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ATK clinched three vital points in the Indian Super League as they defeated NorthEast United after a clinical team outing at the Indira Gandhi stadium in Guwahati.
NorthEast United started positively and came close to goal through Asamoah Gyan in the seventh minute of the game. However, the striker's injury shattered Robert Jarni's plans as the hosts were left without a clinical striker on the field. ATK made use of this to grow into the game and sealed the game with two goals in the first 45 minutes.
David Williams opened the scoring in the 11th minute through a calm and composed header into Subhasish Roy's post. Roy Krishna got on the scoresheet in the 35th minute as Williams turned the feeder this time.
Though Jarni's men showed glimpses of a comeback in the latter half, they failed to get anything past Arindam Bhattacharya. Krishna added glory to the victory through an easy finish into the NEUFC net, just before the final whistle.
Antonio Lopez Habas' side outperformed their opponents throughout the game and were fairly rewarded the three points. With the fourth victory of the season, ATK are now at the top of the table, a point above Bengaluru FC.
#3 Asamoah Gyan's forced substitution
NorthEast United faced a major blow early on in the game when they were forced to replace target-man Asamoah Gyan due to an injury. The Ghanian was injured while attempting to take a shot after trapping a long-ball in the eighth minute.
The Highlanders then faced constant troubles in attack as the replacement, Maximiliano Barreiro, couldn't fill in the void left by the 34-year old. The team, as a whole, was devoid of ideas and had no end products to their build-ups. The crosses from the flanks and overhead passes meant for Gyan found no result when tried out with Barreiro.
Whenever the hosts tried breaking in, the ATK defenders dominated them with ease. The understanding and class which they had showcased previously was missing against ATK. In the second half, NorthEast were forced to try their luck at goal from distance as they found no way to get past the defenders. Even when they did, the finishing touch was left wanting by the red shirts.
The visuals at Guwahati was a clear depiction of Robert Jarni's over-dependence on Asamoah Gyan.
#2 NorthEast United's poor defensive display
NorthEast United began the game with Heerings Kai in place of Mislav Komorski at the back. However, the backline of Heerings, Wayne Vaz, Reagan Singh and Rakesh Pradhan were not adequate to stop the onrushing ATK attack.
The defence often lacked understanding and compactness and failed to cut off the supplies from the midfield. ATK were successful in drawing the defence to the flank and free a striker at the centre. On multiple occasions ATK strikers were left left unmarked inside the box. There were also no offside traps for the visitors, which could have been a good aid to counter the through ball strategy.
Robert Jarni completely botched his defensive tactics for the day as he should have opted for both Komorski and Heerings to face a dangerous ATK side. With very little support from the defensive midfielders, NorthEast had a horrible day at the back, conceding three easy goals to the two-time champions.
#1 David Williams and Roy Krishna steal the show again
As always, David Williams and Roy Krishna were the focal points in attack for ATK and the duo impressed again with three goals.
The two strikers were all over the NorthEast United defence and gave them no chance in the game. The first goal came through David Williams after Prabir Das whopped in a perfect cross from the right-wing. The Australian freed himself inside the opposition box and headed the ball into the back of the net.
In the 35th minute, David Williams set up Roy Krishna with an inch-perfect through ball on the right side of the box, which he cut inside and slotted past Subhasish Roy. Things came to a close when Krishna converted Jobby Justin's defence-splitting pass, in the stoppage time.
Both the forwards were constant threats to the NEUFC backline, throughout the game. The former Wellington Phoenix duo attacked with pace and broke through every time a ball came from their own half. Whenever Krishna drew himself to the wing, Williams was at the center of the box to connect the following cross.
Though the forwards missed a few close chances, they had done enough to garner the team three crucial points.
