Bengaluru FC 1-0 ATK: 5 Talking Points & Tactical Analysis | ISL 2019-20

#3 Deshorn Brown eases Bengaluru FC’s scoring blues slightly

Brown popped up with the winner

In the winter transfer window, Bengaluru FC searched fervently for an attacking alternative capable of easing the goal-scoring burden on Chhetri. Subsequently, they dipped into the market and acquired Brown and Kevaughn Frater, a pair of Jamaicans who hadn’t particularly set the world ablaze but players that boasted the attributes to function as the focal point of the defending champions’ attack.

However, despite fleeting signs of encouragement, the duo largely failed to inspire, meaning that the Blues’ scoring problems continued. Yet, in perhaps their biggest game of the season, Brown stood up to be counted.

The Jamaican was a constant thorn in ATK’s side as the visitors failed to deal with his movement. At times, the striker dropped deep and dragged the defenders out of position whereas on other occasions, he ran into the wider channels, thereby enabling Chhetri to venture in-field.

Furthermore, he was willing to roll up his defensive sleeves and put in a shift for his side. He tracked back resolutely and ensured that the ATK defenders didn’t have the requisite time and space to pick out passes from deeper positions.

And, to cap off an industrious display, Brown showcased his predatory instincts when he pounced on Arindam Bhattacharya’s mistake to make the net ripple.

For quite a while, Bengaluru FC have solely relied on Chhetri to come up with the goods in the final third. Though an extremely scrappy finish by Brown might not allay those fears entirely, it certainly allowed them to get through another encounter unscathed. And, with that coming in the semi-final, one feels they might not crib about it too much.