ISL 2017, Match 8: Mumbai City FC vs FC Goa, Talking Points

Coming out of a really bad start from their first game, Mumbai City FC were pretty serious about changing their tactics and reigniting their chances of returning to winning ways. Goals from Everton Santos and Thaigo Santos in the 59th and 88th minute though have brought them right back on track.

The win gave them three crucial points but this wouldn’t be enough if they are serious about making it to the top four. Here are some of the talking points of the entertaining encounter.

Andheri Sports Complex: Home of the 12th man...not!

Last season when FC Goa visited the Islanders at the Mumbai Football Arena, it wasn't anything short of a homecoming for them. The reason shouldn't surprise you because half of the stadium was only filled with FC Goa supporters. Well, this season wasn't anything different either!

Though Mumbai has had a long history of being one of the football-power houses of Indian Football, but in ISL, the home crowd has time and again failed to be the 12th man of Mumbai City FC which has been of huge problem for them especially during matches against the Gaurs.

No team can ever be at their best if their fans aren’t behind their backs. Yet again, FC Goa fans looked loud and proud in Mumbai’s den rather than the other way around in a clash between Mumbai City FC and FC Goa.

All Indian defence for FC Goa

Narayan Das has been as solid as ever. (Photo: ISL)

One wouldn’t be less apprehensive to see an all Indian defence as FC Goa who looked weak on paper were pretty much strong on the field until they conceded two goals in the second half. With Narayan Das, Seriton Fernandes, Chinglensana Singh and Mohamed Ali, the Gaurs were pretty solid from the back. They looked very sharp while on the ball, making enough room for playing the ball around.

Although they faltered in the first half, they were quick enough to track back and make some brilliant clearance. Especially Narayan Das, with his pace and strides, was just mind-boggling. FC Goa looked more settled because they played from the back. Though they failed to win this match, FC Goa’s defence deserves the credit for what they did tonight.

Balwant Singh needs to arrive in ISL 2017

Balwant Singh still hasn't gotten back to full form. (Photo: ISL)

Usually a prolific finisher for the Indian national team, Balwant Singh still hasn’t arrived at this year’s ISL. He surely cannot complain about the lack of passes from his team-mates because Achille Emana Edzimbi did brilliantly by feeding some amazing through-balls against a very strong defensive line-up. Balwant missed a couple of chances in the first half, something that could have put Mumbai in the ead early on.

He couldn’t position himself correctly especially during counter-attacks putting his team in a difficult position. After having attackers like Deigo Forlan and Sunil Chetteri in the previous editions, the expectations from Balwant automatically were higher and he has failed to live up to them. Now that Mumbai City FC has finally managed to seal a win, we are very positive of Balwant Singh arriving at the right time.

Change of tactics from Mumbai City FC

Guimaraes' tactics did the trick. (Photo: ISL)

After a poor start against Bengaluru FC in their season opener, it was very pleasing to see the Islanders pressing from the front and winning some crucial balls from a well-settled FC Goa.

The first goal was a clear indication of how well their plan was working out. But doing that it made them even more vulnerable to counter-attacks.

The 3-4-3 proved to be quite a success but there was surely more room for improvement. Their moment with the ball was well balanced and surely proved pivotal when they took a lead in the dying minutes of the second half.

Kattimani's butterfingers

Laxmikant Kattimani had a horrendous day on the field. (Photo: ISL)

On the other hand, FC Goa keeper Laxmikant Kattimani had a horrendous day on the field. His lack of awareness while being on the ball helped Mumbai take the lead, as Everton Santos closed him down.

Meanwhile, the Islanders managed to sneak in a late winner, as Thiago Santos nutmegged the Goan goalkeeper. In a way, he was directly responsible for conceding the two Goa goals. Kattimani has been on poor form of late, as he had also let in a goal in the first game against Chennaiyin FC. The former Mumbai FC keeper needs to get his act together soon, or else he could face the axe from Sergio Lobera.