Achille Emana Edzimbi of Mumbai City FC tries to get past the defence of ATK during match 27 of the Hero Indian Super League between Mumbai City FC and ATK held at the Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai India on the 17th December 2017
Photo by: Vipin Pawar / ISL / SPORTZPICS

When defending champions ATK replaced injured midfielder Carl Baker with defender Ryan Taylor it raised a few eyebrows. Talking to the media on the eve of the match against Mumbai even coach Teddy Sheringham didn’t sound too convincing on why he made that choice. But the former Newcastle United player not only played the entire duration of the game against Mumbai City FC last Sunday, he also played his part as the holders registered their first win in ISL-4.

It was an eventful debut for the 33-year-old who created a chance, had one shot on target and even picked a yellow. ATK now face Delhi Dynamos FC in a home game on Saturday and the full back, who switched to the midfield and played on the flanks with equal ease too, said that a weight has been lifted off their shoulder after their win in Mumbai.

“Hopefully, we will push on and get some more wins in the next few games. Everybody in the team are fit and raring to go and wants to show what the team is all about and what we are made off,” said Taylor during a media interaction in Kolkata today.

“We need to start converting the chances. We started playing a little cagey after the goal in the last game. We should be more precise in front of goal,” added Taylor who owes it to Kerala Blasters FC star Iain Hume for his ATK sojourn.

“He speaks very highly of everyone in ATK. He said about how the fans fill up the stadium for every game. That’s what drew me here,” said Taylor and went on to explain the kind of relationship he shares with the former ATK superstar.

“Iain is a good friend. We have known each other for 14 years. He had only good words to say about ISL and he convinced me join the League. He has his family but he comes this far away to play and still loves it,” Taylor said.

Also Read: Blasters hope to continue momentum

Also Read: Frustrated de Deus rues near misses

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates on Indian Football

The post Iain Hume convinced me to join ISL: Ryan Taylor appeared first on Football Counter.

ATK players defend during match 27 of the Hero Indian Super League between Mumbai City FC and ATK held at the Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai India on the 17th December 2017
Photo by: Vipin Pawar / ISL / SPORTZPICS

Both teams came in to the game with something to play for, while ATK needed the win to finally kick start their poor campaign so far Mumbai City FC needed the win to break into the top 4 of the league and keep their winning run at home going.

The game began on a sluggish but the first big opportunity came for the Mumbai when Balwant’s brilliantly chested a ball from midfield and sent it across the box but no Mumbai players were close enough for the tap in as the ball went wide. Minute later Chennai won a free-kick and a dangerous free-kick in the box brought out a brilliant save from Mumbai custodian.

Ten minutes later, ATK almost took a lead after another free-kick resulted in Amrinder pulling out a full stretched save to keep the score 0-0. Few minutes later Rupert Nongrum got past Mumbai defence to gather the ball from midfield but Amrinder came off his line just in time to block the final shot. In the 25^th minute, ATK marquee player Keane tried a grounded shot from just outside the box which was gathered by diving Amrinder. Minutes after half hour mark, Balwant almost sent Mumbai into lead after his header whizzed inches over the bar.

Few minutes later, ATK on a counter almost took the lead after Jose Branco’s brilliant run that started from the ATK half ended with the Amrinder once again blocking the final shot in a 1-on-1 situation. Both the teams entered the break without breaking the deadlock with Amrinder saving the blushes for Mumbai in the first half.

Second half began with ATK on the front foot from the start, minutes in to the game, Robbie Keane attempted a shot from the edge of the box which brought another save from Amrinder who was kept busy the whole day. However ten minutes in to the second half, Jose Branco’s low cross from left was nudged in by Robin past Amrinder’s legs to send ATK in front. Mumbai looked to get back immediately with an attack of their own which ended in Balwant heading the ball straight in to Debjit’s hand.

In the 68^th minute, Mumbai almost equalized in a goalmouth scramble only to be cleared away by the ATK defence in the end. The game began to produce end to end stuff with both teams looking for goals. With five minutes of play left, Mumbai had a glorious chance to draw level when a free-kick from Emana at the edge of the box was cleared only as far away as Thiago Santos whose shot was blocked, the ball fell for Emana again only to be again blocked away by the ATK defence

With the game coming to its dying period, Mumbai went all out on attack, at the 90^th minute mark, a free-kick from Emana was poorly cleared and resulted in another goal mouth scramble with the ball falling for Emana again whose cutback missed everyone in the box meeting an onrushing pranjal whose shot was tipped over by Debjit. With six minutes of injury time on, Baljit came close to an eqauliser only to skew his header over.

