I-League 2018-19: Indian Arrows 1-0 Shillong Lajong - 5 Talking Points

Indian Arrows got their first victory of the I-League after triumphing 1-0 over Shillong Lajong at the Barabati Stadium on Monday in an-all Indian encounter.

Floyd Pinto employed his boys in a 4-3-3 formation with Rahul KP, Aniket Jadhav, and Boris Singh leading the pack. Ashish Rai and Aimol Reamsochung were given the responsibilities of marauding and defending down the left and right wings respectively, while Anwar Ali and Narender completed the back four. The midfield trio of Suresh Singh Wangjam, Amarjit Singh Kiyam, and Lalengmawia was entrusted to ensure the visitors don't get the leverage in the midfield.

Shillong Lajong, on the other hand, entered the field in a 4-1-2-1-2 diamond formation with Naorem Singh and Samuel Lalmuanpuia on the front. Lalrohlua donned the defensive midfielder role covering for the full backs, Novin Gurung and Rakesh Pradhan. Phirangki Buam and Lalawmpuia Hnamte were deployed on the wider side of the pitches, and Samuel Lyngdoh played in the hole behind the strikers.

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#5 Shillong Lajong tried to breach through centre

Substitute Sheen tries to make his way from the centre but is held out eventually

As seen previously in their game against Aizawl FC and East Bengal, Shillong Lajong continued attacking from the centre of the pitch rather than going down the wings.

The fullbacks Novin Gurung and Rakesh Pradhan tried to draw out the wing backs and the central midfielders in the hope of giving Buam, Hnamte, Lyngdoh, and Lalmuanpuia space in the middle. They got their first chance at the 29th minute when Lyngdoh won the ball in the middle of the park and passed it on to Mahesh.

The latter lofted the ball in the former's path and he found himself in a position with only the goalkeeper to beat. However, his resultant shot got scuffed and Prabhsukhan was happy to see it through.

Other than this chance, their efforts didn't produce any meaningful output. The Shillong side did try their luck from the width, but couldn't get past Aimol and Ashish.

#4 Indian Arrows exploited Shillong on the wings

Aniket Jadhav tries to keep the ball in from going out of play

Shillong Lajong's focus on the centre of the pitch devoided them of men in the wings and the Indian Arrows capitalized on it. Boris Singh and debutant Aimol exploited the right wing whereas Ashish Rai and Aniket Jadhav took charge of the left side. KP Rahul, rather than being the central striker to slot the ball home, helped the players attacking down the wings.

The plan bore fruits as early as the 11th minute. Amarjit spotted Rahul's run and released him down the right wing. The Keralite's intended pass was cut out by Novin Gurung but failed to clear it properly. Ashish Rai pounced on the loose ball and curled it in the back of the net.

This is a good strategy given that they don't have a striker who can cause havoc in the centre. However, this could haunt them later in the league.

#3 Shillong Lajong lacked creativity

Phrangki

Buam

looks dejected after being bullied by Lalengmawia

The lack of foreigners and experience in the Shillong side meant they lacked the cutting edge. It was evident from the beginning as their defensive midfielder Lalrohlua had to pass the ball back to the centre-backs without being pressurized as there weren't good options for him up front.

The Indian Arrows dispossessed them in the midfield or thwarted the attack in the final third. Prabhsukhan Gill was barely tested and turned into a mere spectator for the majority of the game. To add further misery to their problems, they gave away the ball very cheaply at the centre of the park which halted their momentum and plans of building from the back.

Shillong Lajong had a lion share of possession in comparison to the Indian Arrows, but couldn't make it count. Their previous encounter also had a similar story where they succumbed to East Bengal on the counter. The Reds would have to improve on this aspect if they don't intend to get relegated.

#2 Movements predictable for Indian Arrows

Anwar Ali shrugs off Mahesh Singh's challenge

This could be apprehended right from the formation with which Floyd Pinto employed his men. He knew that Shillong Lajong would attack centrally and thus, deployed three midfielders in the central position to nullify the threat. The fact that he freed Boris of his defensive duties is a further testament to it as he was confident they wouldn't be a threat down the wings.

Even when they were indulged in one-on-one situations, the Arrows' defender always came out on top. The back four of Anwar Ali, Narender, Ashish Rai, and Aimol knew what they were doing.

The Blue Colts even played with a high back line and caught Naorem Singh and Lalmuanpuia offside on a couple of occasions. This is a risky tactic as the opposing team is attacking centrally and a single mistake could leave the strikers in a one-on-one situation with the keeper. However, it paid dividends on this situation.

#1 Shillong Lajong looked dangerous in dying minutes

Debutant Aimol produced a goal-line heading clearance to deny Aibhan from equalizing

As the game wore out in the second half, Lajong coach Alison Kharsyntiew brought in a flurry of changes. Naorem Singh, Samuel Lyngdoh, and Lalawmpuia Hnamte were withdrawn in place of the energetic Kynsailang Khongsit, Sheen Sohktung, and Nabin Rabha.

The plan was simple- Lalmuanpuia would drop down and the trio alongside Phirangki Buam would pounce on the resultant crosses. However, they stumbled on the finishing. The closest they had come to restore the parity was at the 88th minute when Aibhan's header went goalwards from a Rakesh Pradhan cross. But, Aimol produced a goal-line header to deny them.

Time ran out for the Reds and the final scoreline remained 1-0 in favor of the home side. After this win, Indian Arrows climb to the fourth place from the bottom of the pile with one win from two games. Shillong Lajong, on the other hand, remain in the third place with three points from as many games.