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Mumbai City FC and FC Goa were left to rue missed chances as the teams played out a goalless draw and as a result, were forced to split points at the DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai.Though the game failed to see a goal, it was an engaging and interesting game with both teams showing intent to get forward and if not for some fine saves and last ditch defending, the game could have seen goals and we could have had a different result altogether.This was the 8th draw in the last 10 games in the ISL, 6 of which have ended without a goal. Though there were no goals scored, it was an exciting game, and here are the talking points:
#1 Moritz key for Mumbai; attack needs finesse
The ISL started on the worst possible note for Mumbai City FC as they slumped to a 3-0 loss at the hands of Atletico de Kolkata. But then came Andre Moritz late on in the game for the visitors who seemed to be the bright spark. And though Mumbai could not score a goal, there were already some positive signs. He then went on to score a hat-trick in the next game and gave signs of his prowess.
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He has emerged as a regular starter since and has a huge impact for the team. Andre Moritz, who was with former EPL club Bolton Wanderers and current EPL club Crystal Palace, before deciding to head to the Indian Super League.
The attacking midfielder has been pivotal to Peter Reid's plans and is the thread connecting the midfield with the strike-force. Apart from the two games where Anelka had his moment of magic, it went quiet for Mumbai City FC as Moritz lost his form.
The Brazilian seemed to be back in his groove today as he created a few chances and got to the end of a couple, only to be denied by Seda and the cross-bar. He was rewarded for his efforts as he bagged the Hero of the Match award and the attacking midfielder would like to take this confidence and form into the next game and look to be the difference again.
Though the defence has been holding well, the attack needs to pick-up as the team has managed just two goals in the last 5 games and have failed to find the back of the net at crucial times in crucial games.
If Mumbai need to go far in the tournament, they will need Anelka to hit back with support from Moritz, Subhash, Nadong and Lalrindika Ralte as they need goals coming from more than one source.
#2 Yet another draw - 8 in last 10 now
Though draws are a good sign in terms of the teams being well matched, a large number of draws in the last few games have stirred a huge hue and cry over the results. A big reason for this is the fact that six games ended goalless.
This has now become a regular story with the ISL as teams have not been able to score freely except for a few games. Teams are finding it tough to apply the finishing touch despite creating several chances. And it was not too different today as finding the back of the net became an uphill task.
The reverse fixture also saw the teams not being able to break the deadlock and just like today, that game too ended in a goalless draw.
#3 Teams left to rue missed chances
While it was a chance for Mumbai City FC to go top of the table, FC Goa had a lot to play for as they needed to back their 4-1 win against Delhi Dynamos and get some momentum to get their campaign back on track.
Both teams had their fair share of chances with the likes of Andre Moritz, Subhash Singh and Nadong Bhutia going close for the home side, while Tolgay Ozbey, Romeo Fernandes and Gabriel Fernandes forced Subrata Pal to make some strong saves in the game.
It panned out as yet another game with teams being rather wasteful as they would go on to rue the missed chances. Both of them had to share the spoils and stay put in the table.
#4 Mumbai defence holds well, Subrata brilliant,
FC Goa came on the back of a 4-1 drubbing of the side from the capital away from home, and were raring to go against the Mumbai City FC outfit. They were out to go and register another win. The away team started well with Mandar Rao Desai missing a gilt-edged chance as early as the 4th minute.
Though the home team started to get back into the game with chances from Moritz and Subhash, the Mumbai City FC defence had to stand tall against the flair of FC Goa and Subrata Pal was made to work hard to avert all danger and help his side keep their 5th consecutive clean sheet.
The defense has been doing well, and it is now upto the attack to capilalise on the good work of the defense.
#5 FC Goa need consistency
The team representing the football crazy state started the campaign in the worst possible manner with a home defeat against Chennai, but there have been bright sparks for the Virat Kohli co-owned franchise as they have managed to pick up a couple of wins and an odd draw on the run. This has given some hope to the FC Goa side, but to go far, they lack consistency.
After the 4-1 win against Delhi Dynamos, the camp has been upbeat and both captain Robert Pires and coach Zico were all positive about their chances going forward in the tournament. But another draw would not have helped their cause too much.
While wins such as the 4-1 rout give confidence to the side, their failure to convert chances and kill of other games leaves their confidence sagging, which is not the ideal way forward for the team from Goa.
Though FC Goa are not theoretically out of contention for the top four yet, their chances seem doomed and the only way forward is to be more consistent.