ATK defence held on in the end as the game ended with the Kolkata side picking their first win of the season while Mumbai were finally beaten at home.

Also Read: Chennaiyin FC breach Bengaluru Fortress with a late winner

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates on Indian Football

The post ATK win first game of the season, edge Mumbai 1-0 appeared first on Football Counter.

Lucian Goian of Mumbai City FC warm up before the start of the match 11 of the Hero Indian Super League between FC Pune City and Mumbai City FC held at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium, Pune, India on the 29th November 2017
Photo by: Vipin Pawar / ISL / SPORTZPICS

Defending champions ATK are still searching for their first win of in the fourth season of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL). Teddy Sheringham’s men have not managed to garner a win in four outings, drawing twice and losing as many to remain rooted at the bottom of the table. Shockingly enough, they have just two points in what has been a torrid start to the defence of their title.

Mumbai City had lost two of their first three games, but have picked up four points from a possible six in their last two matches. One can say that Alexandre Guimarães seems to have finally found a way to make his players tick the right boxes.

“Our first series of away games were a tough set of fixtures and we had last-minute problems like injuries and other things. We then made a decision to put the team in a way that we saw in pre-season and at that moment we started to play better and have more balance in the team. We have to continue to perform that way and produce more quality. If we do that, I am sure we can continue to be strong at home. We face a team which is tough. They play with a different approach than the rest of the teams. But after the Kerala Blasters game (1-1), the players understood what is our direction of playing. Glad to be in that state of development,” the Costa Rican head coach said.

ATK’s previous game saw them suffer a heartbreaking loss to Chennaiyin FC with Jeje Lalpekhlua scoring a winner in injury time. The bright spark was certainly the slotting in of Robbie Keane, who set up a goal. Make no mistake; he will once again be at the forefront of anything good that the Kolkata side produce on Sunday. Sheringham admitted to a bit of pressure, especially given the fact that they’re the defending champions, but also stated that he had the management’s full support.

“They’ve seen the way we’ve attacked games and could have won with a little bit of luck. We also conceded a couple of silly goals, a couple of deflections as well, but it is up to us to stop those situations. We’ve caused our own problems and worked hard to rectify that. If a goalkeeper or the full-backs are left open, it’s the entire team’s fault,” Sheringham said.

ATK will take heart from the fact that they’re one of only three teams to have played four matches and even a point will take them off the bottom of the table. A win can take them three places above into eighth position. The defending champions need to get their act together, but Mumbai City will certainly not make it easy in their own backyard.

Also Read: Clinical Goa hammers five past Delhi, to move into top spot

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates on Indian Football

The post Top-four slot in sight, Mumbai City takes on bottom-placed ATK appeared first on Football Counter.

FC Pune City players warming up before the match 5 of the Hero Indian Super League between FC Pune City and Delhi Dynamos FC held at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium, Pune, India on the 22nd November 2017
Photo by: Faheem Hussain / ISL / SPORTZPICS

“We are here to impress our fans. Thousands will turn up for the game and we will want to put up a show for those fans. I would love to play in front of a full house,” Sheringham said during the pre-match press conference.

ATK started their campaign with a goalless draw away against Kerala Blasters FC and will be keen to start winning at home so that his team has the necessary momentum to qualify for the play-offs. “When we play at home, If we win, that makes the away matches much easier for us,” he explained.

Even though ATK played a goalless draw against Kerala Blaster, there were still lot of positives for Sheringham’s side. ATK dominated the game with Conor Thomas and Eugeneson Lyngdoh taking charge of midfield. ATK passed the ball around with purpose and could have taken all three points if some of the chances they created on the night had been taken.

While ATK’s star signing Robbie Keane has still not recovered from an injury, Sheringham believes the Kolkata side still has enough firepower in the team to hurt the opposition. “I won’t say there is a lack of strike force. (Njazi) Kuqi had a great last game. Robin Singh has also been impressive in training. He is all raring to go,” said Sheringham. After a disappointing 2-3 loss against Delhi Dynamos at home in their first match, FC Pune City know they will have to be at their best to secure a positive result against a well-drilled ATK.

