Indian Super League week 3: Hits and Misses

As always week 3 of the Indian Super League did not fail to provide the footballing audience in India with glitz and glamour. The week featured some high octane encounters with stellar performances by Indians and foreigners alike. However, every coin has its two contrasting sides.From the 5-1 thrashing of Mumbai City FC to Nicolas Anelka announcing his arrival with a fantastic free kick last week, we take a look at the Hits and Misses of week 3 in the ISL.

#1 Elano - Hit

When Chennaiyin FC signed Elano, people rarely knew the former Manchester City player. Weeks into the new Super League season and the nation has been enamoured by the Brazilian. The 32-year-old is not only the youngest marquee player, but also arguably the most influential one in a league which consists the likes of Alessandro Del Piero, David Trezeguet and Robert Pires.

Converting from the penalty spot, Elano gave Chennaiyin the lead in their match against Mumbai City FC, a game which was hyped around the debut of Nicolas Anelka, featured Elano at his probable best, as the Brazilian went on to score another goal and dished out an assist for Jeje.

Chennaiyin FC went on to thrash Mumbai City FC 5-1, as they moved into the second spot, two points behind league leaders Atletico de Kolkata

#2 Alessandro Del Piero - Miss

Alessandro del Piero has failed to impress so far

When Delhi signed Alessandro Del Piero, it created a worldwide buzz. Fans in India were excited to see the Italian legend ply his trade in Indian stadiums, whereas the world took notice of the Indian Super League's arrival. Although fitness issues had been raised even at Del Piero's first press conference, the Italian clearly sidelined doubts and made a first half substitute appearance in Delhi's first match against FC Pune City.

However, his recent performances have not been up to par with the Italian's acumen and standard. The 39-year-old has had some horrendous games and has failed to make a noticeable contribution to the Delhi side.

Often operating as a striker partner to Mads Junker or a creative midfielder behind the Dane, Del Piero has failed to provide Junker with defence splitting through balls.

The Italian has neither scored a goal nor provided an assist in his five games for the franchisee. And he looks like a dead weight in the side as he rarely does the 'dirty work' in football.

#3 NorthEast United Fan Support - Hit

Fans are often dubbed as the '12th man' because they have the power to sway the atmosphere in favour of their team in stadiums. From the chants sung at Anfield to the hellish atmosphere in Turkey, fans can even determine the outcome of games. The north east part of India, is already known for its football fever and has always produced players of the highest quality for the National Team.

There was absolutely no doubt that when a franchise with a motto of uniting the 8 states would come, it would game massive popularity within the north east society. Although, NorthEast United's home ground has already witnessed scenes of regular 'NorthEast' chants, booing opposition players, rejoicing when NorthEast have the ball, it was the Delhi who witnessed passion of NorthEast United fans.

A half filled JLN Stadium erupted into clatter as soon as a Delhi Dynamos player fouled a NorthEast United player. Durga Boro was cheered more than Alessandro Del Piero and a match which ended in a goalless draw featured regular Mexican waves from the fans.

Creating a home-like atmosphere for NorthEast United, the fans truly justified their passion and spirit for the John Abraham co-owned contingent.

#4 Kerala Blasters - Miss

Kerala Blasters have failed to impress fans and critics alike in their inaugural Indian Super League season. The side which features the likes of David James and Micheal Chopra has amassed just one win in their five matches.

Failing miserably to execute a proper game plan, the Sachin Tendulkar co-owned side has often lacked goal scoring chances. While some might argue that their win against FC Pune City came at a pivotal time, defeat against Mumbai City FC days later showed proof of the side’s inconsistency to perform regularly.

Now sitting seventh with four points, the former East Bengal manager Trevor Morgan has to find a way to improve their performances if they are to dominate games and finish in the top half of the ISL table.

#5 Indian Players - Hit

Jeje Lalpekhlua (C)

Although the league boasts of some serious foreign talents, Indian players have started to surface and make headlines whilst delivering decent and solid performances for their respective teams.

