I-League: Round 4 Review – East Bengal live up to favourites tag

Result of the round

Pune FC 2-0 Mohun Bagan

Pune FC were too good for 10-man Mohun BaganPhoto Credit: Pune FC

When Derrick Pereira left Pune FC at the end of last season, it was natural for even the most ardent Pune fan to have question marks about their immediate future on the pitch. Derrick had done a remarkable job with a modest squad so it was always going to be difficult for his replacement to maintain those standards. But thanks to some shrewd foreign signings and the emergence of academy players like Nikhil Kadam, Dutchman Mike Snoei has been able to enjoy a perfect start to his Pune FC reign and the 2-0 home win over Mohun Bagan yesterday was another top result and performance.

From the very first minute, Pune FC were on the front foot as they looked to take the initiative against a cautious Mohun Bagan side who were once again without their skipper and talisman Odafa. Despite their territorial domination Pune didn’t create too many clear cut chances until the sending off of Mohun Bagan’s Echezona Anyichie (popular known as Eche) and could have been behind early in the second half when Eric Muranda wasted a golden opportunity. But Snoei’s side did well to use their numerical advantage and opened up Mohun Bagan completely in the final quarter of the game.

The result and performance was a good indication of each side’s potential this season. Like most teams, Pune FC lack a big squad but have a very good mixture of foreign and young Indian talent along with the experience of Arata Izumi and Anas Edathodika. Mohun Bagan at times don’t even look like a top half team without Odafa and would be hoping to see their skipper back in action as soon possible.

Best Players

Foreigner – James Moga (East Bengal)

Photo Credit: eastbengaltherealpower.com

The South Sudan international had a dream I-League debut for East Bengal as he bagged a brace against Shillong Lajong. Moga scored in each half and for the first time combined well with Edeh Chidi since his move to East Bengal this season. With the right service, he will definitely have a prolific season.

Indian – Jeje Lalpepkhlua (Dempo)

The India international was playing out of position on the wing but still was looking the most likely player to bring Dempo back into the contest when they were trailing against Salgaocar. Jeje showed great composure to finish the chance that brought the equaliser and would now hope to play upfront in the next game.

Controversy

There was no major organisational goof up in this round but there was an ugly incident in the game between Pune FC and Mohun Bagan game as Eche was sent off for retaliation against Raul Fabiani, who had initially fouled the Nigerian defender with a high foot. Mohun Bagan still feel hard done by that decision with coach Bencherifa claiming it to be the decisive moment of the match. Snoei has responded by calling Bencherifa ‘a bad loser’ and the war of words will surely not end there.

Table

Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	Points	GD
Bengaluru FC	4	3	1	0	10	+5
Pune FC	3	2	1	0	7	+4
Salgaocar	3	2	1	0	7	+4
United SC	4	2	1	1	7	+3
Mumbai FC	4	1	3	0	6	+2
Sporting Clube	3	1	1	1	4	-1
Shillong Lajong	4	1	1	2	4	-2
East Bengal	1	1	0	0	3	+4
Dempo	4	0	3	1	3	-3
Mohun Bagan	3	0	2	1	2	-2
Churchill Brothers	4	0	2	2	2	-3
Rangdajied United	4	0	2	2	2	-5
Mohammedan Sporting	3	0	0	3	0	-6