I-League 2017: East Bengal vs Shillong Lajong, 5 Talking Points

East Bengal showed a lot of urgency, as they looked to get their first win of the season. (Photo: I-League)

#2 Arnab Mondal returns to the side

The Arnab Mondal saga seems to have come to an end. (Photo: I-League) — The Arnab Mondal saga seems to have come to an end.

The India veteran had not featured in East Bengal's first two games this season and his absence from the derby last Saturday was particularly telling. Whether reports of a clash of heads with coach Jamil are to be believed or not, clearly something was up that led to Mondal not featuring.

He returned to the team today as captain no less. He displayed his usual solidity in defence, often in place to help out with a clearance or key tackle such as when partner Eduardo Ferreira on one occasion in the first half saw Lajong get behind him and move into a threatening position in the penalty box.

It will be intriguing to see if this return means that he's back in the reckoning for the rest of the season.

Edited by Arvind Sriram