ISL 2018-19: FC Goa beef up defence- 3 reasons why the Gaurs have improved defensively

FC Goa continued their good home record as they steamrolled past Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League on Monday to book their place in the playoffs.

After two consecutive defeats for table toppers Bengaluru FC against bottom places sides Chennaiyin FC and Delhi Dynamos, FC Goa saw the perfect opportunity to go to the top of the table and grabbed it with both hands as they defeated both ATK and Kerala Blasters by a 3-goal margin each in a space of four days.

Earlier this season, Goa has won games by a four-goal and five-goal margin as well but this occasion demanded celebration as Goa was able to keep five consecutive clean sheets, which looked like a dream last season.

Let's look at the three main reasons why Goa was able to achieve this feat.

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#1 Naveen Kumar instead of Mohammad Nawaz between the sticks

Naveen Kumar making a save for FC Goa (Image Courtesy: ISL)

Mohammad Nawaz gave new-look solidarity to the Goa defense this season. Unlike last season, Goa did not concede late goals that cost them important points this season.

The 19-year old kept two back-to-back clean sheets against top-quality sides Jamshedpur FC and Mumbai City FC before picking up a knock in the 2-0 win over Mumbai.

Since then, Naveen Kumar has come in the starting XI and kept three consecutive clean sheets in three matches, just one less than the number managed by the 19-year old in more than 10 matches.

Sergio Lobera made no changes to the side that beat ATK as Naveen Kumar kept his place in the side over the fit-again Mohammad Nawaz who had to be content with a place on the bench.

With Nawaz fit once again, it is to be seen whether Sergio Lobera goes for experience or potential talent as he has to make the decision of the preferred custodian between the sticks for the playoffs.

#2 Mandar Rao Dessai needed time to adjust to the full back position

Dessai has tried to adapt to the left-back position for the most part of this season (Image Courtesy: ISL)

The FC Goa skipper has spent most of his career playing on the left side of the midfield or the left wing, trying to supply crosses for the forwards. But he has tried to adapt to the left-back position for the most part of this season.

Attack-minded coach Sergio Lobera has enough forwards to play on the left side of the midfield and has no problem in trying to fit a left winger in a left back's shoes.

The 26-year old looked a bit shaky in the start of the season playing as a left back but looks much more confident after playing there for more than four months.

Also, Mourtada Fall and Carlos Pena have grown as a central defensive partnership during the course of the season which is great news for Lobera, who would be eyeing to bring the ISL trophy to the shores of Goa for the first time.

#3 Ahmed Jahouh's defensive contribution

Is a maiden ISL title on its way for the Gaurs? (Image Courtesy: ISL)

FC Goa are potent in attack and have started to keep clean sheets as well with the season moves towards its climax giving Bengaluru FC some serious challenge.

One of the most overlooked reasons for keeping clean sheets is the double pivot of Lenny Rodrigues and Ahmed Jahouh protecting their defense and goalkeeper.

Lobera is known as an attack-minded coach and playing two defensive midfielders in a double pivot is not really what he is known for.

The Moroccan has taken the league by storm displaying his all-round midfield abilities and ably protecting the FC Goa defense.

The Gaurs have now kept five consecutive clean sheets, a feat only matched by Mumbai City FC in 2015 and would be looking to write their names in history books on 21st February when they take a tricky trip to the state of Karnataka to face title rivals Bengaluru FC.

The top two sides face each other at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on 21st February which is being dubbed as a dress rehearsal for this season's final. You can check the ISL 2019 Schedule here.