ISL 2017/18, Match 66: North East United vs FC Pune City - 5 Talking points
FC Pune City went back to winning ways with a slender 1-0 win over North East United in Guwahati. Marcelino scored the winner for the away side in the 86th minute in what really was a smash-and-grab goal for the Stallions.
With this win, Pune completed a double over North East this season and Marcelino also scored his fourth ever goal against the Highlanders.
On that note, let's discuss this game in further detail with the help of the major talking points that emerged from the match:
#5 North East dominate the first half
Despite the scoreboard reading a goalless draw at the break, it was the hosts who started the game brilliantly. North East were eager to get on the ball from the first minute and were recycling possession better than Pune. Barring one chance for Pune in the first 45 minutes, every other chance fell to the Highlanders.
North East created a number of half chances and were controlling the tempo of the game, especially on the right flank. Marcinho had a couple of decent chances in the first half while Doungel shot straight at Vishal Kaith once. North East United attempted 4 shots in the first half out of which 2 were on target.