Indian Super League Week 1: Five talking points

by Intern November 22, 2017

The revamped edition of Indian Super League had an incredible journey so far, with teams performing brilliant football. Starting the action with Kerala Blasters facing ATK, the Indian football fraternity was unable to witness any goals in the first two games, but it was like the calmness before the storm, as the next two games saw 7 goals. Unmistakably, a end to the week for the Indians, the early games have already promised the fans glimpses of dazzling displays in their future matches.

For now, let’s take a look at the 5 talking points of this week.

5 .  Attacking Stars dearly missed by Mumbai City FC

Amrinder Singh of Mumbai City FC saves a goal during match 4 of the Hero Indian Super League between Bengaluru FC and Mumbai City FC
Photo by: Faheem Hussain / ISL / SPORTZPICS

Poachers upfront, wizards in midfield, barricade’s in the defense, was Mumbai City FC in the third edition of the Indian Super League. One of the most lethal side in the third edition, Alexandre’s Mumbai is no near its past in the fourth edition, so were their performances against Bengaluru FC.

The way they played was dreadful. The team failed to gel up perfectly and failed to either launch fatal moves into the opponents half or to thwart such incoming’s. ‘We’re disappointed on the way we played, it was a shit’ was the reply of many Mumbai fans, and indeed they performed a poor display. Although it’s the start, Alexandre has the ability, and has the time, but they had better be the phoenix now, or won’t have a chance to be in the near future.

4. Virtuoso in Berbatov turns lazy vs ATK

One of the biggest signing of this season, former Bulgarian legend Dimitar Berbatov had a poor debut for his side in the Indian Super League. Known as the ‘Lazy Magician’, it was expected that Berbatov would be the man to destroy ATK, but was kept in the pocket by the stern ATK defenders.

He was marked tightly, but, however managed to make few good trademark passes, but those weren’t able to turn the game in favour of the Yellow Army.

Also Read: FC Pune City vs Delhi Dynamos: Strength, Weakness & Players to watch out

3. Coppell’s tactics outclassed by the buoyant NorthEast United

Izu Azuka of Jamshedpur FC takes the free kick during match 2 of the Hero Indian Super League between NorthEast United FC and Jamshedpur FC
Photo by: Ron Gaunt / ISL / SPORTZPICS

NorthEast United FC vs Jamshedpur FC, was an enthralling clash between the two sides without goals. Despite both teams failing to score, the game had lots of moments. Experienced with the Indian league, Steve Coppell has built a good-looking squad for Jamshedpur’s ISL jaunt, but his tactics were outclassed by the buoyant highlanders. Despite proven players starting for his side, both Indian youngsters and foreign recruitment’s of NorthEast United FC gelled up well to run riots against Steve’s side, but were lacked with the final touch.

Also Read: Best and Worst of the week

2. Bengaluru FC, FC Goa, the star sides after the first week

Sunil Chhetri of Bengaluru FC celebrates the goal during match 4 of the Hero Indian Super League between Bengaluru FC and Mumbai City FC
Photo by: Faheem Hussain / ISL / SPORTZPICS

Bengaluru FC had an incredible debut in the Indian Super League as their promising side stunned Mumbai City FC. A complete all-rounded performance by Alberto Roca’s side, Bengaluru dominated the show at their fortress, and the players were happy to start their league debut in a positive note. It was indeed the dazzling performance from Sunil Chhetri that helped his side clinch the first ever victory, but his co-player’s too were as promising as he was.

On the other side, FC Goa also started their campaign with a positive note as their resilient side outclassed the Chennaiyin, thanks to the early goals. A good display from Chennaiyin in the second half was able to decrease the deficit, but didn’t helped them much in overcoming the 3 goals deficit. Both teams had the play in the middle of the pitch, and both teams played with adequate attacking intent.

5. Youngsters the stars’ after week 1

Udanta Singh Kumam of Bengaluru FC in action during match 4 of the Hero Indian Super League between Bengaluru FC and Mumbai City FC
Photo by: Faheem Hussain / ISL / SPORTZPICS

From Hitesh Sharma vs Kerala to Ruidas vs Bengaluru FC, youngsters had an incredible journey so far with the league. Abdul Hakku, Hitesh Sharma, Ruidas, Udanta have done quite well in the opening games so far. And it will be good to see more of these from them. India has the potential and with names like these adding to the roster, ISL is going to produce more than ever.

Also Read: Bengaluru FC – Mumbai City FC Racism row: Full story

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