ISL 2018/19, Jamshedpur FC 1-4 FC Pune City: 5 Talking Points - Robin Singh's brace dents hosts' top 4 hopes

FC Pune City maintained their good form by registering their fourth win in last five games in the Indian Super League. Phil Brown's side were simply phenomenal and took their chances which came their way to secure all three points against the Jamshedpur FC side which lost all their momentum following Pune's first goal in the game.

It was all hosts until FC Pune struck them on a counter-attack in the 17th minute via their striker Robin Singh. Iain Hume's through ball found Marcelinho who was nearly caught out by the goalkeeper Subrata Pal, but the Brazilian responded in style by looping the ball over a defender into an empty net, seconds before the half time whistle.

During the build-up to the third goal, Jamshedpur players were too busy asking the officials for a goal-kick, but the full ball did not go out. The visitors took advantage of it and Pune's number 23 found the second of the night. A simple buildup, but stunning finish from Ashique wrapped up the goal for FC Pune City.

Jamshedpur were not able to get anything more than a consolation through their winger Carlos Calva in a spot-kick fourteen minutes before the epilogue of the game.

Cesar Ferrando will be utterly disappointed with his side's display after starting the game so brightly. On the other hand, Phil Brown will be looking for the same performance when they take up the field in their next game.

In this article, we shall look at five talking points from FC Pune City's triumphant victory over Jamshedpur.

#1 Pune's attack was simply rampant

Pune's attack consisting of Iain Hume, Marcelinho, Robin Singh, Diego Carlos, and Ashique Kuruniyan was too hard to handle throughout the game. When Jamshedpur were piling pressure on the visitors' defence, Brown's side did not need much time to strike first. They broke fast through a counterattack which resulted in a tap in for Robin Singh.

The Reds were once again caught on the break when Iain Hume's inch-perfect through ball found Marcelinho, who had to loop the ball over a defender to slot the ball inside the empty net. During the build-up play during these four goals, at least three of the listed names have played their own part to set up their teammates.

Augustin Fernandes, Tiri, Robin Gurung, and Dhanachandra Singh had to deal with the pace, movement and strength of FC Pune attackers but failed to do the job.

#2 Jamshedpur failed to capitalize with early chances, lack of experienced player up front

Carlos Calvo watches as Pune City players celebrate [Image: ISL]

Before the first quarter of the game, Jamshedpur FC had two chances to go ahead in the game, but they failed to take any chances which would have helped them with momentum on their side. Farukh Choudhary missed a sitter from two yards out when Sergio Cidoncha set him up with an excellent cross. Jamshedpur's number 11 needs to give an explanation about the manner of that miss.

Another gilt-edged chance felt to the same player, but he was not able to direct it on goal which infuriated the home crowd. When the hosts were pressing for the first goal, Pune City broke up through the counter-attack and scored the opener. Since then, the attack of Jamshedpur were totally fizzled out by Pune who gained immense confidence through that goal.

#3 Marcelinho's exemplary performance unsettled Jamshedpur's defence

Marcelinho unsettled the Jamshedpur defence with his pace [Image: ISL]

Marcelinho did no harm to his reputation by putting in yet another significant performance against Jamshedpur. The Brazilian started behind the strikers Robin Singh and Iain Hume, but he preferred to shift positions every now and then to unsettle Jamshedpur's defence.

During the first goal, Marcelinho drifted through the right-hand side which helped Robin Singh for a simple tap-in. His mouthwatering breakneck pace came into light again when Iain Hume found him with a defence-splitting pass. The FC Pune City forward was closed down by Subrata Pal, but he eluded him and chipped the ball over a defender to find the back of the net. He picked up Ashique Kuruniyan for the fourth goal.

Even though Robin Singh won the Man of the Match award, Marcelinho was the player who created all sorts of problems for Jamshedpur's defence. The playoff hopes have gone, but he would like to form a good partnership with Iain Hume for the long haul.

#4 Jamshedpur defenders could not withstand the pressure

Jamshedpur defenders were comfortable when the hosts were in possession of the ball. As soon as they lost the ball, the defenders panicked and took needless decisions which came back to haunt them.

The back four consisting of Robin Gurung, Augustin Fernandes, Tiri, and Dhanachandra Singh were not able to deal with the movements of FC Pune City forwards who were making run behind the defenders for fun. Three out of four goals came in a counter-attacking situation. It was mainly down to the full backs getting exposed higher up the pitch.

During the third goal, Jamshedpur defenders went to sleep and Robin Singh had enough time to pick the spot to beat Subrata Pal.

There is no doubt that Cesar Ferrando will be cautious about the usage of full-backs from now on as his side battles out to finish in the top four.

#5 Robin Singh finally proves his mettle

Robin Singh celebrates his goal [Image: ISL]

Robin Singh, who has scored just one goal throughout the season, added two today to help Pune ease past the Jamshedpur side. The Indian International's progress has been hampered by the injuries, but he proved his attacking prowess by finding the back of the net twice.

There is no doubt that he had great supply as he was surrounded by the likes of Iain Hume, Marcelinho, Diego Carlos, and Ashique Kuruniyan, but he had a very good vision to finish off the second goal which is not considered as an easy chance.

He could have scored a hat-trick when Iain Hume squared the ball to him during the first half, but, Jamshedpur defenders did enough to see the ball go out. Robin Singh will be hoping to add a few more before the season ends.

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Edited by Raunak J