ISL 2015: Delhi Dynamos 3-1 FC Pune City - 5 Talking points

FC Pune City were handed a 3-1 thrashing from Roberto Carlos and men in the Hero Indian Super League in Delhi. Four defeats in five outings, reads the report card of David Platt and his boys, and this defeat further drifted them away from the semifinal berth, hopes for which were so bright in the initial stages of this second edition of league. There were many holes in the sides outing against Delhi who had beaten them by a solitary goal in their away match. The result for the Dynamos is that they're now second in the table and are looking good on their performances to go through as one of the top 4 as we get into the business end of the ISL.Here are 5 talking points from the game:All images in this slideshow are sourced from the ISL.

#1 Pune\'s poor defending

Defensive lapses were the main setback for Pune. Sushanth Mathew was off colour, and spectators were left wondering why coach Platt did not replace him. It was finally an injury due to which Sushant was forced off the field making away for James Bailey.

Failing to hold the ball and losing the ball in their own half were some of the tenets of their performance. Its an incredibly disappointing performance for a side which looked so menacing in the beginning stages of the league.

Usually, no one individual can be blamed for a loss, but Sushanth’s poor showing was culpable for a lot of the blame. Roger Johnson was the only wall for the Pune side, when they played a 4-4-2 format, leaving the other three in defence as mere spectators, and making things difficult for their goalkeeper, Arindam. Two goals off corner kicks were testimony of the poor defending.

#2 Anas, Adil outstanding for the home side

Delhi's Anas Edathodika and Adil Nabi led the Dynamos’ assault with Robin Sigh making his presence felt with some good dribbling, however, India’s hero against Guam did not find his name in the list of scorers.

Nabi was more threatening and the fleet-footed striker cut tough the rival defence with ease, after missing some chances he finally netted one from a corner. It came thanks to Pune's defensive lapses, but Nabi’s sheer will to get to the ball was admirable.

Roberto Carlos’ changes did wonders for his side. The Brazilian brought in Vinicius and Adil Nabi for Gustavo Dos Santos and Hans Mulder. Even Doungel impressed on the day with some good runs and impressive passing range.

#3 Platt\'s changes had no effect

The Manipuri lad Eugeneson Lyngdoh, was hardly seen with the ball. This left the midfield vacant making it easy for the Delhi players to penetrate. Their ball possession, 70 percent compared to just 30 percent told the sad story of David Platt and his boys.

There was nothing going in favour for David Platt. And to rub salt in their wounds, Govin Singh who was warned in the 67th minute was booked again in the 86th minute and the team was reduced to ten men.

The four changes for the visiting Pune outfit in Gouramangi Singh, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Wesley Verhoek and Kalu Uche replacing Gurjinder Singh, James Bailey, Bikash Jairu and Tuncay Sanli did no good for them.

#4 Mutu not yet out of second gear

Adrian Mutu, the Romania striker is yet to get into the game. Except for his free kicks, there was nothing noteworthy from this Romanian. And it was Didier Zokora, the Ivorian who despite playing in all the matches so far, did not show any signs fatigue.

He played a dual role both as the defender and going forward for his team. But his poor marking of Anas Edathodika which saw them concede the second goal will give Zokora a sleepless night.

Mutu has showed promise in his play so far but isn’t yet delivering the final product. If Platt is to make a mark in this ISL, he needs the Romanian to fire.

#5 Goalkeeping was outstanding for the sides

Delhi's keeper Toni Doblas, enjoyed a well-knit defence spearheaded by Brazilian Chicao with Anas Edathodika, and John Arne Riise, Arindam was let down by his defensive system at the other end.

Doblas made some very crucial interceptions and saves to keep his side in the game. The same can be said of Arindam despite having conceded 3 goals, though, to be fair, he could have done little about them. The same as the Delhi keeper who could not save Mutu’s freekick despite getting a touch on it.

The problem for David Platt lies in defence at the moment and despite Roger Johnson’s best efforts, the whole team’s defensive responsibilities can hardly be carried out by one individual.