First Stage of Shirak’s Season: Fight, Problems and Hopes

FC Shirak from Gyumri experienced a mixed first stage of the current Armenian Premier League season, showing both strong fighting spirit and noticeable on-field issues. The start of the campaign proved difficult for the Gyumri side, but as the season progressed Shirak managed to collect several important points. After the first stage, the team sits in 8th place with 10 points from 15 matches.

One of Shirak’s key problems in the opening part of the season was low attacking efficiency. The team regularly created goal-scoring chances but struggled to convert them. At the same time, defensive mistakes in a number of matches proved costly and had a direct impact on the final results.

On the positive side, Shirak’s fighting spirit and the active involvement of young players deserve recognition. In several matches, the youngsters showed great desire and work rate, striving to justify the coaching staff’s trust. Especially in home games, Shirak often imposed their style of play on opponents, earning valuable points with the support of their home crowd. Gyumri supporters have repeatedly emphasized that, regardless of results, they will continue to back their beloved club until the very end.

Ahead of the second stage of the season, Shirak is also planning to strengthen the squad. Narek Janyan and Suren Tsarukyan are set to return from BKMA, and their presence could have a positive impact on the team’s organization and overall competitiveness.

Shirak’s top scorer after the first half of the season is midfielder Rafik Misakyan with five goals, while forward Lyova Mryan has scored three times.

Special attention should also be paid to Shirak’s performance in the Armenian Cup. The Gyumri side has already reached the quarterfinals, where they will face league leaders Ararat-Armenia.

Overall, more stability and concrete steps to reinforce the squad are expected from Shirak in the second stage of the championship. If the team manages to improve its finishing and reduce defensive errors, it will have a real chance to climb the league table and challenge for a strong result in the Armenian Cup.