Bengaluru FC managed to secure a tough fought 2-0 victory over Chennai City in Saturday’s I-League encounter. Roby Norales and CK Vineeth scored in the final fifteen minutes of the match as Albert Roca’s men continued their flawless start to the tournament.
#1 Bengaluru attack but Karanjit delayed the inevitable
The new kids on the block – Chennai City came into this match on the back of a draw against fellow newbies, Minerva. You’d think that would have bolstered their confidence. But the reigning champions ran riot in the first half. The only and the most important thing missing was a goal.
From the get go, Bengaluru’s players looked extremely confident on the ball. They created a host of chances but Chennai’s keeper, Karanjit Singh bailed them out on numerous occasions.
The visitors looked helpless and sat deep in their own half for the entire opening 45 minutes. Daniel, Udanta and Chhetri took turns to test the keeper but to no avail. Characterized by penetration, quick interplay, and a tight defence – Bengaluru executed their strategy to perfection but a goal remained elusive.
#2 Careless Chennai need to pass the ball better
So many times, it’s about getting the simple things right. Against Bengaluru FC, the away side almost seemed reluctant to play football. There’s no doubt that Bengaluru looked the better side on the night. But they were aided by some lackadaisical passing from Chennai.
On far too many occasions, the men in yellow and green conceded procession without a fight. It wasn’t as if Albert Roca’s men were on the heels of the opposition. The side from Tamil Nadu had ample time to play the ball from the back. But they chose either to heave it away into orbit or ended up gifting possession to a man in blue. Robin Charles and his men will continue to face quality teams in the coming weeks.
But not every team will be as generous as Bengaluru. The champions had an off day in a game where they should have scored much more.
#3 Udanta Singh once again in the spotlight
Less than seven days ago, Udanta was in the news for all the right reasons. The winger scored a vital brace to help his side beat Shillong Lajong in their opening game. Sit back for a moment and it dawns upon you that the man from Manipur is still only 20-years old.
While he continues to display glimpses of his stellar talent, Singh has a long way to go to ensure he’s a force to be reckoned with. He was a livewire on the night and a constant menace on the left wing.
Udanta put on the after burners and combined well with his fellow teammates. But his decision making is still not up to scratch. In the final third, Singh kept making the wrong move. If and when Udanta takes his game to the next level, it will be when he transforms into a ruthless winger in the final third.
His assist for CK Vineeth’s goal was an example of his immense potential.
#4 Suber Sub Roby Norales scores crucial opener
Up until the 75th minute, there was almost pin drop silence at Sree Kanteerava Stadium for a good 15 minutes. The fans were anxious and understandably so. Their side were supremely dominant yet couldn’t unlock Chennai’s defence. Up stepped Roby Norales.
The Honduran came on as a substitute at the hour mark and he repaid the coach’s faith in style. From a free kick, the resulting loose ball bounced off his head and a couple more players before it travelled right back into his path.
He was ready and expertly fired the ball from inside the box as Albert Roca could finally breathe easy. Buoyed by the breakthrough, CK Vineeth then added another two minutes later. Udanta whipped in a delightful cross from the right wing and the Keralite’s first-time side-footed effort zipped past keeper, Karanjit.
#5 Chennai must show their opponents less respect
For a club that was established before India gained independence, gaining admission into the I-League would have pleased fans aplenty. Yet, if there’s one thing Chennai City must learn from tonight, it’s nothing to do with football. Robin Charles’s men looked devoid of ideas because they panicked when they didn’t need to.
Granted they faced the current champions of the league, but Chennai showed far too much respect for their opposition. This was evident during the 50-50 duels. Even when faced with a 2 v 1 situation, the lone Bengaluru player always managed to get the better of both the Chennai players. This had nothing to do with the home side’s technical dominance, and only came down to confidence on the grass.
When they should have made a tackle, Chennai’s players instead chose to stand their ground. it is still early days, yet something that’s crucial to any side’s success is missing in the Chennai team.
