Coach Lê Huỳnh Đức faces immense pressure

The 0-3 loss to Công an Hà Nội not only plunged Công an TP.HCM Club into disarray on the standings but also revealed the disparity in form between the two top domestic forwards of the respective teams.

The "derby" matchCông anat Gò Đậu Stadium was supposed to be an opportunity for Công an TP.HCM to "change their fortune" as they moved their home ground from Thống Nhất to Bình Dương for the first time.

But reality turned out differently. The team underCoach Lê Huỳnh Đứccontinued their downward slide with a third consecutive defeat, conceding a total of 10 goals, a number sufficient to sound alarm bells.

Notably, this defeat did not stem from a complete collapse, but from a systematic inferiority.

Patrik Lê Giang still put in a hardworking effort in goal with several saves, but could not cover up the repeated mistakes in the defense. When the back line is constantly put under alert, collapse is only a matter of time.

Upfront, the contrast was even more stark. Tiến Linh returned to his "old home" Gò Đậu, where he once made his name, hoping to break a goal drought lasting half a year. The 29-year-old striker had a notable moment with a shot that hit the crossbar in the first half, but that was almost all. Ineffectiveness still haunted this forward, leaving Tiến Linh continuing to be isolated in an attack lacking ideas.

In contrast, Đình Bắc on the visiting side showed the image of a striker "in form." Not only scoring the goal that sealed the 3-0 score, the 22-year-old player also worked energetically and constantly pressured the opponent's defense. This was Đình Bắc's third consecutive match scoring, an impressive performance, especially in the context of Bắc competing for a spot on the national team.

The difference between the two strikers lies not only in goals, but also in psychological state. Đình Bắc plays with confidence and fluidity, whileTiến Linhcarries heavy pressure, leading to less sharp handling. When one flourishes, the other becomes even more clearly "highlighted."

One cannot overlook the tactical imprint of Coach Alexandre Polking. Under his guidance, Công an Hà Nội Club operates smoothly, attacks diversely, and knows how to finish the match at the right moment. The opening goal by Văn Đô, the goal by Alves, and the finishing strike by Đình Bắc all demonstrate effectiveness in execution. This team is not only strong individually but also superior in organization.

Conversely, Coach Lê Huỳnh Đức is facing a difficult puzzle. Công an TP.HCM does not lack personnel, but disjointed play prevents them from creating a clear identity. Reliance on individual moments, while the form of key players declines, is causing this team to lose its own way.

The 0-3 defeat is not just a loss, but also a sign showing the disparity in class between the two clubs at this moment. While Công an Hà Nội moves closer to the championship with 48 points, Công an TP.HCM slips down to mid-table.