I-League 2018-19, Indian Arrows 0-2 Mohun Bagan: 5 talking points

#2 Lost the match, but Pinto’s strategy worked

Arrows applied the same strategy they used against Shillong Lajong

In their opening match against Chennai City FC, Indian Arrows started attacking right from the outset and ended up conceding four goals. So, their coach Floyd Pinto opted for a different strategy. Get the defence tighter and attack on the counter.

They used the strategy against Shillong Lajong. The Lajong players dominated possession but failed to bite Arrows defence.

Boosted by their performance, Arrows applied the same strategy against Mohun Bagan. Defend in the first half to frustrate opponent players and attack in the second.

But to resist Mohun Bagan attackers from scoring goals for an entire half was a tough task for the young boys. They left Dicka unmarked on quite a few occasions and the Cameroonian used one of them to score his maiden goal in this campaign.

Immediately after conceding the goal, Arrows changed their defensive approach and started attacking.

During the entire second half, they played with this strategy and could’ve scored on two occasions. They also defended superbly, giving no space to Dicka, Kisekka and Norde.