After forward Robert Earnshaw scored the winning goal, head Coach Oscar Garcia spoke of the substitutes' capabilities: "They make me work hard and that's what I want"
After two games without a victory, Maccabi Tel Aviv took to the pitch at Bloomfield Stadium against Maccabi Netanya with the aim of returning to their winning ways. It wasn't easy, but a penalty kick by striker Eliran Atar and Robert Earnshaw's winning goal toward the end helped Maccabi Tel Aviv achieve their objective. In between the two goals, Maccabi Netanya's Dragan Cheran scored an equaliser that had MTA fans sitting at the edge of their seats, but Earnshaw's 77th minute effort put Maccabi Tel Aviv ahead and at the final whistle the scoreboard displayed 2-1 for home side. Maccabi Tel Aviv's reward was three important points, putting them back at the top of the Premiere League table.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Szh07ytdeMw
Head coach Oscar Garcia was pleased with several aspects of his team's play: "The win today was important because we changed the way we played a bit and I am pleased with the final result. Maccabi Netanya played well and kept the game close, but we played well too, we kept possession and moved forward. Moving forward during the game was very important for our defence, and I'm pleased with that too". The coach also spoke of the capabilities displayed by the substitute players: "It's good for me and the team. The more players I have who are playing well, the harder my selection job is and that's what I want".
Midfielder Rafi Dahan also spoke about the substitutes: "There is healthy competition for a spot in the squad and that causes the coach a real headache. The challenge is to keep our spot on the squad, it's what we aim to do. There is quality and depth in the squad, and I hope to improve in order to guarantee my spot". Regarding the score Dahan said: "It was very important to win because of HaPoel Tel Aviv's draw, but now we have to keep the top spot. It's only December and it's not yet time to talk about the title. We have to keep up the momentum and work hard in practice".
Defender Carlos Garcia spoke about the importance of yesterday's win: "When you score at the beginning of the game you think it'll be easy, but Netanya played well. We talked about how we must win the game and score. On the other hand, Netanya had fewer chances in front of goal and still managed to score and we have to prevent our rivals from getting any opportunities." As for the other results by top rivals Carlos said: "Winning is most important. It's only December and our place in the table is less important right now". With the holiday season fast approaching, the defender didn't forget to make a little Christmas wish: "My wish from Santa Claus is to beat HaPoel Haifa in the next round".
