ISL 2016: NorthEast United 1-0 Kerala Blasters – 5 Talking points

#3 Three at the back is Steve Coppell’s only option

Cedric Hengbart put in a spirited effort at the back (Image courtesy: ISL)

It might have come as a surprise to most as the teams were announced, but in hindsight, Steve Coppell had almost no option but to play with a back 3 (or a back five). Kerala Blasters are definitely a very physical side, and probably their best three players are central defenders.

For most of the game, the tactic worked too, with the back three of Aaron Hughes, Cedric Hengbart and Sandesh Jhingan keeping the NorthEast crowd quiet, and their forwards quieter. But, as the match continued, the humidity got to the two and they struggled with the pace of Nico Velez.

The back three with the experience and talent should have undoubtedly done much more for the goal, but the signs are good and is probably their biggest positive from the game.