'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Atletico De Kolkata secured their fourth victory in the Hero Indian Super League against NorthEast United FC at their home ground to consolidate their top position in the league table. Luis Garcia scored the solitary goal to seal his team’s 1-0 victory. The home team also had chances to further increase their lead, but failed to do so.While today’s result almost booked Atletico’s berth in the semi finals, NorthEast United goes further down the table and their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals now looks like an uphill task.Here are the major talking points from the match:
#1 Atletico de Kolkata secure win after four matches
After almost a month, Atletico De Kolkata came back to winning ways at the Salt Lake stadium. Their last win came against FC Goa in an away game on 23rd October. Atletico’s marquee signing Luis Garcia was impeccable in the match. He worked, created plenty of chances and also scored the all important goal from a header at the beginning of the second half.
Trending
Atletico De Kolkata’s victory consolidates their position at the top of the table. Although NorthEast United dominated the initial proceedings, Atletico’s defense was rock solid which helped them to seal their victory.
#2 NorthEast United FC still do not have a goal scoring striker
NorthEast United FC’s only problem so far has been scoring goals. They create plenty of chances in every match but, unfortunately, fail to find the back of the net. Coach Ricki Herbert has experimented with many strikers up front including James Keene, Durga Boro and Semilen Doungel, all have got their share of chances to prove themselves but unfortunately none succeeded.
In 9 games, the team has managed to score just 6 goals which is a terrible goal scoring ratio. They are over dependent on their Spanish midfielder, Koke, who has scored 3 goals out of the team’s 6. If Ricki Herbert does not find a solution their goal scoring problem, NorthEast United FC can very well forget about qualifying for the semi-finals.
#3 Atletico de Kolkatas impressive defensive performance record continues
Atletico De Kolkata can boast of having one of the best defenses in the tournament as their defensive record has been pretty good. Except FC Pune City, none of the teams have managed to score more than one goal against Atletico de Kolkata. Atletico’s dependable right-back Denzil France has been out of action for some time as he picked up an injury.
But that did not affect them much. Their make shift replacement Baljit Sahni, who is predominantly a striker, has adjusted himself well in the new role. The combination of Arnab Mondal and Josemi has also been excellent. Their defensive performances have boosted their confidence a lot and this may prove to be an added advantage for them in the final stages of the tournament.
#4 Fikrus poor form continues
Fikru Teferra Lemessa kick-started his Indian Super League campaign on a high note. He scored the opening goal of the tournament and also scored in the next match for Atletico. In between, he was involved in several unwanted problems outside the field which led to a suspension.
After coming back from the suspension, Fikru has failed to make an impact for his team. He is the key striker of the team and his poor form is harming his team. Fikru needs to find his goal scoring boots soon and improve Atletico de Kolkata’s strike-force.
#5 NorthEast United don the black away jersey for the first time
For the first time in 9 matches, NorthEast United FC donned their black away jersey tonight at the Salt Lake Stadium. Till today, they had only worn their white home jersey, be it in a home game or away.
Although they wore their black jersey, it did not change their fate as they lost the game 0-1 and went further down in the league table. Now their hopes of qualifying for the last-four seems a far cry.
