In a match which Lokomotiv enjoyed near total domination, Lokomotiv failed to provide shocks and eventually recorded a 3-0 win over a depleted Krylya Sovetov. Acquiring players for them is a must if they want to uphold their status in the premier division of Russian football. Although the score is very pleasing, neverthless I believe that Lokomotiv is still a slighlty far from it's best. Actually neither of the three goals came from open play. Although they dominated play and played eye-catching passing match Lokomotiv often failed to filter through the packed Krylya Sovetov back. Credit to the Samara outfit as well as they protected their keeper very well, especially in the first half. Obviously new signing Aleksandr Aliev ran the show. His cooly taken penalty and trademark freekick resembled those of club icon Dmitry Loskov. On the other hand for the second consecutive match Tarasov bossed the midfield while Yanbaev tormented Krylya's right flank. With regards to Traore, I think that he only needs to find a goal in order to repliate his pre-season form.
For the match against the Soviet Wings of Samara, Semin ringed some changes. Guilherme obviously kept his place as Kuzmin, Asatiani and Yanbaev have done. The only change was Sennikov who was replaced by Dujmovic. Asatiani was shifted to the centre-left in order to accomodate the versatile defensive midfielder. Charles took the slot freed by Dujmovic and partnered Tarasov in the centre. Peter Odemwingie, following his dismal performance in Kazan, was relegated to the bench and his place was taken from Dmitry Torbinsky, who skipped the opener due to suspension. Aleksandr Aliev, Sychev and Traore completed the 4-2-3-1 line-up. Odemwingie, Maicon, Gatagov, Glushakov, Smolnikov, Sennikov and Cech were the substitutes.
As expected, Lokomotiv looked to take the initiative from the beginning. Neverthless it was the team from Samara to create the first opportunity as Leilton shot went centimetres wide of the right-post. First scare for Guilherme, and eventually the last scare of the first half as from then on it was all Lokomotiv. Lokomotiv response took as long as eight minutes as right-back Kuzmin stormed into Krylya's area and attempted his shot which unfortunately went well wide. The following chance fell to Traore who headed after a good run by the excellent Yanbaev. Actually the left back seemed to play with fire in his belly as within minutes he created another chance, this time to Tarasov whose first time shot went just above the crossbar. As minutes went by, Lokomotiv started to increase pressure and actually restricted the sky-white blues in their own half. Krylya's Belarussian keeper Yurchenko saved his team on two occasions as he replied well to Traore and Charles. The former save was world class as he showed amazing reflexes to keep the Malian's bullet header out of goal. Although it was a matter of when scoring rather than it, Lokomotiv failed to make their possesion and chances count and eventually the score at half-time was that of nil-nil.
In the second half, Lokomotiv came out to continue what they left in the former period. Within 5 minutes Lokomotiv were awarded a penalty, as Torbinsky was pushed in the box by the inexperienced Bodanov. Without hesitance, referee Kazmenko pointed to the spot. Aliev took charge and opened his account for Lokomotiv by sending the keeper the wrong way. Same did Dmitry Sychev 4 minutes later as Lokomotiv were again rewarded another penalty as Yanbaev was upended at the border of the box. Barely 3 minutes have passed and Lokomotiv made it 3. Lokomotiv were awarded a freekick some 11 metres from the 18-yard box from which Aliev rifled into the top left of the net. Yurchenko had no chance. Excellent goal from our new prodigy!! With the score being at 3-0, Lokomotiv relaxed a bit and it was then that Krylya threatened as Salugin troubled Guilherme. Yurchenko was on his spot again as he twice denied the home team after replying well for Odemwingie and Kuzmin strikes. The last chance fell into the feet of Savin who after rounding the keeper, from an acute angle couldn't deposit the ball into the net. 3-0 was the final score!! The goals can be seen by clicking here.
Player Ratings:
Guilherme - 6
A spectator for much of the match.
Kuzmin - 6.5
Put in some decent crosses. Pleasing display from the right back
Dujmovic - 6
Nothing to do in a match which much of the play took place in Krylya's half
Asatiani - 6.5
Quiet evening for the vice-captain
Yanbaev - 7.5
One of the best players on pitch. Made Loko's left flank his own. Could have recorded two assists to his name on another day.
Tarasov - 6.5
Won some good balls. Showed some delightful touches.
Charles - 6.5
Sprayed some good balls and let nothing going past him. Industrious as ever.
Torbinsky - 7
One of the reasons why Lokomotiv performed better than last time. Protected the ball well and obtained the first penalty. Let's hope he have an injury free season!
Aliev - 8
Man of match. Following a quite a quiet first half display, Aliev bursted to life in the second period by scoring twice. Took his set pieces well and sprayed a lot of good balls. Already a crowd favourite! Possibly our new Loskov
Sychev - 6.5
Linked very well with the others. Took his penalty very well.
Traore - 6.5
Made life difficult for Krylya's backline but his finishing let him down. Sometimes looked too eager to shoot rather than passing to his team mates. Neverthless I am adamant that one goal would unleash him.
Substitutions:
Odemwingie - 5.5
Let in one good shot.
Maicon - N/A
Not enough time to impress in his debut. Gave us a hint of his speed on some occasions.
Gatagov - N/A
Not enough time to impress for the youngster.
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