ISL 2015: Mumbai City 2-0 FC Goa - 5 Talking Points

Mumbai City FC beat FC Goa 2-0 as the blue citizens registered their second successive win at the DY Patil Stadium. Sunil Chhetri gave his side the lead by coolly slotting in a penalty in the first half before French striker Frédéric Piquionne doubled the lead in the opening minutes of the second half.It was a game in which Mumbai City manager Nicolas Anelka also came on in the second half as Mumbai City moved up the table to three points behind FC Goa. We look at 5 talking points from the game.

#1 Sunil Chhetri and Sony Norde partnership pivotal for Mumbai

Sunil Chhetri was the Hero of the Match (Image courtesy of ISL)

The Indian and Haitian look like they have got their chemistry right and look to pass to each other pretty often. As the tournament has progressed, Norde has shown his versatility and turns into a supplier too on several occasions. The reason why their partnership thrives is because Chhetri finds himself in good positions between the defensive lines.

His clever positioning makes Norde’s job of finding him that much easier and their one-twos are a delight to watch. Against FC Goa, the Indian skipper had numerous chances to add to his tally but was denied by the goalkeeper Kattimani.

As clichéd as it might sound, goals win you matches and in Chhetri and Norde lies the best attacking threat for the Mumbai City side.

#2 Gabriel Fernandes has pace to burn and is waiting to explode

Gabriel Fernandes (Image courtesy of ISL)

Every time Mumbai’s number 19 gets on the ball, you know something is about to happen. He is a livewire on the right wing and constantly poses a threat to the full backs. He uses his blistering place well and is just missing an end product.

The 27-year-old is one of the few players in the league who isn’t afraid to take on the defender in one-on-one situations. While we know him for his attacking prowess, Gabriel regularly put in a shift and helped his defence by tracking back whenever necessary.

His inch perfect pass from the right flank found Piquionne who was brought down in the box and Sunil Chhetri scored from the resulting penalty. Today we caught a glimpse of how essential Gabriel can be for Mumbai City FC.

#3 Leo Moura is arguably the best midfielder in the ISL

Leo Moura (Image courtesy of ISL)

FC Goa’s midfield lynchpin continues to be outstanding this season. He can pick a pass and is extremely sparkling in the middle of the park and he is one of the main reasons Goa currently sit at the top of the table with 10 points from six games.

Even when the Gaurs have a bad day in the office, the former Sao Paulo player always manages to stand out. Almost every attacking play by Goa goes through him. His ability to look up and find his teammates in good positions is second to none.

Against Mumbai City, he did not have the best of days, but he still showed glimpses of why he is crucial in unlocking miserly defensive units. If Goa are to have a crack at the trophy this season, Moura will have to keep putting in stellar performances.

#4 Coach Zico will look to tighten Goa\'s defence

Zico yelling instructions at his players (Image courtesy of ISL)

While the Gaurs look wonderful going forward, they have been consistently opened up at the back, and with ease. The back four seem to be lacking that communication which is vital for any defensive line.

It is unfair to put the entire onus of defending on just the back four. The side haven’t really defended as one unit and that could prove to be expensive for them in the latter stages of the tournament. The team from the west coast concede too many free kicks which puts needless pressure on their defence.

To make matters worse, Lucio’s absence definitely looks like it has hit them hard. The medical staff at FC Goa will probably be working overtime to ensure they have their defensive rock fit and raring to go as soon as possible.

#5 Has Anelka found his go-to No. 9 in Frederic Piquionne?

Frederic Piquionne scored the second goal (Image courtesy of ISL)

The former Lyon striker is not your typical forward who only places himself in the box. He regularly takes up good positions on the wings and drifts inside whenever necessary. This gives his fellow midfielders options to release the ball into open spaces.

His playing style reminds us of a certain Karim Benzema from Real Madrid. His hold-up game is top notch and plays equally well with his back to the defender. He was rewarded for his efforts today as he got himself on the score sheet with a typical poacher’s goal.

With coaching duties keeping him busy, Nicolas Anelka will be relieved that in Piquionne, Mumbai City have a proven forward who can do much more than score goals.