5 Things We Learnt from Mini Derby : Mohun Bagan v/s Mohammedan SC

bySagnik Chakraborty -

On a pleasant Saturday evening under the floodlights, the Mariners registered a statement victory and climbed to the No. 1 spot in the league table. Before talking about 5 key points from the match one thing should be mentioned: in a league campaign we may not find entirely five new aspects in every match, but rather observe how the existing stuffs continue to develop as a part of the ongoing process.

5 Key Takeways from MBSG vs MDSC:-

1. Smart Rotations, Strong Bench

One of the most significant takeways from the match was the intelligent squad rotation. Sergio Lobera, who had fielded the exactly sane XI in the first two games, made four Starting XI changes against the Black Panthers. Jason Cummings and Manvir Singh replaced Dimitri Petratos and Liston Colaco respectively, while captain Subhasish Bose was rested to hand Amey Ranawade a start, with Abhishek Tekcham shifting to the left back position. Most notably, Deepak Tangri came in for Mehtab Singh, partnering with Alberto at centre back.

What stood out most was how seamlessly the replacements slotted into the system. There was no visible drop in rhythm! Deepak Tangri may not have had extensive experience as a centre back in senior level football, but his performance had no indication of that. Meanwhile, Amey, with his first start this ISL season, appeared quite composed and well adjusted to the team dynamics.

Later on in the second half Kiyan came in for the first time in this year's ISL. Though it cannot be said that he was at his very best, considering it was his first game, he looked in good touch. He made forward runs, exploited spaces on the right flank, delivered a few quality crosses, and could have even registered an assist had Maclaren connected properly with one of them. Sahal, on the other hand, subbed in place of Amey and operating in midfield, offered encouraging glimpses of his natural game. His twists and turns, quick feet, and moments of close control added a creative dimension to the team in the closing minutes of the match.

Deepak Tangri in action. Photo: MBSG


In a league campaign such rotation and bench depth often become the defining difference between contenders and champions. Sergio Lobera chose a comparatively less tough fixture for this kind of reshuffle, while ensuring that other key players like Alberto, Vishal, Maclaren, Thapa, Apuia, and Robson got their usual gametime.

2. Robson "Remarkable" Robinho

Robson Robinho continuing to steal the spotlight under Lobera is a reassuring sign for the Mariners. Just like Sony Norde winning the Man of the Match in only 25 minutes, or Greg Stewart doing it in just 10, Robson made his impact felt. He earned the same in just 38 minutes on the field.

Mohun Bagan conceding a goal came as a shocker! Although Mohammedan Sporting were not the toughest of opponents, football is always unpredictable. The Mariners could have equalised in the first half itself to ease the pressure much earlier. And that was exactly when the Brazilian stepped up!

Bagan’s jersey No. 10 was simply unanswerable; his composure and quality proved too much to the opposition. Operating between the left flank and the half spaces, he manipulated defensive lines with intelligent movement. Abhishek provided width, Thapa controlled the tempo between the lines, and Cummings occupied the central midfield, creating the structural platform for the surge.

Robson, however, was the catalyst. He alternated between quick combinations and direct ball carrying, repeatedly breaking lines with sharp dribbles and close control. One such surge saw him beat multiple defenders and hit the post — A CLEAR WARNING!

The equaliser came from coordinated movement in the box: Cummings' clever backheel found Robson right in front of goal, and he finished with authority. Minutes later, after Manvir's shot was blocked, Robson collected the loose ball outside the penalty box and guided it into the bottom far corner: no power, just technique and precision.

Unfortunately, he had to leave in the 39th minute due to a hamstring pull and during the Post-Match Conference, he declared that he had been feeling a bit uneasy after his first shot of the game but refused to leave the field when the team was trailing.

