ISL 2017/18, Match 86: Bengaluru FC vs Kerala Blasters, 5 Talking Points

Bengaluru FC huffed and puffed their way to a 2-0 victory in Thursday's ISL encounter. What started as a lively game turned out to be one that did not live up to expectations.

Miku and Udanta score two goals in stoppage time which was the only difference between two well-contested sides who lacked the killer instinct in the final third up and until the 90th minute. Here are the major talking points from tonight's encounter.

#1 Both sides bring their A game to a dead rubber

Tonight's match didn't seem like a dead rubber, not even for a minute did it seem that there was nothing on the line. Kerala Blasters who are already out of the top 4 race looked intent on denting Bengaluru's momentum.

The home side who have already secured their place in the playoffs and comfortably sit on top of the points table didn't lack in motivation at all. While they were a tad slow to get off the blocks, Bengaluru's influence gradually grew and captain, Chhetri was leading the charge.

The Blasters did well to absorb the early pressure and managed to mount a couple of their own attacks. They looked hungry when they could have easily thrown in the towel. Kudos to both sides.

#2 Sandesh Jhingan vs Miku was a mouthwatering battle

Sandesh Jhingan didn't allow Miku to be his usual self

Simply put, for large parts of the season, Bengaluru FC forward, Miku has had it relatively easy in the Indian Super League. On multiple occasions, he's made mincemeat of the opposition defenders with a mere swivel of the hips.

Tonight, he had it far tougher than he would have expected. Up against, Blasters captain, Sandesh Jhingan, both of them were involved in an intriguing battle all night long. It was the Indian centre-back who initially came out on top, man marking him like a hawk. Jhingan even managed to dribble past Miku, giving the Venezuelan a taste of his own medicine.

However as the minutes passed, Miku managed to peel away from Jhingan. Fortunately for Sandesh, Wes Brown came to his rescue with some last-ditch interceptions. Two physically strong and towering players consistently traded blows.

#3 Albert Roca hands Sunil Chhetri a free role

Sunil Chhetri was everywhere on the pitch

Sunil Chhetri started the season playing just behind Miku. While the later was extremely effective, Bengaluru's captain found it hard to impose himself in the thick of things. However as the season has progressed, coach, Albert Roca has handed Chhetri a free role, something that he is relishing.

Tonight, he was a floater, taking positions in all parts of the pitch, in the final third. At times, he made some late runs down the right wing. At times, he operated centrally and created some great chances.

He then moved towards his usual left wing where he combined well with full back, Subhasish Bose. Against Kerala, Chhetri proved that if given the freedom to move, he can be a handful and extremely hard to mark.

#4 Game slows down considerably in second half

Midfield action during the Bengaluru FC versus Kerala Blasters game

After a hectic first half during which both sides consistently tested each other in the final third, the second half was a tad quiet for the crowds liking who attempted to breathe life into the game.

High pressing from both teams meant neither had the time to build their attacks with precision. Being their last game of the season, Kerala ought to have played more freely but Bengaluru did well to keep them at bay with some clever defending.

The likes of CK Vineeth and Gudjon Baldvinsson rarely had a sniff at goal. At the other end, Miku was the quietest he's been all season and he cut a frustrated figure all night long.

#5 Southern Derby disappoints but Miku and Udanta celebrate

Bengaluru beat Kerala courtesy goals from Miku and Udanta

What was built up as a battle between two sides eager to prove a point eventually proved to be a drab as neither Bengaluru nor Kerala Blasters had enough quality to trouble each other. In the end, the fans were left frustrated.

The busiest players on the pitch were the defenders who did an impeccable job. Wes Brown and Sandesh Jhingan were rock solid for Kerala despite being under pressure from Bengaluru's front line for large parts of the match.

At the other end, Rahul Bheke and Erik Paartalu didn't have much to do due to Kerala's inability to finish off their moves. The game ended in a flurry with both teams ramping up the pressure late on and Miku eventually put the Blasters to bed with a fine finish and Udanta followed it up with one of his own.