ISL 2018-19: ATK 1-3 Mumbai City FC – 5 talking points as Sougou’s hat-trick sends Mumbai into knock-outs

#4 Mumbai need to be more strong defensively

Mumbai need to improved defence

Mumbai City have kept six clean sheets this season, a record that the players and the coach must be proud of. On the contrary, they lost their last three matches without scoring a goal, which put a question mark on their chances of qualification. Against ATK, they got a softer opponent and ticked all the boxes.

Lucian Goian, who missed the last match due to suspension, was back in defence and as usual he took all the responsibilities in the back front. He neutralised the threat posed by Kalu Uche and Edu Garcia. Even at 36 years of age, he made quick interceptions and clearances. He was always there to neutralise ATK’s move. The only time which he failed to clear the cross led to ATK’s only goal of the match.

But his partner, Souvik Chakrabarti had a horrific day. The Bengal-born made a couple of dreadful mistakes and was lucky not to concede a goal. He never looked confident in the field and earned an unnecessary yellow card, which will rule him out in the next match. In order to reach their maiden final, Mumbai need to consolidate their defence as soon as possible.