ISL 2017, Match 31: FC Goa vs FC Pune City, Talking Points

FC Pune City kept their away form intact as they cruised past an on-song FC Goa side with a 0-2 win at the Fatorda Stadium, in Goa, on Saturday. Emiliano Alfaro and Jonatan Lucca netted the two goals, as Pune ran away with a 2-0 win against the Gaurs.

This was a record-breaking win for the ongoing season, as FC Pune City became the first side in ISL 2017 to keep a clean sheet against FC Goa.

Let's have a look at the top talking points we inferred from the same game.

Alfaro-Marcelinho Combination proves deadly

Emiliano Alfaro and Marcelinho, two of the most lethal forwards for FC Pune City, proved deadly as Marcelinho's piercing through passes troubled the Goan defence on several occasions. Alfaro got a big opportunity to put the Stallions ahead but failed to do so. Marcelinho kept troubling the Goan defence and finally got his award as a brilliant world class through ball went pierced the Gaurs' defence to reach Alfaro, who put it past a hapless Kattimani to take the lead in the 71st minute.

Corominas and Lanzarote kept under control

Corominas has closely marked today. (Photo: ISL)

The two most quality names on the Goan teamsheet - Ferran Corominas and Manuel Lanzarote were kept in check and were not allowed any bit of space and freedom to go poaching in the Pune City area, thanks to the rock-solid back four of FC Pune City comprising of Sarthak Golui, Gurtej Singh, Rafael Lopez and Lalchhuanmawia Fanai.

Vishal Kaith's impressive outing also proved crucial to deny Corominas and Lanzarote on several occasions. Considering the fact that the Gaurs have had a brilliant attacking record so far, this would turn out to be a major victory for the Pune defence.

FC Pune City's Away Record

Popovic's side has been brilliant away from home. (Photo: ISL)

With this, FC Pune City has clinched three away wins out of their three away fixtures. The Stallions got better of ATK by 4-1, defeated Jamshedpur FC by 0-1 and now eased past the Gaurs by 0-2. This comes up as a big rebuttal point against the popular notion of the conventional home advantage to the hosts.

This record by FC Pune City shows that the side has a lot of character to go to unfamiliar grounds and get the desired results. However, it is at their home ground, where their main worry lies this season.

Manuel Lanzarote and Rafael Lopez Scuffle

Manuel Lanzarote had a few heated exchanges. (Photo: ISL)

The Spanish on-field saga of the Goan Attacking Midfielder Manuel Lanzarote and Rafael Lopez was on show for the spectators. Adil Khan's rough tackles on Lanzarote sparked a scuffle and Rafael quickly got involved.

The Spaniard also got involved in yet another scuffle and the referee had to bail out the situation and bring things back under control. Ironically both the players came off without even getting booked, and were let off with a mere warning. The refereeing in ISL this season has been heavily criticised. These instances only go on to make a stronger case for better refereeing in the league.

Super Sub Lucca

Jonatan Lucca (Photo: ISL)

Jonatan Lucca came on a substitute for Diego Carlos at the 71st minute and quickly was at the thick of things. His pace troubled the Goan defence even more. He played brilliant balls in for Alfaro to poach upon.

His quick feet and agility proved too much for the Goan defence to handle and their failure to clear the balls cost them, as Lucca was in the right place, at the right time to slot the ball past the on-looking Goan defence into an empty net. This 84th-minute goal ended up deciding the match in the end, as the Gaurs barely had enough time to get back on level terms.