I-League: Surprising Results
The I-League was full of surprises this week as the results have thrown the competition wide open. A couple of high profile wins and improved quality of football were on show.
Bengaluru FC shocked by Churchill Brothers
Bengaluru FC are tipped to be favorites for the title. They certainly didn’t show any of their quality as they fell to Churchill Brothers 2-1. The game was marred by shocking scenes as John Johnson was sent off in the 84th minute for a dangerous tackle. The home side’s assistant manager then, rather unnecessarily, had a few words with the Englishman who was walking off the pitch. This provoked a huge scuffle in which Johnson choked Fernandes before Juanan went to the floor alleging a kick from Churchill’s Fernandes.
Overall the ugly scenes were not something needed in the I-League. Performance wise, Bangalore were poor and lethargic. They seem to be complacent and Churchill took advantage by playing with great passion to pull off a great win. Bangalore really need to step up their game.
Chennai City Record First Win
Chennai City FC, the new entrants, recorded their first ever win as they beat Aizawl FC 2-0. CCFC showed in their previous game signs of good team chemistry and were great as they ended Aizawl’s unbeaten run. Goals from the two Brazilian loanees Marcos Tank and Charles Souza. Both sides started off trying to build momentum but the game really took off in the second half. Tank’s shot from 25 yards dipped and beat Aizawl’s keeper as the home side took the lead in the 53rd minute. The home side held on till the 94th minute when they were awarded a penalty. Souza calmly converted to win the game for CCFC who took an important 3 points.
East Bengal Destroys Minerva Punjab
Minerva Punjab have had a difficult opening to their season but they were thrashed at home 5-0 by East Bengal piling the pressure. Anselme’s hat-trick and goals from Plaza and Robin Singh took East Bengal to the top of the league. Minerva are yet to win a game and have conceded 12 goals already. The coach’s priority should be come up with a short term solution to fix his defense. Only by doing this can he focus on building an understanding in attack. East Bengal, on the other hand, are definitely challenging for the title. Their attacking firepower and strength in depth are some aspects that set them apart. The derby with Mohun Bagan will definitely be the game of the season which could go a long way in deciding where the title goes.
Mumbai Disappoint
Santosh Kashyap’s Mumbai were beaten by Shillong Lajong 3-1. Mumbai were hugely wasteful in front of goal and missed clear cut chances which in the end brought about their defeat. Lajong played well for most of the game and continue their impressive run. Asier Dipanda was the pivotal player for Lajong as he scored two goals and provided an excellent attacking outlet. While Karan Sawhney pulled one back for the visitors, the win was sealed when Konsham Singh scored in the 70th minute. Mumbai are a team that have brought in many players and will surely be hoping to do better than recent performances have suggested.
The I-League continued with Chennai City registering their first win, East Bengal moving to the top and Minerva firmly bottom. The table has also opened up and few points separate the teams. We certainly are moving towards a cracker of a season.
Picture Courtesy: ESPN