Bengaluru FC continued it’s march to top of the Indian Super League season 11 points table with a 0-0 draw against Mumbai City FC in the away game.One of the two unbeaten teams in the league this season along with Punjab FC, Bengaluru had a shaky start with Mumbai City FC bombarding Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s goal in the first thirty minutes.However, they recovered from the shaky start and used all the experience to salvage a draw against a Mumbai side that is guilty of missing clear chances.Here are the major talking points from the match:
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#5 Mumbai City FC in lower half of the points table
Mumbai City will go into the international break with two draws and one loss from three games placed at the 11th position in the points table. Coach Petr Kratky needs to find some answers going into the break.
It looks like Lallianzuala Chhangte is taking extra pressure of captaincy and has been sub par in the first three games with no assist or goals. Same goes for new signing Brandon Fernandes who is taking some time to settle down in his new club.
With the international break coming at the right time, Mumbai City has time to fix the issues and comeback stronger.
#4 Poor decision making cost BFC an extra minute winner
In absence of head coach Gerard Zaragoza, assistant coach Renedy Singh was in charge for BFC and he made some attacking subs in the second half looking win the game.
Sivasakthi had a good chance in the extra time with Roshan waiting in front of an open goal but his decision to take the shot proved to be a poor one.
“If Siva had made the decision to put the ball for Roshan, we would have won the game. However, I am very happy with the draw as it is an important point,” Renedy Singh said the post-match talk to the broadcasters.
#3 Bheke leads a solid Bengaluru FC defence line
Experience Indian defender Rahul Bheke led the Bengaluru defence of Aleksandar Jovanovic, Nikhil Poojary, and Naorem Roshan Singh to fourth consecutive clean sheet.
Bengaluru were overwhelmed by the dominating start from MCFC but Bheke made some crucial tackles with Gurpreet Singh Sandhu making a point blank save against Karelis.
Bengaluru did a good job in winning more aerial duels restricting the likes of Tiri and Gurpreet looked in control mostly barring one shot from Tiri that rattled the woodwork.
#2 A solid debut for Nathan Rodrigues
20-year-old defender Nathan Rodrigues made debut for Mumbai City FC and the Indian youngster put a solid shift in his debut game. Despite coming up against the likes of Sunil Chhetri and Edgar Mendez, the youngster didn’t relent in his job.
He was constantly present in the right place to stop Chhetri and Mendez from getting into a comfortable position. A crucial moment came in the second half when Nathan stopped Chhetri from getting a free-header from a cross.
Things look promising for Nathan if he continues to put such shifts against one of the best attacks in the league.
#1 Mumbai City dominate the opening 30 minutes
Bengaluru FC have been dominant this season with three consecutive wins in three games. Despite coming on from a brilliant run, BFC was stunned by Mumbai City FC in the opening minutes.
Vikram Pratap Singh was brilliant with the quarter of Brandon Fernandes, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Yoell Van Niff, and Jeremy Manzorro feeding him constantly.
Two best chances fell to Greek striker Nikos Karelis but he was denined by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
Bengaluru were unable to get out of their own half and created zero chances in the first 20 minutes and only found some footing the later part of the half.