ISL 2018-19: Delhi Dynamos FC 2-2 Jamshedpur FC – 5 Talking Points

Delhi Dynamos dropped points at their home yet again after a 2-2 draw against Jamshedpur FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday.

Delhi, who have not registered a win in Indian Super League season 5, were desperate to change their fortunes against a heavyweight Jamshedpur. The Ranchi-based side has been in some form this season. Though the results may not reflect it, Jamshedpur is the second best-attacking side after FC Goa.

The draw puts Jamshedpur on top of the table with 11 points from seven matches. But they have played two more matches than NorthEast United FC, who are also on the same points. The draw leaves Delhi on eighth place with only four points from seven games.

Both the sides were looking for an early goal as they started on an attacking approach. It was Sergio Cidoncha of Jamshedpur who put his side ahead six minutes before the half-time. From a counter-attack, Gourav Mukhi ran with the ball towards Delhi’s half with four of his teammates running on the left side with him. Mukhi’s cross found Cido, who got past Francisco Dorronsoro to put the ball in.

A costly mistake from Robin Gurung saw Delhi equalise in the game early in the second half. Gurung tried to pass back to goalkeeper Subrata Pal. But his weak effort was intercepted by Lallianzuala Chhangte who had no problem to beat a hapless Subrata.

Delhi showed their real character three minutes later when Tiri’s weak clearance found Adria Carmona, who took a step before unleashing a left-footed shot that beat Subrata. Tiri got a reprieve for his side when he got Marcos Tebar’s deflected corner came to him and the Spaniard headed the ball into an open net.

We now look at the five talking points from the match:

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#1 Goalkeepers save the day

Francisco Dorronsoro of Delhi Dynamos FC makes a save [Image: ISL]

We have already seen how goalkeepers can a make a difference in the game. The men under the bar came to their team’s rescue once again on Sunday.

The first half was a busy affair for Dynamos goalkeeper Francisco Dorronsoro. He had to step up a couple of times to deny the visiting side the lead. Dorronsoro was replaced by Albino Gomes and it happened to be a wise change for the home side as Albino made two mind-blowing saves late in the game to secure a point for his side. But he was at fault during Jamshedpur’s second goal and could’ve used his head more wisely.

Subrata Pal has not been in the national team's radar for quite some time now. But he hasn’t lost his magic touch. Delhi made a flurry of attacks in the second half and Paul showed why he’s considered as one of the best in the country.

#2 Refereeing makes headlines again

This should have been a foul in favour of Jamshedpur FC [Image: ISL]

Referees are always held at gunpoint during an ISL match. Whenever there is any controversy, rest assured that the referee’s name will be involved in it. ISL has witnessed some poor refereeing in the past few seasons and Sunday’s match makes a point of course.

As early as in the fifth minute, Delhi’s Marti Crespi went for a challenge on youngster Gourav Mukhi, but both of them had not clashed as harshly as expected. Mukhi toppled over Crespi and Italian went on head-to-head with the local boy may be warning him for a play-acting.

Crespi’s behaviour was not expected and he could’ve well been sent off by the referee or should’ve been cautioned. But Pranjal Banerjee did nothing and gave Dynamos a foul.

Then at the 11th minute, Chhangte went for a ball and Bikash Jairu’s boot hit him on chest inside the box in an attempt to clear the ball. That should’ve been a penalty given the challenge was made in the box. There were few other moments where the referee’s role came into question.

#3 Chhangte shines despite his team’s draw

Lallianzuala Chhangte had a good match [Image: ISL]

Lallianzuala Chhangte is one of the most talented youngsters we have in our country. The player is understated but is quietly confident when he comes into a game. Chhangte has been with Dynamos for the last two years and he has already seen the club struggling in the early periods last season.

Considering he is a young player who always wants to shine, this kind of results can really damage his confidence. He hasn’t scored or provided as many assists as he did last year, but he always comes to the team’s rescue. One can easily see his development as a player.

It’s going to be a massive season for him because he’s going to be one of those players who will be participating in the AFC Asian Cup in January. After Delhi led 2-1 in the second half, Chhangte got a little bit of confidence. It wasn't just normal stepovers at play; we saw him skip away from a couple of people with his trickery on the ball. We need to see more from him and he showed he can do it. He has the pace and he can entertain people with his skills. He can offer more in future.

#4 Dynamos need to do more work

Delhi Dynamos players failed to mark Tiri who scored the equalizer for Jamshedpur [Image: ISL]

The Dynamos Ultras, the official fan club of Delhi Dynamos put up their banner upside down once again. And to be honest, Dynamos were awful in the first half like their previous matches. They tried to make an attack but the intent was not there among the players. They had four shots but none was on the target.

Under immense pressure, coach Josep Gombau made three changes before the start of the second half. And that worked too. From the first ten minutes, it was clear that Dynamos took the field with clear purpose on their head. They got themselves back into the game and after their lead, they tried to hold on.

But all their effort went in vain after Tiri’s equaliser. Dynamos, who had been defending resolutely, left Tiri unmarked at the second post. We have seen before that Tiri is a silent killer from set-pieces. Dynamos committed the same mistake which others do and got punished immediately. Tiri had an open goal and the only thing he could do was to head the ball into the net.

#5 Table toppers Jamshedpur need to make opportunities count

Sergio Cidoncha of Jamshedpur FC celebrates his goal [Image: ISL]

Jamshedpur picked some best talents in their team this time. Their combination of Indian and foreign players is the best among the ten teams. They are still unbeaten in the league but five draws out of seven games is not something they should be proud of.

Jamshedpur have a very clear intent, make every counter-attacking opportunity count and score goals. They have the players. Michael Soosairaj, Gourav Mukhi, Farukh Choudhary along with foreigners Memo and Cidoncha can rip apart any defence. But they need to be more useful in the attacking third. They are creating opportunities, comes inside their opponent’s box too often but couldn’t convert each of their chances.

The game against Goa was their actual reflection of their attacking mindset. Considering Dynamos’ form, it would’ve been a cakewalk for Jamshedpur any other day. But they trailed for a few minutes and failed to find the winning goal after the equaliser, despite being the better team.