“We’ll play to win the points. It won’t be easy though given they have a strong side. They will also have a strong support of their home fans. But of course, we’ll try to do everything to win all three points. We’ll have to do it on the pitch. I hope we can make it difficult for our opposition,” said Serbian tactician Ranko Popovic.

While Popovic knows it won’t be an easy task against ATK, he will take some heart from FC Pune City’s record against ATK. The two-time champions have managed only one win over Pune in their previous six encounters.

Also Read: Bengaluru FC vs Delhi Dynamos: Strengths, Weakness, Player to watch out.

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates on Indian Football

The post ATK bank on home comfort against visiting FC Pune City appeared first on Football Counter.

Paul Rachubka of Kerala Blasters FC claims the high ball during match 1 of the Hero Indian Super League between Kerala Blasters FC and Atletico de Kolkata FC 
Photo by: Ron Gaunt / ISL / SPORTZPICS

The hosts, Kerala Blasters had a decent game, and let’s have a look at how the players fared.

Kerala Blasters

Paul Rachubka – 8

The veteran English custodian performed a solid, dazzling display at the goal for the hosts. Paul was there to thwart the deleterious attacks from the ATK raiders at the early stages and was able to make cleansheet at the back.

Nemanja Lakic Pesic – 8

The ‘Man of the Match’, Serbain defender Nemanja Lakic Pesic was a beauty to witness. He had an incredible debut for the side, and his elegant play, alongwith precise tackles has helped Kerala Blasters keep the ATK attackers at it’s bay.

Rino Anto – 6

The local boy, Rino Anto had only a moderate play this evening. Although he was successful in denying the attacks, he failed to connect the attackers with perfect crosses, and passes. His crosses aiming the box were poor.

Sandesh Jhingan- 7

The captain, Sandesh Jhingan, performed as usual. The tenacious defender paired up with Serbian Nemanja Lakic Pesic, and managed to perform a solid, persistent show at the back line. His alarming presence has helped his side curb away many into the box.

Hitesh Sharma of Atletico de Kolkata FC and Robin Singh of Atletico de Kolkata FC in action during match 1 of the Hero Indian Super League between Kerala Blasters FC and Atletico de Kolkata FC
Photo by: Faheem Hussain / ISL / Sportzpics

Lalruatthara – 7

Lalruatthara had a fine start for the Kerala Blasters. This young talent was good in denying the attacks, as well going upfront to provide attackers the assistance.

Milan Singh – 8

One of the finest performer on the field for Kerala Blasters, Milan Singh did well in orchestrating the game, and his thuderous long range shots were beauties.

Arata Izumi – 5

Izumi had an atrocious day at the office. The midfielder failed to act as the linchpin for his side, which eventually saw ATK dominating the play. A player renowned for his attacking-mind, Arata Izumi this evening was a shadow of himself this evening.

Courage Pekuson – 7

The Ghananian youngster had a good start with the tuskers, and he was in command of their attacking duty in the middle of the park. Pekuson did well in attacking, but was lacked by poor, inaccuarte passes.

CK Vineeth – 6

A clinical finisher who has the ability to demolish any defenses, CK Vineeth was kept tightly by the alert ATK defense. He was not given a space to exploit by the ATK defenders, unless on the occasion where he dribbled past them, but the shot he fired was denied by Debjit.

Iain Hume – 6

Akin to that of CK Vineeth, Iain was also kept strongly by the ATK defenders, and Kerala’s returning hero had not so good party at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium. His ventures to go attack were refuted by the ample ATK defenders. His frustrating performance made Rene replace him with Mark Sifneos.

Dimitar Berbatov – 5

He was past his prime in this game. He had a baffling start for the Kerala Blasters’ and he hardly made any impact on their game. He was unable to let the defenders run for their money, as the Bulgarian legend failed to be a threat, and was a breakdown in making the ATK defense look vulnerable.

Match Report: Blasters, ATK settle for a point each in opener

Also Read: Key Stories: Kerala Blasters vs ATK

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates on Indian Football

The post Kerala Blasters vs ATK Player ratings: How did KBFC players fare appeared first on Football Counter.

