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East Bengal finally achieved the long cherished ‘Derby Double’. They defeated arch rivals Mohun Bagan for the second time in the tournament when they won 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Sunday, 27 January.
The last time East Bengal won both the legs against Mohun Bagan was in 2003-04, when the league was known as National Football League. Mohun Bagan have already made the Derby Double last year.
Though East Bengal remained fourth with 25 points from 13 matches, it helped them to close the gaps with Chennai City and Churchill Brothers, who are on 30 and 28 points respectively. Mohun Bagan are on 18 points after 14 matches and they now have no chance to push for the title.
Mohun Bagan got a major blow ahead of the start when midfield maestro Yuta Kinowaki, who was in the initial team list, pulled up his muscle during the pre-match practice. He was replaced by Henry Kisekka.
Mohun Bagan controlled the initial proceedings but East Bengal slowly took the control of the game with their short and deft passes. Jaime Santos opened the scoring in 35th minute after a brilliant pass from Jobby Justin. The Kerala-born scored in the second half to kill the game.
There were a few controversial moments in the game. In the 18th minute, Justin was fouled by Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Shilton Paul inside the box after a miscommunication with Kim Kima. But the referee blew whistle for a goal-kick.
Early in the second half, Johnny Acosta made a good tackle on Dipanda Dicka. Watching the Cameroonian exaggerating on the field, Santos pushed him from the back, what looked like a clear red card and penalty. Mohun Bagan also had a goal disallowed in the second half for off-side.
Mohun Bagan’s physiotherapist Samiran Nag was sent off by the referee later in the second half for showing dissent in the touchline.
Let us look the reasons behind East Bengal’s win.
#3 Brilliant passing football produced by Red and Golds
East Bengal opted for closed training sessions in the past three days. It was unknown what transpired inside it, but the players delivered an astonishing performance on the pitch.
The red and golds tried to control the game from the very first minute. They were concentrated on more ball possession and making shorts passes to create an attack. The players have already adapted with the style and it was visible on the pitch.
With acute passes, East Bengal took control of the midfield in no time. Laldanmawia Ralte and Antonio Dovale were operating from both the flanks. Kassim Aidara was solid in blocking the initial attacks.
Santos played in the middle and that move has helped in scoring the first goal.
#2 Wasteful defending from Mohun Bagan
From the very first minute, the communication gap in the Mohun Bagan defence was clearly visible. There was very little connection between two central defenders Eze Kingsley and Kim Kima. Both of East Bengal’s goals came from defensive lapses and captain Kingsley, who was sent off in the first leg of this fixture, was clearly responsible on both occasions.
During the first goal, the green and maroon defence was left wide open. Kassim Aidara, who played brilliantly throughout the match, found Jobby Justin on the right side. Kinglsey, who was marking Joby, completely failed to mark his move. Justin easily spotted Jaime Santos in a favourable position and passed the ball to him. Santos took a step before slotting the ball past Shilton Paul.
East Bengal got their very first corner in the 75th minute. Mohun Bagan were wrong footed this time too. Justin, who was standing on the far post, quickly moved to the near post, leaving Kingsley bamboozled again.
Mohun Bagan also failed to take control of the midfield. Omar Elhusseint was off colour in the whole match and Yuta Kinowaki’s absence hurt them so much in the match.
#1 Jobby Justin shows his class again
It is impossible to describe the rapid progress made by Jobby Justin in recent times. Justin, who had not so good form in the previous season, has changed himself completely under Alejandro Menendez. He is now more fit and responsible.
Justin has earned so much faith from the coach and the team management in recent times. Due to his fitness, he gets chance on the first team in every match and has delivered results every time when he was given the responsibility.
With eight goals in the campaign, Justin is already the highest scorer among Indian players. His exclusion from the Asian Cup squad invited criticisms to Stephen Constantine and that speaks for his talent.
In the 35th minute, Justin got a simple pass from Kassim Aidara. He took just one touch to send Eze Kingsley in the wrong way and squared the ball to Jaime Santos, who was standing nearby. Santos made most of the opportunity as he shot past a hapless Shilton Paul.
The second goal was a sheer brilliance from Keralite. His understanding with Lalrindika Ralte clearly showed the move was pre-planned. On the field, he delivered it successfully.
