GAIS FINALLY STARTS
For most of 2024, Gais have been as confident with the ball as they were last year. The big difference to the successful game that led to an Allsvenskan contract has been the lack of concrete goal chances from there.
Coach Fredrik “Fidde” Holmberg was on board before the match:
– We have looked a bit sloppy with the ball, as we did against Elfsborg… I don’t like it. I want us to create goalscoring chances and get ahead in the game. I have missed that, that cheerful and fast-paced thing that we have in us, he said then.
You just have to agree. The Gais have needed to become more vertical offensively, converting more of the ball possession into scoring chances.
After the victory against Öis, where Gais marked territory against his red-blue rival, I can’t imagine that “Fidde” Holmberg is anything but satisfied. Because the team took clear, substantial steps in the right direction – and now looks like it has finally started.
Is it enough against Allsvenskan opposition? Doubtful. But Gais doesn’t have to be there either – yet. With four weeks until the Allsvenskan start, there is sufficient time to “fine tune” the game idea.
So what better fuel than a heavy, convincing derby victory?
HE WILL BE A BIG KEY FOR GAIS 2024
Alexander Ahl Holmström naturally became a great derby hero for Gais against Öis with his two goals. But quietly, Gustav Lundgren was, just as usual, a huge key for Grönsvart in the derby.
At the same time, the effort is completely in line with last year’s achievements. Then it was Julius Lindberg, Mervan Celik and a couple of other players who got the big headlines. In the sky, Lundgren placed himself in the top tier of the scoring league with his three goals and eleven assists.
It was Lundgren who immediately set the tone for Gai’s performance against Öis. It was also Lundgren who was responsible for a brilliant preparatory work and scoring to make it 2-0, before the 28-year-old then replicated the action and served Jack Cooper Love to make it 3-0.
If Gais is to have a successful 2024, it is of great importance that Gustav Lundgren continues to deliver both precise passes, one or two goals and an important ball security regardless of position.
In silence, then.
THE EVENT OF THE MATCH
After giving Gais the lead against his former club Örgryte, Alexander Ahl Holmström was merciless when he thundered forward and also pushed in 2-0 with his forehead. As he celebrated the goal, he ran with outstretched arms past an angry Öis heel – while the home crowd chanted his name.
After the break, the red-hot striker was a hair’s breadth away from scoring a hat-trick – but the header went over the crossbar and down the goal line.
It is difficult to crown Alexander Ahl Holmström as anything other than great derby king this Sunday.
THE QUESTION MARK
Örryte was for periods even with Gais in terms of play. But the class difference in the penal areas was at the same time palpable. There, the inability to deal with the threat – above all Alexander Ahl Holmström – in their own box became enormously costly for Öis.
The newly composed back line under new coach “Adde” Holmberg’s rule, with two full backs as center backs in the three back line, was not enough in either the air or the duel game. Instead, the red and blue looked more or less terrified as soon as the ball found its way into the box.
The total hen house in the defense against Degerfors (0-5) was gone both against Elfsborg and against Gais. But being able to handle physics and play in one’s own box will be a crucial nut to crack going forward for the super-etana team.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
3: Alexander Ahl Holmström. Best on the field. Constantly moving and playable. Dominant in offensive box. But really, two goals in a derby is enough as motivation.
2: Gustav Lundgren. Justification above.
1. Joackim Åberg. The Gais midfielder is in control of just about everything he does on the pitch. Could probably handle a burning fireball with bare hands – with a yawn.
