ISL 2017: Alarming number of goalkeeping howlers highlight the season so far
What's the story?
Goalkeepers are one of the most important members of a football team. However, things could look rather ugly when the blunders happen. While some goalkeepers have performed well so far in ISL 2017, there have been many howlers that led to goals, so far this season.
In fact, as many as 32 percent of the goals this season have taken place due to goalkeeping errors.
In case you don't know...
The much-anticipated fourth season of the ISL started on November 17. With two new entrants joining the league, and an AFC Cup spot up for grabs, it meant that the glamorous league will look more enthralling than ever before.
We saw a lot of quality players who with their talent can pull fans into stadium and managers who can form their tactics around their strength. But one of the top professional leagues of the country has seen a vast number of goalkeeping errors resulting in constant criticism from all corners.
The heart of the matter
In fact, as many as 24 of 74 goals scored this season have come from Goalkeeping Blunders. The keepers have been highlighted for all wrong reasons as the errors continue to take place week.
It will be right to say that FC Goa custodian Laxmikant Kattimani started the count when he failed to grab a free kick from Inigo Calderon. The former Dempo goalkeeper continued his poor form as he let Everton Santos pressurise him and eventually kicked the ball onto the striker's feet, only to see the ball find the back of the net.
Kattimani is not the only keeper to have committed goalkeeping errors. Albino Gomes' horrific error helped NorthEast United score their 2nd goal to seal a victory at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.
What's next?
With so many goalkeeping errors taking place, it's time for ISL teams to take a look at the problem and find some solutions to stop leaking goals that can easily be prevented.
Author's take
While there have been a few howlers from the goalkeepers this season, that does not mean that the custodians should shy away from the criticism. It is merely a sign that they need to work on the areas where they are lacking and get better at it.