The sixth edition of the Indian Super League has now rolled in to its third week and it has indeed delivered what was promised. Opening week drama, which had the referees on thin ice was followed by a few exhilarating results, capping off another entertaining week of the tournament.
The glitz and glamour ISL has well and truly taken the back seat, giving the fans some grave insights of what lies in store ahead.
Having said that, here are some important takeaways from the second week’s action:
Tough road for Bengaluru FC form hereon:
Without a win in their opening three games, defending champions, Bengaluru FC have endured a difficult start to their new season, acquiring seventh spot in the point tally.
Starting off with a 0-0 draw against NorthEast United at home – which was the first-ever goalless draw played at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in ISL history – Bengaluru conceded an injury-time equalizer against Goa on Monday before playing another stalemate against Jamshedpur FC in the subsequent fixture. These results have well and truly given an idea that defending the title is no cakewalk in the league.
Read | Why Bengaluru FC won’t retain their ISL crown this season
Miku’s absence was bound to hit the team this season, and his replacement, Manuel Onwu, hasn’t really managed to assert his authority. Against Goa, especially, they had only one shot on target out of attempted five. The lack of thrust is clearly evident.
Aridane Santana is the real deal:
Refurbished from Delhi Dynamos, Odisha FC haven’t really enjoyed a smoothest of starts this season, but a certain Aridane Santana has shone with his brilliant performances. The 32-year-old Spanish striker scored on his debut – a 2-1 defeat to Jamshedpur – and was clinical in his side’s 4-2 victory over Mumbai on Thursday.
Standing at 6ft 3in, Santana has shown what kind of impact he can have if given a slightest of opportunity. Having played every minute of Odisha’s ISL action this season, Santana might just be the answer to his team’s attacking fallibility.
Read | Aridane Santana: A journeyman finding solidity with Odisha FC
Chennaiyin FC lacking clinical edge
With two defeats and a draw in three games, two-time ISL champions, Chennaiyin FC sit at the bottom of the table, and are well on course of replicating their last year’s fiasco. The John Gregory-led team did reinforce their attacking unit with Andre Schembri and Nerijus Valskis, but the gamble hasn’t paid off up until now.
The team is yet to score a goal this season. Their last ISL goal, in fact, came way back in February 2019 in a narrow 2-1 win over eventual champions, Bengaluru FC. It’s not that the players aren’t trying – they, in fact, attempted 19 shots on goal against ATK on Wednesday. The fervor is what they are lacking.
Goa dependent on final minute drama
Known for playing an attacking brand of football, title favourites FC Goa had a thumping start to their new ISL season, dismantling Chennaiyin FC 3-0, but failed to build on the momentum against Bengaluru at home. It needed an injury-time penalty from Ferran Corominas to rescue a point from the losing position.
All the goals from last night's cracker against FC Goa! 💥#NEUGOA #StrongerAsOnepic.twitter.com/QMdHALSOy3
— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) November 2, 2019
The subsequent fixture – against NorthEast United – had the similar story altogether. Taking a lead right after the half-hour mark, Goa stumbled as goals from Asamoah Gyan and Redeem Tlang put NorthEast into a lead. Substitute Manvir Singh, however, snatched another injury time equalizer to earn hiss team a crucial point.
FC Goa this season have enjoyed a lion’s share of possession but are failing to make a good use of it.
Read | Important takeaways from the opening week of ISL 2019-20
Feature image courtesy: Twitter / @bengalurufc
