Kerala Blasters 1-1 NorthEast United: 3 Reasons why the Blasters only managed a draw | ISL 2019-20

Kerala Blasters and NorthEast United engrossed themselves in a scrappy 1-1 stalemate at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, meaning that both outfits remained stranded in the bottom half of the ISL table.

The hosts began the encounter in the ascendancy and they immediately imposed their passing identity on the game. However, they failed to carve out any clear-cut opportunities, thereby reducing them to shots from distance.

Rather ironically, the clearest chance of the opening half an hour fell to Asamoah Gyan, who somehow managed to divert his header wide off the target from a free-kick.

Thereafter, the visitors looked the likelier to break the deadlock, although they were undone by a moment of madness by Subhasish Roy. The goalkeeper committed a needless foul on the left edge of the box to hand the hosts a penalty. Bartholomew Ogbeche converted the resulting spot-kick to ensure that the Blasters entered the tunnel with a one-goal cushion tucked in their bag.

After the restart, the referee inexplicably awarded the visitors a penalty when he deemed that Seityasen Singh had handled the ball, despite replays showing that the deflection had come off his forehead. Gyan redeemed himself as he coolly slotted the ball past TP Rehenesh to restore parity.

Both sides tried to surge ahead but their efforts went in vain as Kerala’s win-less run extended to 9 games.

Here is a look at the three reasons why the Blasters only managed a draw.

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3. Early substitutions force Eelco Schattorie’s hand

Eelco Schattorie was forced into two substitutions in the first half

For NorthEast United’s visit, Eelco Schattorie decided to shuffle his back as he fielded Ogbeche as the lone striker whereas there was also a recall for Sahal Abdul Samad. Additionally, Moustapha Gning operated alongside Mario Arques as Kerala hoped to correct their dismal recent run.

However, rather startlingly, Sahal failed to fulfil the duties asked of him as he was anonymous throughout the opening period. He failed to get on the ball and whenever he lost possession, he also didn’t showcase the requisite appetite to win it back.

Furthermore, he took a knock to his knee, meaning that his mobility was limited slightly. Subsequently, Schattorie opted to haul the Indian off and replace him with Messi Bouli, thereby leading to a marginal tweak in shape.

Minutes later, Raju Gaikwad went down with a suspected hamstring injury after clearing the ball inside his own box. Though the defender tried to soldier on, he eventually hobbled off on the stroke of half-time.

Thus, through the course of the first 45 minutes, the Dutch manager was forced into a couple of substitutions; changes that also meant that he didn’t have too many tricks up his sleeve after the break.

Unsurprisingly, a lot of the Blasters’ players ran out of steam in the dying moments, especially in the unforgiving Kochi weather.

And, though Kerala portrayed a plethora of flaws on the night, the unforeseeable nature of their substitutions ensured that they made the best of a hand they were dealt, rather than crafting a winning combination from scratch.

2. NorthEast’s alarming profligacy in front of goal

Asamoah Gyan

NorthEast United came into the encounter having scored 8 goals in 8 games. Thus, there were plenty who were sceptical about the Highlanders’ prowess in front of goal, although they were also considerate enough to take into account Gyan’s absence.

Yet, despite the Ghanaian starting against Kerala, NorthEast cut a frustrated figure in front of goal as they kept spurning whatever openings they created for themselves.

Early in the game, Gyan read the flight of a free-kick perfectly and nudged ahead of Rehenesh. Despite getting his head to the ball first, the striker headed wide.

A few minutes later, a passage of lapse defending allowed the striker another chance. However, rather astonishingly, he fluffed his chance being one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

The trend continued in the second half too when the Ghanaian set up Redeem TIang with a perfectly-weighted through-ball. Akin to his teammate though, the Indian also dragged his shot wide of the target.

And, though they ultimately managed to make the net ripple, it was largely due to the benevolence of the referee.

So far, NorthEast United have floundered spectacularly in the offensive third and many believed it correlated directly to Gyan’s absence. Yet, on Saturday, they misfired, despite their talisman in their ranks.

And, that, more than anything else would cause more than a furrowed brow or two.

1. Kerala fail to capitalize on their possession

Sahal Abdul Samad

For a major chunk of the 2019-20 campaign, Schattorie has talked about the importance of the process over any short-term gain. Subsequently, their lack of an end product has been overlooked at times, with several focusing on their ability to maintain possession.

However, courtesy another listless display against NorthEast, even the staunchest of supporters couldn’t help but wonder if Kerala were indeed as far ahead on their road to redemption as envisioned.

On countless occasions, the hosts’ build-up play looked lackadaisical and sluggish, meaning that they allowed the Highlanders the requisite time to get back into shape and defend in two banks of four.

Additionally, the visitors’ tendency to drop back and forego the high press created a situation where Kerala often pinged the ball from side to side without ever really penetrating.

Moreover, they massively lacked imagination whenever they were accorded space in between the lines, although that happened only intermittently. Sahal looked a fish out of water whereas they also weren’t able to make any inroads down the flanks.

Thus, as the dust settles on another rudderless outing, Schattorie certainly has more questions than answers on his plate. And, while trusting the process is often the best way forward, his side need to start showcasing that they are indeed on the right track.

After all, if that were not the case, then the current performances might only mask the deeper ailments plaguing the club.