3 Goals, 3 Points and a top of the table shift | Mohun Bagan vs Jamshedpur FC | Match Review

byRichik Nag -

3 Goals, 3 Points and a TOP of the table shift

Pic Courtesy : ISL Media

International breaks always get a mixed response from the fans of the beautiful game. Some love it, for they get to witness their country play a few matches. For those few matches, all the club rivalry vanishes and everyone gets united to support their nation. While those who don't quite like the idea of international break, will support their cause by stating that international matches sometimes can get a tad bit boring and don't ignite that sense of regional pride that one can get from their club. Irrespective of whichever side you are on, you would probably agree that we all missed Mohun Bagan in action. The gap between our matches seem to be increasing every time, which can at times adversely affect a team. Especially for a team like Bagan, who want to win every tournament we play in, consistency is a key. And hence it was a great sight to behold when Bagan returned to the VYBK to face the Red Miners from Jamshedpur.

Bagan had the chance to go top of the league if they won the game on Saturday. The match was made even more special even before a ball was being kicked thanks to the special tifo, the biggest in Asia, unfurled by Mariners' Arena, Bagan's ardent fans. The tifo payed a homage to Bagan's rich history of foreign superstars who became one of our own, as well as extended a shoulder of camaraderie for our present set of foreign players. Nationality may divide us, but Mohun Bagan unites us.

Pic Courtesy : ISL Media

Coach Jose Molina went in with a tried and tested line up with Vishal in goal, while retaining the centre back pairing of Alberto and Aldred. Dippendu came in place of Ashish Rai while captain Subhasish started in the left back position. Apuia and Tangri started in the holding midfielder positions, while Liston and Manvir started on the flanks. Up front, Dimi and Jamie started as our strikers. Greg Stewart missed the match due to his ongoing injury problem.

Bagan looked like a well oiled machine right from the get go. They didn't look too overzealous in their endeavours, but like a Swiss knife, they were efficient. Bagan looked to build up the game rather than taking stray shots. And they did have a few shots on target. But the real deal came in the 15th minute of the game.

Dimi took a corner from the left which was cleared by the Jamshedpur defense but only till Deepak Tangri. Tangri took a shot which miraculously found the head of Alberto Rodriguez who cushioned a back header for Tom Aldred. And he did the rest. A brilliant volley, one that even the best strikers in the league would be proud of, he gave the keeper no chance as he smashed the ball into the net. Albino stood still in his place as if a meteor had just flown past him. And thus Aldred opened his scoring record for Bagan. The stadium erupted, the players were jubilant. Bagan's one big "family" was in unison as they cheered Aldred on for his goal.

Jamshedpur did try to mount a come back, but lacked the cutting edge. But Jamshedpur putting more bodies up meant one thing, that Bagan could open up the game whenever they wanted. And so they did. Liston, Dimi and Jamie combined and wrecked havoc especially on the left flank. Albino was under constant pressure from Bagan's marksmen. They kept coming close but somehow the ball wasn't going in. That was until something happened. Liston happened.

As a player with so much potential, Liston has mostly been both unlucky and at times not up to the mark with his finishing in front of the goal. Long shots are his speciality, but one's game can't solely depend on that. And he showed another glimpse of his explosive talent that forced Bagan to sign few seasons back. 40th minute of the game. Liston collected and controlled, caressed and kept the ball glued to his feet. Three defenders bamboozled, Stephen Eze bamboozled, another defender out of the way, Albino Gomes rooted to his spot. A goal that shouted "Ankara Liston" in the minds of everyone who saw it live. Liston was a man possessed, a man who could do infinity, a man who could do no wrong. 28 shots later LC17 had opened his goal count for the season. And it came in the best possible way. A wonder goal to put Bagan 2-0 up at half time.

Jamshedpur brought in Sanan in the second half and he did seem to have an impact. A player Bagan was linked with in the initial days of the window, Sanan looked sharp and was causing a few problems for the Bagan defence along with Tachikawa and Javi. Jamshedpur came close, almost too close via Siverio and it was Alberto's alertness has he quickly cleared the danger. Jamshedpur's wave of attacks was endured well by Bagan and they used this to their advantage.

74th minute of the game. Deepak Tangri floated a long ball over the entire Jamshedpur defense with the on rushing Manvir chasing and controlling the ball. Manvir dribbled past Albino and could've gone on his own, but he saw the bigger picture. A pass to Jamie Maclaren who slotted the ball home from 5 yards out for his 3rd consecutive goal in this season. A man whom the entire Bagan fanbase was dying to witness has been silently doing his work for the last few games. Jamie did score the goal but he was a gentleman enough to give Manvir the credit for the goal. 3-0 up with just 15 minutes to go, Bagan looked well on course to get to the top of the table.

The closing moments of the game saw Liston come very close to adding to his tally, but his shot was saved by Albino. Bagan didn't face much trouble in closing the game with a clean sheet. The win saw Bagan move up to the top spot, thus leapfrogging Bengaluru FC on goal difference.

TACTICAL SNIPPETS 

Let's try to delve into the tactical side of the match. Bagan clearly looked like the dominant side from the get go and a big reason for this was the midfield. The midfield and defence controlled the game. Molina isn't known for the flashy football, but his shift from a 3-5-2 to a 4-4-2 has been as effective as it can be. Bagan had 64% possession in the match, clearly showing the dominance that they had. Bagan played 473 passes, which almost doubles the meagre 253 that Jamshedpur managed to make. This culminated in Bagan registering 18 shots with 8 being on target, resulting in 3 goals. 7 of these shots came from outside the box.

Bagan's passing in the final third was a good 64%, but the crossing was poor with only a 24% success rate. Bagan's wing backs are not known for their crossing ability and it clearly showed. Apuia and Tangri controlled the midfield which allowed Subhasis, Aldred and Alberto to move up at times. Dimi was given the free role and was the creator in chief. Jamie's movement wrecked havoc as well. Even without the goal, his ability to draw a man with him to create space is something that Molina has utilised very well. 

Bagan did very well on both the ground and aerial duels, winning most of them. A 78% tackle success rate shows Bagam defense's credibility and hard work in getting the clean sheet. 

Bagan's only concern from this may be the fact that at time they get too passive, especially in the second half. This has been observed in this year's Durand cup as well where teams mounted come backs in the second half against Bagan. 

Jason Cummings started on the bench yet again, and it looks grim for the Aussie who had joined just last season with much hype around his acquisition. He has been rarely used this season, almost reduced to a side role. 

Molina's system seems to built upon solidity and reliability. He isn't trying anything flashy or out of the world. What he is doing is ensuring that Bagan's base is solid. With a solid base, the team can look to move forward and create the chances. How will this fare against the better teams is left to be seen. 

Follow MBFT on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Telegram, Whatsapp & Google News to stay updated with all the Mohun Bagan & Indian Football related News & Updates. Jai Hind Jai Bharat! Joy Mohun Bagan!
Tags:

Richik Nag

Hello and welcome to my blog! I look forward to sharing my views with you. So do support by following my blog and sharing your valuable feedback. Follow me on Instagram; @rikzerka007

You might like

View all
Previous Post Next Post
Share to other apps
Copy Post Link