ISL 2018-19: Mumbai City FC 6-1 Kerala Blasters FC - 5 Talking Points

#2 Defensive frailties cut Kerala Blasters wide open

Blasters were punished for their error-strewn performance (Photo: ISL)

Many people thought Kerala Blasters would be resolute at the back this season with the addition of Anas Edathodika and the possibility of him lining up alongside Sandesh Jhingan at the heart of the defence for the 'Men in Yellow'.

However, things have not quite worked out for the pair of them so far this season. David James opted to field Jhingan at right-back yet again and the Kerala Blasters' captain was quite comprehensively overrun by his counterparts on the flanks.

Jhingan gave away the foul that eventually resulted in the opening goal after Mumbai City caught the visitors napping with a quickly-worked free-kick from within their own half. The defender also failed to keep up with Subhasish Bose when he put in the cross for Modou Sougou’s third goal on the night.

It was not just an off day for Jhingan though, the Kerala Blasters back-line looked terribly out of place under the lights at the Mumbai football arena.

Sougou’s second goal was a result of a poor pass from Dheeraj, who was trying to play out from the back after exchanging passes with Anas, who was then caught ball watching in the build-up to the third goal as well.

The final nail in the coffin came when Lakic-Pesic’s back-pass found Sougou, who tapped into an open goal to become the first player to score four goals in an ISL game.