NorthEast United 2-0 Mumbai City FC: 5 Talking Points

NorthEast United moved into the top four places after a solid 2-0 win over Mumbai City FC at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Guwahati on Friday evening as an Arias penalty and a late Diomansy Kamara goal settled the game for the Highlanders.It was yet another poor showing from Mumbai City FC who failed to score for a third successive game in the Hero Indian Super League, leaving their campaign in tatters with just three games left to play.Sunil Chhetri and Nicolas Anelka both missed good chances for Mumbai City FC late on before Kamara sealed the win for Cesar Farias’ men. The game had plenty of action to debate on and here are the five talking points from the game.All images in this slideshow are sourced from the ISL.

#1 NEUFC edge ahead in semi-final race

Cesar Farias got his tactics spot on as they dished out a solid performance to beat Mumbai City FC 2-0 at home and move into the semi-final spots at the expense of FC Pune City. Mumbai City FC made a quick start to the game, with Nicolas Anelka’s men looking to erase the painful memeories of the 7-0 defeat in Goa quickly, but NorthEast United kept their shape well and frustrated Mumbai City FC.

The Highlanders struck at the right time when Arias’s penalty gave them the lead just before half time and deflated the Mumbai City side. NorthEast United once again were extremely solid at the back and patiently waited for their chance which came late in the game and Kamara duly obliged to seal the win for John Abraham's team.

The performance will specially please Cesar Farias and will restore NorthEast United’s confidence after their loss against Kerala Blasters. With two more home games to come, NorthEast United will fancy their chances of making it to the semi-finals now.