3. The Long Awaited Setup

Lobera benched Petratos and gave Cummings a start who is undeniably more creative and suitable as the No. 10 role. We were eager to see the Maclaren - Cummings - Robson trio lead the line, with Manvir on the opposite flank and, Thapa alongside Apuia behind. Maclaren's instinctive positioning and intelligent off the ball movements remain beyond doubt, and with creative forces like Robson and Cummings supplying him, the attacking unit naturally gains fluency and unpredictability. Although the trio shared the pitch for just 38 minutes, it offered a promising glimpse of a partnership that could feature frequently this season.

Watching Jason Cummings from the stands was a treat! He looked sharper and made decisions more quickly. His overall play was more mature; he dropped into pockets, connected plays, and accelerated transitions with ease.

Compared to the previous two matches, the Mariners pressed less aggressively, likely managing energy levels. Thapa and Apuia controlled the midfield efficiently, balancing tempo and defensive coverage. Meanwhile, Tekcham Abhishek continues to justify the high expectations around him with a consistent and composed performance.

Lobera's tactics must get a ten on ten regarding making the fans understand his philosophy.

4. The 'Dimi Petratos' Effect

With Robson left the field, Dimitri Petratos arrived at the 38th minute. This was not a purely like-for-like change but the Mariners' heartthrob willingly took over the role in which Robson had been operating. It would be premature to label this as the arrival of "Dimi 2.0" – not yet – but the performance certainly offered a beacon of hope that the real Dimitrios Petratos might be returning. Believe me or not, it was for the first time since the ISL Shield decider of the 2023-24 season, we witnessed genuine glimpses of his true self.

Accurate Passes by Dimi. Via: Sofascore


Dimi started making progressive runs and threading incisive through passes – one of which found Maclaren into a position he would score nine times out of ten, only for the Mohammedan Sporting goalkeeper to produce an outstanding save. His ball progression improved noticeably, and there was a renewed sharpness in his intent and execution.

Big Chances Created. Via: Sofascore


And then came the goal. MDSC goalkeeper Subhajit was slightly off his line, and Dimi spotted it instantly. When the ball bounced toward him, he attempted a first time volley that looped over the keeper, kissed the far post, and nestled into the back of the net.

As Subhajit was not drastically out of position, it was Dimi’s trademark awareness and sharp reading of the moment that made the difference. The stadium erupted – a vintage Dimitri Petratos strike – followed by his signature "sten gun" celebration.

5. A Cleansheet Denied

MDSC's goal from the corner exposed a clear defensive lapse. Lalthankima occupied space near the goalkeeper, yet no one reacted or took responsibility. He remained unmarked. Apuia was positioned about two metres away, ahead of him, not behind, and hence, failed to shield him. Manvir was guarding the other man at the first post while Alberto positioned in front of Lalthankima. Lalthankima was awarded enough time and space to freely jump and guide his header toward the far post. That simply cannot happen at this level. Vishal's 50th cleansheet for Mohun Bagan was denied at least for another 6 days. Defensive marking in set piece situations must be tighter, more assertive, and better communicated.

Even later on, there were warning signs. A lack of proper marking and defensive ability to close down is evident in allowing Makan Chote's attempt to take a shot from midfield that stayed on target. These small, yet highly important issues need to be solved, otherwise better opponents will punish Bagan during the high intensity clashes.

Spot Your Writer Here. Via: FanCode


Another important clash is coming for the Mariners who are set to face Odisha FC on the 6th of March. Due to fans celebrating with pyrotechnics, a common sight in football stadiums all across the world, AIFF Disciplinary Committee decided that Bagan will play against Odisha FC behind closed doors- a decision that was modifyed hours later to a partial closure.  Yet, for a champion side, this should not become a barrier to their motivation. They must remain firm in pursuit of their goal. 

Presence of 12th man. Photo: Anirban Bhaduri


To conclude, we wish everyone a very happy and safe Holi! Use more of Green and Maroon colours of your favourite club and less of Red and Yellow.

Three matches, nine points. Ten more matches to go!


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:

You might like

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