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

#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.