My extreme disappointment with Aris new signing and my overall disgust with the SL in general turned me off and I did not watch or listen to the game this past weekend. Under other circumstances I would be thrilled with any victory against PAOK let alone one in which Aris scored 4 goals.
Having said that I did watch the replay Almand provided for us, thank you sir. The over analyzation of this contest, not only here but in the media in general, made me curious.
I thought it was a well deserved victory and although PAOK out possessed us Aris were the better side. The first half was very poor in quality since both teams were amped up running around like chickens with their heads cut off. The first two goals were similar, bad defending followed by horrible goal tending and our second goal very opportunistic but basically off a set piece. PAOK did have the chance to take a 2-0 lead and a 2-1 one lead but lucky for us their players didn't capitalize. For what it's worth those opportunities presented themselves because of defensive errors that our opponents jumped on and not by any organized attack, as a matter of fact I only recall one of those by them the entire game around the 66th minute when Giannoulis came down the left and crossed it to the Polish forward but Cuesta beat him to the ball.
The second half was a different story definitely aided by the goalie's gift 3rd goal to Aris, it really took the wind out of their sails. The fourth goal along with the Fetfa offsides goal both came from great upfield defending by Aris creating breakaway opportunities. I will disagree with you guys here and to answer Emperor's question to me about Oenning's scheme, I thought it was brilliant especially after our new signing came in. The 4-2-4 high press caused PAOK major problems and they had a hard time getting the ball out from their defenders. PAOK was unable to threaten the entire second half aside from the 66th minute attack I spoke of earlier and of course their second goal which was another defensive miscue.
To simplify things Aris won because they did a better job taking advantage of the opponents defensive errors. This roster can be very dangerous in games like these where the opponent possesses the ball because it affords them the opportunity to take advantage of their speed, finishing of course is another story. I can't say that any one player stood out but hats off to Larsson for his effort while he was in the game.
Question, is it fair to assume there is a mandate from the boss for Ideye to play at all times?