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The 2019-20 season of the Indian Super League has begun on a splendid note for ATK as they find themselves on top of the table. The two-time champions are on a six-match unbeaten run with 14 points from 7 matches.
ATK started their ISL campaign with a defeat as Kerala Blasters (1-2) pipped them at the curtain opener in Kochi. But, they bounced back with a resounding win over Hyderabad FC (5-0) in their first home match.
The team from Kolkata went on a winning spree by romping Chennaiyin (1-0) and Jamshedpur (3-1) in their next two encounters. But, the international break halted their momentum and they were held to two consecutive draws by Odisha (0-0) and Mumbai City FC (2-2).
ATK climbed to the pole position of the points table after thrashing NorthEast United (3-0). They next take on FC Goa away from home on Saturday.
#5 Easier set of fixtures
A lot of managers have complained about the fixture congestion in the early phases of ISL. But, they have been kind to ATK so far as the fixtures have been evenly spaced for them.
Incidentally, other teams in the ISL who are in the top half like Bengaluru FC, Jamshedpur FC, and NorthEast United are also yet to play two matches in a span of five days.
Mumbai City FC began their campaign by playing three matches in eight days. Post the international break, they faced NorthEast United and ATK away from home at an interval of four days.
Odisha FC didn't play a single home fixture in their first four games and given the construction work at Kalinga Stadium, they have played their home games in Pune so far.
Chennaiyin, too, played their first three matches in a span of eight days and will take on NorthEast United three days after their trip to Jamshedpur.
Even going forward, ATK's fixtures are uniformly separated. While the managers of other clubs struggle have to organize their training and conditioning sessions accordingly as the team travels on road, Antonio Habas has a free hand with his team.
#4 The chemistry of forwards Roy Krishna and David Williams
Roy Krishna and David Williams have brought their A-League form to ISL and already racked up ten of the fifteen goals scored by the team. Moreover, both of them have won the 'Hero of the Month' for November and October respectively.
Krishna and Williams have a brilliant telepathic understanding between them. Very rarely you would see both of them in the same line of attack. The Australian likes to drop down behind and feed a through ball for the Fijian. That tactic eventually resulted in ATK's second goal against NorthEast United.
Apart from leading the golden boot race, Krishna has also taken the most shots (20) in ISL. David Williams leads the chart in shots on target (10) list. Krishna is placed third with seven.
While most teams rely only on one forward to score goals, ATK has two of them who are giving a healthy competition to each other. Only on two matches have both the strikers failed to get their name on the scoresheet.
#3 Good bench strength
ATK spent heavily on the transfer market not only to get their starting eleven right but to also have formidable substitutes.
Anas Edathodika was suspended for their first fixture but Carl McHugh took his position in the back-three. The Republic of Ireland native was promoted to the defensive midfield position in the next match and Pronay Halder sat the contest out.
Since then, Pronay Halder, Jayesh Rane, and Sehnaj Singh have taken turns at slotting in the centre of the midfield. Javi Hernandez used to take care of the attacking duties in the midfield but Edu Garcia's splendid form from the bench forced Habas to give him a start as the season progressed.
The likes of Komal Thatal, Joby Justin, and Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem would have found a space in the playing eleven for many ISL teams but the quality upfront means they have to be content with sitting at the bench.
#2 A composed defensive unit
Many credit ATK's goalscoring prowess as a major reason for their success but they tend to forget their defensive capabilities. They have conceded only five goals in their last seven matches with Bengaluru FC only bettering their record.
Moreover, ATK has seen less of the ball in each of their seven matches. They like to play with three centre-backs with Prabir Das and Michael Soosairaj covering the wings.
Pritam Kotal has played every minute of the season so far and has 23 tackles, 13 interceptions, 53 clearances, and 10 blocks to his name. Agus Garcia has made 81 clearances either as a part of their back-line or as a defensive midfielder. Anas has played only five matches but made 16 tackles.
Prabir Das has 3 assists and 13 crosses in the seven matches he has played so far but has not compromised his defensive duties as he has made 29 tackles and 41 clearances. Michael Soosairaj has a goal to his name apart from taking 10 shots and whipping 8 crosses. Defensively, he has been astute too with his 22 tackles and 11 interceptions.
#1 A master tactician in the form of Antonio Lopez Habas
ATK brought Antonio Lopez Habas back at the helm of their affairs and the Spaniard knew the reason for his calling. He led them to glory in the first season and helped them reach the semi-finals in the second season.
Habas has ensured his team plays in a way where the opponent's weaknesses are exploited. For instance, NorthEast United suffered a massive jolt in their attacking plans when Asamoah Gyan got injured in the opening exchanges of the game.
Habas shifted his side to a 5-3-2 formation and NorthEast United struggled to find a marksman to play balls to. They could create only five chances as opposed to ATK's fifteen, which resulted in their 3-0 demolition.
ATK were forced to take most of their shots from distance in the first half against Hyderabad as it was difficult to penetrate through them. But, they scored three goals nonetheless and in the second half, Hyderabad left a gaping hole in their left flank while surging forward. David Williams and Prabir Das exploited it with the latter getting two assists with his sublime crosses.
Despite making the least number of passes, ATK has created chances in abundance. A lot of that credit has to be given to their coach Antonio Lopez Habas.
