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ATK has managed to shake off FC Goa from the top spot with a 3-1 victory over Odisha FC at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. Striker Roy Krishna handed ATK an unassailable lead after he scored thrice within 18 minutes in the second half. Odisha's Manuel Onwu pulled one back in the 67th minute. But, that sole goal proved to be nothing more than a consolation as Josep Gombau's side are forced to head home with the top-four qualification in severe irresolution.
It was a dry spell during the first half because chances weren't arriving thick and fast. Half-time team talk from Antonio Habas proved to be a turnaround. Within four minutes of taking up the field in the second half, Roy Krishna opened his scoring from a corner, before scoring two, with one being a phenomenal goal, and another one being a routine finish.
Manuel Onwu, who was stuck with goal drought at Bengaluru FC, added his third goal for his temporary club. The scoreline wasn't troubled despite a flurry of chances being manufactured later in the game.
There were plenty of individual performances to analyse as ATK successfully overcome Odisha to sit at the top of the pile.
#1 Hit - Roy Krishna (ATK)
Striker Roy Krishna became the second player to score a hat-trick for the two-time champions, ATK. The Fiji international needed just 14 minutes to achieve that feat after opening the score in the 49th minute. He then went on to score again in the 60th and 63rd minute.
Since Odisha showed defensive character and strength in the first half, the hosts struggled to penetrate through their opponent's defence. However, in the second half, the hosts, especially Roy Krishna, produced a sucker punch on Odisha with three quick goals to seal the tenth victory of the campaign.
Roy Krishna was as devastating as it gets with the variety of his goals today. The striker broke the deadlock from close range after he was left unmarked from a set-piece delivery.
One became two after Mandi picked out Roy Krishna with a long ball. The striker showed his bursting pace to beat Carlos Delgado to the delivery and audaciously chipped the ball over the goalkeeper. For the third goal, Edu Garcia pinched the ball off Marcos Tebar. The ball fell into the legs of Jayesh Rane, who sent a cross gracefully to the feet of Roy Krishna. The striker was never going to commit a mistake from close range and slotted the ball past Francisco Dorronsoro.
Roy Krishna won the Hero of the Match award for this fantastic goal show. If he manages to remain fit till the end of the campaign, ATK have a great chance of getting hands on the trophy.
#2 Flop - Narayan Das (Odisha FC)
Left-back Narayan Das was the least performing player on the pitch as his side went down to the table-toppers ATK. Odisha had an opportunity to leave their footprints in the playoffs, but the whole side, including the experienced defender, succumbed to third successive defeat.
The Indian international was lashed out throughout the game by ATK right wing-back Prabir Das. Since the hosts are reliant on the creativity of full-backs, Narayan Das was presented with everlasting pressure and running through the right-wing channel.
During the early moments of the game, Narayan was in no man's land to deal with a cross. Prabir produced a decent delivery to pick out Edu Garcia inside the penalty box. The Spanish international slid down in the hopes of connecting the ball, but it had more pace than he would have liked.
Man-marking Krishna during set-pieces was another task handed out to Narayan. But, the Fiji international got the better off him by running away and slotting the ball inside the back of the net for the first time. It was a night to forget for Narayan Das.
#3 Hit - Manuel Onwu (Odisha FC)
Manuel Onwu failed to hit the ball on target under Carles Cuadrat at Bengaluru FC. However, the title-winning manager's compatriot Josep Gombau appears to have brought the best out of the striker. The Spanish International is currently enjoying his spell with the Juggernauts having scored three goals in two games.
The visitors started the game on a high ante and looked the most likely to cause trouble. The main flaw was the amount of supply for the striker, who worked his socks off in the attacking areas of the pitch.
Since Odisha adopted a defensive methodology, Onwu was left isolated for the majority of the game. However, when the visitors had the possession, he maintained them with his passing and holdup play.
Two chances fell into Onwu in the second half. As for the goal, he committed no mistake by getting enough power to divert it away from the goalkeeper. The other one, being a ferocious header, was kept out by Arindam in the dying seconds of the game.
Onwu is a valuable asset for the side. Gombau will be hoping to sign him on a permanent basis after the conclusion of this season.
#4 Hit - Prabir Das (ATK)
Prabir Das is one of the stars of the season. The right wing-back's prowess in the defensive and attacking side of the game concurs with Antonio Habas' system, which demands the full-backs to work their socks off in both sides of the pitch.
Narayan Das everlasting problem of concentration has helped Prabir Das' cause. During the opening moments of the match, Prabir caught Narayan napping with a sumptuous delivery to nearly set up Edu Garcia. For the rest of the game, Prabir caused enough trouble to his compatriot and won the battle with ease.
ATK manager Habas chose that channel for creativity. The tactics couldn't have been better as the trio of goals were set up through the right wing of ATK. Prabir didn't directly contribute to the final third, but his pressing for the third goal played a part.
The full-back, along with Edu Garcia and Jayesh Rane, was hoping to pinch the ball off Marcos Tebar. Odisha's Skipper eventually lost the ball to Garcia, helping Rane to set up Roy Krishna for a third of the night.
#5 Flop - Vinit Rai (Odisha FC)
Vinit Rai had a night to forget. The additional midfielder in the opponent setup made it difficult for the youngster to get the better off Mandi Sosa and Rane. While the latter completely dominated the game in the attacking areas of the game, Vinit Rai struggled to provide the insurance for the defenders as he was all over the pitch.
The visitors had the majority of the possession in the game, but didn't possess the panache to break down their opponents. Even though he was kept busy throughout the game, Rai ended the game with a meagre two clearances.
He is the driving force from the midfield department for Odisha FC. Bigger and better things are expected from the youngster, as he tries to form a formidable partnership with the skipper Marcos Tebar.
The playoff place looks out of reach and out of their own hands. Odisha will be eager to win the next two and hope for Chennaiyin FC and Mumbai City to slip up badly in the following games.
