The stage has been set. The top 4 teams of the ISL 2016 have been decided. Now the real deal begins.
Mumbai City FC have topped the table with 23 points, Kerala Blasters have leapfrogged teams to finish second with 22. Delhi Dynamos are third with 21 points and Atletico de Kolkata have managed to finish 4th with 20 points.
Despite the proximity in points, Mumbai City have been a notch ahead of the other four. Consequently, we take a look at 5 reasons why the boys in blue would clinch their maiden ISL trophy.
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#5 Mumbai City have fanned the flames of valour this season
Mumbai City finished the 14 rounds with 6 wins, 5 draws and 3 losses. Their imperious form has seen them demolish opponents with gusto. This has been possible due to the fortitude imbibed within the team.
Their resilience had ensured remarkable comebacks while faced with abject adversities. They have won critical matches, defended bravely and carved out impossible draws from lost causes. This ensured a steep improvement from the previous seasons.
#4 The squad can boast of an improved segment of foreign players
If we look back at the earlier seasons, the marquee players were one too many. From Nicolas Anelka to Freddie Ljungberg- it seemed like an Arsenal exodus. But none had the mettle to flourish at hitherto unknown conditions.
Ljungberg sat out the first season after a few brief appearances. Anelka turned coach but failed to impart the winning touch. This season, it has been the Diego Forlan show. The Uruguayan has changed the dynamics of a struggling team to genuine title contenders.
He has scored, assisted and kept the opposition goalkeeper busy with numerous attempts. He has refused to bow down in difficult conditions. Being a core professional, Forlan has given his every bit for his new side.
The result is there for the rest of the teams to see. The support he has received from the pack of domestic and other foreigners has been beyond reproach. Argentine Matias Defederico has been exceptionally brilliant, partnering Forlan up front. The dual forward strategy has reaped massive benefits for the team. They have bagged the record for inflicting the biggest defeat when they pumped 5 goals past FC Pune City.
#3 An experienced coach has made the difference
The experienced Englishman Peter Reid could not adapt quickly to the Indian conditions and 2014 was a dampener. Come 2015, Nicolas Anelka stepped up to the task and he was announced as the marquee player-cum-manager for the team. This ploy backfired and the team was left in shambles.
This year, the management did their due diligence and finalised Costa Rican Alexandre Guimarães. The Brazil-born footballer had donned the Costa Rica colours back in 1990 FIFA World Cup. He had coached the national side in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. To add to his repertoire, Alexandre had extensive coaching experience in the United Arab Emirates and China.
Mumbai City management did not waste any time to appoint the 57-year old as their head coach. The astute manager applied his years of experience to take Mumbai City to new heights. From 6th and 7th place finishes to leading the table- it has been magical.
The coach has preferred a traditional 4-man defence in most instances. He has the ability to shift and switch formations as per requirements. This quick adaptability has aided the unforeseen success of the team under the tutelage of Alexandre Guimaraes.
#2 Dogged defending and snatching points
It is true that goals win matches. But for the Westerners, their rock-solid defence has given them the edge in the competition. They have conceded the least number of goals (8) of the league stage. The coordination in the backline has been top notch from the Mumbaikars. Lucian Goian has been their rock, leading the charts for most number of tackles (67).
Mumbai have managed to score only 16 goals, 9 less than 7th placed Chennaiyin FC. Yet they have ruled the league stage and enjoy the top spot. An impressive goal difference of +8 justifies their indomitable climb to the zenith of the table.
With only 8 goals conceded, the message was loud and clear. Defensive units were austere in the face of immense attack. This managed to fix the goal conceded stat in favour of the Mumbaikars.
Alexandre’s men have kept 8 clean sheets in the group stage, making it a record across all the three editions of the tournament. This has been possible due to the rugged approach of the team. A compact midfield and a packed defense have kept the opposition attackers at bay.
#1 Mumbai City will win it close and fight till the end
Won 1-0, drew 1-1, drew 3-3, drew 0-0- these have been the most common results barring a few losses and a 5-0 thumping of Pune.
This data shows the fighting spirit of this team. Even when going down, they have managed to retain their calm. Where they had the opportunity, they flexed their attacking muscle and crushed the opponents. The close wins and draws maintained a steady goal difference for Diego Forlan’s side. As a result, it has seemed all too easy for Mumbai City FC.
A semi-final draw against Atletico de Kolkata, who have drawn the maximum number of times (8) will not be an easy task. An arduous 180 minutes (or more) await the table toppers. It will be a battle of similar forces as Mumbai would be eager to impress in their debut playoffs.
