ISL 2017/18, Match 45: NorthEast United FC vs ATK, 5 Talking Points
ATK huffed and puffed their way to a 1-0 win over NorthEast United in Friday's ISL encounter. Midfielder Zequinha's sublime half-volley from distance ultimately proved to be the difference between the two teams. The victory means ATK are now sixth on the points table, catapulting Kerala and Jamshedpur.
#1 Cagey opening minutes sees both teams lack urgency
Two teams at the bottom half of the points table locked horns on Friday. ATK and NorthEast headed into tonight's game having won just two of their eight encounters. As a result, one would have expected both sides to come out firing on all cylinders.
But neither displayed the intent or the urgency in the opening half. Wayward passes, poor close control and some decent defending meant the spectators at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium had to be content looking at passes that lacked direction and quality.
The first half was far from exciting. In fact, it was boring and both teams were responsible for this. Like on previous occasions, the quality of football in the final third left a lot to be desired.