Maccabi Tel Aviv Faces Scrutiny After Dramatic Draw, Potential Loss of League Lead

Translated & summarized from N12 by baba

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Hebrew · 2 newsrooms covering

Maccabi Tel Aviv drew 2-2 with Maccabi Petah Tikva, potentially losing its league lead. Player Kenny Miller criticized the team's attitude and aggression after the match. The club faces defensive concerns with Ofek Malika and an injury to Osher Davida, though several players are expected back after the break. Despite the setback, Maccabi Tel Aviv remains undefeated and currently leads the league.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Maccabi Tel Aviv drew 2-2 with Maccabi Petah Tikva, risking its league lead.
Player Kenny Miller criticized the team's lack of energy and aggression.
Ofek Malika is under scrutiny for his recent performance, though the club supports him.
Osher Davida suffered a leg injury and will use the break to recover.
Maccabi Tel Aviv remains undefeated and currently leads the league table.

Maccabi Tel Aviv risks losing its top spot in the league after a dramatic 2-2 draw against Maccabi Petah Tikva at Bloomfield Stadium on Friday. The team conceded a late equalizer in the 90th minute, and a win by Hapoel Be'er Sheva or Hapoel Tel Aviv in their respective matches would see the cup holders drop from first place.

Following the disappointing result, player Kenny Miller expressed frustration in the locker room, stating, "We cannot fall in attitude and fall in aggression. I cannot accept this. There was no energy. You can't go out to play like this." The players remained silent during his brief, five-minute address.

The club had hoped to go into the international break with a victory, especially with many foreign players set to travel to see their families starting Sunday. However, Ziv Arie's team disrupted those plans.

While the Scottish coach is generally highly regarded, criticism emerged regarding his in-game management, specifically his late substitutions and not giving enough credit to players like Hisham La'ayos and Itamar Noy, who had performed well. More pointed criticism was directed at the defense, with a focus on Ofek Malika, who is acknowledged to be in a slump, though the club still backs him.

Player Osher Davida was substituted and had difficulty walking due to a leg injury, making the upcoming break a welcome opportunity for him to recover. The team anticipates the return of Christian Blic, Dani Gropper, and Noam Ben Harush from injury after the break, bolstering their defensive options.

Despite the dropped points, Maccabi Tel Aviv remains the league's only undefeated team and still holds the top position for now. This resilience, having already played all their main rivals, provides confidence for the remainder of the season.

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