ISL 2018-19: Jamshedpur FC 1-1 ATK - 5 Talking Points

Jamshedpur FC failed to earn all three points against ATK, despite being the best team out on the field, in their first home game at JRD Tata Complex at Jamshedpur on Sunday. The game ended 1-1. The result meant that the Miners now moved up to second in the early ISL Standings.

The game between the two sides is famously called Eastern Derby, due to the proximity of the cities. Jamshedpur, who are taking part in the ISL only from the last edition, were ahead on head-to-head record.

Jamshedpur won against ATK at home last season, before a draw in their away match. A dismantled ATK have changed their line-up this season and even hired Jamshedpur coach Steve Coppell. So this was a game for Coppell too, but he failed to beat his former side.

Sergio Cidoncha put the home side ahead with a superb free-kick from distance. His low and powerful shot dipped down in the box, which ATK goal-keeper Arindam Bhattacharja couldn’t anticipate. The ball went inside the net amid raucous cheers from the home fans.

Manuel Lanzarote got his first goal of this edition just before the half-time, when his corner curled inside the Jamshedpur box, before going into the net.

Let us look at the five key points of the match:

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#1 Jamshedpur has the best midfield

Jamshedpur coach Cesar Ferrando started with his usual 4-2-3-1 formation, deploying Memo and Mario Arques as defensive midfielders. Michael Soosairaj and Jerry operated from the two wings, while Sergio Cidoncha played the role of central midfielder.

Jamshedpur’s talented midfielders took the control of the game immediately after the start. Cidoncha played like a leader and he was at the heart of every attack that Jamshedpur created. Soosairaj and Jerry combined well with the Spanish footballer.

Another notable mention is Mario Arques. The Spaniard was impeccable against Bengaluru with his through passes and he produced the same performance against ATK. He made the most number of passes in the game and took 5 shots, though all of which went off target.

Memo was playing a deeper role and he didn’t allow ATK players to take control in his own half. He made three clearances and kept Lanzarote under check for the most part of the game.

#2 Defenders saved the day for ATK

John Johnson of ATK vies with Tim Cahill for the ball [Image: ISL]

In their first two matches, ATK defenders faced a lot of criticisms, particularly for allowing their opponent too much space inside their area. The understanding between Gerson Vieira and John Johnson also raised many questions.

But as their campaign went on, ATK defenders got their rhythm back. Gerson and Johnson developed a beautiful understanding between them and that is what we’ve seen against Jamshedpur.

ATK have one the best defenders of ISL, Andre Bikey, in their team. But Bikey so far made little contribution due to the shortage of game-time. Such is the dominance of Vieira and Johnson that Coppell couldn’t find a space to locate one of his best players.

Jamshedpur attacked relentlessly on Sunday, but ATK defenders thwarted every challenge. Even World Cupper Tim Cahill struggled to find space to shoot. Cidoncha though dribbled his way past a couple of times, but couldn’t utilise his chances. Left-back Ricky Lallawmawma also cemented his place in the team, coming in place of Sena Ralte.

#3 Two wingers a gift for Jamshedpur

Michael Soosairaj caused a lot of problems for ATK [Image: ISL]

Jerry Mawihmingthanga has already made a name for himself in Jamshedpur. With his raw pace and technical ability, he is an automatic choice for the right-wing position. He can dismantle opposition defence on his own and create chances with ease. ATK left-back Ricky had a tough time in stopping Jerry. He dribbled, cut inside and made crosses on a regular basis.

But the performance of Michael Soosairaj was exceptional. One of the major concerns for ATK is their right-back position. Aiborlang Khongjee is still adapting to life in ATK. It didn’t take much time for Soosairaj to read Khongjee’s mind and he started attacking from the left flank with his tremendous pace and exceptional skills.

As the game went on, Soosairaj was getting more confident and he threatened ATK defence every time with the ball on his feet. He made four crosses in the match and created two beautiful chances. One of which was missed by Cidoncha from inside the box quite surprisingly.

Soosairaj somehow became ineffective in the second half and was substituted.

#4 Different roles played by Cahill and Lanzarote

Manuel Lanzarote scored his first goal of this season [Image: ISL]

Tim Cahill, the Australian World Cupper, made his first start for Jamshedpur in front of the home side fans. Though he didn’t get his name on the score sheet, he played a vital role in building up the attack.

Cahill was creating rooms for the two wingers and trying to utilise the crosses. But he was kept under close marking by the ATK defenders and couldn’t create space. In the second half, his weak header from a beautiful Arques cross went straight to the ATK custodian. Being a World Cupper, he should’ve scored that one.

Due to the immense pressure from Jamshedpur players, Manuel Lanzarote didn’t get many balls in the first half as he would’ve expected. So he came down and helped his teammates in defence, which once again proved his leadership quality. He tried to get the ball by making interceptions.

He scored 13 goals last season. He got his first this season against Jamshedpur when a curled corner went straight into the net before the half-time whistle.

#5 Two goalkeeping blunders

Subhasish Roy Chowdhury deflects the ball into his own net [Image: ISL]

Apart from Delhi Dynamos, all the ISL franchises have an Indian under the bar. Apart from TP Rehenesh, all of them performed well until this match.

Arindam Bhattacharya, who is standing between the sticks for ATK in place of regular goalkeeper Debjit Majumder, made the first error of the game. Cidoncha was brought down by Pronay Halder just outside the box. The Spaniard took a low but powerful free-kick, the ball bounced just in front of Bhattacharya and bamboozled the goalkeeper on his way into the net.

Bhattacharya should be held responsible for this, because Lanzarote clearly hinted him with his hands that the ball will dip down and may bounce in front of him. Despite being in the right position, Bhattacharya couldn’t do anything.

The second error of the night came from none other than Subhasish Roy Chowdhury, who till recently played for his country. Lanzarote took a curling corner, which was coming towards the goal. Subhasish tried to parry it over the bar but failed and poked the ball into the net.