I-League 2018-19: Mohun Bagan vs Real Kashmir- 3 Reasons why Mariners lost 1-2 to Snow Leopards

Real Kashmir defeated Mohun Bagan 1-2 at the Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata on Sunday 6th January, avenging their previous 1-0 loss. Mason Robertson drew first blood for the Srinagar-based side in the 33rd minute after heading in Surchandra Singh's brilliant cross from the right wing.

Sony Norde levelled things up for Mohun Bagan just before the half-time whistle as his curling free-kick from the edge of the penalty box left the rival goalkeeper flabbergasted. The Mariners blazed all their guns to score the winner, however, the Snow Leopards caught them off-guard.

Mason Robertson did a brilliant one-two with Kofi Tetteh and his ensuing shot bulged into the back of the net after striking the inside of the post in the 73rd minute. Mohun Bagan tried their best to find the equalizer but Real Kashmir's shift to a defensive 5-4-1 formation dented the Mariners' plans.

The game finished 2-1 as Real Kashmir climbed to the third spot in the table only behind league leaders Chennai City FC and NEROCA on a head-to-head count. Mohun Bagan, on the other hand, is still languishing on the sixth spot with 15 points from 11 matches.

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#3 Not fielding SK Faiaz in the starting line-up

I-League's rule of fielding at least one player below the age of 22 meant SK Faiaz didn't get a place in the starting line-up. Lalramzuava Khiangte was made the scapegoat as he was taken off the field in the 28th minute.

SK Faiaz's introduction injected the attacking impetus from the right side of the wing, reducing the burden from the shoulders of Sony Norde as the attacks were coming from the left wing alone.

However, if he had started the game, Real Kashmir would have been on the back foot from the opening whistle itself. Not having a promising U-23 player in the squad is hampering Mohun Bagan's title aspirations immensely.

#2 Failing to capitalize on the set-pieces

Sony Norde could convert only one out of three dangerous set-pieces he got

Real Kashmir FC is known for their defensive prowess as they leaked only 6 goals, lowest in the league, heading into the match. However, their performance wasn't top notch on the given day as they conceded 22 fouls, three of them in a dangerous position.

The vibrant Abhas Thapa brought down Yuta Kinowaki on the edge of the penalty box and Sony Norde made no mistake in curling the ball to the back of the net.

In the 69th minute, Mohun Bagan again got a free-kick from a dangerous position but Sony Norde failed to keep his shot on target. Even in the dying embers of the game, Aaron Katebe brought down Sony Norde and the Haitian failed to curl his ball.

Trying their luck from corner-kicks would have never worked as the Real Kashmir players had the height advantage. However, the match could have swung in their favour if they varied their set-pieces.

#1 Real Kashmir fielding Mason Robertson in an advanced position

The game could have ended in the

favor

of Mohun Bagan if Real Kashmir didn't have Mason Robertson in their side

Real Kashmir FC head coach David Robertson took a huge risk by fielding Mason Robertson in the hole behind Kofi Tetteh. Defensive midfielder Aaron Katebe slotted in the heart of the defense and conceded a couple of dangerous fouls.

However, from the attacking point of view, it worked. In the 33rd minute, Surchandra delivered a deadly cross and Mason Robertson beat Arijit Bagui to find the back of the net. In the 73rd minute, he combined well with Kofi Tetteh and unleashed a powerful shot to seal the deal. Thereafter, he slotted in the other half of the pitch as Real Kashmir looked to shut the shop.

Mason Robertson donned a similar role against Indian Arrows and it worked then. The father knows how to use his son in the best possible manner, and their combination is deadly for the oppositions.