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

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.