A meeting between two former Indian Super League champions, there were a lot of expectations from this game and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Atletico de Kolkata, who had conceded 11 goals in 10 matches before this, were taking on a Chennaiyin FC who were desperate to make the cut for the top four.
It was a game of two halves, as the men from Bengal completely dominated the first half and Helder Postiga’s goal gave them the deserving lead in the 40th minute. However, after the halftime whistle, the South Indian team took control, especially with the likes of Renato Augusto and Mulder pulling the strings in the midfield.
Trending
Ultimately, all the Chennaiyin pressure paid off as Davide Succi put in the much-awaited equaliser in the 77th minute. This result leaves Kolkata in the 3rd spot on the table with 15 points while Machans find themselves in the 6th position with 14 points. Here are the 5 talking points from the game:
#1 Helder Postiga showing his class
The 34-year-old Portuguese has spent most of his time on the treatment tables rather than on the pitch, but he has now put together a string of great performances. 3 of his 4 goals in the ISL have now come against Chennaiyin, and he was on target once again today.
The former Tottenham forward hit the post in the first half, but made sure that his second attempt went into the back of the net with unerring accuracy. He started off as a false number 10, and unlike the previous game against North East united, he stayed up the pitch for most parts and kept making intelligent movements throughout the game.
A rejuvenated Postiga could be ATK’s biggest takeaway from this match as the race for the knockout places tightens.
#2 Pritam Kotal has been a revelation
Pritam Kotal started off in the right back position for ATK in place of Prabir Das, and the Mohun Bagan fullback showed why he is rated as one of the best in the country right now. Proficient at both going forward and defending, Kotal was Kolkata’s standout player in the first half.
It was his cross from which Postiga scored, but even leaving that aside, his overlaps helped to stretch the game and Jerry, Chennaiyin’s left back was taken to task repeatedly. While on the offence, ATK shifted to a 4-2-4 formation and Kotal’s and Lara’s combination on the right back made life difficult for the Machans.
It will be a shock not to see him start in the next game as well.
#3 Daniel could be India’s next big thing
Daniel Lalhlimpuia came on from an injured Jeje Lalpekhlua in the 22nd minute, and the Chennaiyin forward showed why he was once hailed as one of the brightest prospects in the Indian Under 16 team. It is not easy being the focal point of an attack, but he did his job with great ease especially in the second half, when he was shifted out wide.
On the wings, Daniel showed his true colour, as he repeatedly outwitted his marker with an array of skills and feints. He linked very well with the likes of Succi and Mulder, and his ability to pick out the correct pass even under pressure is applaudable. If nurtured properly, this 19-year-old could go on to become India’s next big thing.
#4 Molina has got to be more positive
With just 3 more games to go and qualification for the semi-finals anything but certain, ATK coach Molina has got to be more positive in his approach. His team were playing well and even took the lead in the first 45 minutes, but instead of trying to score a second goal and bury the game, he resorted to protecting his lead.
As such, he put on Nato for Postiga and asked his defensive midfielders to not join the forwards in attack. This did not pan out well for the men in the red and gold stripes, as they ceded control of the midfield to Renato Augusto and Mulder who exploited the space afforded to them.
Davide Succi found it easy to drop deep and pick passes to those around him, something which eventually led to the goal. Pearson lost control of the ball near the touchline, and Eli Sabias put in a smart cross for the Italian Succi to head in. ATK made a huge mistake in letting their opponents master the gaps in the central of the park in order to protect their slim lead, and it was this tactical blunder which cost them the game.
#5 Wadoo was sensational
The state of Jammu and Kashmir has not seen a lot of footballers making it big in the national scene, but Mehrajuddin Wadoo has been an exception. At 32 years of age, he seems to be on some sort of a rejuvenation, as he put in another excellent performance today in the fullback position.
The former East Bengal player was awarded the best right back in ISL Season 2, as he helped the Super Machans to the coveted title. He continued his rich vein of form against Kolkata as well, as he put in a number of wicked crosses and made life very difficult for Robert, the Kolkata left back.
His spirited running and probing inspired Chennaiyin to the equaliser and there was no surprise that he was one of the prime contenders for the Hero of The Match award. If the men in blue do make it to the kncokouts, expect Wadoo to play a big role in it.
