ISL 2015: FC Goa go top of the table with 2-1 comeback win against Kerala Blasters

Gregory Arnolin scored the goal that completed FC Goa’s comeback win

FC Goa came from behind for the second consecutive game to seize the win against Kerala Blasters at Fatorda stadium. Despite a good attempt from Kerala to bring themselves back on terms with the hosts, they failed to do so.

Both the sides made multiple changes to their lineup. Goa Coach, Zico brought in four new faces while his counterpart, Peter Taylor made five alterations to the team that lost to Delhi Dynamos last time around.

The opening minutes of the match were cagey to say the least with neither side able to string together a series of good quality passes. In what was a largely uneventful first half, Kerala took the lead in the 23rd minute.

Rahul Bheke whipped in a pinpoint cross from the right wing to find Rafi inside the box. The forward was completely free and rose highest to head the ball past the FCkeeper Kattimani.

The away side that looked laboured in their attack throughout the tournament passed the ball at a much higher pace and with intent in this match. The Blasters were tight in defense and looked to bring the ball forward as quickly as possible whenever they had the chance.

Goa, on the other hand, were largely playing on the counter and didn’t look like the home side in the first half much to Zico’s dismay who even got a stern talking to from the referee for his over exuberance.

The Gaurs were trying to find holes in the opposition’s defense but Kerala had at least ten men in their own half while defending. As half time approached, the Blasters were presented with a free-kick on the left wing just outside the box. Midfielder, Cavin Lobo whipped in a dangerous looking ball towards keeper Kattimani who did well to tip the ball over the bar.

At the stroke of halftime, the home side leveled things against the run of play. Goa won a corner which went straight towards keeper, Bywater who punched the ball outside the box. The loose ball fell neatly to Leo Moura who had time to unleash a shot. The keeper was completely blinded with a sea of players in his box and had no chance to save that one.

The home side started the 2nd half with much more confidence, maintaining possession for large periods and pressing higher up the pitch. The supporters saw a lot more effort from Zico’s men.

The game had a lot more zing to it with both sides spraying the ball quicker and regularly found their targets in good positions. Kerala definitely weren’t deterred by Goa’s new found vigor.

It must be pointed out though that the Goa striker Reinaldo was completely out of the game, rarely getting a sniff of the ball which meant the Gaurs had to rely on the others to find their attacking potency. With thirty minutes remaining, Zico brought in his two danger men Mandar and Romeo Fernandes to inject some much-needed tempo on the wings. Minutes later Peter Taylor introduced Josue for Kerala.

The first real chance of the 2nd half fell to Kerala in the 65th minute through the usual suspect – their dangerous throw ins. Bheke's throw-in was flicked on by Jhingan for Marcus Williams. His stinging shot was blocked by keeper, Kattimani. The following loose ball was cleared for a corner, but Josue then whipped in a wonderful ball to find Perone but his header went just over the bar.

With fifteen minutes remaining, both the sides were after that elusive second goal. Goal scorer Rafi suffered a knock and was replaced by winger, Vineeth for Kerala. Goa took the lead in the 82nd minute from a corner.

Substitute Mandar curled one from the left and centre back Gregory Arnolin rose over his marker to head it into the goal. The second time the home side scored against the run of play, much to Peter Taylor’s amazement. His side never looked like conceding both the goals.

At the 90th minute, keeper Kattimani made a crucial save. Vineeth’s vicious shot from inside the box was parried away by the keeper for a corner. The game ended 2-1 to Goa and the win helped them leapfrog Pune to take top spot in the table, having played one game more than the Punekars.