Last Saturday will go down as one of the most significant days in Thai League history, as outsiders Chiang Rai United broke an over decade-long duopoly at the upper echelons of the nation\u2019s football pyramid by beating Buriram United to seal their first ever league title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chiang Rai pushed the defending champions right down to the wire, and were there to pounce when Buriram failed to beat Chiang Mai FC on the final day, securing the league title by the smallest possible margins. Their remarkable victory remains an enigma, but I hope to break it down and explain five factors that helped the Northerners become the 2019 Thai League champions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chiang Rai\u2019s squad had a unique blend of youthful hunger and desire, with experience of seeing out tough games through to the end. Having won two FA Cups and the League Cup under the guidance of Alexandre Gama in 2017 and 2018, the side had become accustomed to the high stakes and knew how it felt to go all the way, giving them a psychological edge which should not be underestimated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, most of the side\u2019s foreign players were already at the club last season, saving a potentially costly adaptation period. Bill Rosimar, William Henrique and Lee Yong-Rae have all tasted success with the Beetles <\/em>already, and were ready to get going from the off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Only center-back Brinner Henrique was an exception, but he settled in quickly under the guidance of countryman Ailton Silva and was arguably one of their best players this season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, the local core of the squad were still in their late teens or early 20s, eager to make history with the club where they made their names at what could be a critical juncture in their respective careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n