ATK 1-0 NorthEast United FC: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis | ISL 2019-20

#3 NorthEast United FC have a free stroll in the ATK midfield

NorthEast United FC’s Martin Chaves attempts a shot at goal against ATK

NorthEast United FC wanted to exploit the centre of the pitch and restricted their full-backs not to overlap so as to guard ATK's wing-backs. Despite playing with three midfielders, the Highlanders maintained the control as ATK's defensive midfielder Victor Mongil was highly unimpressive.

Nikhil Kadam and Ninthoingamba Meitei drifted to wider areas, allowing Martin Chaves and Simon Lundevall to cut in. Andy Keogh played centrally and aided others in the build-up.

Federico Gallego replaced Lundevall in the second half as the latter had very little influence in the game. Redeem Tlang came on for Ninthoingamba Meetei in a like-for-like replacement.

Andy Keogh almost gave the visitors the lead from a counter-attack but Pritam Kotal made a timely block in the 13th minute of the game. The Irishman flicked his ball brilliantly in the near post but Arindam came up with a superb save to deny him.

But, the best chance fell to Martin Chaves in the last minute of the first half when he towered above his marker to flick his header after connecting Ninthoingamba's cross. However, Arindam stood between him and the goal to palm away the danger.

NorthEast United FC continued creating chances but were always left wanting more. And, when Michael Regin replaced Victor Mongil to make his ISL debut, their intensity dropped by a notch.