Key Stories

The Return of ‘Fabulous Five’ under the leadership of Ashley Westwood

The quintet of Robin Singh, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Darren Caldeira, Shankar Sampingiraj & Keegan Pereira were all picked up by ATK leading up to the ISL. All the five were under the current ATK director of football, Ashley Westwood at Bengaluru FC in a successful run of 3 seasons (2013-16) which included a trophy every year.

Robin Singh who was still a raw talent at 23, managed to score 5 goals in Bengaluru’s debut season I-League 2013/14, his most for a single season at that point. He bettered his tally the next season and went on to score 6 goals in the 2014/15 season, the most that he has ever scored in a single season of I-League and also established himself as a regular in the National setup.

Similarly, Eugeneson Lyngdoh joined the Bengaluru setup in 2014/15, and scored a massive 6 goals in his very first season at the club in the I-League and went on to collect a thumping 5 awards for his performances (Bengaluru FC Fan’s Player of the Year: 2014–15, Bengaluru FC Player’s Player of the Year: 2014–15, I-League Midfielder of the Year: 2014–15, Football Player Association of India (FPAI), Player of the Year: 2014–15, AIFF Player of the Year: 2015). He also made his debut for India during that period and has been with the side ever since.

Keegan Pereira was struggling to find his feet in the I-League having been loaned out to then 2nd division outfit DSK Shivajians by Salgaocar in 2012/13 but went on play on to 20 matches in Bengaluru’s successful I-League campaign in 2013/14.

Darren Caldeira & Shankar Sampingiraj had the same story to tell, who established their careers under the Englishman.

Also read: ISL: Kerala Blasters vs ATK – ‘Stats Attack’

Kerala Blaster’s home form vs ATK’s away form

• Kerala Blasters return at their fortress of ISL 2016 where they won 5 matches at home in the group stage, the most by any team in ISL 2016 at home in the group stage.
• They won 6 consecutive Home matches, including a semi-final against Delhi en route to the final.
• Kerala conceded just 4 goals at home, only Mumbai City conceded fewer goals at home (3).
• They come against ATK who was the best team away from home in ISL 2016.
• They won 4 matches away from home in the group stages in ISL 2016, the most by any team in ISL 2016.
• They lost only 1 match away from home, the least by any team in ISL 2016.
• ATK scored 11 goals away from home, the most by any team in ISL 2016.
• Moreover, ATK was the only team to defeat Kerala Blasters at home in ISL 2016.

C.K Vineeth will hope to emulate his last season’s form

• His 5 goals were the most by an Indian player in ISL 2016.
• Moreover, he scored 4 of his 5 goals at home, only Marcelinho (5) scored more goals at home in ISL 2016.
• He had a goal conversion rate of 29.41%, which was the best by any player in ISL 2016, who had scored more than 2 goals.
• Moreover, 3 of his 5 goals were winners. While Kerala lost none of the 4 matches in which he scored.

Iain Hume returns to the Yellow Army!

• Iain Hume set the inaugural ISL season on fire winning ‘the Hero of the League’ for his terrific performances with the Kerala Blasters.
• He was directly involved in 8 goals (5 Goals + 3 Assists), only Elano & Miroslav Slepicka (9) managed more in season 1.
• But it was in the second season & with the ATK that Hume enjoyed had his best season in the ISL, managing 11 goals and 4 assists to his name going on to win the Fittest Player of the League award.
• He won the ISL with ATK in 2016, scoring 7 goals on the way to winning the title. However, it wasn’t his best season in terms of numbers, with his tally of goal contributions being just 7 (Goals:7, Assists:0), his lowest across all seasons.

Key Stories courtesy: ISL Media

The post Key Stories: Kerala Blasters vs ATK appeared first on Football Counter.

Head to Head

Previous encounters: 10th November 2015: Kerala Blasters 2-3 ATK, 5th October 2016: Kerala Blasters 0-1 ATK, 29th November 2017: Kerala Blasters 1-1 ATK, 18th December 2017, Final: Kerala Blasters 1-1 ATK (ATK won 4-3 on penalties).

Also Read: “I do not want to enjoy watching him tomorrow,” Sheringham on Berbatov

Facts:

ATK is the most successful side in the ISL winning 2 of the 3 titles. They met Kerala Blasters in
both the finals for which they qualified & lifted the title. (2014 & 2016).

