I-League 2018-19: Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal- 5 Talking Points

#1 Joby Justin's magic reigns supreme

Joby Justin celebrates with fellow goalscorer Jaime Santos Colado after East Bengal won the Kolkata Derby

In high-octave matches like Kolkata Derby, it is the individual brilliance of certain players which separates the two sides. East Bengal did execute their game plan perfectly but, it was Joby Justin's predatory striking and dribbling skills which proved to be the difference.

The Keralite's ability to be at the right place at the right time even if surrounded by three players was visible in the seventh minute itself when he made space for himself to take a first-time shot. However, the Mohun Bagan defenders easily saw out his scuffed effort.

Coming to the first goal, he pressed Eze Kingsley hard and won the ball from him in the attacking third. Spotting Jaime Santos Colado's run from the blindside, he made no error in feeding the ball towards him, who in turn put it in the back of the net.

The second goal might have looked an easy one to score but, it was his finesse which made it so. Lalrindika Ralte inswung a deadly corner-kick but, three Mohun Bagan defenders had surrounded him. Joby Justin not only made space for himself but also glanced his header above the reach of the goalkeeper to score the insurance goal.

The fans criticized former national team coach Stephen Constantine's decision to omit him from the Asian Cup 2019 squad. On Sunday, Joby Justin proved his naysayers wrong once again.