ISL 2017, Match 5: FC Pune City vs Delhi Dynamos FC, 5 talking points

Delhi Dynamos put Pune to the sword on Wednesday's ISL encounter. Three quickfire goals in the second half ensured the Dynamos left Pune with all three points. The home side did reply with two, though by then, the damage had already been done. Here are the major talking points from tonight's match.

#1 Cagey opening between two well-drilled sides

Tonight's match was eerily similar to the opening two games of the Indian Super League. Pune and Delhi came into this match not wanting to lose, and it was evident in their gameplay.

For the opening 25 minutes, both sides refused to commit numbers in attack. When players had the opportunity to run into space, they chose to play parallel passes or play it back. Pune and Delhi were reluctant to adopt a high press. Instead, they chose to flood the midfield, which made it very hard for either of them to create clear-cut openings in the first half.

#2 Delhi Dynamos fail to create problems on the counter

The Delhi Dynamos were unable to break quickly from defence. (Photo: ISL)

As the minutes passed, Pune's influence on the game kept growing. It meant, the home side slowly but steadily began to find their groove and pegged Delhi on the back foot. It also meant a lot of open spaces, but the Dynamos failed to take advantage of this. Every time they attempted a counter-attack, their players fluffed their passes.

Promising build-up plays came to an abrupt halt, courtesy some wayward, aimless passes. It gave Pune the impetus to continue to attack openly, knowing that their opponents were failing to break open.

#3 Marcelinho - Alfaro partnership unable to click for Pune

It was a frustrating day for Alfaro. (Photo: ISL)

Pune are among the two teams of the original eight, who have not made it to the semi-finals in the ISL. But the Maharashtrian outfit invested intelligently and heavily on their front line this season. They signed the top and the joint third best goal scorers - Marcelinho and Alfaro. The two were expected to form a potent partnership.

However, not everything is rosy. Both players found it difficult to feed off each other. It was evident that they need more time to gel. Alfaro usually played off Marcelinho's shoulders, however, when the play broke up, their positions went for a toss. As a result, Pune's star forwards failed to click and combine effectively.

#4 Lallianzuala Chhangte proves simplicity is king

Lallianzuala Chhangte was outstanding on the night. (Photo: ISL)

Traditional wingers are hard to come by in today's day and age, when trickery is valued over simplicity. In Lallianzuala Chhangte, Delhi Dynamos have an attacker who executes the simple things with military precision.

When he is on the left wing, Chhangte does one thing and one thing only - run at the opposition full-back with pace and intent, before he whips a dangerous cross into the box. Tonight, he was Delhi's best player. He assisted Paulinho's first goal before going on a splendid solo run to score the second himself. Chhangte ran riot on wings, all night long.

#5 Pune pay the price for lack of intensity

FC Pune City's comeback was too little, too late. (Photo: ISL)

This was a match of two halves in every sense. The first half was arguably the most boring 45 minutes of football you'd have witnessed. Delhi Dynamos then scored three within 20 minutes, much to the shock of Pune, who were left stunned.

While they did get two back, the damage had already been done. Delhi came at Pune who, had no idea what at hit them. Before they could recover from the first goal, the capital side came back to score a second and then a third.

Delhi were on a rampage and Pune did nothing to stop the onslaught. Simply put, the home side failed to up their intensity and tempo, paying a heavy price for it. The Dynamos made most of it, they sensed Pune were slacking and put them to the sword.