5 KEY TAKEAWAYS from Mohun Bagan's Win against NEUFC

bySagnik Chakraborty -
Securing three points in Guwahati in a Must-Win Clash without two key players is as perfect an outcome as one could hope for! On a heavy, rain affected pitch, the Mariners executed their tactics aptly, sealing the game and reclaiming the Top Spot on the ISL Table.


Have a look at some KEY TAKEAWAYS from the Match:-

1. A Context-Aware, Attack Oriented “Perfect XI”:

The Starting XI reflected a clear tactical recalibration from the previous few outings. The decisive shift came in midfield and up front. Deploying Sahal alongside Jason Cummings and Anirudh Thapa in the midfield created a fluid midfield dimension, prioritizing ball progression and chance creation over rigidity. Sahal's hybrid role of oscillating between a No. 8 and an advanced No. 10, allowed Mohun Bagan to exploit half spaces, especially against a North East United side whose defensive organization appeared vulnerable compared to last season. Positioning Robson in his natural left wing role from the outset revitalised his game, allowing him to play with greater freedom and attacking clarity after a couple of underwhelming performances.

The inclusion of Sahal in the starting XI had an immediate impact. After Liston picked him out with a precise pass into the box, Sahal controlled it with a deft touch and released it at exactly the right moment. His incisive delivery carved open the defence, finding Robson, who finished clinically into the top left corner.

Credit - @FanCode


This XI may not be ideally suited against sides like FC Goa or East Bengal, where control and defensive transitions are tested more rigorously. However, against North East United FC, it was a perfectly calibrated setup, effectively a 'ten-on-ten' tactical fit: a proactive tactical decision that aligned perfectly with both game state demands and opposition analysis.

2. Defensive Resilience Under Chaos:

In the absence of Alberto, Mehtab Singh partnered Tom Aldred at Centre Back, with Subhasish Bose and Abhishek Tekcham operating as fullbacks. Structurally, Mohun Bagan maintained a compact back four, facing minimal threat in the first half.



The game state, however, shifted drastically after the break. Heavy rainfall turned the pitch into a low traction surface, reducing the game into second ball situations, aerial contests, confusing ball movements, and a complete chaos refarding ball possession and progression: conditions where tactical patterns give way to game intelligence and defensive instincts. This is where experience defined the outcome. Subhasish Bose, relatively not up to the mark earlier, adapted impressively, prioritizing clearances, body positioning, and risk minimization. Tekcham delivered a steady performance, maintaining width defensively while avoiding overcommitment on a slippery flank.

Credit - @mohunbagansg


At the middle, the Aldred‐Mehtab partnership was decisive. Mehtab's goal line block and heading out of a looping ball toward the goal highlighted his positional awareness under pressure, while Aldred emerged as the defensive leader; constantly winning duels, intercepting second balls, and ensuring defensive cohesion. His decision making in a volatile pitch condition, when to clear long and when to hold shape, was crucial. As the match descended into disorder, Mohun Bagan's defensive unit shifted from a structured block to a situational survival mode, where experience outweighed technical finesse. In that context, Aldred's leadership and Mehtab's interventions anchored a performance that reflected the composure of a title contending side.



3. Under-Utilized High xG Opportunities:

A clear case of overplaying in a high xG zone is something that should be avoided. Jamie Maclaren made a good move, timing the run perfectly off Abhishek Tekcham's quick throw. Once inside the box, from that tight but very high xG angle, the optimal action is typically a first time or early shot across goal, especially given the the space and time he had and defensive recovery lines. Instead, Maclaren opted for a square pass toward Robson, which statistically became a lower probability action in such scenario. Defenders recovered their positions, increasing likelihood of interception. In simple tactical terms: Inside the box, closer to goal, a striker of Macca's calibre should prioritize shot over pass, unless the passing lane is completely open.

1. Maclaren has enough space and time to take a shot.
Robson is positioned too far to be an immediate option.
2. Maclaren opts to pass to Robson.
This allows the defenders to reset and reorganize.
(Via: Fancode)


While Mohun Bagan scored shortly after, moments like this are game state sensitive. In high intensity matches, where margins are minimal, failing to convert such high xG chances can be decisive! Even in the game against Punjab FC, Maclaren, from a very very high xG zone in front of the goal, made a seemingly unnecessary pass to Dimitri Petratos who found the back of the net but was caught in an offside position!

4. Weather-Driven Tactical Shift:

Sergio Lobera's in-game management was pragmatic in this match, shaped entirely by the deteriorating pitch conditions. Despite both Robson and Jason Cummings having decent first halves, they were withdrawn at the break, prioritising physicality and control over technical finesse on a rain damaged surface.

The subsequent introductions of Deepak Tangri, Abhishek Suryavanshi and Kiyan Nassiri reinforced midfield density, while Jamie Maclaren was also taken off to further stabilize the central zones. At one stage, Mohun Bagan was playing without a natural striker, shifting into a compact, control oriented shape. Manvir Singh shifted to the striker role, where his height worked in favour to make better use of the aerial passes. With only Tom Aldred remaining as the sole foreigner, the approach reflected a clear tactical shift : from structured attacking play to game management. In extreme weather conditions, where fluid football becomes impractical, Mohun Bagan prioritized defensive security, and territorial control over additional attacking risk, in contrast to previous games. It was an adjustment that was both logical and effective.

The match also highlighted the delicate balance between youth integration and in-game priorities. With Abhishek Suryavanshi making his first appearance of the season, it reflected the broader reality of a League Campaign like this one: opportunities for youngsters are often dictated by context rather than intent. Dippendu Biswas, despite his evident potential, which could largely contribute to bolster the defensive strength, remained unused from the bench.



5. Pillars of the Game, and the Game beyond Rivalry:

There wasn't really the scope in the second half to draw tactical or technical footballing conclusions; it was more about situational awareness and game management. So, I'd like to highlight something that goes beyond tactics.

Amidst the chaos of Guwahati's relentless rain, the spirit in the stands never dipped! A strong number of Mohun Bagan fans travelled all the way to Guwahati and stood firm through it all; through the downpour, the hour-long delay, and a match that stretched late into the night. When the second half finally resumed, their voices hadn’t faded; if anything, they grew louder, carrying the team forward in difficult conditions! What made the night even more special was the heartfelt gesture from the supporters of Mohun Bagan, particularly who unveiled a tifo in tribute to late Zubeen Garg – an icon of Assam. More than just a musician, Zubeen Garg symbolised Assamese identity, blending folk roots with modern expression and carrying the voice of the region to a national stage. In the tribute, in the heart of Guwahati, transcended club rivalry and footballing boundaries– it was a moment of respect, connection, and cultural acknowledgment. In an away game, amid relentless rain, the supporters didn’t just back their team– they embraced the land they stood on. And that is what makes football truly beautiful.



Last but not the least, there must be a special mention about the quiet heroes : The ground staff. When the pitch looked unplayable, when abandonment seemed inevitable, they stepped in – working tirelessly, clearing water manually to restore the surface so that the game could be continued. Their effort made the second half possible. Not all heroes wear capes. Some carry buckets and wipers while it was raining cats and dogs. Without them, this match, and perhaps these three points, would never have been happened.

Credit - @NEUtdFC


With 20 points from 9 matches, Mohun Bagan will enter the business end of the League after spending a much-needed break!


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