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#3 A strange game embodied by a strange passage of play
Both sides came into the encounter needing a victory to resurrect their faltering campaign. However, for a majority of the game, both outfits seemed content to not lose, rather than risking it for a tournament-altering victory.
Unsurprisingly, they sparred with each other, meaning that each team pushed and probed without really threatening the opposition rear-guard. Hence, the game had traversed a slightly strange path, especially considering the predicament facing them.
Yet, akin to the rather peculiar pattern of play, the contest suddenly burst into life in the final quarter.
In the 75th minute, Mumbai indulged in their customary individual defensive error as Sarthak Golui allowed Jeakson Singh to waltz into the box. Though the latter’s shot was saved beautifully by Amrinder Singh, the resulting passage of play saw Jessel Carneiro pick out Messi near the penalty spot. And, the striker finished off the move with aplomb.
The hundreds representing the Manjapadda broke into a rapturous cheer with several even dreaming of an improbable away victory. However, their celebrations were cut short in a matter of moments as Rehenesh TP dubiously handled the ball inside his 6-yard box to enable Chermiti to capitalise.
Thereafter, both sides searched fervently for a winner, although they rarely managed to trouble either goalkeeper, with the closest being Kevyn Angoue’s attempted through ball to Larbi.
Yet, despite the Islanders and the Blasters’ change in approach, they failed to display the adequate conviction, meaning that they played out a drab draw, barring that manic 3-minute period.
More worryingly, each looked capable of making a difference yet weren’t able to stitch together a suitable end product, a characteristic that has reared its ugly head once too often this season.
Though it might be a tad too early to hit panic stations, maybe both sides might want to iron out these flaws swiftly. After all, time is a luxury the ISL doesn’t accord.
