#2 Defenders need to take more responsibility
It would be safe to say that the defenders let Mohun Bagan down in both their matches. Mohun Bagan scored three goals but conceded the same number of goals due to the poor performance of their defenders, mainly fullbacks Arijit Bagui and Abhishek Ambekar.
Mohun Bagan were dominating in the game against Gokulam but once Rajesh came into the picture, all hell broke loose.
Abhishek Ambekar couldn’t keep with the pace of the Gokulam winger and Rajesh had no problem in entering the 18-yard box.
He easily dribbled his way past Abhishek a couple of times, leaving the defender bamboozled. Arjun was also giving Arijit Bagui a run for his money.
Failed to learn from their mistake, green and maroon defenders allowed too much space to Aizawl players in their own half.
When Lalkhawpuimawia got the ball from Albert, his back was against Mohun Bagan goal. He turned superbly, took a couple of steps before unleashing a shot.
Arijit Bagui stood near Lalkhawpuimawia and considering the time latter took before the shot, the Mohun Bagan defender could’ve easily challenged him for a tackle.
Instead, he tried to intercept the shot and failed miserably as the ball deflected off his leg and entered the goal, sending custodian Sankar Roy in the wrong direction.
Both Arijit and Abhishek made a name for them and are the best options available. But they should take more responsibility in terms of defending.
Both of them overlap continuously to help the strikers, but they have to do their defensive duties too.
They should not allow their opponent too much space on the flanks and mark them carefully. Centre-back Eze Kignsley and Kimkima have had better outings so far but also have to show the same mentality.