ISL 2018-19: Steve Coppell credits Edu Garcia for ATK's change in fortunes after winning over Jamshedpur FC

ATK inched one step closer towards a top-four finish when they edged past a spirited Jamshedpur FC 2-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium to take their points tally to 20 points with four matches in hand. A double strike from Spanish playmaker Manuel Lanzarote ensured that they stay in the hunt for the championship. Although the hosts had a bit of a scare in the closing stages of the match, Arnab Mondal and John Johnson’s defensive duties were enough to hold to the lead.

Edu Garcia had a great day at the office and was the main supply line apart from Lanzarote. Coach Steve Coppell heaped words of praise on the footballer and feels that his presence uplifts the entire team. “Edu is a quality player. You see that in his movement. He hasn’t trained this week at all. He had a knock on his ankle, but he came through tonight playing almost the full 90 odd minutes. He compliments players. Good players always complement each other. The way he gets on the ball, not only effects the game but effects players around him,” said Steve Coppell during the post-match press conference.

He added by saying, “That’s the real bonus for me. He has that drive and determination, which allows him to create the chances. He’s difficult to stop when he’s in full flight. It was a real bonus to bring him in January.”

Manuel Lanzarote’s inch-perfect free-kick in the 3rd minute of the match gave them the lead after Edu Garcia was brought down by Jamshedpur FC’s Dhanachandra Singh just outside the box. A similar incident happened just 30 minutes following the first strike. The Spaniard converted from the set-piece with even a better finish from the first one to double the lead.

While the visitors pressed hard in the second half for the goals, it was not before the 82nd minute that they netted the first one. It was all about Jamshedpur FC after the goal was scored, the team from the Steel City dominated till the last second but had to return home with empty hands.

Meanwhile, Jamshedpur FC coach Cesar Ferrando rued the two mistakes for the loss in the weekend tie. Throwing light into the matter, he said, “I think we made too many mistakes because the player who falls in the box after making surging runs from was poor. We made two big mistakes which resulted in the goals. My keeper didn’t make any saves throughout the match, they only scored from the two free-kicks they had. You can’t leave an opponent player make a run from the half-line and we were made to pay for allowing that.”

ATK remains at the 6th position in the standings, while Jamshedpur FC will remain at the fifth position with similar figures but with a better goal difference. Steve Coppell’s boys will travel towards the west to play their next match against FC Pune City on February 10 while Jamshedpur Fc will host Mumbai City FC on February 8.