Mohun Bagan cruise past Chennaiyin FC all the way to 2nd Place in the League Table.
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| MOHUN BAGAN 2-0 CHENNAIYIN FC |
Mondays are the most disliked days in a week. After few days of rest and serenity in the weekend, it's back to reality for most of us. The same old routine, same old work, same old day and night. This same old life gets a touch of spice when we get to see our beloved team play football, doesn't it? Well that's what the Mariners rejoiced on Monday when the new ISL season returned to the VYBK for GameWeek 2, this time for a clash between Mohun Bagan and Chennaiyin FC.
With arch rivals East Bengal FC in red hot scoring form, the onus was on Lobera's Bagan to keep the pressure on the league toppers. A dominant display was all that was desired given the difference in quality between the two sides. And fair to say, the fans were not disappointed.
Mohun Bagan's Lineup:-
Lobera didn't opt for any surprises on the pitch, starting with Kaith in goal with Alberto and Mehtab as the two centre backs. Bose and Tekcham Abhishek started as the two full backs. Apuia and Thapa started in the middle of the park with Dimi playing in the number 10 role. Robson and Liston started on the flanks while Maclaren was the lone striker in front.Gameplay Analysis:-
Bagan was expected to dominate Chennaiyin FC, a team that depleted further in rank due to the indecisiveness nature of Indian Football. The intent was clear from the beginning. Robson and Dimi looked dangerous again. Robson weaved some magic on the left flank, reminiscent of his Bashundhara Kings days. From dropping defenders on the floor to delivering pin point crosses, Robson was a revelation to witness. And so were Dimi and Maclaren. They combined on a number of occasions but just couldn't get the end product. Liston and Dimi combined well on the right flank to mount a number of meaningful attacks, one of which actually came very close in the 43rd minute, but Liston's left footed curler hit the post.Chennaiyin FC, on the other hand, looked clueless after the first 10 minutes. They were toothless in attack, disorganised and disoriented out of possession and even with the ball, they never knew what to do. It's like their only tactic involved carrying the ball as far away from their own half as possible. They did create a few scares, especially through Bemammer's free kick from outside the box, but nothing troubled Bagan.
Bagan's reward came in the 45+3rd minute. Anirudh Thapa won the ball back with a skilful tackle and pinned a through ball forward from midfield, for a rushing Maclaren who slotted it past the keeper with a first-time shot. For a team which is built on the philosophy of keeping possession, this goal came from pressing followed by a counter-attack run, a technique that was not expected in this style of play. Lobera sure has some cards up his sleeve. Bagan fans were jubilant on getting the lead just at the stroke of half-time. The scoreline finally displayed Bagan's dominance, and it was none other than our talismanic Aussie who gifted us the perfect antidote for our Monday blues. Half-time arrived for Lobera's dressing room talk to inject more lethality into Bagan's attacking threats.
After the 2nd half began, Bagan dominated while Chennaiyin defended and sat back. The away side made triple substitutions to bring flair back into the game, but they were no match for Bagan's onslaught. The constant volley of attacks led to Bagan doubling their lead.
In the 64th minute of the game, Dimi played with Liston on the right for a quick one-two passing. Liston made a sweeping pass cross-field for a progressing Subhasish Bose, who found himself in wide space on the left wing. Without wasting any time, he produced a great cross at a good height right across the face of the goal. The ball flew over the defenders and was finally met by none but Dimi Petratos and guess where it landed? Yup, inside the net. The hands of Samik at goal were not capable of stopping his thunderous strike. And then, the stadium erupted.
Many were skeptical of his inclusion this season,but Dimi worked hard on his fitness to prove them wrong. He was out of favour, at the brink of another Sony Norde-esque exit from Bagan. But now, under Coach Lobera, we witness his return in grand style. And if the first two matches are anything to go by, he has pulled off a Granit Xhaka here. From being almost certain to leave, to now being integral and maybe untouchable yet again, Dimi Petratos has come roaring back to form. The sten gun celebration was back, a memory that Mariners cherish to have experienced on the same date last year when he scored the winning goal against Odisha FC that secured the ISL Shield for Mohun Bagan.
Final Thoughts:-
Chennaiyin were hapless in both halves and were probably relieved on hearing the final whistle. With a curtailed league this season, every game matters and Bagan put their best foot forward in both games.Two games, 6 points. Bagan have made a good start. The attack and defense both look solid. It's a reward you get for sticking with the same players over many seasons. Bagan may need to up the tempo in the coming games if they want to defend the title against contenders like Mumbai City FC and East Bengal FC.
Source: MBFT
According to Coach Lobera, this team will continue to evolve and improve. Two clean sheets are impressive, but Lobera's past escapades, at notably FC Goa, highlight his gameplan that once became known being ruthless in front of goal. If goal difference does become a factor later in the season, Bagan may start to rue the missed chances. That's a thought for the later times, for now is the time to rejoice and reset for the next game on 28th February against Mohammedan SC.
This curtailed league has made every game matter more, and hence, the excitement is ever-growing with each gameweek we pass through. Who will get to be the champion in this peculiar season of Indian football? The answer to that will reveal itself over time!
Stay tuned, and until next time, Joy Mohun Bagan!
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