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FC Goa locked horns with Mumbai City FC at the Mumbai Football Arena on the 7th of November and prevailed 4-2. The Gaurs were devastating in front of goal and punished the hosts' individual mistakes to secure their second victory of the season.
It was an even contest until Lenny Rodrigues broke the deadlock in the 27th minute. The midfielder scored from a set-piece before Seriton Fernandes took advantage of a calamitous mistake to feed Ferran Corominas. The Spaniard made no mistake and doubled the lead before half-time.
Jorge Costa demanded his side to press higher up the pitch and win headers to pile pressure on the visitors. This move paid off as Sarthak Golui scored from a set-piece, before Souvik Chakrabarti rounded off the comeback with an equalizer in the 55th minute.
The scoreline didn't stay quiet for long as Hugo Boumous scored a free header to put Sergio Lobera's side on the driving seat. The game further drifted away from Mumbai City FC when Carlos Pena scored from a free-kick in the 89th minute.
Here we take a look at the hits and flops from this high voltage encounter.
#5 Hit - Lenny Rodrigues
Lenny Rodrigues scored his first goal in Goa colours against Mumbai City. The midfielder controlled the clearance before launching a well-timed shot to beat Amrinder Singh. The Indian shot-stopper didn't have much time to react to keep out the midfielder's effort and got a gentle touch before the ball crept inside the back of the net.
For rest of the game, the former Bengaluru FC midfielder looked astute in possession and won several duels to assist his side. Moreover, he was the best midfielder on display in Mumbai.
He continuously kept on performing his defensive and offensive roles which earned him the 'Hero of the Match' award.
#4 Flop - Subhasish Bose
Jackichand Singh was a constant thorn in Subhasish Bose's side throughout the game. The Indian defender struggled to find his feet in the defensive and offensive areas of the pitch and was the main culprit for Goa's second goal.
When a ball was played inside the penalty box, the Mumbai City defender failed to track back, thereby allowing Seriton the time to pick out Coro inside the six-yard box. The Spaniard took a touch before slotting the ball into the back of the net.
Until Jackichand was taken off by Sergio Lobera in the second half, Subhasish looked vulnerable in the defensive areas of the pitch and lacked his usual touch. The left-back, who has struggled for form recently was was perhaps the worst player on the pitch.
#3 Hit - Hugo Boumous
Hugo Boumous has been occupying the number 10 role for FC Goa this season. The Frenchman produced a scintillating display in the second half.
When the visitors were struggling to penetrate the ball inside the opponent box, Boumous stepped up to the plate and fed the forwards. Apart from his runs, his hold up play was also quite good as it caused the hosts several problems.
Most importantly though, he popped up with the decisive goal in the second half. Mourtada Fall was picked out by a midfielder in the second half. The Senegalese defender didn't disappoint and headed the ball into a dangerous area where Boumous nodded the ball into the back of the net.
#2 Hit - Raynier Fernandes
Mumbai City FC found it tough to control proceedings in the middle third against FC Goa. However, their endeavours were aided by Raynier Fernandes, who shone in the centre of the park.
The midfielder was a constant passing outlet and he pinged passes across the field with precision. In addition, he dealt with the visitors' intermittent pressing tactics well as he rarely gave the ball away.
Moreover, he provided a creative spark as he played a few defence-splitting passes. And, even though his side weren't able to take advantage, there wasn't any denying the quality he portrayed on the ball.
While Mumbai's midfield eventually got overrun as they game wore on, it was more due to the lack of mobility of those around Raynier rather than the Indian being solely culpable. And, on a rather dreary night for Mumbai City FC, the midfielder was perhaps the brightest spark.
#1 Hit - Souvik Chakrabarti
Souvik Chakrabarti was suspended for the previous game against Odisha FC after he picked up a red card. And, on his return to the eleven, the right-back produced an excellent display and was rewarded with a goal.
He had a tough task against Brandon Fernandes on the right-wing. However, the Mumbai City FC defender found a way to negate his opponent's threat.
It has been an eventful start for the Indian right-back to this Indian Super League season. Souvik will be hoping to elevate his form as the season progresses. Mumbai were shown the exit door by Goa in the Semifinals last year. Jorge Costa will be hoping to move one step ahead and provide him with a chance to get his hands on the silverware.
