As the Matchweek 5 of the Hero Indian Super League which included some thriller battles and drama concludes, we take a look back through the key takeaways from the past week.
The best game of the season so far
Mumbai Football Arena, on Sunday witnessed what is probably the best game of the season so far. ATK Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City FC shared spoils as the game ended 2-2. Lallianzuala Chhangte’s screamer from distance gave the hosts the lead after just four minutes into the game. After constant attacking in the first half, ATK Mohun Bagan levelled the score early in the second half. Joni Kauko’s shot in the 48th minute of the match was deflected in for an own goal by Mehtab Singh. The Islanders took the lead again in the 72nd minute from a Rostyn Griffiths header from close range. Minutes after the goal, ATK Mohun Bagan’s halftime substitute Lenny Rodrigues was sent off for an off-the-ball offence against Greg Stewart. The game continued to be an entertainer as 10 men Mariners equalised in the 89th minute of the game. Substitute Carl McHugh headed home a Petratos’ freekick which gave 10 men ATK Mohun Bagan a hard fought point away from home. With the draw, Mumbai City FC climbed up to the 3rd place in the table while ATK Mohun Bagan are in the 5th place.
Kerala Blasters get back to winning ways
Kerala Blasters, on Saturday got back to winning ways as they thrashed Northeast United FC 3-0. Sahal Abdul Samad who came on as a substitute in the 65th minute, scored a stunning brace with goals in the 85′, 90+5′ minutes respectively. Dimitrios Diamantakos got off the mark in India with a goal in the 56th minute. Rahul KP, who recorded two assists in the game, was a live wire in the Kerala Blasters right flank. He was also awarded with the Hero of the Match award for his outstanding performance. With the victory, the yellow army raised up to the 7th place in the table.
Northeast United FC, on the other end, have suffered their 5th straight loss of the season. Things are getting worse for them as they are occupied at the 11th position in the table. Head coach Marco Balbul couldn’t lead the team in the sidelines as he was punished with a red card during Northeast United FC’s previous game against Jamshedpur FC.
Unstoppable Hyderabad FC
Hyderabad FC seems to be making it a habit of grinding out 1-0 wins. They’ve extended their winning streak to four games by edging past Odisha FC 1-0. They are comfortably occupied at the top spot in the table with 4 points more than second placed FC Goa.
Hyderabad FC’s defence, led by Odei Onaindia and Chinglensana Singh have been outstanding this season as they have recorded their 4th consecutive clean sheet. The Nizams have conceded just 3 goals in 5 games, making them the team with the least goals conceded.
In other fixtures, FC Goa thrashed Jamshedpur FC 3-0 in their first home game. Goals from Igor Guarrotxena in the 2nd minute, Noah Sadoui in the 12th minute, and Brison Fernandes in the stoppage time of the second half completed a 3-0 rout against the men of steel.
Chennaiyin FC continued their dominance at Kolkata as they edged past East Bengal 1-0. Vafa Hakhamaneshi scored the only goal of the game by heading in a corner from Akash Sangwan in the 69th minute. This was the Marina Machan’s second victory at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata this season with the first win coming against ATK Mohun Bagan earlier in the season.
Indian team of the week for the Indian Super League
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