ISL: Kerala Blasters 0-0 Delhi Dynamos - 5 talking points

A goalless draw was played out between Kerala Blasters and Delhi Dynamos, as both sides failed to convert their chances into a goal. The match featured high quality end to end football and only lacked a goal. Perhaps a goalless draw was the only fair result, as there was nothing to separate the two teams.With the spoils of battle shared, both Delhi Dynamos and Kerala Blasters retain their respective berths in the Super League table, with Kerala in 6th and Delhi in 7th. Here are the talking points from the game:

#1 Fantastic Kerala home support

Although Kerala Blasters were not able to break the deadlock, the home fans did not disappoint in terms of support. Accommodating close to 35,000 Kerala fans, the home team played well as they dominated early proceedings. The fans also played their part in uplifting Kerala's spirits, as they constantly cheered their team with drums and chants.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium which saw a staggering 47,000 people attend Kerala's first match, did disappoint in terms of the number today, but matched the same intensity and support the Keralites provided last time around.

#2 Del Piero off-colour

Birthday boy and Delhi's marquee player Alessandro Del Piero once again looked way off-colour. The Italian, who is known for his ability with the ball and his eye for goal disappointed again. Ever since his inclusion in the Super League, his performances have been pretty subpar and he has been fairly poor in his recent outings. The Italian did nothing special this time around too, and was replaced midway through the second half.

With performances as poor such as these, the spotlight is firmly on the fitness issues of the Italian legend. Moreover, Delhi Dynamos looked a more threatening side when Manandeep Singh was brought on for Adil Khan and Del Piero was substituted for Elias.

It might just be a matter of time before coach Harm van Veldhoven runs out of patience and so a start for Manandeep Singh might be on the cards in the near future.

#3 Sandesh Jhinghan stands out

Although Sandesh Jhinghan had operated as a left back for Kerala Blasters, the India U-23 player dished out a solid performance while plying his trade in his more natural role of center back.

Jhingan, who was also awarded the Amul Fittest Player award, regularly kept the duo of Mads Junker and Alessandro Del Piero quiet. He organised his back four brilliantly and mopped up the mistakes of Cedric Hengbart, who was deployed alongside him.

He is still just 21 and has probably been the best Indian player so far. The defender has impressed with his performances as a left back and has shown everyone that he can cut it at the highest level.

He also pressed Delhi higher up the park, and used his tactical acumen to perfection, nullfying Junker often while putting pressure on Delhi’s other attacking options.

#4 Delhi\'s midfield pairing very solid

Delhi's strongest link is undoubtedly the midfield pairing of Hans Mulder and Bruno Arias. The duo put in decent shifts to keep the visitors in touch with a point. While Hans Mulder constantly went forward with the ball, and linked up play, Bruno Arias sat deep and dictated play, spreading the balls to the wings.

Delhi's best chance of the second half also came when these two combined as Hans Mulder released a bombarding Bruno Arias, who controlled the through pass, shifted the ball onto his left foot and shot at goal. Although his effort was saved by Cedric Hengbart, who threw himself at the ball, the duo displayed signs of real chemistry and understanding.

The midfield pairing of Mulder and Arias are perhaps the strength that the Delhi team could look to capitalize on come the business end of the tournament.

#5 Football on display was very high tempo

Although neither side failed to break the deadlock, both sides impressed with their respective brands of football. A high octane, high intensity game which featured end of end attacking football, was the result when these two teams met.

Both teams created equal goal scoring opportunities and captivated fans with their passing and control of the game. While Kerala Blasters dominated the beginning of the match, Delhi Dynamos dominated the closing moments.

Although both sides couldn’t score a goal, their goalless draw did not bore fans and it was probably one of the best games of the ISL so far.