I-League 2018-19: Indian Arrows vs East Bengal – 3 talking points

After a draw against Real Kashmir at home in their previous match, East Bengal again got back to winning ways. They defeated Indian Arrows by 2-1 in their away match at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

The win helped the red and gold to climb up to the fourth position on the league table with 19 points from 10 matches, overtaking Churchill Brothers thanks to a better head-to-head record. Arrows remained in the ninth position with 10 points from 11 matches.

Laldanmawia Ralte continued his goal-scoring spree as his strike put East Bengal on the lead in 26th minute. After a brilliant cross from Jaime Santos, Laldanmawia made a smart volley on the first time to beat Prabhsukhan Gill.

He earned a penalty for his side five minutes later after being fouled by Boris Singh. But Lalrindika Ralte’s poor shot was saved by Gill. East Bengal were a man down in the second half but took the lead in 64th minute through Joby Justin after Samad Ali Mullick’s effort was saved.

Manoj Mohammed clipped Asish Rai within the box and Ninthoi Meitei scored from the spot, what was a consolation goal for Arrows.

Let us look at the three talking points of the game:

#3 Not good football but vital three points for East Bengal

Danmawia scored the first goal

Considering their form and players, Indian Arrows were relatively easy opponents for East Bengal. The side mostly comprises junior players, had to resist a team like East Bengal. However, the red and gold had to sweat it hard to get the full points.

For the first five minutes, East Bengal attacked relentlessly and Toni Dovale, who made his debut for the club, went near the goalmouth couple of times. Surprisingly, they became too cautious after that and slowed down the game.

There were too many passes on the midfield and no real forward movements. Joby Justin, who got the second goal, was kept quiet by Arrows defence and the Keralite wasn’t looking in his right shape.

Thankfully, Laldanmawia Ralte’s goal restored some confidence. In fact, it was Danmawia and Jaime Santos who were working hard upfront as Dovale was backing them up. But still, thy were keeping the ball more on centre-line rather than pressing up high.

East Bengal’s approach changed in the second half and even though they were one man down for most of the time, the team opted for more attacking mindset and Justin’s timely goal proved to be the winner in the end.

#2 Indian Arrows shows enough spirit to compete on big stage

Jaime Santos had to deal with tough Arrows defenders

For the first time this season, East Bengal started an I-League match with all five foreigners on the field. On the opposite side was a team which have U-22 players. But to be honest, Indian Arrows showed the immense grit and gumption and even though they lost the match, their fight would surely in hearts.

Arrows players know very well that they will not survive by defending right from the start to end. So while keeping the defensive line solid, they looked to counter-attack. Against East Bengal, they played in the same way.

Arrows players are physically and aerially very strong. So initially they had no problem in blocking Santos, Dovale or Justin. Along with that, they kept attacking whenever they got a chance. Thanks to is superb speed, Rahul Kannoly made some darting runs and took powerful shots from distance which kept East Bengal defenders busy.

The five-minute period after the break was their best moment in the game. Arrows made three back-to-back attacks and Rahul even came very close to score.

Credits should be given to Arrows goalkeeper and two side-backs. Prabhsukhan Gill waited till the last moment before diving on the left side to stop Lalrindika Ralte’s spot-kick with his strong left hand. Two side-backs Boris Singh and Asish Rai were constantly overlapping to support the forwards.

#1 Two questionable red cards

Chullova was shown a straight red card

The highlight of the game was not just the three goals but two red cards shown by referee Senthil Nathan. East Bengal suffered most as they had to play around 40 minutes one man down.

The first situation occurred during the 55th minute. While taking a foul, Lalramchullova head-butted Rahul over some arguments. The Referee was standing close and didn’t waste much time before giving Chullova the marching order.

The head-butt is a punishable offence, but the decision of showing a red card was a bit too harsh. The challenge was not too dangerous and Chullova should’ve been cautioned with a yellow. The red card forced a valuable change as Santos had to be withdrawn to make way for Samad Ali Mullick in the right-back position.

Aniket Jadhav of India Arrows was shown two yellow cards within two minutes. There was no question regarding the first one due to an alleged kick on Kassim Aidara. In fact, he should’ve been shown a straight red for the rusty challenge.

Rather, a minimal challenge to Samad earned him another caution as he departed the field after coming on only six minutes ago.

I-League has often been criticised for its shabby refereeing decisions and Tuesday’s match was another example of that.