Panionios revival gathers pace
Defiant Panionios have made a huge improvement in recent weeks, embarking on a four-game unbeaten streak in the Super League to climb above last place.
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Not long ago, the Panthers seemed doomed to relegation. Having received a six-point deduction before the campaign even began, Panionios started the season fighting an uphill battle, and they subsequently contrived to lose six out of their first eight games. However, Nikki Papavasiliou’s troops have suddenly burst into life, beating Xanthi and Panetolikos while claiming valuable draws against Aris and Olympiacos. Panionios now sit in 13th place of the table with six points on the board.
Let’s take a look at four players who have been instrumental in the Panionios revival:
Bachana Arabuli
The Georgian forward has been a shining light for Panionios. Since joining in the summer as a free agent, the 25-year-old has transformed into the main source of goals for the Panthers, registering six markers and one assist in the opening 12 matches of the campaign. Arabuli immediately opened his Super League account on matchday one against Volos, before he later hit the target in matches with Lamia, OFI, Xanthi and Panetolikos. Arabuli practically beat Xanthi on his own in the 10th round, scoring twice to grab a vital 2-1 win for his club. He then scored the winner against Panetolikos last week.
Jeremy Malherbe
At the start of the season, the Frenchman was the back-up to Matic Kotnik, but he has been superb since he received a chance between the sticks. So far, with six Super League appearances under his belt, Malherbe has conceded eight goals while tallying the one clean sheet in a 3-0 triumph over Panetolikos. Malherbe secured a precious point for Panionios against Olympiacos in late November, pulling off an excellent save in the closing minutes to deny Mathieu Valbuena a winning goal.
Panagiotis Korbos
Every team needs a strong, inspirational leader. Korbos, 34, has long been a crucial cog of the Panionios machine. Although he is ageing, the defensive midfielder is still just as important to the Nea Smyrni club, always competing with plenty of passion and commitment. Incidentally, Korbos has made decisive contributions to Panionios’ revival, dishing out three assists in the matches against Aris, Olympiacos and Panetolikos. You cannot imagine this Panionios side without Korbos running the midfield.
Dimitris Stavropoulos
The talented 22-year-old has been a rock in the centre of defence. In the first game of the season against Volos, Stavropoulos was left on the bench, but the young Greek has since played every minute of all Super League matches. Playing with confidence and stability, Stavropoulos makes life difficult for his opponents, intercepting the ball diligently and winning the majority of his personal duels.
