Three goals in each half saw the Lion City Sailors return to winning ways with a 6-0 victory over Tanjong Pagar United, sending them top of the Singapore Premier League (SPL) on Saturday (14 September) night at the Jurong East Stadium.

With title rivals BG Tampines Rovers dropping points in a 2-2 draw with Young Lions in the night’s other game, the Sailors now lead the league on goal difference.

The Sailors had gone three matches without a win in all competitions, and following the international break, Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković used the time for a much-needed reassessment, making seven changes to the starting lineup.

Song Uiyoung, Toni Datković, and Maxime Lestienne were all left out for this fixture – this was the first time since October 2022 that Maxime was not included in an SPL matchday squad.

Explaining the changes to the line-up, Ranko said, “We rotated a lot because, as I mentioned before the match, it’s going to be a very tough 20 days with many games. Especially in our league, we face tough matches, but I also want to highlight the AFC Champions League (ACL) Two and the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup.”

Abdul Rasaq Akeem returned to the fray for the first time since August last year after recovering from his injury setback, while there was also a first start of the season at right back for Bill Mamadou.

After a slow start to the match, it was Rasaq who had the Sailors’ first attempt on target with a header from Obren Kljajić’s cross in the 28th minute.

“When you put a team together that normally doesn’t play so many games, there’s bound to be some nerves. I knew that, so we just needed to settle into the game, and I think from the first goal onwards, we were pretty comfortable,” said Ranko.

The important first goal came about after some neat play by the lively Obren, who was brought down in the box by Tanjong Pagar defender Syed Akmal, and the referee had no hesitation pointing to the spot for a penalty.

Rasaq, who last scored in August 2023, stepped up with a calm penalty to make it 1-0 to the Sailors in the 32nd minute.

“After such a long injury, and especially as a striker, I know it can be very frustrating when you’re not on the field. He worked so hard to get back, and for his first game, I have to say he played really well. Everyone is very happy for him,” remarked a delighted Ranko on Rasaq’s successful return.

The majority of the Sailors’ attack came down the left with Sergio Carmona Pérez – making his third start of the season – a livewire on that flank.

It was the Spaniard’s cross that found Adam Swandi’s head to double the Sailors’ lead in the 36th minute. Just a minute later, the 20-year-old was at it again with a superb ball that found Shawal Anuar, who timed his run to perfection and finished clinically to make it 3-0.

However, just before the break, Adam had to be substituted due to what appeared to be a chest issue.

Amidst all the goals, both teams were reduced to 10 men as Tanjong Pagar’s Uzbek defender Timur Talipov and the Sailors’ M. Anumanthan were sent off in two separate incidents.

Dutch midfielder Bart Ramselaar came on at half time to great effect, and he found himself on the scoresheet nine minutes into the second half by applying the finishing touch to a great team move.

Bart then turned provider with a clever scoop assist for substitute Lennart Thy to rifle home the Sailors’ fifth of the night in the 73rd minute.

The Sailors’ number 9 put the icing on the cake with a diving header for his ninth goal of the season ten minutes later after being brilliantly found by Carmona, who completed his hat-trick of assists in the process.

Man of the Match Lennart was back amongst the goals, and the German was delighted with his personal display.

“I think I had a bit of a tough start with difficulties in scoring, and I needed time to adapt — to the weather, the league. But now I think I’ve found my way in both the league and the team. I like how things are going, and it’s been a lot of fun with the guys, on and off the pitch,” said the German centre-forward.

It was the 10th SPL win of the season for the Sailors, who made light work of the bottom-placed Jaguars. Ranko believes this victory will provide the squad with renewed confidence for the tougher challenges that lie ahead this month.

“I’m very happy that the guys that played today showed what they can do and they delivered a good result. The only thing I’m not happy about is the red card, but I’m pleased with the three points,” the Serb said.

The Sailors will next turn their attention to the commencement of their eagerly awaited AFC Champions League (ACL) Two campaign, which begins with a home game against China’s Zhejiang Professional on Thursday (19 September).

And this time, Ranko insists that he will utilise the full complement of his squad.

“Our squad isn’t very large. We rested a couple of players today because they needed it. Toni and Maxime weren’t left out because I wanted to rest them, but because they had slight injuries and needed to be looked after,” said Ranko. “Against Zhejiang, everyone can play, and everyone will play.”