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FC Goa were made to work hard for their 2-1 victory over Kerala Blasters in Sunday's ISL encounter. The visitors took the lead but Blasters equalled the score courtesy of CK Vineeth.
Edu Badia's late winner means Goa are now on equal points with FC Pune City in third position, albeit the Gaurs have a game in hand. Here are the major talking points from tonight's tactical match:
#1 FC Goa slice open Kerala's defence for opening goal
Playing away from home, in front of a capacity Kerala Blasters crowd, you'd have thought FC Goa would have been a little cautious in the early minutes of the game. But the visitors didn't look overawed at all.
In fact, the Gaurs began to play slick passes from the get go and looked extremely dangerous. Lanzarote's long-range effort hit the post early on. Post that, Goa sliced open Kerala's defence far too easily.
Three direct passes was all it took. Brandon Fernandes played a splendid through ball for Mandar down the right wing, who squared it off to Corominas. The striker had ample time to pick his spot from close range and gave his side an early lead. All this while the Blasters' players were wondering what had just transpired?
#2 CK Vineeth scores and sends across a message to the haters
Against the run of play, Kerala Blasters levelled the score in the first half. Goa were dominating the game, through and through. Their midfielders were bossing it around the centre circle and the home side found it extremely difficult to impose themselves on the match.
Up stepped CK Vineeth, creating something out of nothing. Goa keeper, Katrimani's poor clearance was sent back into his own danger area. Siam Hangal, who was alert to receive it, immediately flicked his header towards Vineeth's path. The forward was ever so calm, taking his time before he side-footed his shot past the keeper.
Kerala's local boys, Vineeth and Rino Anto celebrated the equaliser by play-acting as if they were drinking alcohol from a massive pitcher, thus sending across a message to the haters amidst accusations of their captain, Sandesh Jhingan drinking after a match.
#3 In pain Sandesh Jhingan puts in a warrior performance
Playing hours after he was accused of allegedly being unprofessional, Sandesh Jhingan put in a thoroughly proficient performance tonight and put to bed any signs of lack of confidence that may have haunted him prior to the game.
Kerala's captain may not have had his best night as a defender, but he never let the situation get the better of him. In the second half, he injured his ankle and was seen seething in pain. Minutes later, he hobbled onto to the pitch to a rapturous welcome.
Kerala's faithful made it clear where their allegiances lie. They supported him all night long and he repaid their faith with a solid outing. The Blasters need Jhingan to be in prime health for the rest of the season. His hunger to deliver is second to none.
#4 Siam Hangal and Wes Brown vital for Kerala
Holding midfielders never receive the praise nor the love. Match after match, they simply go about doing their job, expecting nothing in return. Tonight, Kerala played against the most one of the most fluid teams in the ISL.
Goa landed in God's own country, determined to bag all 3 points. After a slow start, the Blasters did extremely well to hold off the opposition. A large part of this success was down to the home side winning the midfield battle.
Siam Hangal and Wes Brown were instrumental for Kerala and ensured Goa never outnumbered them in and around the centre circle. They ran the yards, slugged it out and made several important interceptions, one of which led to Kerala's equaliser.
#5 Goa did just enough to secure the win
It wasn't the greatest performance from Goa. They were unlike their usual selves, unable to create clear cut chances for large parts of the match. Kerala did extremely well in their attempt to stifle the visitors.
But as the minutes passed, the home side grew tired and the Gaurs made most of the situation. Edu Badia's header late in the second half gave Goa a vital lead at a time when not much was happening at either ends.
Kerala tried their best to trouble their opponents but Ian Hume was off colour tonight. He could not aid CK Vineeth as much as he would have liked. Their ineffective partnership meant the Blasters were handed their fourth defeat of the season. The home side ought to have troubled a weak Goa defence, a lot more.
