Another scintillating weekend of action in the Hero I-League, but without a lot of movement at the top of the League table. The most surprising result of the round though is the win for Chennai City FC who elected to get rid of their manager Robin Charles Raja during midweek.
The men from Chennai picked up a 2-1 victory against Mumbai FC, with new manager V. Soundarajan at the helm. Aizawl FC kept picking up points and putting pressure on the Bengal giants with another impressive victory over Churchill Brothers.
DSK Shivajians picked up three very important points away to high flying Shillong Lajong, who had won each of their last four games at home. Bengaluru FC dropped their first points at home to Minerva Punjab, as this became their fifth game without a win.
The Bengal derby ended in an anti-climatic 0-0 draw, but both managers wouldn’t be too disappointed with the result, as a loss in the derby has previously derailed seasons.
We look at five major talking points from this weekend’s action
#1 The Kolkata Derby flattered to deceive
It was build up as the biggest game in Indian football, but the Kolkata Derby was far-far off that path, both on and off the field. The game flattered to deceive and was more of two teams cancelling each other out rather than anything else.
The star players didn’t show up, and it for all those fans who travelled from Kolkata to Siliguri, it would have definitely left a sour taste in their mouth. Further, off the field, the telecast of the game was also poor and was interrupted in the second half with fans voicing their disapproval on Social Media.
#2 Jayesh Rane has been a revelation this season
Jayesh Rane is far from what you call a household name in India. He started the ISL season well for Chennaiyin FC but then petered out as Chenniayin’s season.
But, he has been the crown jewel for Aizawl and Khalid Jamil. Playing in a free role behind Kamo Stephane Bayi the winger has been the best player for Aizawl, through their brilliant start of the season.
Against Churchill Brothers, he again showed what he is all about when he set up Kamo for his goal. His touch to take it past Meldon D’Silva was nothing short of sublime.
He has been consistent throughout the season and has performed admirably against the big boys. With Myanmar in the horizon, Stephen Constantine should be really happy.
#3 DSK Shivajians finally come good away from home
DSK Shivajinas has for the most part been the almost team in the League. The almost beat Mohun Bagan, and they were 2-0 up against defending champions, and almost beat them until Salam Ranjan Singh scored in the last minute.
But, against Shillong, they finally got the job done. Something that is sure to make Dave Rodgers breathe a little easier. The played as well as they have done, in the first half as they went ahead with Sanju Pradhan (16') before being pegged back, but the man of the match Shane McFaul, put them back ahead in the 44th minute.
#4 The title might be gone for Bengaluru FC
There was a lot of positivity around Bengaluru FC as the season started. There were pundits who gave the title to the Blue half without even watching a minute of the season. Well, you can’t blame them, Bengaluru FC were, after all, the finalists of the AFC Cup.
On Saturday, they dropped their first points of the season at home, extending their winless run to 5 games. Bengaluru FC, at the moment, is fifth in the table, with 11 points, 9 behind leaders East Bengal (who have played a game more).
With almost half a season gone, and with Bengaluru FC’s form going down the hill by the day, this is surely the title going back to the East of India.
#5 Chennai City FC bear the fruits of swift management action
On 8th February, the club confirmed that they have parted ways with Robin Charles Raja. On 9th of February, they confirmed that V. Soundararajan is taking over as the new manager of the team.
In Indian football, we have on multiple occasions seen management of various teams, pondering their move for too long and ultimately making a mess of things. This was an example of exactly the opposite, and Chennai City FC bore the fruit on the pitch, as they got their second win of the season.
