ISL: NorthEast United vs Delhi Dynamos FC- 5 talking points

NorthEast United went down 1-2 to Delhi Dynamos FC at their home ground to slip down to the bottom of the table. Today’s win takes Delhi Dynamos to the seventh position with equal points as NorthEast United. Delhi started the match on an aggressive note and scored two early goals to seal the fate of the game. NorthEast pressed hard in the latter stages but managed to score only one goal thereby losing the tie.If not for the countless wasted opportunities, NorthEast United could have won the match. Overall it was a fantastic game of football which had continuous excitement for the entire 90 minutes.Here are the 5 talking points from today’s match.

#1 NorthEast United FC were yet again wasteful

NorthEast United FC has still not recovered from their habit of wasting crucial chances. After Gustavo Dos Santos gave Delhi the early lead, NothEast United’s most dependable player Koke missed an empty net. NorthEast almost dominated the entire game and had a series of opportunities to equalize and also gain the lead, but they failed to do so. At end of the first half, Delhi’s Souvik Chakraborty was shown a red card and the team was reduced to ten men. The homeside had an entire half to equalize with a man’s advantage. At one point of time the game looked like a practice match, it was practically offense vs defense in favour on NorthEast United. Kondwani Mtonga pulled one back from a header, but that was not enough. Kristof Van Hout was simply outstanding today in the goal post. He pulled off quite a few extraordinary saves to save Delhi’s day. Luis Padilla missed the easiest chance in the end when he failed to tap in from six yards out.

#2 Harm van Veldhovens attacking strategy from the beginning paid off

Harm van Veldhoven was desperate to secure a win today to make sure that his team Delhi Dynamos remain in contention for semi-final spot. He chalked out a 4-3-3 formation from the very beginning. Brazilian striker Gustavo, who is known for impressive skills and speedy runs, was placed in the left wing. Hard working Indian winger Shylo Malsawmtluanga started from left and Francisco Fernandes who generally plays as a winger started as front striker. The attacking formation paid off as Delhi scored two goals as early as in the 6th and 14th minute to seal the fate of the match.

#3 Francisco Fernandes performs well in his new position

Francisco Fernandes is known to play predominantly as a winger. He generally operates from the right side. He has pace and can deliver deadly crosses at times. Ex-India coach Wim Koevermans had previously used him as withdrawn forward in a few games in national colours, but Fernandes never played as a front striker. Due to the lackluster performance of Delhi Dynamos’ strikers, van Veldhoven gambled with Francis as front striker in his 4-3-3 formation in today’s game. The Goan lad performed impressively in his new position and looked good. He created several opportunities and worked very hard. He was instrumental in creating the first goal opportunity for Gustavo Dos Santos. Francisco’s versatility will help him in future and other coaches too may opt to field Francis as striker in future.

#4 Ricki Herbert can draw positives from todays performance

NorthEast United FC put up an impressive show today irrespective of their 1-2 home defeat against Delhi Dynamos FC. Except for the starting 15 minutes they almost dominated the entire game but, unfortunately failed to score more than one goal. They missed countless opportunities including two or three sitters. Even though scoring goals is still one of their major concerns, they played quality football today.. Head coach Ricki Herbert can draw positives from today’s performance and motivate his team to keep up the good work and try and find the back of the net more often in their remaining matches.

#5 Both the teams are still in contention for a spot in the semi-finals

Delhi Dynamos needed all three points from today’s game to keep their hopes alive in the Hero Indian Super League. Anything other than a win would complicate their chances of qualifying to the semi finals. With today’s results, Delhi are tied on 10 points with NorthEast United FC and they are ahead on the league table with better goal difference. NorthEast United goes down to the bottom of the table with equal points. But such is the competition of this league that no one can cancel out the chances of these two teams to qualify yet. The difference between the 5th and last team is just 2 points, thus mathematically making it possible for both the Dynamos and the Higlanders to qualify for the semi final.