In a game that can be termed as a capitulation of sorts, defending champions Bengaluru FC were thrashed 3-1 by title challengers East Bengal FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.
A stunner from Wedson Anselme and a brace from Robin Singh sealed the deal for the Bengal brigade, who were far superior on the day and completely dominated proceedings from the get-go. The Southern Eagles managed a late goal through CK Vineeth, but it turned out to be a mere consolation.
Also read: I-League 2017: Bengaluru FC 1-3 East Bengal, Player ratings
The win saw East Bengal recapture the top spot in the league from Aizawl FC, while problems compounded for Bengaluru as they are now winless in their last seven games and are rooted to the fifth spot.
Here are five things we learnt from the game:
#1 Adversity brought the best out of East Bengal
East Bengal went into the game aware of the fact that it was a must-win. Two successive draws and a loss against Aizawl FC had seen them drop seven points in three games, and it was important to register a victory at one of their bogey grounds.
Before the game, there were rumours doing the rounds that coach Trevor James Morgan had lost the dressing room and would resign. It was also claimed that there were explosive interviews given by a club official to the press.
However, all that was put to rest after the match, which saw each East Bengal player give it his best and completely outclass a visibly overwhelmed home side. If they manage to keep their momentum, the Kolkata club may just be able to lift the coveted league title this season.
#2 Albert Roca has many questions to answer
Albert Roca may have guided Bengaluru FC to the AFC Cup finals last year, but it seems like he has completely lost the plot of late. His philosophy of passing football which should be the mantra for anyone who has been a coach at FC Barcelona, seems to have completely evaporated and has been replaced with the long ball philosophy instead.
Despite having quality ball players like Udanta Singh and Cameron Watson in the side, he decided to play a counter-attacking game and was torn apart, just like in the reverse fixture at Barasat Stadium in January.
His tactics backfired on both occasions, and he must do some soul-searching if his team are to make amends for their poor outing this campaign.
#3 Robin Singh loves scoring against Bengaluru FC
Robin Singh has now scored three goals in two games against his former side, and should probably have had a few more as well. His brace came from a headed finish and a sweet left-footed strike, after some good work on the wings by the East Bengal players.
Credit must be given to him for his muted celebrations after both the goals, but his movement and runs caused a lot of problems to the Bengaluru central defence, especially to Sandesh Jhinghan. Morgan will be looking at his protégé to deliver on a consistent basis now that the business end of the season commences.
#4 East Bengal have bought some quality overseas players this season
Any team that has Ivan Bukenya is guaranteed of quality defending, but his performances this season have been nothing short of exceptional. Even today, he completely bossed the Bengaluru frontline, which includes the brilliant Sunil Chettri, the mercurial CK Vineeth and the effervescent Udanta Singh.
It was his pass that set up the first goal, which was a 23-yard left-footed scorcher from Wedson Anselme. Bukenya and Anselme combined repeatedly throughout the game, and the latter gave a torrid time to Bengaluru’s backline.
Chris Payne, who made the starting eleven today, had a decent outing as well, as he helped to set up Robin Singh’s second goal. When you realise that Willis Plaza missed this game due to injury and the Trinidad and Tobago striker is the fourth highest goalscorer in the league, you realise that the Bengal brigade have probably recruited the best set of foreign footballers this year.
#5 The fans need to be less hostile
Over the past couple of years, East Bengal and Bengaluru have built a colossal rivalry and that is reflected in the manner in which their fans engage in banter and abuse on social media and on the field.
While it is heartening to see more and more people get involved with Indian football, it must be kept in mind that developing a healthy fan culture is also necessary. After going three goals down, Bengaluru’s players, led by their captain Sunil Chettri, engaged in reckless challenges for the remainder of the game, and eventually, that resulted in an almighty brawl on the pitch and the touchline.
Some bad decisions from the referee and his team did not help either. The same hostility was reflected in the stands as well, where supporters were close to coming to blows with one another. At the end of the day, football is a game and it is important to ensure everyone enjoys their time in the stadium.
