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Robbie Keane scored an exquisite goal to give ATK a crucial win against the Delhi Dynamos in Saturday's ISL match up. The Irish forward looked dangerous all night long and deservedly scored a peach of a goal against the capital side who desperately lacked ideas tonight.
Here are the major talking points from the game:
#1 High intensity start to the game
Two teams pegged at the bottom of the points table, ATK and Delhi Dynamos were expected to play it safe. After all, both of them have managed just a single win so far. But what transpired was completely the opposite. Both sides started on a positive note and the game was extremely lively from the minute it began.
ATK being the home side were persistent and continuously attempted to make inroads. However, the Dynamos were equally aggressive and committed numbers every time they attacked. It was a free-flowing start between two teams who looked determined to outplay each other. ATK played some promising football on the counter while Delhi were surprisingly calm and dangerous whenever they ventured forward.
#2 Prabir Das deserves to be called back to the national side
Not for the first time this season, ATK's right back, Prabir Das produced a thoroughly professional performance. Against Delhi, Das was alert and extremely lively down the right wing.
He marauded forward on regular occasions, providing his teammates with a passing outlet. But more importantly, unlike other fullbacks, Das did not forget his defensive duties. Every time he ventured forward, he was mindful and immediately tracked back to his own half and defended extremely well.
Prabir has made only 2 appearances for the Indian national team. Going by his performances this season, Stephen Constantine ought to call him up. He's an energetic fullback who is extremely fit. His control and pose on the ball are as good as any other player in the ISL.
#3 Robbie Keane two steps ahead of his teammates
After a stuttering start to his ISL campaign, ATK's star recruit Robbie Keane has truly come into his own. Tonight, he created a number of chances however his teammates failed to bury them.
Keane was clever with his off the ball movements, played off the shoulder of Delhi's centre-backs and was a threat all night long. His first touch had class written all over it and it helped him consistently peel away from his markers.
The Irish forward slotted himself between Delhi's defensive line and found a lot of joy through the centre of the pitch. Now 37, Keane lit up the ISL tonight and will be vital for ATK as the league progresses. He topped off his night with a splendid finish to give his side a crucial win.
#4 Romeo Fernandes, the rare gem for Delhi
By and large, Delhi Dynamos lacked the urgency and hunger to trouble ATK tonight. However, one man tried his best to make things happen. Romeo Fernandes played on the right wing and created a number for problems for ATK's back line tonight.
On one occasion, he brilliantly cut inside from the right, feigned a pass and then let loose only for ATK's keeper to make an impressive safe. Romeo was pacy and full of tricks.
He was always a live-wire for Goa last season and for Delhi, he was their only player who displayed intent and creativity. Fernandes made the pitch as wide as possible, hugging the touchline and constantly ran at ATK's left back Ashutosh Mehta.
#5 Dynamos deserve to be at the bottom of the table
Having scored five goals this season, credit to Delhi for being the most attack-minded side in the ISL. But they've also conceded a whopping 15 goals, by far the most in the league. Time and again, Delhi have shown why exactly they are at the bottom of the points table.
The lack of stability is a huge concern for the capital outfit. When they attack, their defence went for a toss and when they defended, they displayed no attempt to win the ball and attack on the counter.
Simply put, Delhi's players pondered on the ball for far too long and gave ATK, ample time to organise themselves in their own half. Going ahead, the Dynamos desperately need their midfielders to impose themselves far more than what they did tonight. Eventually, they paid the price for their lack of urgency.
