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Bengaluru FC produced a professional performance to register a 2-0 win over ATK in Saturday's ISL encounter.
Miku scored his tenth goal of the season and helped his side further their lead at the top of the points table. ATK, on the other hand, are now virtually out of the race for a spot in the top 4. Here are the major talking points from tonight's match.
#1 Jordi Montel scores marvellous own goal early on
ATK began today's match on the worst possible note. Own goals always hurt unlike other goals but ATK's Jordi Montel scored one that every striker in the world would be proud of. Bengaluru's Edu Garcia floated a wonderful through ball for Udanta Singh down the right wing.
The pacy winger got ahead of his marker and played a dangerous cross across the face of goal. In his attempt to intercept the pass, Jordi Montel's side-footed effort nestled right into his own top right corner. Cristiano Ronaldo would be itching to score one like that given his poor form.
ATK keeper, Debjit, dived in vain as the ball curled into his own net. Looking back, Sunil Chhetri's presence may have pressurised Montel to clear the ball first time but little did he predict that it would nestle into his own net.
#2 Udanta Singh has a weapon but he isn't using it well
On one particular occasion, Bengaluru forward, Miku released Udanta Singh with a defence-splitting chipped through ball. The wide man found himself completely free and had at least 30 yards of open space in front of him.
He put on his afterburners and ran like there was no tomorrow with the ball at his feet. Leave aside ATK's players, when Udanta is running at full speed, every player in the ISL would find it hard to keep pace.
However, that move had an anti-climatic ending. At the end of that run, Udanta managed to find only an ATK player with his poor pass when there were three BFC's players positioned inside the box. It's not the first time Udanta has made the wrong pass in the final third. Coach, Albert Roca will be determined to improve his talented winger's decision-making skills. Singh has a weapon but he isn't using it well.
#3 ATK give Bengaluru a run for their money
This was supposed to be a walk in the park for Bengaluru. ATK coach Ashley Westwood admitted that teams may take his side lightly given their current predicament. But the home side did admirably well and held their own despite the tide flowing against them.
Post the unfortunate own goal, ATK did not implode. Instead, their influence on the game grew and they managed to create multiple goal-scoring opportunities.
Jayesh Rane, Bipin Singh and Paterson were involved in the thick of things and caused numerous problems in Bengaluru's final third. The visitors did not have it easy and were made to work hard across the entire pitch. The hosts refused to throw in the towel and continued to chip away with persistence.
#4 Rahul Bheke delivers solid performance and then gets sent off
Bengaluru's versatile defender has missed only one game for his team this season. Tonight, he produced a thoroughly solid performance thus cementing himself as one of the most consistent players in the ISL.
Bheke made numerous last-ditch tackles and interceptions, bailing out his side when they took their foot off the pedal. He made two magnificent interceptions to deny Jayesh Rane, what would have been sure shot goals.
Rahul was at this defensive best but before he knew it, he was shown two yellow cards in quick succession and received his marching orders in the 70th minute. He was Bengaluru's best player but topped off his night with a red card for his overzealous tackles.
#5 ATK out of top 4 race as their season comes to an end
For the first time ever since the league's inception, ATK suffered four consecutive losses on the trot. Their latest against Bengaluru means ATK have not scored in three of their last four games.
One can't really pin the blame on the new coach, Ashley Westwood. The damage had already been done much before he took over. Former coach, Teddy Sheringham failed to build a cohesive unit and ATK paid a heavy price in the process.
Tonight, they put in a respectable performance but even their best wasn't enough as BFC walked away with all three points. Tonight's loss officially ends ATK's pursuit for a top 4 spot. As cliched as it may sound, they have nothing but respect to play for until the end of the season.
