ISL 2018-19, FC Pune City 2-2 ATK: 5 Talking Points
FC Pune City kept the pressure and found a timely equaliser to hold ATK in a crucial match on Sunday.
Robin Singh scored his first ISL goal in 14 months to deny ATK a much-deserved win at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune.
It was a must-win match for both the team. FC Pune City had a chance to challenge for the top-four position. ATK had a chance to sniff on Jamshedpur FC and NorthEast United FC’s neck with a win.
Their wishes remain unfulfilled as both Pune and ATK will now have to overcome some stiff challenges in order to have any chance for knock-out qualification.
John Johnson deflected Marko Stankovic’s shot in his own net to break the deadlock. Jayesh Rane equalised with a superb curling effort to leave it all square in the first half.
Diego Carlos handled the ball within the box while making a challenge to Everton Santos and Edu Garcia converted from the spot to give the lead to ATK. Pune’s equaliser came though Robin Singh in the 76th minute who scored from a corner against his former employers.
Also See: ISL Schedule I ISL Points Table I ISL Results
#5 Unimpressive Johnson scores own goal
If you name most consistent players in this ATK team, John Johnson would surely make into the list.
Since changing colour before this season, Johnson has been showing the same talent. He is one of the main reasons why ATK looks so solid as far as their defence is concerned.
It was rare off day for Johnson against FC Pune City. All the match, he never looked confident on the pitch. He was taking too much time while clearing the ball and making challenges to the opponents. Thanks to Arnab Mondal, more damage hasn’t happened.
Marko Stankovic’s shot was innocuous and it would have been an easy pick for Arindan, who was brilliant on Sunday.
The ball may have gone off the target. But Johnson, while clearing the ball, ensured it finds the back of the net, leaving Arindam the other way.
It summed up his evening. But a player like him would not take much time to forget everything and come afresh in the next match.