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NorthEast United FC hosted Delhi Dynamos in their second last home game in the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati.
With a chance of making the playoff for the first time on the line for the Highlanders, it was a game the home side had to go all out.
Delhi Dynamos has been having one of the worst seasons in their ISL history and were looking to salvage some pride before the Super Cup kicked off. Northeast United needed two more wins to secure a place in the playoffs.
The game had a dull start with both the teams trying to get a feel of their opponents. Both the teams squandered chances throughout the first half. The scoreboard read 0-0 at halftime.
NorthEast United created some excellent chances in the early minutes of the second half, but Bartholomew Ogbeche and company squandered many opportunities. Marcos Tebar scored against the run of play to give Delhi Dynamos the lead in the 68th minute. Bartholomew Ogbeche equalised for NorthEast United in the 71st minute through a penalty.
The game ended even stevens with the scoreboard reading 1-1. The result makes NorthEast's path to the playoffs a bit tricky.
On that note let us take a look at three hits and flops from today’s game.
#1 Batholomew Ogbeche (NorthEast United FC- Flop)
Seldom do we portray a goal scorer as a flop, but today was one of those days when the talismanic goal scorer for NorthEast United had a poor game despite getting his name on the scoresheet.
Ogbeche missed the chance of the game when he put the ball wide with just the keeper to beat from handshaking distance.
Apart from winning the penalty which again is a debatable topic and converting the spot kick Ogbeche had no positive impact on the game.
His movements today was, and his link-up play with the rest of his teammates was left wanting.
Ogbeche failed to beat his markers throughout the game except for one occasion. His finishing was poor today, and the Highlanders will be rueing his missed chances as it robbed NorthEast United FC off a victory.
#2 Francisco Dorronsoro (Delhi Dynamos FC- Hit)
The Spanish shot-stopper was an imposing figure at the back for Delhi Dynamos. It was due to his efforts that NorthEast United failed to get all three points in the game. Some of the decisions he made were crucial which helped his side secure a point against NorthEast.
His presence affected the NorthEast attackers as they missed a couple of chances and the Spanish Goalkeeper saved the rest.
His distribution was good today and often made the NorthEast attackers run in circles in search of the ball.
His decision making while coming out to gather the ball was sublime today. He even defended crosses from the edge of the box, and that was one aspect which we haven't seen goalkeepers do in India often.
His ability to play as a sweeper keeper helped Delhi in certain situations, and the whole Delhi side would be hoping that their Goalkeeper keeps up his good form during the remaining part of the season and also during the Super Cup.
#3 Khawlhring Lalthathanga (NorthEast United FC- Hit)
Khawlhring Lalthathanga, also known as Putiea, played in an unusual role as the right midfielder today from his usual position of left midfield.
Naturally, a left-footed player Putiea took some time to adjust in his new role but once settled he was dangerous for NorthEast United FC.
He helped Reagan in defence was very effective in countering the threat that Changte and Nandakumar possessed through that side.
It was also due to his smart moves that helped Gallego find space up front. He exploited Narayan Das throughout the 90minutes and put in some good crosses into the box. His teammates squandered a lot of the chances that Putiea created.
He also filled the void that was often created in the midfield of NorthEast United FC and moved in central to cover for the likes of Rowllin Borges.
Putiea absence in the left flank made the left side a bit vulnerable, and that was the flank from where Delhi scored. It goes to show how much of an asset Putiea has been for Northeast United FC in this season of the Indian Super League.
His ability to play in multiple positions during a game has helped a team like Northeast United FC who lack depth in their squad.
The Highlanders will be hoping that the young 20-year-old lad from Mizoram keeps up his impressive performance during the remainder of the season.
ALSO SEE: ISL Fixtures | ISL Points Table | ISL Results
