FC Goa 2-1 Kerala Blasters - 5 Talking Points

Kerala Blasters’ poor start to the season continued with a 2-1 away defeat to an FC Goa team, who were fortunate to sneak all 3 points on Thursday night. The win sends FC Goa to the top of the standings with 10 points, one clear of FC Pune City.Pune do have a game in hand but FC Goa’s form is worth noting even if their last 2 games have been narrow comeback wins. They seem to be doing some things right while getting others woefully wrong, but coach Zico will hope he can plug all the holes before the next game.Kerala, on the other hand, have been hot and cold, impressing in some games while putting in drab performances in others. Today was not their day, despite taking an early lead. Here are the major talking points from match number 18 of Hero Indian Super League at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa. All images in the slideshow are courtesy of the ISL.

#1 Frustration for Kerala Blasters

Peter Taylor, who is without a win in 4 successive games now, had to endure another frustrating afternoon, this time courtesy of FC Goa. Kerala Blasters did everything right and outplayed FC Goa for majority the of the game. Mohammed Rafi’s initial goal seemed to have got them up and running, but two goals that came totally against the run of play turned the game on its head in favour of the Goans.

Kerala Blasters dominated the game in all areas of the pitch but could not translate all their hard work into goals. It was all yellow at Fatorda right until the stroke of half-time when FC Goa midfielder Leo Moura produced a sublime effort to pull them level. Kerala kept at their good work in the second half but went down to a headed winner from defender Gregory Arnolin.

Sandesh Jhingan, C.K Vineeth and Sanchez all came close to equalising for Kerala, but could only end up mounting pressure on under-fire coach, Peter Taylor. His players will have to put on their goal scoring boots in order to fix the current crisis at goalmouth.

#2 Leo Moura showcases Brazilian flair

Leo Moura put up a solid performance in midfield.

Leonardo da Silva Moura, was one of the only few players who stood out for FC Goa. Moura brought out the Brazilian flair in him with a jaw-dropping finish from right outside the box when he scored Goa’s first goal.

The 36-year-old, who has enormous experience of playing in the Brazilian top flight, kept Goa in the game with a solid performance in the centre of the park. Kerala who themselves had good midfielders in their side, were kept on their toes by the former Fluminense and Flamengo man. He got the better of the Blasters with his speedy bursts and half turns on occasions when Goa countered.

After this impressive performance in the Goan humidity and heat, it is doubtful whether Leo Moura, the ‘Hero of the match’ will start FC Goa’s next game in 3 days’ time. With games arriving thick and fast for Zico’s team, he might find it difficult keeping his star midfielder, Moura fit and fresh.

#3 Lucio\'s absence evident for FC Goa

Lucio FC GOA Kerala Blasters

FC Goa will admit they were lucky to flee with all 3 points from a night where Kerala Blasters were clearly the better team on the pitch. The Gaurs who lacked character throughout, would have settled for a point against the dominant Blasters, if not for Gregory’s late winner.

Despite the win, centre backs Gregory Arnolin and Luciano Sabrosa had a rough night keeping the Blasters’ attack at bay. Indian full backs, Nicolau Colaco and Narayan Das were also off colour.

World Cup winner Lucio, left a major void in the heart of the defence that Kerala Blasters could not capitalise on. With the vast experience of captaining many winning teams such as Inter Milan in the past, Lucio usually goes about leading his team by example and can get quite vocal in the process. His absence through injury meant that FC Goa were without the forerunner to motivate them. Lucio will be a massive boost for FC Goa as and when the marquee man returns to action.

#4 High attacking index for Kerala

Kerala seemed to have found the right attacking duo in Mohammed Rafi and Sanchez Watt

After 3 consecutive horror shows in attack against Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi; the Kerala Blasters’ strikers finally came back into the fray with a decent attacking performance. Kerala got on board, 65% of the attacking index against a poor 35% of Goa. With 14 attempts on goal, there were many encouraging signs for Kerala Blasters in their attacking third, but could not seal it with the end product.

Having tried out as many as 4 different combinations in attack, Coach Peter Taylor seems to have finally got the right duo in Mohammed Rafi and Sanchez Watt. The pair were a goal threat all night as they complemented each other with good movement both on and off the ball. The two will be top contenders to start when Kerala Blasters travel to face high flying FC Pune City next week.

#5 Goa go top of ISL standings

FC Goa are on top of the pile with 10 points from 5 games.

With the marginal 2-1 win over Kerala Blasters, FC Goa took themselves to the very zenith of the Hero Indian Super League table. With 10 points from 5 games, Goa are 1 point ahead of FC Pune City, who take on Chennayin FC on the 24th of October. Out of the 5 games played Goa have won 3, drawn 1 and lost the other and have now have back to back wins under their belts.

Goa Boss, Zico may not be entirely happy with his team’s performance against Kerala Blasters, but will grab the 3 points with both hands. He will be wary of his team’s flaws and will look to set this right when they travel to Pune. With an immensely potent squad, lacking a few tactical tweaks, Goa look like serious candidates for a top 4 finish.