ISL 2017/18: Sunil Chhetri credits team's flexibility in attack as Bengaluru top table

Sunil Chhetri goal Bengaluru FC vs ATK ISL — Sunil Chhetri celebrates his goal that gave Bengaluru FC a 1-0 win over ATK (Image: ISL)

After Bengaluru FC beat ATK 1-0 at the Kanteerava Stadium on Sunday night, Blues skipper Sunil Chhetri was very pleased with his side as they moved to the top of the ISL table. The win saw them leapfrog Chennaiyin FC who failed to extend their lead at the top after they drew 2-2 with Delhi Dynamos earlier in the day.

"It feels good [to move back to the top of the table]", Chhetri said. "After the two games that we lost at home it was very, very important that we bounce back and show character as early as possible and we did that."

The Blues had topped the table earlier in the season but saw their lead slip after consecutive defeats at home to Chennai (2-1) and Jamshedpur FC (1-0).

"The last two games weren't easy," the Bengaluru forward explained. "Playing Kerala away wasn't easy and today; ATK is a very good side.

"We're really happy to come away with six points from these two games."

Also read: ATK's Robin Singh not upset by banter from Bengaluru FC fans

Miku makes our work easier: Chhetri

It was Chhetri's goal that sealed the three points for Bengaluru on the night. The 33-year-old usually starts out wide but had moved to the centre where he picked up a stray back pass, drove forward, and then shot from distance to beat ATK goalkeeper Debjit Majumder and find the back of the net.

By the end of the game, Chhetri had played across the front three - switching flanks with Udanta Singh and then leading the line after Miku had been substituted.

So what according to him is his best position on the pitch?

"I have no idea," he said with a smile. "I'll play wherever the coach wants me to play.

"We're quite flexible - especially because we have Miku. With him in the side, Udanta, Edu [Garcia], and I can shuffle our positions on the pitch."

Miku Bengaluru FC vs ATK — Bengaluru FC striker Miku's constant movement troubled ATK (Image: ISL)

"He's our target guy. He makes our work easier and all of us have no problems in playing in different positions.

"And we'll keep doing that; as long as our coach wants us to do it, we'll keep doing it."

With top spot secured, Bengaluru now shift their focus to the road again as they play two consecutive away games against Delhi (14 Jan) and Mumbai City (18 Jan).