Odisha FC 2-1 NorthEast United FC: 3 reasons why Odisha FC beat the Highlanders | ISL 2019-20

#1 NorthEast United's final third problems continue to haunt them

Andy Keogh has failed to solve NorthEast United FC's goal-scoring problems. (Image: ISL)

NorthEast United FC had a barren goal-scoring period of five games during which the team from Guwahati had failed to score in five games. In their last match against Jamshedpur FC, the Highlanders scored three goals, and many people thought that maybe the issues in the final third had been resolved. But, after watching today's game, it is evident that the goal-scoring spree of the last game was just an anomaly and the issues continue to haunt NorthEast United FC.

With the departure of Asamoah Gyan who is still NorthEast United's top goalscorer this season the team has been facing a big goal-scoring crunch. Andy Keogh, the new Irish striker for NorthEast United FC, has not been having the best of spells in terms of form. The striker has been guilty of squandering a lot of good chances.

It is just not his misses but also his link-up with the midfield which has resulted in such a poor performance in front of goal. Keogh's lack of understanding with his teammates also meant that NorthEast United gave away possession of the ball very quickly in the final third.

Khalid Jamil has very few options with him and if he wants to end the season on a high then maybe it is time NorthEast United FC gamble with playing Deepu Mirdha upfront as the striker and use some of the other foreigners in defence and midfield.