The defining moment: Ounahi on a stretcher
The win is not what this week will be remembered for. Azzedine Ounahi went down in the first half at OAKA and left the pitch on a stretcher, replaced by Andreas Tetteh (5)(9)(12). The first estimates point to a muscular problem in the biceps femoris, and the early read is that it is not a simple one (1)(6)(18). Medical tests will give the number of weeks. Until they do, Panathinaikos are planning without their most important midfielder.
Top of the table, 15 points from six games
The league record is W W W L W, 15 points from six, goal difference +9, first of 14 (fixtures). The one defeat came at Olympiacos on 11 October, 1–0, and it was the only match this season in which the Greens failed to take something. The response was a 2–1 win over Borac Banja Luka in the Conference League on 15 October. Fourteen goals in six league games is the work of a side that ends matches early, which is exactly what the attack has done all autumn.
Van Drongelen and the shape of the squad
Van Drongelen's interview this week is worth reading for one line: proud to be at Panathinaikos, and the motivation is getting back to the top (11). That is the mood of a squad that knows the target is not fourth place. The concern is depth in midfield with Ounahi out. Tetteh came on cold and held the shape, and the next two fixtures will show whether that is enough or whether the coach has to change structure rather than personnel.
A separate result, a separate team
Panathinaikos Dam beat Sirenes Grevenon 0–5 away in the A' Ethniki Gynaikon on 18 October (15). That is the women's side, a different competition and a different squad. Nothing in it says anything about the first team, and it should not be filed alongside their results.
