ISL 2018-19: Bengaluru FC 1-0 ATK – 5 Talking Points

#3 ATK, Bengaluru need a number nine

Xisco Hernandez flattered to deceive up front in the absence of Miku [Image: ISL]

As Miku is injured now, Bengaluru are terribly missing a perfect number 9 now who can hold the ball inside the box and put it inside the back of the net.

It’s true that they are winning and still unbeaten in the tournament. But their inability in front of goal is visible for everyone to see. They might be riding on individual skills, but that will not win them every game. The recent draws against Mumbai City FC and NorthEast United FC are a proof of that.

Bengaluru’s talisman Sunil Chhetri likes to operate from the wings, so does Udanta Singh. In that case, Chencho Gyeltsen can be useful as a central forward. Chencho has even shown his skills with the bicycle kick goal against NorthEast United. But he hasn’t earned the trust of coach Carles Cuadrat yet.

ATK are also suffering from the same problem. Since the sudden departure of Kalu Uche, coach Steve Coppell has tried various options. But none of them worked. Uche’s replacement Alfaro was injured even before his first appearance and Eli Babalj has not impressed so far.

Coppell has no option other than using Balwant or Santos in a more attacking position. But that has not helped their cause.