I-League 2017/18, Match 60: Shillong Lajong vs Mohun Bagan, 5 Talking Points

In a battle between fourth and fifth in the I-League, it was Mohun Bagan who secured a 3-0 win away at Shillong Lajong in a match crucial for both sides. With both teams on 17 points prior to kickoff, a win was important for them to keep pace with the top three.

And, Bagan did it with some clinical finishing. Lajong, on the other hand, were left to rue their missed opportunities. The scoreline is a little flattering for Bagan as the game was close for much of the contest before the Mariners scored twice late on to pull away.

With the win, Bagan move to third in the table, level with East Bengal on 20 points, but ahead on goal difference.

Here are the takeaways from the game:

#1 Bagan hit Lajong with the sucker punch

In the cold weather conditions on their home turf in Shillong, Lajong were the team making all of the running during the initial stages. Taking the attack to the visitors, the home side showcased their usual brand of possession-based football and incisive passing as they attempted to establish a lead in the game.

However, it was Bagan who took the lead, very much against the run of play. Lajong's former striker Dipanda Dicka returned to haunt them as he scored from a free header to give Bagan the lead in the 30th minute.

For all the chances they fashioned, Lajong really weren't able to score or test Bagan goalkeeper Shilton Paul enough. And, they didn't defend the corner well either which saw Dicka score with an easy header.