Full Breakdown
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Unbeaten Run and the Impact of New Signings
By Drooid · · How we work
Season-Opening Dominance
Maccabi Tel Aviv have begun the Israeli Premier League with a flawless record: four wins from four matches, yielding 12 points. Victories include a 4-1 derby win over Hapoel Tel Aviv at Bloomfield Stadium, a 4-0 triumph over Beitar Jerusalem, and a 4-1 away win at Hapoel Beersheba. Ester Sokler’s two-goal performance against Beersheba highlighted the team’s attacking firepower.
Key Players and New Signings
- Kenny Miller – head coach, former Rangers captain.
- James Tavernier – veteran defender, signed on a one-year deal, now the highest-paid player in Israel.
- Gaby Kanichowsky – midfielder returning from Ferencváros.
- Noam Ben Harush – versatile full-back, shifted to left-back.
Kanichowsky and Tavernier have been described as “game-changing” by the coaching staff, adding creative passing and leadership.
Match Highlights and Statistics
- Derby vs. Hapoel Tel Aviv (4-1) – Helio Varela opened scoring in the first minute; Sokler added a penalty and a second goal.
- Beitar Jerusalem (4-0) – Early pressure yielded a second-half clean sheet.
- Pre-season friendly in Cyprus – Maccabi beat Aris Thessaloniki 92-87; Bonzie Colson led with 23 points, Oshae Brissett added 19.
Maccabi have scored 16 goals and conceded only 2 across the league fixtures.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Kenny Miller emphasized the squad’s “balance” and “work ethic,” noting that the midfield additions have allowed the team to maintain pressure while staying compact defensively. He praised the 30,000-strong home crowd as a “key factor” in confidence.
James Tavernier said his move to Israel was driven by a desire to win titles and that Bloomfield’s atmosphere surpassed his expectations from European venues.
Miller called Kanichowsky’s integration “seamless,” adding that his vision has given the midfield “a really, really good balance.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “We need to keep pushing him,” — Kenny Miller, head coach.
- “Every game he’s played this season, whether it be from the start or coming on, he’s been top,” — Kenny Miller.
- “Aris is an excellent team. They pushed us and we responded well. We did a good job,” — Oshae Brissett, forward.
- “I had options, but I wanted to get to a place where I have a chance to win titles, because I've always wanted to win since I was a little boy.” — James Tavernier, defender.
What’s Next
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s next league fixture is against Maccabi Netanya on Saturday night, offering a chance to extend the unbeaten run to five wins before the international break. The club aims to preserve its perfect record while fully integrating the newer signings.