Jeje Lalpekhlua infused with his constant pressing and high octane game, scoring two goals for Chennaiyin FC in their crushing win over Mumbai City FC. The Mohun Bagan man, who was handed his first start of the ISL season, justified Materazzi's faith and showcased a budding partnership alongside Valencia Mendoza.

While Jeje excelled in attack, Sandesh Jhinghan and Rehnesh proved their grit in defence. Sandesh, who operates as a make shift left back for Kerala Blasters has been brilliant in his outing, adapting to his new role brilliantly, while Rehnesh who plays as a goalkeeper for the NorthEast United side has been more than solid in front of goal.

Jewel Raja also played a pivotal role against Delhi Dynamos, as his header proved to be the difference between FC Goa and the Delhi contingent. Even young Indians, like Mandar Rao Desai, Robin Gurung and Shouvik Ghosh have impressed with their performances last week.

#6 Spectacular Goals - Miss

Trezeguet celebrating after his goal against Goa

The first two weeks of the ISL featured some high quality goals such as Bernard Mendy's bicycle kick, Andre Mortiz's curlers and Pavel Elias' stunner. Last week failed to deliver the same high quality finishes to the fans.

Apart from a Trezeguet volley, the week featured some tense clashes and goals were hard to come by. Apart from a 5-1 annihilation of Mumbai, the rest of the week featured only 5 goals, distributed between four matches.

Stunners were rare and next to impossible as every side played with tactical solidity and looked to leak as few goals as possible.

#7 Nicolas Anelka - Hit

Nicolas Anelka scores for Mumbai City FC with a free kick against Kerala Blasters

One of the most talented players to grace the Indian Super League with his presence, Nicolas Anelka proved to be the difference between Mumbai City FC and Kerala Blasters as they beat the South Indian side 1-0.

A brilliant curling free kick right into the top corner secured a narrow win for the hosts who are now sixth in the table. Although that moment of genius was Anelka's best contribution to the side, the Frenchman did not disappoint in understanding and contributing to Mumbai’s gameplan.

Anelka was deployed deep against Chennaiyin FC, transitioning into a more attacking role by knocking down balls and releasing either Andre Mortiz or Subhash. Jotting down passes, playing little one-twos and working for the team, Anelka rarely misplaced a pass and rarely showboated.

All in all, Anelka played like the experienced player he is while leading his side to their second ever win in the ISL.

#8 Mumbai City\'s defence - Miss

John Stiven Mendoza Valencia of Chennaiyin FC celebrates a goal as Manuel Friedrich of Mumbai City FC looks on

Defensive solidity with attacking fluidity is perhaps the recipe for trophies. Although, Mumbai City might boast a fluid attack, spearheaded by Andre Mortiz and Nicolas Anelka, their crumbling defence was there for all to see against Chennaiyin FC.

At the thick of defensive crisis was Raju Gaikwad, who blatantly rued his own chances in the Mumbai contingent. Deployed as a replacement for Cmvos, operating as a centre back, Gaikwad was responsible for as many as three Chennai goals.

School boy defending mixed with poor tactical know how affected the Mumbai City defence vastly. Their defence was often caught napping and the live wire duo of Jeje and Mendoza regularly took full advantage of their opponents defensive frailties.

#9 FC Goa - Hit

FC Goa has somewhat been a media obsession ever since Zico and Robert Pires became involved with their team. The club which also boasts of co-owner Virat Kohli had been reeling in the Indian Super League gallows, looking for answers from their mastermind Zico.

The Goan club produced a stellar performance this week though. Showcasing high quality attacking football along with beautiful passing, the Goa produced an eye candy of a performance against the Delhi Dynamos.

Though the side still lacked sufficient penetration, the hosts came from a goal down to beat the visitors 2-1. Jewel Raja and Ozbey justified Zico's trust in them as both repaid their gaffer with goals, the latter scoring the winner in the dying embers of the game.

Perhaps this win could kickstart their ISL season as FC Goa have been left stranded once again at the bottom of the table with a just four points from five games.