as they started to play some good football and threaten Pesyakov on several times. Nevertheless it was Spartak again who took the lead again. Some good link up play put Welliton through on goal and finding himself one on one with Guilherme Welliton did what he's best at, scoring! Guilherme was furious with Rodolfo as for sure the former captain must have to take some responsibility for letting Welliton escape. With Lokomotiv looking vulnerable in defence, Yury Semin ordered his troops to lock down themselves and limit any potential further damage till the break. Lokomotiv managed to close down well and went to the break trailing by 1 to 2.

For once again, Semin made a substitution at half time as he replaced the tiring Wagner with the energetic Gatagov. The move seemed to pay dividends immediately as Gatagov looked eager to impress. Nevertheless, all was in vain as Lokomotiv massively failed to produce anything of note. Soon afterwards, the Lokomotiv faithful witnessed the moment they were expecting for months - the return of Loskov. Nonetheless, unfortunately this couldn't stop rampant Spartak from making them three and put the match to bed. Once again the main culprit for Loko were the centre halves as they've allowed too much space to Welliton to deliver home for the third time. The whole Loko players looked devastated while Semin looked resigned. With relatively no futher reliable options on the bench the match was all but over. Semin tried to inject something by introducing unpopular Traore but unsurprisingly this failed to yield any results. Although Lokomotiv did managed to claw one back through Sychev it was all to late and Spartak were left to celebrate an important and deserving victory. The goals can be viewed here.

Player Ratings:

Guilherme - 5

3 shots 3 goals. No chance with anyone of them.
Shishkin - 6

The best of the 4 at the back.

Asatiani - 5

Allowed Welliton to slip in and seal the derby

Rodolfo - 4

Horror show. Twice lost Welliton and twice Welliton bundled home.

Yanbaev - 5.5

Few good runs. Partly culpable for the preceedings of the third goal.

Tarasov - 5

Misplaced some passes but couldn't really do nothing against a rampant Spartak side.

Glushakov - 5.5

Tried to inject some aggressiveness Lokomotiv have been sorely missing lately.

Aliev - 7.5

Lokomotiv's key player. Scored a freekick and assisted Sychev for the second. The only one who never wanted to give up.

Maicon - 5.5

Largely anonymous for the second consecutive time

Wagner - 5.5

Need to up his game

Sychev - 6.5

Took his chance very well, but anyone will tell you that he is no longer a striker.

Substitutes
Gatagov - 6

Injected some energy

Loskov - 6

Tried his best to steady what was a sinking ship.

Traore - N/A

No time to impress for the clumsy striker.