ISL 2018-19, NorthEast United FC 1-1 FC Pune City: 5 Talking Points - Highlanders close in on playoff qualification

#2 Draw sees Pune's dream of making the playoffs end

Phil Brown's tactics rejuvenated Pune but there was only so much that he could do [Image: ISL]

With just a point from a must-win game, Pune's hopes of making the playoff have ended. Pune had a slim chance of making the cut for the playoffs, and the primary condition was that they had to win all their remaining games. Failing to win the game against NorthEast United means that they don't have any chance of making the playoffs.

That said and done they do play Mumbai, and the result of that game will be of significant value for NorthEast United FC and Jamshedpur FC too, as their fates are interlinked with that of Pune and Mumbai.

When Phill Brown took over as head coach, no one even dreamt of seeing FC Pune City be alive and still with a mathematical probability of making the playoffs but with three back to back wins they had got themselves into a position which could have seen them make the cut for the playoffs if they won all their games.

Phil Brown and his strategy of 5-3-2 has really worked well with FC Pune City, and it has been a revelation of sorts for the club and the league. With hopes of playoffs over, the team will now look to shift their focus on the Super Cup.