ISL 2018-19, Mumbai City FC 0-2 NorthEast United FC: 5 Talking Points as Rowllin Borges steals the show against hapless Islanders
NorthEast United FC travelled to play Mumbai City FC for a crucial Indian Super League encounter. Mumbai City FC is almost sure to make the playoffs.
NorthEast United's hopes of a playoff berth kept hanging by a thread as one slump could have ruined their hopes of a first playoff appearance.
With Jamshedpur FC and ATK close on the Highlanders' heels in the points table, it was a do or die situation for NorthEast United FC to keep themselves in the top four.
The game started on a bright note for the visitors as they took the lead early in the fourth minute through a Rowllin Borges strike.
After taking the lead, the Highlanders took control of the game. NorthEast United scored another goal before half-time through Ogbeche.
Mumbai City FC tried hard to get back into the game in the second half, but the Northeast United defence stood strong.
The game ended with NorthEast United FC beating Mumbai City FC 2-0. It was also Northeast United's first victory over Mumbai City after 2015.
On that note let us take a look at five talking points from today's game.
#5 Lucian Goain and Subhasish Bose missed dearly by Mumbai City FC
Mumbai was without two of their crucial defenders for the game against NorthEast United FC.
Lucian Goain and Subhasish Bose were ruled out of the tie against Northeast United due to suspension and injury respectively.
Goain has been the guiding force for Mumbai City FC for a few seasons now.
The Mumbai defence looked at sixes and sevens playing without their main defenders. Subhasish Bose has been one of the best defenders in the Indian Super League from last season and has been vital for Mumbai City FC this season.
The defensive duo have played a major role for Mumbai City FC, and without them, the Northeast United attackers ran through them with ease. The Mumbai defence made schoolboy errors which cost them the match.
Without Lucian Goain, Mumbai City were left without a leader on the pitch, and it affected their performance.