5 Talking Points: Mumbai City FC vs Atletico de Kolkata

Atletico de Kolkata won 4-1 away to Mumbai City FC at the D.Y Patil Stadium after losing their previous three games. Canadian striker Iain Hume scored a hat-trick for the visitors, and was the Man of the Match.Nicolas Anelka started for the first time in the tournament, but couldn’t save his team from an embarrassing defeat. It wasn’t the home side’s day as they looked at one point like getting back in the game but Atletico stepped it up at the right moment to calm their nerves and then went on to obliterate the opposition.Here are the five talking points from the game.All images in this slideshow are sourced from the ISL.

#1 Hat-trick hero Iain Hume

Iain Hume, who was signed from Kerala Blasters this season, scored a hat-trick after a disappointing start to the campaign. Hume scored his first goal from Gavilan’s sublime pass, and the Canadian striker did well to connect his low right-footed volley with it.

He added his second from the spot after Subhash fouled Gavilan inside the penalty box. He completed his hat-trick in the 81st minute from a Sameehg Doutie’s pass to make it 4-1 to Atletico de Kolkata, and put the game to bed.

Hume proved to be a nightmare for the Mumbai City FC defense, and his work rate was immense, which proved to be crucial. Atletico de Kolkata have struggled in the absence of Helder Postiga, and Antonio Habas will be delighted to see Hume finally finding his goal scoring form.

#2 Mumbai City had chances in the second half, but were not clinical

Mumbai City boss Nicolas Anelka made a triple change at half time replacing Benachour for O’Dea, Piquionne for Bertin, and Rodrigues for Subhash Singh. Mumbai City FC started the second half aggresively, and came close to scoring several times.

Nicolas Anelka and Sunil Chettri had their chances on Atletico de Kolkata’s goal, but the defending champions did well to keep them away. Mumbai City FC finally scored from Benachour after Chhetri’s shot was saved by Amrinder Singh, and Benachour did well to score from the rebound to make it 2-1.

Mumbai City FC had more chances after scoring their first goal, but player-manager Nicolas Anelka was quite wasteful in front of the goal. All the pressure Mumbai City FC put on Atletico de Kolkata eventually fizzled out after Augustin Fernandes scored Atletico de Kolkata’s third goal.

#3 Brilliant performance from Atletico de Kolkata defense

The Atletico de Kolkata defense came up with another top performance to keep away the Mumbai City FC attackers from scoring. Mumbai City FC had several chances and were good on the attack, but Atletico’s defense did their job to earn three points for their team.

Atletico Madrid youth product Tiri was the star performer on the night in the defense for Atletico de Kolkata as he made several important tackles and blocks for them. Ofentse Nato was also immense for the away side, who played as a centre back in place of Arnab Mondal.

The decision to play him in the defense along with Tiri proved to be a vital one from Antonio Habas. Nato like Tiri made several clearances, and played a crucial part in keeping the likes of Anelka, Chhetri and Norde silent on the night.

#4 Goals Galore

Five goals were scored in the game as Atletico de Kolkata continued their dominance over Mumbai City FC. Canadian striker Iain Hume opened the scoring for Atletico de Kolkata with a right footed volley, and added a second before the break from the penalty spot. Benachour brought Mumbai City FC back into the game in the 71st minute after he scored off the rebound, but Mumbai City FC failed to take any advantage of that and Augustine Fernandes made it 3-1 to Atletico de Kolkata in the 76th minute.

Iain Hume completed his hat-trick in the 81st minute to make it 4-1 to Atletico de Kolkata. Both sides had 13 shots on goal, with Mumbai City having 8 of them. Atletico de Kolkata’s Amrinder Singh did well to earn his team crucial points. This is the first time any Atletico de Kolkata player has scored a hat-trick in the tournament, and also the first time they have scored 4 goals in a match.

#5 Antonio Habas wins the tactical battle

Atletico de Kolkata boss Antonio Habas made three changes to his starting XI as Syed Nabi, Denzil Franco and Jewel Raja started for the defending champions. Arnab Mondal was dropped from the side with Ofentse Nato starting in the defense, which proved to be a match-winning decision.

The defending champions maintained their shape throughout the game, and hit Mumbai City FC on the counter. Atletico de Kolkata midfielders and defenders did well to keep the trio of Nicolas Anelka, Sunil Chhetri and Sony Norde silent throughout the game.

Nicolas Anelka started himself for Mumbai City FC tweaking the combination of Sony Norde and Sunil Chhetri up front, who have done well recently. It proved to be a costly decision for Anelka to start himself as he lacked the sharpness, and missed several chances in front of the goal.