Page 3 - Jamshedpur FC 1-1 NorthEast United: 3 Reasons why the hosts could only manage a draw

#1 NorthEast’s defensive approach at the start

NorthEast retreated into their shell too early in the first half, thereby allowing the hosts to control the game and get into the ascendancy. The visitors’ build-up play lacked conviction and they were content to clear their lines rather than being a little more proactive.

However, in the second half, NorthEast seemed intent on playing a more courageous style of football as they passed the ball around with intent while also creating more danger in between the lines.

Martin Chaves recovered after a sluggish opening 45 minutes whereas Gyan also profited from the increased number of midfield runners. Consequently, the goal also came about after a midfielder made the most of the Ghanaian’s flick-on, an aspect of their offensive play that hadn’t really come to the fore in the first period.

Furthermore, NorthEast defended much higher up the pitch, meaning that they were able to press the ball quicker and disallow Jamshedpur the time to scythe through their rear-guard.

Ultimately, that change in approach enabled the visitors to pile up the pressure and come away with a draw, courtesy a last-gasp equaliser by Triadis.

Thus, the NorthEast faithful couldn’t help but wonder what could’ve been had they began the game as positively as they ended it.