The I-League has finally started to heat up, and the 5th Round of fixtures threw its own range of surprises to the world. Mohun Bagan's winning streak was finally halted at the hands of a capable DSK Shivajians who were unlucky to come out from the game only with a point.
Bengaluru FC were handed their second loss in their second consecutive away game at the hands of Churchill Brothers, as the Blues go away to play at AFC Champions League. Shillong Lajong picked up their second win at home, and are finally looking like a team Thangboi Singto would like to see.
Chennai City FC picked up their first win in the I-League, thanks to their Brazillian striking duo of Tank and Charles. East Bengal though were, undoubtedly, the team of the round, as their strikers made hay of Minerva’s defence scoring five past the men from the North.
Here are the five talking points from the round.
#1 Mohun Bagan are too dependent on Sony Norde
Mohun Bagan have undoubtedly built their team around their talisman Sony Norde, and rightly so, given the things he can do from that left wing position. But, what happens when he has an off day? Or when he comes up against a right-back good enough to culture the Haitian? The Green and Maroon Brigade lose the plot, that’s what happens.
On Tuesday, Sony Norde was thwarted by an inspired Nirmal Chhetri as the DSK Shivajians thwarted the Mohun Bagan front four with a back five of their own. The much maligned forwards were starved of service, and could only fashion a handful of half chances.
Not getting the better of Nirmal Chhetri or Kima (who was backing up the right-back), the Haitian winger decided to pass back or go down the line instead of cutting inside to his favourite right foot. That reduced the wide man to crosses with his left foot, not something he boasts about to his friends.
That brings us to the question, does a team having players like Daryl Duffy, Katsumi Yusa and Jeje as forwards be so dependent on one man? Sanjoy Sen, please work on that Plan B.
#2 Bengaluru FC need to get their act together and fast
After the whirlwind start of the season, Bengaluru FC were expected to run away with the League. The loss at East Bengal though exposed to the rest of the League chinks in the armour which no one saw through.
The goals also seemed to have dried up, apart from the penalty, Bengaluru FC struggled to create chances from open play. A team which seemed to have goals coming from everywhere are now searching for the next one.
The biggest problem though seems to be the defence, Johnson and Juanan are both struggling when balls are played behind them. The only way to counter that is to play a defensive line much deeper, something which goes against the philosophy of Albert Roca.
Next up for Bengaluru FC is Al-Wehdat away in the AFC Champions League. Best of luck!
#3 Mumbai FC after a fine start, are falling off the pace
After two wins from their first two games, Mumbai FC have lost three games in succession. Not only that, Santosh Kashyap’s side have not played the quality of football they demonstrated in the first two fixtures.
At Shillong, the Yellow Brigade were swept aside way too easily. The worrying factor though for the coaching staff will be the fact that this was a full strength Mumbai FC side, with both their foreign signings Densill Theobald and Robson Santana in the team.
The dream of finishing in the top three looks far more distant than ever at the moment.
#4 Marcos Tank has the potential to be prolific in Indian Football
Marcos Tank is a specimen of nature. His build is such, that he looks more like he's playing American Football than well, football.
But, for a man of his strength, he is deceptively fast and has the ability to shoot with both feet. He works hard, runs the channels and scores. Against Mohun Bagan, he was lucky to score past Debjit on the near post, but against Aizawl FC there was no doubt on where the ball would finally end up.
His goal was a thing of beauty, he took the shot from the top of the D, hitting the net before Albino Gomes can get anywhere near the ball. Two goals from two games. Keep the Tank jokes in your pocket West Block Blues, Chennai City are just five points behind you.
#5 East Bengal are undoubtedly title contenders
Despite East Bengal having probably the strongest squad in the League, no one (nope me neither) saw them as title contenders. I don’t blame those people, East Bengal have had the tendency to shoot towards their own feet.
But, what a difference a win makes. The win against Bengaluru FC has made everyone sit up and take notice, and has filled the veins of the East Bengal boys with confidence.
Against Minerva, they were ruthless, and all the three forwards filled their socks. The result? They sit on the top of the table ahead of this club across the city. No bragging at all. Bring on the Derby they say.
All pictures are courtesy I-League Media.
