ISL 2018-19: Delhi Dynamos 0-0 FC Goa - 5 Talking Points & Tactical Analysis 

Delhi Dynamos and FC Goa battled out an anaemic stalemate at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Uncharacteristically, this was the second 0-0 draw in three games for Sergio Lobera's side.

The first half of the game saw high intensity and a physically oriented encounter between the two sides, but neither were able to grab the fixture by the scruff of its neck. As a result, there was only one shot on target in the first 45 minutes.

The Gaurs took the attack to the opposition in the second period of the game and created a pool of chances, most of them being semi-realistic, however. The hosts did well to grab on to the draw and continue their rich vein of form that has salvaged their pride.

On that note, let's take a look at the major talking points from the hard-fought game between Delhi Dynamos and FC Goa.

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#1 Goa start positive but lack a final pass

Chhangte in action [Image: ISL]

For about half an hour or so, the visitors established a firm grip on the pace of the game. They tried and tested almost every Delhi defender and midfielder and more so, kept each of them on their toes.

There was a major sense of urgency from the Gaurs, which probably wore out as the minutes went on because of the lack of an opening goal. As early as in the 3rd minute, they notched a fine attack casting Brandon Fernandes and Mandar, which resulted in a corner.

Six minutes later saw the biggest chance of the first half, when the ever-so-composed and balanced Ferran Corominas wriggled past a couple of challenges in midfield and threaded a pass to Hugo Boumous, but the latter fluffed his lines by launching his effort to the side-netting.

In the 14th minute, both wingers combined to baffle the Delhi defence. A blistering dribble from Jackichand Singh found Brandon Fernandes, who took a stride in and lashed his shot just above the crossbar.

All in all, it was one-way traffic in the first half an hour, much to the disgust of the home supporters.

#2 Both keepers untested as first half ends goalless

Dorronsoro had an off day as he was barely tested [Image: ISL]

Although both sides attempted to break the deadlock, neither were able to enjoy or exhibit one attack that got everyone off their chairs. In the first half, a long-range effort from Lenny Rodrigues was the only shot on target. And that too, was straight into the gloves of Delhi's Dorronsoro.

As far as the hosts were concerned, they took too much time on the ball while circulating it forward. The wingers did complete take-ons, but none of them had an end product to show for it. Goa's high press system forced Josep Gombau's side into long balls and consequentially, they couldn't keep hold of it for long spans of the match.

Goa had a lot of attempts on goal, but poor finishing and most of the times, a poor final ball led to their frustration. It is safe to say that they were far from their best.

#3 FC Goa grow into the game, Delhi miss a target man

Coro orchestrated a handful of chances for his side [Image: ISL]

What hampered Delhi the most was the absence of a focal point upfront. Not once or twice, but many a time, there was nobody in the six-yard area to pounce on a delivery. Indeed, the likes of Chhangte upped the ante and knocked at the Goa back line, but they dearly missed a target man.

The Gaurs had to respond after a lacklustre showing in the first 45 minutes, and they did. In the 55th minute, Coro played an exquisite ball to Edu Bedia, the man who was drifting into little pockets of space constantly. The playmaker found the target, but Dorronsoro came charging in to keep his clean sheet intact.

Eight minutes later, Brandon asked questions of the Delhi custodian once again, by firing in a fierce strike that saw the opposition shot-stopper scampering across to deny Goa. And that, summed up the second half for the away team.

#4 Centre-backs simply stood out for both sides

Mourtada Fall marshalled the Goa back line well [Image: ISL]

The entirety of the game turned out to be a tight, congested battle in midfield as both sides slowed down their progress in the middle thirds of the pitch. But the entire credit must go to the centre-backs, who, if seen on an overall note, didn't allow the strikers to have a sniff of goal.

Starting with Mourtada Fall, the giant from Senegal was on top of his game. He marshalled the back line, arranged the full backs' positions and won every single aerial duel. Moreover, he stood his ground and was edge-sharp with his challenges. His partner, Carlos Pena, was arguably even better.

The centre-half blocked shots and timed his tackles to near perfection. What was delightful for the away supporters was Pena's concentration levels. Heading into the final few games before the all-important knockout phase, Goa will know they have a fantastic defensive duo.

It was Brandon Fernandes who was billed as the player of the match, but Delhi's Gianni Zuiverloon provided the goods as well. He stopped about four crosses from coming in and most remarkably, covered up for his full back's absence by dropping out of his lines. He too, was unbeatable in the air.

#5 Are FC Goa on the fall?

Jackichand Singh was largely unimpressive on the night [Image: ISL]

Yes, FC Goa are widely tipped to stake a claim for one of the top 4 places, but to be talking on transparent terms, they have been far from their destructive best in recent outings. Hardly anyone, first of all, would have predicted a Delhi vs. Goa fixture to be without a goal.

Moreover, the draw against Jamshedpur had quite a few commonalities to this draw. Prior to the victory against Mumbai, Lobera's side battled it out against the Men of Steel at the Fatorda.

The major highlight in both these games was the lack of direct football from Goa, the football they so proficiently use to demolish opposition defences. Coro was seen dropping out of his zone many a time. Edu Bedia, who is on his best goal-scoring season, has had little to shout about since the return of ISL after the mid-season break.

Jackichand Singh's game is a clear testament of the aforementioned point. The wily winger was seen completing dribbles and initiating counters, but his ball was either too lifeless, or it never came.

Goa have kept three clean sheets on the bounce, but not many of us would believe that is what will win them the ISL.

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