I-League 2017: Match Review - Mohun Bagan vs Neroca FC
Sanjoy Sen and his men handed a disappointing draw on their home turf by newly promoted Neroca FC
Mohun Bagan yet again failed to grab 3 points as they were held to a goalless draw by debutants Neroca FC at the Salt Lake Stadium. There were doubts over the availability of star foreigners Ansumana Kromah and Sony Norde but the duo were named in the starting line-up in a bid to close the gap with Minerva Punjab FC at the top.
The inclusion of their star players did little to change the picture though. In fact, the move backfired as Norde was seen clutching onto his knees a number of times in the course of the match and finally had to be stretchered off during the fag end of the match for what looked like a serious injury. Kromah also missed the biggest opportunity of the game in the second half after failing to slot home in a one on one situation.
Bagan squandered plenty of chances in the game and in the first few minutes, Norde got a brilliant opportunity to open the scoring but with only the goalkeeper to beat he shot straight at him. The story continued in the second half when Kromah got two opportunities to score but ended up squandering both of them. The fact that Norde and Kromah were unfit was evident throughout the game.
Meanwhile in the second half, Shilton D Silva too had a great opportunity but missed it as nothing went the Mariners way on Tuesday evening.The only silver lining for the Mariners was the way Rana Gharami performed at the heart of defence and he was adjudged Hero of the Match for his stellar performance.
As for Neroca FC, even though they managed just a point this was arguably their best performance in the league so far. They dominated possession throughout the match. Their foreign recruit Glen Williams stood rock solid at the heart of the defence and thwarted every attack that came their way. The likes of Felix Chidi and Subhash Singh combined well upfront and if not for a couple of good saves by Shilton Paul, Neroca could have walked away with 3 points.
With 7 points from their 4 matches Neroca are currently placed 5th in the standings and have now proved that they are force to reckon with. Bagan on the other hand, have 9 points from 5 matches and are placed 3rd in the standings.
The result now means that the Mariners failed to narrow the gap with league leaders Minerva Punjab and in case East Bengal manage to prevail over Chennai City on the 22nd, which given their rousing form of late isn't unlikely, they will lose their current position too and drop down to 4th in the standings.
Sanjoy Sen is known for his blunt remarks in press conferences which sometimes comes off as a reflection of arrogance. After the derby win, the intensity of his remarks has increased by multiple folds. It seems he should probably restore a bit of that energy and focus on the fitness of his players and the correct strategy for his team if they are to have any chances of winning the title this time.