There seemed to be no stopping for ATK Mohun Bagan, as it continued its glorious run in the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL), with a 2-0 win over NorthEast United FC, at the Fatorda Stadium in Bengaluru, on Sunday. The success allowed ATKMB to reclaim the top spot, while NEU stayed at sixth.
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The opening half was eventful, with as many as ten attacks being registered, including a save by NEU goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh. Meanwhile, none of the sides could find the net, as it all remained goalless at the half-time whistle.
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The second half saw a couple of attacks from ATKMB within the 50th minute. However, at the same time, it was Roy Krishna who handed ATKMB the lead with his right-footed strike to the bottom left, six yards from the left, following an assist from Tiri.
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Six minutes later, NEU's Benjamin Lambot scored an own goal to allow ATKMB double its lead. It was followed by nine further attacks, including a save by ATKMB goalkeeper, Arindam Bhattacharya, as it walked away with the three points at the full-time whistle.
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Following the game, NEU head coach, Gerard Nus, applauded his boys' performance, despite the tough loss. "I think that the special efforts that we did really showed in this game. We knew what to expect. We know that last year they (ATKMB) won the championship and we see that they follow their plan. We were serious and did not give anything to them. It was pretty much the two set-pieces in the second half that cost us the game," he said.
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Speaking on whether Kwesi Appiah's absence hurt his side, he said, "I disagree. It was basically the two mistakes that cost us the game, but we were serious. We know how to defend. It's hard when we have kind of (few)attempts and we don't take them. At the end of the day, we have to congratulate them, a fantastic side."
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Meanwhile, ATKMB manager, Antonio Lopez Habas was pleased as always, as he reckoned, "I think it's very important (to keep momentum) when there is no support in the stadium. Maybe, when the team is against the run of play. We played good football in the second half. I am happy. We had the control in the first half and that made the difference."
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"I think our team plays good football in quality and the respect to the opponent. You can win or lose. I don't want players with this philosophy (playing arrogant football). We have to respect Mumbai and all our opponents," he concluded.
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