I-League 2018/19: 3 things Mohun Bagan need to address immediately to rescue their title bid

#1 Disastrous defending

Eze Kingsley was sent off at the hour mark during the 'Kolkata Derby'

The back four has been shaky for Mohun Bagan from the start of the season. Saving Arijit Bagui, who has been a red-hot form till now, the rest of his compatriots at the back are not having a smooth run of play.

Surprisingly, their most experienced stopper Eze Kingsley’s performance has been under the scanner quite often, especially, his irresponsible play during the Kolkata Derby. The Nigerian conceded two yellow cards and was sent off on the brink of the hour mark. Mohun Bagan played the rest of the match with a man less and eventually lost.

Kingsley is not the only one at fault. Lalchawmkima, who played a pivotal role in Mohun Bagan’s Calcutta Football League triumph has been very inconsistent at the centre-back position.

On the other hand, coach Shankarlal Chakraborty fielded Dalraj Singh in a couple of matches. Although Punjab born impressed in their away match against Real Kashmir FC, he fared disastrously in the following match versus Churchill Brothers FC in a disappointing 0-3 loss at home.

Abhishek Ambekar has done fair work in the season so far but was injured for the game against NEROCA FC. Gurjinder Singh hardly did anything better, Mohun Bagan conceded a silly goal and lost the match.

The coach needs to settle the defence, a regular back four should be maintained, which will increase the understanding between them. Majority of the teams playing with two foreign defenders, Bagan need to find ways to make use of the limited resources.

It is always challenging to hold on to a 1 goal lead against any team, that’s an area where Shankarlal’s boys need to improve. There have been several instances where the Kolkata giants have faltered in the first half of the I-League and have cost them dearly.

Mohun Bagan could have easily found themselves in a better position if they hadn’t let their opponents invade their half so cheaply when the game should have been under their control.