5 Talking Points: NorthEast United FC vs Atletico de Kolkata

Defending Champions Atletico de Kolkata, who are currently fourth in the Indian Super League standings, lost 1-0 away to NorthEast United FC. Velez was on the scoresheet again for NorthEast United, who now have two wins in the last two games, and are now in the sixth place in the standings.Both teams had plenty of chances to turn the game their way but often failed to show ruthlessness in front of goal when presented with some clear cut chances. Nonetheless, there were those who shined for both sides in a game that goalkeepers dominated.We take a look at the five talking points from the game.All images in this slideshow are sourced from the ISL.

#1 Entertaining first half, despite being goaless

Both goalkeepers Rehenesh and Amrinder were busy in the first half as both teams played attacking football. Atletico de Kolkata had 5 shots on target, while NorthEast United had 3 on target before going into the break. NorthEast United started off the game aggressively, and created few chances in the opening minutes of the game. Reagan Singh put in few early crosses to create pressure on the Atletico de Kolkata defense.

The defending champions, though, dominated most of the first half with Spaniards Gavilan and Javi Lara being the most productive players for Habas. Both of them managed 7 shots in the first half of the game, but couldn’t find the back of the net. As many as 9 corners were taken in the first 45 minutes, with both goalkeepers putting in a solid performance to keep the game goalless.

#2 Atletico de Kolkata not clinical

The Atletico de Kolkata boss would be disappointed that his side failed to score in the game, despite having more goal scoring opportunities. The former Eibar midfielder has been the creative force of Atletico de Kolkata this season in the absence of Luis Garcia. Lara kept the NorthEast United FC defense busy throughout the game, with his all round play.

The 29-year-old had four shots on target and three off target, and was a threat with his brilliant set-piece taking ability. He also made few good runs from the middle of the pitch to cause troubles for the NorthEast United defense. The Spaniard will be disappointed to miss a clear goal scoring opportunity from three yards away from the goal, and have a couple of other good efforts blocked by the NorthEast United defence.

Iain Hume also covered a lot of grass for Atletico de Kolkata, and put in few dangerous cros, but with no end product. All together, Atletico de Kolkata ahd 17 shots in the game, with 9 of them being on target.

#3 Brilliant performance from NorthEast United FC defenders

NorthEast United had the majority of defending to do on the night, with goalkeeper Rehenesh being their best player on the pitch. New signing Carlos Javier Lopez also enjoyed a brilliant game making numerous blocks inside the penalty box for the home side. The Argentine also made several clearances to earn his team a clean sheet and crucial three points.

French defender Cedric Hengbart was also impressive on the night to form a commendable partnership with Carlos Javier Lopez. The 35-year-old was ever present in the NorthEast United defense to keep a clean sheet for his team.

Cesar Farias’ team have now kept two consecutive clean sheets against Chennaiyin FC and Atletico de Kolkata after a poor start to the season, and will now be hoping for some stability at the back.

#4 Velez changed the game

Argentine Nicolas Velez, who came on in the 63rd minute to replace Francis Dadzie proved to be a game changer for Cesar Farias’ team. The 25-year-old made few brilliant runs to cause troubles for the Atletico de Kolkata defense, who were not tested too much before he came on.

Velez scored the only goal of the game in the 77th minute to give NorthEast United the lead. He put the ball in at the far post after Sanju Pradhan’s initial shot was blocked by Arnab Mondal.

Sanju Pradhan and Velez combined really well in the final 30 mins of the game, and created a few goal scoring chances for the NorthEast United. Velez now has three goals for NorthEast United this season having also scored against Chennaiyin FC in the last game.

#5 Atletico de Kolkata affected by injuries

Defending champions Atletico de Kolkata have been unlucky this season with a number of key players out due to injuries. Japanese-born Indian footballer Arata Izumi, who scored two goals in the last two games couldn’t make it to the bench due to injury.

Spaniard Josemi, who was ever present for them last season, has also struggled this season with injuries having started just one game this season. Marquee signing Helder Postiga has been out since the first goal of the season against Chennaiyin FC against whom he scored a brace, and they have find it difficult to replace him.

Iain Hume, who has replaced him in the starting XI, has not scored a single goal this season, and is more suited playing as a wide player. Antonio Habas has also missed players due to international commitments, and will now be hoping to have all the players available soon to get back to winning ways.