ELFSBORG’S DEFENSE WAS STRENGTHENED – SEVERAL HACKS
It has been more or less open revolving doors backwards for Elfsborg during the pre-season with a total of 13 goals conceded in four practice matches. Then it was noticed that the Borås had spent time on strengthening the defensive during the run-up to the cup premiere against Gais.
Goal chances were of course allowed, but the defensive game, led not least by the giant Sebastian Holmén, had been sharpened several notches and could handle Gais in a clearly better way than the previous opponent in 2024.
At the same time, the questioned new acquisition Isak Pettersson stood for a safe effort between Elfsborg’s posts. The keeper was constantly alert and vigilant up front to clean up behind his back line, and acted calmly in the airspace that earlier in the year had looked shaky.
BRAVE GAIS IMPRESSES – DESPITE THE LOSS
Since Fredrik Holmberg took over Gais in 2022, the team’s approach on the pitch has been crystal clear. Both in the first division and in the super first division, the main focus was on one’s own game – regardless of the match, regardless of the opposition.
Ahead of the cup opener against Elfsborg in Borås, Holmberg was clear:
– We will go there and fuel our thoughts and ideas and learn from it. Better that than going there and trying to do something we’re not good at, he told Football Channel.
And the green and black players had clearly taken the words to heart. Because it was a Gais who from the first second acted bravely and played his usual game in Borås’ arena. Elfsborg, who are normally so successful in their pressing game, had long moments of difficulty getting the away team to bite. Not least before the break.
At the same time, courage was costing Gais a goal just before the half-time break when the game became too close and the Norén/Åberg team became too overconfident. But Baldursson missed the key position after a weak chip – to the green and black’s relief.
Although Gais clearly needs to avoid that type of moment, I don’t think coach Holmberg is particularly worried here at all. He puts it in the “learn” slot – and likely believes that the benefits of Gai’s brave game outweigh the risks and drawbacks.
It wasn’t enough to win this time, and it needs to be honed on several pieces, such as managing the game for more goal chances and the sharpness in defensive fasts, but Gais really shouldn’t apologize for himself after the cup premiere.
This was an effort that gave the Allsvenskan newcomer several tuition fees – and an important receipt that the game is at this level.
THE EVENT OF THE MATCH
It could have been a nightmare start to the competition season for Gais – and a dream start for Elfsborg. But then last year’s giant in the green and black goal, Mergim Krasniqi, stepped forward and saved Michael Baidoo’s penalty kick.
A moment that can be compared to a so-called “sliding doors moment” in the first half. Gais got a lot of energy from the save – Elfsborg instead looked passive and then didn’t have much to say before the break.
THE QUESTION MARK
If the defensive has been the big problem for Elfsborg during the run-up to 2024, the offensive has also left a lot to be desired. The counter-attacking game has looked as sharp as last year in parts, but the set-up game is not clicking.
There, Elfsborg looks out of ideas and it usually goes too slowly. The team would benefit from more initiative from some of the offensive players (not least Simon Hedlund, who looked anonymous again), but still a clearer methodology when the opponent’s defense is to be loosened up.
During a large majority of the match, Elfsborg, who of course have top ambitions this year as well, felt outmatched against the newcomer Gais. And not infrequently it made me ask myself the question “who will score the goals?”.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
3: Mergim Krasniqi. Best on the field. Notched the impressive penalty after ten minutes (more on that above), and then accounted for a very sharp pair of legs at the start of the second half.
2: Sebastian Holmén. Acted through the match at the same sky-high level as last year. Then scored 1-0 beautifully on a corner with ten minutes left.
1: Amin Boudri. Gai’s new signing has impressed in his first few weeks in the green and black shirt. So also against Elfsborg with their technique, understanding of the game and willingness to run. Has potential to be a big exclamation point in 2024.
