#2 The all-Indian Pune backline looks inexperienced
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It was a rare occasion in the ISL history. Pune City FC fielded an all-Indian backline, with the experienced and former Indian international Gourmangi Singh asked to lead the line. Playing with youngsters like Rahul Bheke, Ravanan and Narayan Das, it was always going to be a tough task for the defender who has made 69 appearances for the national team.
While the 30-year-old Manipuri defender had a safe outing, the other three looked a little intimidated. With Narayan Das the only other player appearing for the Blue Tigers, the experience on the big stage lacked and that showed in the goal and the game in general.
The right-side defensive pair of Rahul Bheke and Ravanan gave a little too much space to Michael Chopra, who exploited them smartly on a number of occasions. The former Sunderland striker has lost a yard of pace but still controlled proceedings well, interchanging passes with Rafique and Nazon. The defence needs to push itself a little and can get better with playing more games together.
The mess-up between Gourmangi and Edel Bete in the 61st minute almost created another goal for Kerala, which was another example of the lack of experience and communication between the Indian defender and the goalkeeper and the coach would need to work on that.
