Richarlyson scored the first goal for the away side at the Mumbai Football Arena, as FC Goa edged past Mumbai City FC by a solitary goal. Mumbai, who had a chance to go to the top of the ISL table, succumbed to a very competitive defeat while Goa notched up a much-needed victory.
Also read: Mumbai City FC vs FC Goa Match Report and Highlights
Here are the five talking points from the match:
#1 Goa’s non-existent midfield
Lack of creativity in the FC Goa midfield is something its fans will be very worried about. In the first 25 minutes of the first half, there was visibly no action from Goa’s end in the center of the park. The visiting side played with a very defensive setup (4-4-2), and the apparent lack of shape from the visiting side made it easy for Mumbai to pressurize them.
20 year old Brazilian, Trindade was the only player with an impressive run for the visiting side. The hosts, Mumbai City FC gave no space for Goa to experiment. Aiborlang Khongjee, playing from the right was very clinical for Mumbai, while Ashutosh Mehta duly assisted him.
#2 A Mumbai mistake that changed the Goa game
Though it was a lackluster midfield performance by the FC Goa midfield, all it took to bring them back was a mistake by Mumbai City FC. It was a set piece taken by Julio Cesar and just like his training module; he curled it away from the post towards the far end.
While Mumbai’s defense focussed on guarding the post, they left midfielder Richarlyson unmarked. And to Mumbai’s horror, he came in running and smashed it in with his first attempt. The visitors had the lead.
This mistake by Mumbai and the perfect execution by the Brazilian brought about a change in the FC Goa play and the team started playing more convincingly. Their midfielders stepped up and automatically the attack index automatically shifted towards Goa.
#3 Unimpressive Robin Singh and Diego Forlan
One man who really needs to step up his game is Robin Singh. The star striker from Delhi was absolutely unimpressive for FC Goa as he missed quite a few chances.
In the 36th minute, there was a brilliant one-two-one-two between Keenan and Julio Cesar. Cesar ultimately passed the ball to Robin Singh who just had to slot the ball in, but he failed to make contact. Robin had another chance right at the start of the second half. It was Julio again who was on a brilliant run with the ball while this time around Robin was left unmarked right in front of the post. But our boy from Delhi had it on his wrong foot and hence wasted another opportunity.
As for Mumbai, their marquee player Diego Forlan who made his comeback into the starting XI was not at all impressive. He did make quite a few dangerous moves, but all his shots, as well as set pieces, did not bother the FC Goa goalkeeper at all.
#4 Double blow for Mumbai
Mumbai City FC had to make a forced substitution when Pronay Halder had to be stretchered off. Halder’s presence was very much missed by Mumbai as he had a crucial role to play alongside Krisztian Vadocz and Sony Norde. Halder’s substitution severely affected Mumbai’s gameplay and their midfield wasn’t as swift as it was while he was on the field.
The second blow for Mumbai came when another star performer for them, Krisztian Vadocz was taken off. These blows had a grave effect on Mumbai’s gameplay and they did not look as threatening as they did with the duo on the pitch.
#5 Goa’s desperate win
Goa needed a win desperately. The frustration on Zico’s face was very evident as he shouted and screamed at every missed opportunity.
This season hasn’t yet been great for last year’s runners-up with them sitting at the bottom of the table. They have not only scored the least number of goals but have also conceded the most. Mumbai, on the other hand, had the chance to go top of the table, had they managed to gather the three points.
But since Goa needed the points more desperately, this win would be more of a relief for Zico who was faced with the task of bringing his team back on track.
