Mohun Bagan is back on the winning track in the Indian Super League after a gap of four matches. They should have scored at least five goals, but they were eventually happy with the 2-0 result scored by Anirudh Thapa, who opened his account for the club, and Jason Cummings.
Mohun Bagan started the match with a brisk pace and got a corner in the first minute of the match, but couldn’t capitalize. Eventually they broke the deadlock through Anirudh Thapa, when a flick of Manvir Singh from another corner by Petratos was saved by the goal line, which ultimately was deflected by Anirudh Thapa to open the scoresheet.
They have created chance after chance and taken several shots but couldn’t increase the lead.
Jason Cummings looked sharp on the field but missed so many golden opportunities to increase his goal tally. Sahal also took his chances outside the box, but unfortunately, it was wide open.
Hyderabad, on the other hand, played side by side with the entire Indian squad and did create a couple of good chances. The first one was saved by Vishal Kaith, and the second one went just over the bar with a sharp corner kick. In that period, both Mohun Bagan’s full backs looked vulnerable.
Mohun Bagan started the match with three foreigners, Yuste, Petratos, and Cummings, and a makeshift defence where Glan Martins found himself as the right back. The young left-back, Amandeep, looks completely out of shape. Habas took no chance and substituted Amandeep with Kiyan in 32′ and Glan Martins with another promising young star, Dippendu Biswas, during the half-time break.
They did increase the lead in the added time of the first half when a pin point pass by Petratos was brilliantly cut back by Manvir, and Cummings just glided that into the right side bottom corner of the goal.
Mohun Bagan was completely dominant during the second half and rectified their first-half mistakes.
The inclusion of Dippendu Biswas added solidity at the back. They made their all-important change in the 61′ as star player Joni Kauko entered the pitch in place of Sahal. There was a real buzz going around Mohun Bagan Gallery for Joni and the talks about Hugo, the man whom he replaced in the ISL squad. Joni looked sharp and very physical, which has been missing for a longer part of the season.
The solidity of Kauko allowed Petratos to move further forward and dictate the terms. In that period, Petratos did provide a great cross from the right-hand side, but Cummings couldn’t connect properly in front of the goal. Mohun Bagan was rejuvenated by Habas’s vital switch in the wings. He put Manvir in the left wing and Kiyan in the right. That move changed the tempo of the game completely. Manvir had a brilliant game, and we saw a glimpse of old Manvir with a high pace running through the wings. He did break the defence of Hyderabad many times but couldn’t capitalize. He should have scored a couple of goals, the best of which came from a through ball from Hnamte, which was denied by Hyderabad FC goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh. Gurmeet had a brilliant night as he made at least six good saves, which could cost his team very badly.
Unlike typical Habas formula, Mohun Bagan trusted their young brigade, and the young stars really played well, especially Avishek Suryavanshi, who completed his first 90 minutes in this match, and apart from a couple of fumbles, he looks solid and sharp. Because of him, Anirudh Thapa spent maximum time at the opponent’s side and dictated the terms.
This win for Mohun Bagan took them to fourth place with 23 points from 12 matches, ahead of Mumbai City FC, who are on 22 points from 12 matches and behind Kerala Blasters (26 points from 13 matches), FC Goa (28 points from 12 matches), and Odisha FC (31 points from 15 match).
Mohun Bagan will face mighty FC Goa on February 14th in Goa, and this will definitely decide their faith in winning the league shield this year.
Starting XI:
Ratings:
Vishal Kaith – 8
A confident custodian makes the task of the defenders easier. His reflexes, control, timing of aerial balls, and anticipation are all continually getting better.
Héctor Yuste – 7.5
He is quietly performing his duties. Leading the defence with proper football sense and experience. He deserves a lot of praise.
Subhasish Bose – 7
He started yesterday as a central back despite being a left back, based on what the squad needed. When he returned to his favourite place, the ever-familiar overlap, covering, and tackle went well. In a word, he played a clean football game.
Amandeep – 4
He started playing well at sideback but got injured. He didn’t get much time to familiarise himself with his position.
Glan Martins – 4
Nothing noteworthy to add, but even though he started yesterday as a right back,which is not his position, now is the time to really think about him.
Abhishek Suryavanshi – 7.5
Despite not having much of an opportunity to play for the senior team this season, he is making the most of the coach’s trust in his ability to play. If he can make improvements in his tackling, he can be a valuable asset to Mohun Bagan.
Anirudh Thapa – 8
He scored his first goal in the green-maroon jersey. He played a very important role as a box-to-box midfielder.
Sahal Abdul Samad – 6
He was looking for some rhythm somewhere; even though he maintained his intensity in the attack, he lost it sometimes when he went in front of the opponent’s box.
Manvir Singh – 8
His running down the wing and, with it, ball control and dribbling provided eye relief. Just lacking focus on passing at the right time in the box.
Dimitri Petratos – 8.5
If there’s anyone who can truly lead the field without an armband, it’s him. In a word, he is the bandmaster of the orchestra.
Jason Cummings – 7
He finally scored after a month and a half in the ISL, but he also made multiple attempts without success. He requires consistency.
Kiyan Nassiri – 6.5
He has the ability and the speed. He needs to spend some time on his physical ability and physique.
Joni Kauko – 7.5
After almost two years, he came back and showed his class. Mohun Bagan had been looking for such a player in the midfield for a long time.
Dippendu Biswas – 7
He is highly impressive and has the ability to keep a cool head. Now he has to think about the physique.
Lalrinliana Hnamte – 6.5
He is an example of how junior players can also play better if given the opportunity. Impressive performance.
Suhail Bhat – 5
If Manvir had passed the ball at the right time, he would have scored his first goal of the ISL. He will get more opportunities if he plays like this. He has all the qualities of a true forward.
Manager’s View:
“We had a lot of chances and opportunities to score a lot of goals. I am happy with the performance of the team. I am very happy for another thing: today Dippendu, Abhi played well. We have to continue improving and winning.”
Official Attendance: 30,899
