ISL 2018-19: ATK 2-1 Jamshedpur FC - Hits and Flops

Jamshedpur FC and ATK faced off at the iconic Salt Lake stadium in what can be called as one of the most important matches in the Indian Super League as far as the race to the top 4 is concerned.

After the resume of action post the international break, both teams were coming into this match on the back of away draws - ATK against Kerala Blasters and Jamshedpur FC against FC Goa.

As the race to the top four intensifies both ATK and Jamshedpur were looking at nothing less than a win to keep them in the contention for the knockout phase of the tournament. Even though a draw or a loss wouldn't halt all hopes for either team, it would surely make the process very difficult going forward.

ATK kicked off the proceedings as they made their intentions very clear early on in the match. High on attack and heavy in the midfield, ATK put the Jamshedpur defence in a spot of bother on multiple occasions as the combination of Everton Santos, Manuel Lanzarote and Edu Garcia proved to be too good for the Jamshedpur defence.

Continuous attacks resulted in ATK taking the lead as early as the 3rd minute of the game with Lanzarote putting a sublime finish past a diving Subrata Paul from a perfectly executed free kick. Exactly thirty minutes later, Edu Garcia was again caught outside of the box, resulting in Jamshedpur conceding their second goal from the set piece. Captain Manuel Lanzarote was again at the peak of the action as he beats Subrata Paul at the near-post courtesy a perfect finish from the freekick spot to double ATK’s advantage in the first half.

Having gone 2-0 down, Jamshedpur had much to think about in the second half but failed to turn the tables in their favour. Even though a consolation goal from Mario Arques did raise some hope for the Men of Steel, it proved to be too little too late for Jamshedpur.

The game ended 2-1 to ATK and further opened up the race for top 4 as both the teams are now tied at 20 points each.

Here are the top Hits and Flops from the game.

---

#1 Hit: Manuel Lanzarote

Lanzarote was too good for Kolkata

Having missed his last match because of a suspension, coach Steve Coppell showed no hesitation to replace the prolific Kalu Uche with captain Manuel Lanzarote in the starting XI. Lanza who started with Edu Garcia and Everton Santos in the attack posed multiple occasions of threat for the Jamshedpur defence throughout the match.

Lanza’s selection was further validated as he showed a moment of magic in the third minute of the game where he whipped past a sublime finish to a diving Subrata Paul on the near post.

Having gone 1-0 up quite early in the game, Lanza combined well with Edu Garcia and Everton Santos to create attacking opportunities for the home side.

The Kolkata Captain again showed a sign of brilliance in the 33rd minute of the game as he beat Subrata Paul yet again at the near post, but this time with an even picturesque finish to take his side 2-0 up in the game.

The quality of the second goal from Lanzarote surely ranks among the finest ones been scored in the competition this season.

Credits to this match-defining performance, Lanzarote was adjourned the ‘Hero of the Match’.

#2 Hit: Edu Garcia

Garcia showed his class

If there were any shadow of doubt on the signing of the Spaniard in the winter transfer window it all got answered as Edu Garcia showed his clinical presence in the attack for ATK against Jamshedpur.

Making multiple fierce runs into the Jamshedpur half, Garcia stormed through the defence on a number of occasions and importantly engaged the centre-backs, letting the likes of Everton Santos and Lanzarote to exploit the free space on the attack.

The two goals that came from ATK can also be partly credited to Edu Garcia’s presence on the field. His prolific runs were enough to wrap around the Jamshedpur defence which further resulted in leaving the defenders with no other option than to foul him outside the box earning the home side two important set piece chances.

With ATK getting a sigh of breath with this all-important win, a lot will be expected off Garcia for the upcoming matches as he will be a pivotal anchor for ATK’s attack which is yet to fire in true terms this season.

#3 Hit: John Johnson

John Johnson was clinical to keep Jamshedpur at bay

Arguably one of the better defensive units in the ISL, ATK again showed signs of defensive master class as they were clinical to keep the Jamshedpur attack at bay for the majority of the match.

Along with Arnab Mondal, the disciplined defensive performance has to be credited to John Johnson who managed to boss the likes of Sumeet Passi, Pablo Morgado and Mario Arques on multiple occasions.

Johnson combined really well with Mondal at the back to create blockade for any incoming attack towards the ATK goal. Even goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya hadn’t had much to bother him for the major part of the game, thanks to the Englishman.

Even though one might argue on the lacklustre performance of the Jamshedpur attack, John Johnson deserves his share of credit to earn his side three important points from the match.

The ex-Bengaluru FC man also produced a moment of brilliance when he literally toyed with Sumeet Passi with his fake turns and nutmegs on the Indian forward leaving him completely clueless, much to the enjoyment of the crowd.

John Johnson will be an important man at the defence for ATK going forward.

#4 Hit: Jerry

Jerry yet again showed glimpses on why he should be starting for Jamshedpur

One of the important starters for Jamshedpur last season, Jerry Mawihmingthanga has had limited opportunities of game time under coach Caser Ferrando this year and his performance today, off the bench, does raise the question why?

After losing marquee signing Tim Cahill because of injury, the Jamshedpur attack had a game to forget as it failed to create or capitalise any chances for almost the entire duration of the match.

Even with 2-0 down, one would have expected Jamshedpur to go all out and close the gap but it wasn’t to be.

It was until the introduction of Jerry in the 74th minute that saw Jamshedpur showing some intent at the ATK goal.

Jerry was clinical with his pace on the right and was successful to create chances forward. He also came close to scoring once when his ball hit the crossbar, off a thunderous strike from the penalty box.

With 14 matches into the season, it is quite clear that a Jerry on the right is the best possible solution for Jamshedpur to imbibe as it provides an extra attacking option for the men of steel.

#5 Flop: Subrata Paul

Subrata Paul would be disappointed with the result

Even though both goals came off the set piece, courtesy a master class from the ATK captain, Jamshedpur FC, especially the defence has had a game to forget.

Subrata Paul, who is otherwise a seasoned campaigner and safe bet in front of goal, required a better effort in a match which had pivotal importance in the context of the season.

Again, taking nothing away from Lanza’s super strike, but to be beaten at the near post twice in the first half is something which was not expected of someone as Subrata Paul’s stature.

The cause of disappointment will be even further as the keeper pulled off some super saves in the previous fixture against FC Goa where he not only kept a lethal Goan attack at bay but also earned himself the ‘Hero of the Match’ for his performance.

Already being one of the most important characters in the team for experience, Jamshedpur FC will be banking on Subrata to show them the way to the playoffs for the first time in its short history.