Coach Tum, once hailed as a progressive visionary, now appears a Luddite unable to translate his ideas onto the pitch, leaving many questioning his tactics and team selection.
The persistence with a 3-4-3 formation is baffling, especially given the current midfield options. PAFC are constantly overrun in the centre of the park, and the use of wingers rather than wing-backs leaves them exposed out wide. Furthermore, the reluctance to play Kai Boham in defence, a player signed specifically to fill the void left by ‘Mark’ Rungsak, is a mystery.
There seems to be a stubborn insistence on forcing square pegs into round holes, epitomised by the continued deployment of striker David Danielsson on the flank instead of through the centre, where he surely offers a more potent threat than the out-of-sorts ‘Bank’ Sarod.
Turning to the match itself, the less said the better for long periods. One positive was the debut of Luke Pavone in midfield. His energy and range of passing provided a much-needed outlet in the first 20 minutes, as Phuket enjoyed a decent spell of possession and tested the Nara defence. However, a lack of clinical finishing, a recurring theme this season, proved costly.
Nara, roared on by an impressive crowd of 4,800, exploited the space afforded to them down the flanks. The inevitable breakthrough arrived in the 34th minute when Thannawut headed in from a corner.
Despite being under considerable pressure, PAFC managed to limit the damage to a single goal by half-time, largely thanks to goalkeeper ‘Bee’ Rodthanon.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with the home side starting brightly and ‘Bee’ called upon to make several crucial saves. Substitute ‘Boat’ Theerapat offered more attacking impetus than Danielsson after his introduction, but to little avail.
Nara doubled their lead in the 78th minute when Brazilian striker Caic capitalised on some woeful defending to tap in from close range.
Phuket finally stirred into life in the 87th minute when ‘Boat’ set up ‘Bank’ for a consolation goal, but it was too little, too late.
Next Sunday, PAFC face a stern test at home against third-placed Phatthalung. A change of formation, perhaps reverting to the 5-3-2 that brought success earlier in the season, seems essential.
PAFC are in 11th place in the 12-table league and are deep trouble after their journey to the deep south, and unless things change quickly, a long season battling relegation alongside Yala FC beckons.
Watch the match highlights here.
Simon Causton is the host of ‘A Thai Football Podcast’ and writer of the ’Tee-Sen" (ที่เส้น) - At the line’ blog which covers all things Thai football.