ISL 2018-19: FC Goa beef up defence- 3 reasons why the Gaurs have improved defensively
FC Goa continued their good home record as they steamrolled past Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League on Monday to book their place in the playoffs.
After two consecutive defeats for table toppers Bengaluru FC against bottom places sides Chennaiyin FC and Delhi Dynamos, FC Goa saw the perfect opportunity to go to the top of the table and grabbed it with both hands as they defeated both ATK and Kerala Blasters by a 3-goal margin each in a space of four days.
Earlier this season, Goa has won games by a four-goal and five-goal margin as well but this occasion demanded celebration as Goa was able to keep five consecutive clean sheets, which looked like a dream last season.
Let's look at the three main reasons why Goa was able to achieve this feat.
#1 Naveen Kumar instead of Mohammad Nawaz between the sticks
Mohammad Nawaz gave new-look solidarity to the Goa defense this season. Unlike last season, Goa did not concede late goals that cost them important points this season.
The 19-year old kept two back-to-back clean sheets against top-quality sides Jamshedpur FC and Mumbai City FC before picking up a knock in the 2-0 win over Mumbai.
Since then, Naveen Kumar has come in the starting XI and kept three consecutive clean sheets in three matches, just one less than the number managed by the 19-year old in more than 10 matches.
Sergio Lobera made no changes to the side that beat ATK as Naveen Kumar kept his place in the side over the fit-again Mohammad Nawaz who had to be content with a place on the bench.
With Nawaz fit once again, it is to be seen whether Sergio Lobera goes for experience or potential talent as he has to make the decision of the preferred custodian between the sticks for the playoffs.