The Indian Super League (ISL) Matchweek 7 brought forth a plethora of captivating results that have completely opened up the league table. Some teams demonstrated the immense catching up they need to do, while others solidified their positions as top contenders. Let’s dive into the key takeaways from this thrilling week of ISL action.
FC Goa’s Dominant Display
FC Goa have consistently been one of the top attacking teams in the ISL this season, yet their league position didn’t reflect their performances – until now. In a statement victory, they handed Bengaluru FC their first defeat of the season with a resounding 3-0 scoreline. The Gaurs got the luck their attacking play deserved, with a fortuitous opening goal gifted by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. However, it was their overall game that truly shone.
Dejan Drazic orchestrated the play brilliantly, Brison Fernandes sparkled on the flanks, and coach Manolo Marquez’s gamble to deploy Ayush Dev Chhetri in the final third paid rich dividends. The youngster was instrumental in Goa’s pressing, nullifying the influence of Bengaluru’s midfield maestros Pedro Capo and Alberto Noguera. With the return of Sandesh Jhingan bolstering their defense, Goa will hope this victory marks the start of a steady climb up the table.
Are Punjab FC Genuine Title Contenders?
Based on their performances so far, it’s hard to argue against Punjab FC’s credentials as serious contenders for the ISL shield. They possess a steely resolve on their best days and have now demonstrated the attacking firepower to come back from a goal down, as evidenced by their thrilling 3-2 victory over Chennaiyin FC.
Luka Majcen marked his return from injury with a quickfire brace that turned the game on its head. Asmir Suljic also got on the scoresheet, while Muschaga Bakenga made a decisive contribution with an assist. This win propelled Punjab to within four points of league leaders Bengaluru FC, with two games in hand. Could they be on the verge of scripting one of Indian football’s most remarkable stories this season?
Jamshedpur FC’s Defensive Woes
Coach Khalid Jamil is renowned for his ability to build solid defensive units, but that reputation took a massive hit as Jamshedpur FC shipped 10 goals in their last two games. The absence of key defender Stephen Eze was sorely felt, as an all-Indian backline struggled to cope with Chennaiyin FC’s fluid movement and incisive attacking play.
In particular, Irfan Yadwad had a stunning outing for Chennaiyin, notching a goal and two assists in a performance that could propel him into the national team reckoning. Jamil will hope Eze’s return can shore up Jamshedpur’s leaky defense. However, he may also need to re-evaluate some of his tactical choices, such as starting with two attack-minded midfielders in Javi Hernandez and Rei Tachikawa.
Kwame Peprah’s Eventful Evening
Kerala Blasters striker Kwame Peprah experienced a full spectrum of emotions in his side’s 4-2 loss to Mumbai City FC. The Ghanaian conceded a soft penalty that put his team 0-2 down, only to win a dubious spot-kick himself minutes later which was converted. Peprah then scored a superb header to equalize, but a moment of madness saw him remove his shirt in celebration, earning a second yellow card and reducing Kerala to 10 men.
Mumbai City promptly capitalized on their numerical advantage, scoring twice to secure the win. While Peprah’s red card was a bitter blow, Kerala’s issues run deeper. They are conceding an average of two goals per game – a defensive record that belies their 10th place position. Coach Mikael Stahre must find solutions quickly, and a good start would be to acknowledge the need for defensive improvement.
NorthEast United’s Contrasting Approach Pays Off
NorthEast United adopted a starkly different approach to Odisha FC in their clash, and it paid handsome dividends in a 3-1 win. While Odisha preferred a slow, possession-based buildup, NorthEast looked to release Alaeddine Ajaraie into shooting positions with just three or four passes from their own half.
Ajaraie seems to have the Midas touch in front of goal at the moment, with Jithin MS, Parthib Gogoi, and Nestor Albiach acting as the perfect foils. Coach Juan Pedro Benali has devised a system that revolves around creating space for Ajaraie to unleash his potent right foot, and with eight goals in seven games, it’s working wonders.
In contrast, Odisha appeared to be a team of aging stars, lacking the energy and dynamism usually associated with a Sergio Lobera side. Despite the individual quality of Roy Krishna, Diego Mauricio, and Hugo Boumous, Odisha find themselves mired in a rut, with Lobera’s magic touch deserting him for the first time since his arrival in India.
Bengaluru FC & Carles Cuadrat’s First Major Test
Bengaluru FC’s defeat to FC Goa exposed a potential chink in their armor – a lack of depth in key positions. The injury to Nikhil Poojary forced a reshuffle, with Sana Singh filling in at right-back to little effect. While Sana cannot be faulted for being played out of position, his struggles underscored the need for Bengaluru to maintain balance even when rotating personnel.
Coach Carles Cuadrat faces a stiff challenge to restore defensive solidity against a free-scoring NorthEast United side in their next fixture. Cuadrat’s primary task, however, might be to remind his goalkeeper that he doesn’t have all day to make a clearance – a lesson Gurpreet Singh Sandhu learned the hard way against Goa.
As the ISL table takes shape, Matchweek 7 provided a timely reminder that no team is infallible, and no lead is unassailable. With plenty of football still to be played, the coming weeks promise more twists, turns, and talking points in what is shaping up to be a fascinating season.
