ISL 2017/18, Match 66: North East United vs FC Pune City - 5 Talking points

#2 Martin Diaz's substitution changed the game for North East

North East United's defence was performing brilliantly until Martin Diaz's substitution

Diaz, playing as a defensive midfielder was providing the perfect shielding effect for his back four. FC Pune City were finding it tough to break down North East United's defence and along with the backline, Diaz did a lot of the dirty work which was necessary for the home side shutting shop against one of the most entertaining sides of the ISL.

But Diaz was taken off in the 72nd minute in place of Maic Sema and subsequently, North East lost that control in midfield. The centre-back pairing of Jose Goncalves and Sambinha were badly exposed by the midfield during Marcelino's winner and had Diaz been present on the field, the Highlanders might have left the field with one point in the bag.