Galatasaray continued their flawless start to the Super Lig season, but their performance was anything but flawless as they needed new goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir to bail them out. Meanwhile, Fenerbahce and Besiktas both picked up victories, while Goztepe continued their unbeaten run.
Three-time defending champions Galatasaray were in action on Friday evening with a trip to Alanyaspor, as they looked to make it seven wins from seven in the league.
In the end, Okan Buruk's men came away with a 1-0 win courtesy of a goal from Mauro Icardi and a really good assist from Wilfried Singo, but the performance was pretty dismal.
Galatasaray spent the whole game with their backs against the wall, taking just seven shots to Alanyaspor's 22. Despite racking up an xG tally of 2.12, Alanya were unable to score, and that was down to goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir.
Signed from Trabzonspor for a hefty 36 million euros in the summer, making him the most expensive Turkish player ever, Ugurcan has been really solid in goal since the move, but his performance on Friday was magnificent.
He made eight saves, including several stunning ones to keep the opponents at bay. It isn't an exaggeration to say that he single-handedly won Galatasaray the game.
Despite not dropping a single point in the league this season, the performances haven't always been great, and their thumping loss to Frankfurt in the Champions League has left many fans unhappy.
It isn't going to get any easier. Up next: Liverpool.
Fenerbahce and Besiktas win, Goztepe unbeaten
After three matches without a victory, including back-to-back league draws, Fenerbahce returned to winning ways on Sunday with a comfortable 2-0 triumph at home to Antalyaspor.
Anderson Talisca and Sebastian Szymanski were the goalscorers, as Fener moved six points behind Galatasaray at the summit of the Super Lig.
It has been a totally hectic few weeks for the club. From Jose Mourinho being sacked and Sadettin Saran being elected as club President to replace the controversial Ali Koc, it has been difficult for fans to focus on what is actually going on on the pitch.
So a result like this will somewhat temporarily ease the concerns of those watching, and also relax some of the pressure on Domenico Tedesco, who could reportedly already lose his job soon if results aren't great.
Meanwhile, Besiktas made it back-to-back wins under new manager Sergen Yalcin with a 3-1 victory over Kocaelispor. Rafa Silva opened the scoring before Vaclav Cerny bagged his first goal for the club. A late own goal sealed the win.
After a really difficult start to the season, three wins in their last four have seen them climb up to fifth, with a game in hand. If they win that game, they could even move up to second.
One team that is going a little under the radar are Goztepe. Alongside Galatasaray, they are the only unbeaten side left in the Super Lig. A 0-0 draw at Eyupspor on the weekend made it three wins and four draws from seven games, as they sit in fourth.
They are an extremely well-run club, owned by British investment firm Sport Republic - the same owners as Southampton. They have spent well in the transfer window, signing young players from abroad.
After an eighth-place finish last campaign, they could be in store for another really strong season.
Team of the Week
Fenerbahce winger Dorgeles Nene is the Flashscore Player of the Week, according to our very own internal ratings system, after his bright, all-action display in his side's win.
He is joined by Galatasaray duo Ugurcan and Singo, as well as Trabzonspor's Paul Onuachu and Wagner Pina. Trabzon won a thrilling contest 4-3 against Karagumruk, with the former bagging a brace and the latter setting up two goals.
