FC Pune City 1-2 Delhi Dynamos: Five Talking Points

Roberto Carlos had a chat with the referee regardigng some of the decisions he appeared to be unhappy with (Image source: ISL)The Indian Super League fixture between FC Pune City and Delhi Dynamos saw the side from the capital come out victorious thanks to a first half header from Robin Singh. The game marked the return of the Indian contingent who were away with the National team for their away fixtures against Turkmenistan and Oman.Billed as a clash between two of the heavyweights in this season's competition, the game lived up to the hype surrounding it as the 8000 odd supporters were entertained thoroughly. The game had a number of ups and downs as both sides threatened in spells but some late action as Gadze's strike for Delhi and Uche's goal for Pune within minutes of each other deep in extra time added some seasoning on top of a sizzling clash.There were some heated moments as well when players of both sides got involved in some arguments and later even took it up with the referee.

#1 Robin Singh lives upto expectations

RObin Singh started off the scoring on the night (Image source: ISL)

The tournament holds great importance for the Indian forward who has been under constant criticism for his lack of goals, but it was his 24th-minute header that set the ball rolling for the away side.

Robin did well to escape his marker Gourmangi Singh and head home a perfectly placed header to put Platt’s men on the backfoot midway into the first half. The on-loan Bengaluru FC forward started the game as the main striker unlike his usual role holding up the ball. The change in role though worked wonders for the Delhi-born forward as he turned out to be a constant nuisance for Pune defenders.

Singh, who landed in India just a day before had after his sojourn with the national team did well to recoup his fitness and looked threatening every time the side moved forward. Paired with Florent Malouda in attack, the 25-year old showed good understanding with the Frenchman, often teeing him up for a goal scoring opportunity.

Robin certainly looks like a man on mission as he forsees this tournament as an opportunity to reclaim his lost touch in front of goal.

#2 \'Problem of plenty\' for Carlos

Roberto Carlos has loads of options in his team (Image source: ISL)

Roberto Carlos had mentioned prior to the tournament that he has a ‘problem of plenty’ in the attack. But it seems that isn’t the only place where the Brazilian will have to ponder on making tough decisions.

The 42-year old introduced Antonio Doblas in goal ahead of Sanjiban Ghosh who was struggling with an injury and the Spaniard filled the void quite comfortably.

The former Napoli goalkeeper who missed the first two games due to fitness issues made his ISL debut in an impressive fashion, stopping almost everything that was fired towards him.

The custodian though was beaten in the 98th minute of the game, but that doesn’t take away anything from his performance as he dominated Kalu Uche and the Pune attackers. The home side bombarded the Delhi defense with long balls and crosses, but Doblas was up to the mark on all occasions making it look effortless at times.

The 35-year old made a couple of fine saves from that were hit towards him from distance and his acrobatic effort to deny Tuncay Sanli’s cross was the pick of the match.

With Ghosh set to return against Kerala Blasters in the next game, it will be interesting to see who Carlos settles with as his first choice especially with the two goalkeepers performing on the same level.

#3 Pune\'s striking options are unmatched

Tuncay was impressive when he came on (Image source: ISL)

There was no place for marquee signing Adrian Mutu in the starting lineup and neither for team’s top scorer Tuncay Sanli as David Platt opted to field African forward Kalu Uche.

The 32-year old who last plied his trade with Levante in the Spanish League, started up top in a 4-3-3 formation and looked particularly impressive as the game drew on.

The Nigerian at times wrecked havoc in the Delhi defense and was particularly impressive in the air as center back Anas Edathodika struggled against his attacking prowess. The forward had a strong claim for a penalty in the second half as well which was ultimately ruled out, much to his disbelief.

Uche’s relentless effort though finally paid off as he found the net right at the death to pull one back for the home side, but it was ultimately a little too late for his liking. With Uche scoring and Sanli impressing after his introduction in the second half, Platt has a major positives despite the defeat.

#4 Indian players step up

Anas Edathodika got the job done for his team (Image source: ISL)

The Indian squad has been in the news for all the wrong reasons lately, but their performance in the ISL has continued to grow with every passing game. The 10 Indian outfield players that ended the game at the Balewadi complex can leave with their heads held high, as they put on a praiseworthy show.

For Delhi Dynamos, Robin Singh’s debut saw him bag a goal in the first half, whereas the ever reliable full back Souvik Chakraborty once again played with great consistency. The right back completed full 90 minutes once again, registering a fine display.

Anas and Shylo Malsawmtulanga completed the task in hand and although there were moments where the duo struggled against the opposition, their performance was fairly pleasing overall in helping Delhi register their second win in a row.

For Pune though, the return of Indian duo Jackichand Singh and Eugeneson Lyngdoh will be a major boost as they look to claim top spot in the league. Despite the defeat the duo had some fairly impressive moments and it was Lyngdoh’s late assist that allowed Uche to put the ball in the back of the net.

The pick for the home side though was Gourmangi Singh who not only did his duties well in the back but also assisted in the attack, stringing together a few impressive passes to initiate the moves forward.

#5 Delhi\'s marquee duo deliver

Florent Malouda put in a good shift against FC Pune City (Image source: ISL)

It would be fairly pleasing for club owner Prashant Agarwal to see his multi-million signings of Florent Malouda and John Arne Riise consistently putting in impressive shifts.

The side that missed the firepower of a marquee star last season with Alessandro Del Piero disappointing from the start, the performance of the aforementioned duo comes as a refreshing change for the side from the capital, who now rise to the third spot in the league.

Malouda who was voted as the star of the game, combined well in the attack alongside Robin Singh and although the Frenchman looks short of pace, but his surprisingly good fitness levels saw him last full 90 minutes in his third successive ISL game.

The former Chelsea winger had a chance to add to Delhi’s scoreline but was denied by some fine goalkeeping from a busy Steve Simonsen. Malouda though did add an assist to his name as it was his fine corner that allowed Singh to head home the opener.

Riise, on the other hand, looked fairly comfortable in his new found role as a center back. Last game’s star performer once again helped his side in maintaining a strong defensive backline that looked out of sorts only in the last second of the game.

If Delhi have to succeed, it is important the duo stay fit and continue to implement their experience and expertise on the pitch.