ISL 2017/18, Match 45: NorthEast United FC vs ATK, 5 Talking Points

ATK huffed and puffed their way to a 1-0 win over NorthEast United in Friday's ISL encounter. Midfielder Zequinha's sublime half-volley from distance ultimately proved to be the difference between the two teams. The victory means ATK are now sixth on the points table, catapulting Kerala and Jamshedpur.

#1 Cagey opening minutes sees both teams lack urgency

Two teams at the bottom half of the points table locked horns on Friday. ATK and NorthEast headed into tonight's game having won just two of their eight encounters. As a result, one would have expected both sides to come out firing on all cylinders.

But neither displayed the intent or the urgency in the opening half. Wayward passes, poor close control and some decent defending meant the spectators at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium had to be content looking at passes that lacked direction and quality.

The first half was far from exciting. In fact, it was boring and both teams were responsible for this. Like on previous occasions, the quality of football in the final third left a lot to be desired.

#2 Prabir Das was kept as busy as a bee

Prabir Das was in fine form

With 47 passes in 48 minutes in the first half, Prabir Das made a pass every minute tonight. While the right back is always known to be involved in the thick of things, tonight, Das put in the yards and did extremely well to aid ATK in attack as well as defence.

The defender made a splendid, defence-splitting through ball for Robin Singh. Unfortunately, the striker jumped the gun and was ruled offside. Had he remained onside, he was through on goal.

Very few Indians have managed to maintain their composure in tight spaces and Das is one of them. His close control was second to none tonight. NorthEast attempted to pile the pressure on him when he had the ball in his own half, but he was cool as a cucumber and always found an outlet.

#3 Marcinho struggles to create an impact

Marcinho was kept on a tight leash

By now, those of you who regularly view NorthEast United's games may have realised how important Marcinho is to the side. The Brazilian's influence this season has helped NorthEast avoid losing all of their games. Yes, going down in every single game was a real possibility for the Highlanders.

Tonight though, Marcinho was rarely involved in the proceedings. ATK's midfielders Ryan Taylor and Conor Thomas kept him in check all night long. As a result, striker, Danilo Lopes had to work extra hard to get on the ball.

With Marcinho being man marked like a hawk, NorthEast found it extremely hard to keep hold of the ball. ATK bossed possession and looked like the home side.

#4 Zequinha rewarded for persistence

Zequinha scored a superb goalIf there was one man attempting to make it happen for ATK tonight, it was the winger, Zequinha. The Portuguese was lively all night long and was a constant threat down the left wing. Every time he had the ball, Zequinha cut inside and let loose. On a couple of occasions, he came extremely close to finding the net.

ATK's tricky winger was eventually rewarded for his persistence. In the 73rd minute, he pounced on a loose ball and let go from distance. His sublime half volley had swerve, power and found the back of the net. NEUFC keeper, Rehenesh had no chance to stop that one.

In a match where chances were few and far between, Zequinha was refreshing to the eyes. He ran at the Highlander's full-backs and caused them a host of problems on the wings.

#5 Is this the end of NEUFC's season?

This may have marked the end of the season for NorthEast UnitedHalfway into the season, NorthEast United find themselves in a precarious situation. After tonight's game, they remain at second from bottom on the points table. With seven points in nine games, the Highlanders' days are numbered.

Tonight's loss will hurt them even more given the matches that lie ahead. Over the next few weeks, NEUFC will face four quality teams on the trot - Chennaiyin, Bengaluru, Goa and FC Pune City. There will be no respite.

Avram Grant's men will have to dig deep or fear the worst. This is officially a now or never situation. The odds are heavily stacked against them. If they manage to make the final four from here, it will be nothing short of a miracle.