I-League 2018-19: 3 Reasons why Gokulam FC lost to Indian Arrows

Indian Arrows pipped Gokulam FC 1-0 at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Match 46 of the Hero I-League 2018-19.

Amarjit Singh Kiyam scored the only goal of the match for the Young Colts from a spot kick after Guilherme Batata Castro tripped Vikram Pratap Singh inside the penalty box.

This win takes Indian Arrows to the ninth spot on the table with seven points from eight matches, winning twice and drawing once. Gokulam FC, on the other hand, remains on the eighth position with 10 points from nine matches.

Bino George made four changes to the Malabarian side that drew 1-1 to Real Kashmir FC. Pritam Singh, Arjun Jayaraj, Abhishek Das and D Bhagat were shown the doors and, Rohit Mirza, Nasar PA, Deepak Kumar, and Jishnu Bala Krishnan made it to the starting line-up.

Floyd Pinto made only one change to the stalemate against Aizawl FC. Narendar was rested and Rahul KP got the start.

Speaking of the match, Gokulam FC could have walked away with three points if they had capitalized on their opportunities. But, these three reasons alluded them. Without any further ado, here are 3 reasons why Gokulam FC lost to Indian Arrows.

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#3 Wrong substitutions in the hour mark

Bino George brought S. Rajesh in place of Christian Sabah in the hour mark

Bino George threw the kitchen sink just before the hour mark by doing a double substitution. He took out two midfielders, Christian Sabah and PA Nasar, and brought in two bulky forwards S Rajesh and Suhair VP.

The commentators were baffled by this change as it was the midfield of Gokulam which had failed to deliver. Cutting the manpower in this department meant Indian Arrows controlled the proceedings of the match.

As a result, S Rajesh was forced to drop deep in the midfield. He did win some fouls for the Malabarian side but, that was not what the doctor ordered.

#2 Failed to exploit the set-pieces

Gokulam FC's Daniel Addo fails to guide his header into an empty net

If a team comprising of all Indian players is taking the field, the opposition is bound to capitalize on their fragile physicality.

One place where the Malabarians could have made it count was the set pieces. But, despite winning five corner kicks, they failed to exploit the Indian Arrows team.

In the 29th minute, Rohit Mirza curled in a beautiful corner kick and Deepak Kumar rose the highest. However, he failed to nod it on target. It was deja vu for the away side in the 60th minute with Daniel Addo being the guilty party that time.

Three minutes later, the Ghanian missed a sitter as he failed to guide his header into an empty net.

Suhair VP lot his balance and a foul was given against him despite the replays indicating otherwise. All the Indian Arrows' players including the goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill failed to read the trajectory of Guilherme Castro's free-kick from outside the box.

Daniel Addo just had to keep it on target with the goal in his mercy. But, he miscued it and, the commentators described it as the miss of the season.

#1 Brilliant dribbling skills of the Indian Arrows' players

Indian Arrows' Rahim Ali goes past Jishnu Balakrishnan of Gokulam FC

Despite the frail and delicate muscularity of the Indian Arrows' players, one department where they are head and shoulders above all the teams is dribbling.

It was evident right from the start of the match as Rahul KP dribbled past Daniel Addo in the fourth minute. However, his final cross was blocked.

What Rahul KP was doing in the right wing, Vikram Pratap Singh was doing the same for Indian Arrows on the left wing. Daniel Addo even went into the book in the 44th minute for bringing down the U-17 World Cupper.

The Indian Arrows team won a lot of fouls in dangerous positions but, the resultant set-piece failed to bear any fruits.

After waiting 60 minutes patiently, Guilherme Batata Castro tripped Vikram Pratap Singh inside the penalty box. Amarjit Singh stepped up and converted the spot-kick to give Indian Arrows the second win of the campaign.