by Gian Chansrichawla
11th March, 2017
After the most recent transfer window, Northern-Thailand based side Chiang Rai United became one of the major talking points coming into the new season. After splashing the cash on national team star Tanaboon Kesarat, as well as Brazilians Rafael Coelho, Felipe Azevedo, Vander Luiz and Everton, the side had the makeup of potential title contenders. Newly appointed manager Alexandre Gama also has a winning pedigree having previously won two Thai League titles with Buriram United, including going unbeaten for an entire league season and taking a clean sweep of domestic competitions in 2015.
While the side had an impressive start to the season, many remained unconvinced that they would be able to break the duopoly of Buriram United and Muangthong United that has dominated the league for the better part of the last decade. Highly rated Bangkok United under charismatic manager Mano Polking came close to breaking the trend last season, but were unable to do so even after scoring an impressive 72 goals and losing only 2 matches for the whole of last season.
A trip to Bangkok United was seen as a significant test for Chiang Rai. Polking’s Bangkok side are an all-action attacking force, often throwing defensive discipline to the wayside in enthralling, attacking performances. Chiang Rai had shown a blend of attacking might and defensive stability thus far in the season, but holding off players such as Dragan Boskovic, Mario Gjurovski, Jaycee John and Gilberto Macena would provide a whole new task for the defense.
The resounding result at the Thammasat Stadium swept away any doubts about Chiang Rai’s credentials as a potential title contender. The side opened the scoring in the 48th minute with a deflected goal from Thossawat Limwannasathian, before Tanaboon’s wonder goal put the side two in front. The 3-0 demolition was wrapped up by a confidently executed penalty from Rafael Coelho.
For Chiang Rai, the confidence will be sky high after comfortably outplaying their highly rated opponents. The visitors pressed until the final minutes, even when the game was comfortably wrapped up, showing the impact and authority that coach Gama has on the team. The side remain tightly on the heels of Buriram and Muangthong, who are set to face each other at the I-mobile stadium in a few weeks time. Things are looking good for the Northerners, but consistency is the key for any significant title charge.
This match provided a much needed look in the mirror for Bangkok United. Having been beaten in the first knockout round of the AFC Champions League by Malaysian side JDT, Bangkok have only managed to show flashes of the force they were last season. While the top 3 remain unbeaten, the side has already lost 2 games in 5 - equal to the entire amount of losses they suffered in the entirety of last season. The side now have a tough derby match away at Bangkok Glass’ Leo Stadium. After a number inconsistent performances and undesirable results, a loss would put them in a truly dire position.
Bangkok United have a seemingly optimistic future to look forward to, fuelled excellent marketing campaigns from their backers True Visions and Ari, as well as a massive stadium that could potentially be filled upon the completion of Bangkok’s bold new public transportation system. In the short term, however, the gap between them and Thailand’s traditional “big two” remains evident.
While it may still be too early to read into the table, the signs suggest we are to see a classic Muangthong-Buriram tussle for supremacy in Thailand. However, new boys Chiang Rai certainly have the capacity to give the “big two” a run for their money.
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