Kerala Blasters have managed to win just 1 game (1 win in 8 matches) in the ISL against ATK, their
joint least against any side. Iain Hume scored the opener in Kerala Blasters only win over ATK in
the ISL (2-1 in 2014).

Kerala Blasters have failed to win the first game at home in ISL just once, which came against ATK in
ISL 2016 (0-1 loss).

ATK has won all their first away games in the ISL. (3/3)

Kerala Blasters have lost 19 matches in the ISL, the joint most alongside FC Pune City (19), while ATK
has lost 11, the fewest in ISL.

ATK’s tally of 19 wins in the ISL is the joint most alongside Chennaiyin FC (19).

ATK have conceded just 51 goals in their 50 matches in ISL, their ratio of Goals Conceded/Game
(1.02) is the lowest among all sides.

After going winless in their opening two group matches at home in ISL 2016, Kerala Blasters went
on to win all their last 5 group stage games at home.

ATK has scored 6 goals at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium(Kochi), no visiting side has
scored more.

ATK has won 5 matches against Kerala Blasters, their most against any side.

Stats Courtesy: ISL Media

The post ISL: Kerala Blasters vs ATK – ‘Stats Attack’ appeared first on Football Counter.

KBFC head coach Meulensteen felt delightful after their pre-season campaign in Spain and India. “I am very pleased with our pre-season. Our fitness levels have increased. But we are not there yet. Everybody is fit and ready.”

Kerala Blasters played five matches in Spain, winning twice and losing just once against Marbella FC. Meanwhile, in their only pre-season fixture in India, Gokulam FC held KBFC in a goalless draw.

Ahead of their opening game against ATK, Meulensteen said: “The key is for the players to play the game. We need to focus on the match. I have been very impressed with the commitment of the players and their willingness to adapt.”

“The likes of Wes Brown and Berbatov were very motivated to play in India. They know what’s it like to play in a top professional environment. They’ll be the ones who’ll bring that extra flair to our game,” Rene added.

Tomorrow’s opening game will surely bring out the nostalgic feeling, especially for the Manchester United fans in the country who will be seeing the likes of Dimitar Berbatov, Wes Brown, Teddy Sheringham, and Rene Meulensteen on the pitch and as well as on the sidelines.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for Teddy Sheringham to coach in India. I hope he congratulates me after the match tomorrow,” Rene concluded.

ATK head coach Teddy Sheringham surely doesn’t want Berbatov in his top-form tomorrow when his side will face KBFC, Teddy stated: “I know a lot about Berbatov. He’s a wonderful player. But I do not want to enjoy watching him tomorrow.”

But the former Manchester United striker has made it clear that they have come to Kochi for all three points. “We have come to Kochi to win the game. It’s a fantastic fixture to be a part of. It’s mouthwatering to come here and play in front of these fans. Of course, they won’t be supporting us. But it’s exciting regardless.”

When asked about India’s lanky striker Robin Singh, Teddy said: “Robin a big strong boy and I am happy to have him in my squad.”

ATK will be surely missing their star striker Robbie Keane who is sidelined with an injury. “Robbie Keane has been a great leader for us in the pre-season. He’s a fantastic ambassador for ATK. His injury is very unfortunate.”

KBFC vs ATK will kick-off at 08:00 pm IST tomorrow and will be telecast on Star Sports.

The post “I do not want to enjoy watching him tomorrow,” Sheringham on Berbatov appeared first on Football Counter.

He has represented Portugal National Side in FIFA U-20 World Cup 2007 and played for clubs like G.D Tourinzense, F.C Penafiel and Gondomar S.C among many. This young and talented forward from C.D Nacional is all set to scorch the ground this time with his superb striking capabilities.

“I feel extremely happy to have such energy in our team. We are definitely working towards a great start with player like Zequinha coming on board.  

–           Mr. Sanjiv Goenka, Chairman RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, Principal Owner, ATK

“Kolkata has great spirit when it comes to football. The crowd and its passion give the drive for fantastic football. The ISL experience will add a new feather to my cap”

–         Zequinha

The post ATK signs José Egas dos Santos Branco aka Zequinha for fourth season of ISL appeared first on Football Counter.