ISL 2018-19: Jamshedpur FC 2-2 Kerala Blasters FC - 5 Talking Points

#5 James did it with three changes

David James [Image: ISL]

It was not the same Kerala team that we’ve seen in the previous matches. They were sitting back at defence, allowing their opposition to take control and were inferior in the midfield.

Moreover, their defence was abysmal to say the least. During the first goal, a pint-size Lalruatthara marked World Cupper Tim Cahill, when Jhinghan has a better physique and experience to do it. Soosairaj scored at a time when the whole Kerala defence didn’t know what to do.

David James made two changes at half-time. He introduced Cyril Kali in the left-back position and Sahal Samad in the midfield. That worked wonders as Sahal started making an impression from his very first touch. He created two beautiful moves within the first ten minutes. Later, he took control of the midfield and were roaming all around the park.

The most important substitution came in the 68th minute when Doungel was introduced. Probably we’ve never seen a player coming on to the field that late and leaving with the Hero of the Match award. Such was the dominance of Doungel. He always finds the right man at the right moment.

Against Mumbai, he crossed to Halicharan Narzary, which was their only goal of the game. On Monday, Sahal found Stojanovic during the first goal.

The second assist was pure class. Doungel sped past three Jamshedpur defenders to enter the box and found Vineeth in a suitable position, the later made no mistake.