ISL 2018-19: ATK vs Kerala Blasters 5 Talking Points

#4 ATK midfield lacked creativity, and defence lacked organisation

ATK will be disappointed [Image: ISL]

If Steve Coppell is known for something, then it has to be his defensive stability or the way he sets up his side's defence. ATK today though was nowhere near the stability defensively that a Steve Coppell coached side promises. John Johnson and Gerson Vieira had problems in coordination, and there were gaps in the defence right from the word go.

Kolkata started with Pronoy Halder and El Maimouni Noussair in the middle, and both of them lacked the required creative influence to create openings for the strikers. Kolkata also didn't have many opportunities from open play, and their best chances came from set pieces (corners) and long rangers. Jayesh Rane and Lanzarote also failed to create chances down the flanks, and the strikers didn't have any service from the midfield.