ISL 2017-18, Match 57: Bengaluru FC vs NorthEast United, 5 Talking Points

#5 NorthEast refuse to go away

NorthEast tried their best, but to no avail

After Juan Antonio opened the scoring for Bengaluru with a headed goal in the 14th minute, it looked like the floodgates would open for the home side.

Immediately they went close and almost scored a second through captain Sunil Chhetri and they seemed to have picked up the pace.

NorthEast, however, showed a lot of good fight and stayed firm. It's not like they went all defensive either, as other teams have tended to do while playing Bengaluru at the Kanteerava. They managed to create some openings and trouble the home side and let them know that they were still in the game.

And before half-time, they were rewarded for their efforts with the penalty which was swiftly dispensed by Marcinho. They let Bengaluru score early in the second, but they played well enough to be disappointed at having to come away with nothing. They finished the game stronger and Bengaluru had to be sharp defensively to see out the game.

Seiminlen Doungel continued his good showing too. His crossing was a bit of a letdown, but he did impress once again.

The resurgence since Joao de Deus' departure and the arrival of Avram Grant has been telling. They couldn't replicate their wins against FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC, but they can take much heart from their display here and continue to push for that playoff spot.