Galatasaray's goal and defensive balance stands out in the league

Galatasaray lead the league with 19 points after 8 matches, with 6 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat. In these matches the yellow-red side have scored 17 goals while conceding 11.

What stands out is the rise in goal output in the second halves of matches. Okan Buruk's team scored 6 goals in the first halves of their 8 matches, while in the second halves they put 11 past opponents. Galatasaray have been especially effective in the final half hour, scoring 6 goals between the 76th and 90th minutes.

The defensive picture is more mixed. Of the 11 goals they have conceded, 7 came in the second halves of matches. After conceding 3 goals in the first half against Trabzonspor, Galatasaray also let in goals in the second halves against Göztepe, Başakşehir, Çorum FK and Kasımpaşa.

In their latest league match, Galatasaray beat Gençlerbirliği 1-0 with Deniz Gül's goal in the 88th minute. This season they have celebrated 4 goals in stoppage time or extra time. Their late-match performance stands out as an important factor in limiting dropped points.

Fenerbahçe, meanwhile, sit third with 16 points from 8 matches, with 5 wins, 1 draw and 2 defeats. How the gap between the two teams at the top develops will be one of the storylines to watch in the coming weeks.