ISL 2018-19, Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United: 5 Talking Points - Calamitous return to Kerala for Gurwinder Singh and more 

#2 Blasters lack clinical edge to put the Highlanders to the sword

Kerala Blasters enjoyed a host of chances, but to no avail (Photo: ISL)

The Kerala Blasters have criminally underperformed inside the final third throughout the season. And the game against NorthEast United proved to be the perfect testament to why they have the second-worst goal tally amongst all the 10 clubs in the Indian Super League this term.

It wasn't entirely poor finishing that marred their performance on the night, there was the element of luck too, which has eluded the Blasters on several occasions this season.

Courage Pekuson was denied by the post after launching a solid attempt from just outside the penalty area, while Pawan Kumar, who was taken off injured, also stepped up on a number of occasions to save the visitors' blushes.

Despite all of that, the fact that Kerala Blasters had 17 attempts on goal and failed to find the back of the net against a team that played the majority of the game with 10-men speaks volumes about their quality in the final third.

Seiminlen Doungel enjoyed arguably the game's biggest chance when he was played through on goal from the right, following a driving run from deep within the Kerala Blasters' half by Keziron Kizito. The forward failed to beat the onrushing goalkeeper and summed up the hosts' luck and quality at the top end of the pitch.