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The Delhi Dynamos have already bettered their performance from last season as they sealed their berth in the semifinals with a 2-1 win over NorthEast United FC in Guwahati. The win takes them to second place in the table as they become the second team after Atletico de Kolkata to book their spot in the last four of this year’s edition of the Indian Super League with two home games in hand.It was the team from the national capital who took the lead in the 30th minute, as Robin Singh lashed the ball past the NEUFC keeper. The lead did not last for long as Seityasen Singh equalized seven minutes later for the Highlanders. In the second half, it was the home team who dominated proceedings but were undone by a gorgeous goal from substitute Gustavo dos Santos.Here are the five talking points
#1 Dynamos\' defense
Even before the ball was kicked, it was confirmed that John Arne Riise did not travel to Assam with the Delhi side, which meant that Chicao slotted in as a centre-back along with Anas Edathodika. The Norwegian has been arguably the best and most consistent performer for the Lions this season and his absence could have had dire consequences for the away team.
As the game began, the defensive situation got worse for the Delhi side as Souvik Chakrabarti, the right full-back, had to be taken off in just the 6th minute after suffering an injury in his right leg following a clash with Diomansy Kamara. This meant that Sehnaj Singh, who had started in the centre of midfield, would have to play as a full-back after Souvik was taken off.
But much to the credit of the Delhi defense, they held on well and survived a few nervy moments to concede just one goal eventually and hold out for all three points. Anas put in a great shift and made some timely tackles to prevent the Highlanders from testing Doblas. Roberto Carlos will surely be pleased with his defenders’ performance as they recovered from a poor showing in Chennai where they lost 4-0 after a calamitous defensive performance.
#2 A tight and edgy game
For the most part of the game, there was a lack of clear-cut chances as both teams tried to keep the ball with the other team flying in with tackles. Both defenses looked to deal with the threats posed by their opponents and the game was laced with strong challenges, some being late and cynical. Tensions were running high as both teams knew what was at stake here.
The referee dished out a total of eight yellow cards during the game, out of which six were for the away side. The foul count stood at an unbelievable as 5-23 as the Dynamos were quick to cut down any progress made by the home side and completely stifled them.
The best example would be Gadze, as he was yellow-carded for a cynical challenge on Hengbart after the latter had run with the ball almost halfway across the pitch. Robin Singh pulled off a Diego Costa as he teased and tackled the North East defenders and took his chance with aplomb as and when it arrived.
There was also a clash between Sehnaj Singh and Diomansy Kamara as both players contested for a header. Kamara claimed that Sehnaj had elbowed him while jumping, which lead to both players clashing with each other and the Senegalese grabbing the makeshift full-back at the back of his neck. Both players were lucky to escape with a just a booking each.
#3 Taking your chances
Looking back at the game at the end of the 90 minutes, it is easy to say that Delhi won as they were more clinical in the attacking third. They have scored just 13 goals in their 12 games so far, which is the joint-least in the eight-team league, out of which two came in this game from Robin Singh and Gustavo dos Santos.
The first two goals of the game arose out of clear defensive errors as TP Rehenesh’s faulty punch led to Gadze heading the ball back into the box with Robin Singh completely unmarked, as he lashed the ball into the bottom corner.
On the other hand, it was Adinga Ralte who was at fault for the next goal of the game as he made a hash of the clearance and allowed Saiteyasen Singh to steal the ball and beat Chicao to slot the ball past the keeper’s right-hand side.
The Highlanders enjoyed a much better second half and were much the dominant team, but lacked the final ball that would allow them to add to their tally. After a clear run on goal, Saiteyasen should have made the keeper work, but he stumbled and allowed Sehnaj to get back and defend. They won a total of nine corners to Delhi’s three, but the Simao-led side could not crack the Delhi wall.
They were made to pay as Gustavo picked up a pass from Mulder and fired it into the back of the net in the dying minutes of the match and make the home team pay for their mistakes.
#4 Gustavo does it again
Gustavo was brought on by his manager in the second half in place of Vinicius to provide that spark to the Delhi attack and grab a goal with a piece of individual brilliance. It was exactly what happened as Carlos’ gamble paid off and the Brazilian winger drove the ball past Rehenesh from outside the penalty area, with just four minutes to play.
For anyone who has been following the Indian Super League in the last two years, this comes as little or no surprise. In their dismal first season, the only positive for Delhi was Gustavo’s mesmerizing runs and brilliant goals that single-handedly won games. This season, he has continued his match-winning run as he also scored an injury-time winner against Kolkata at the Salt Lake Stadium.
The fleet-footed winger made a huge impact on the game as soon as he came on and a thundering shot of his was saved by the keeper in the 66th minute. However, he was not to be denied a second time, as he won the game for the Lions with a few minutes left on the clock. He will surely play a crucial role for his side in the semifinals that will be played over two legs.
#5 NEUFC praying for a miracle
The Dynamos booked their spot in the top four with this game, but the Highlanders’ chances of making it to the semis look bleak. They are currently in 4th position after the loss with 17 points, after five wins and two draws.
However, they have played 13 games and their remaining match is at home to David Platt’s Pune City FC, who will also be fancying their chances of making it to the semis. Chances look quite slim for Cesar Farias’ side as Chennai and Pune are just one and two points behind them, and both have played a total of 12 games each.
After finishing bottom of the table in the previous edition, this season is turning out to be another heartbreaking one for the fans of the team, who have thronged the stadiums at every opportunity. They lost their first three games, which might come back to haunt them, and will be highly dependent on other results in order to have a slight chance at finishing in the top four.
