Indian football giant, ATK Mohun Bagan succumbed to its second loss of the season. In the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL), Mumbai City FC edged past ATKMB in a thrilling encounter at the Fatorda Stadium in Bengaluru on Monday. With this win, Mumbai consolidates its spot on top, while ATKMB stays on second.
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The opening half turned out to be a composed half from both the sides, with just three promising attempts coming in, as the opening attack in the seventh minute saw Mumbai's attempt being denied by ATKMB goalkeeper, Arindam Bhattacharya. Nonetheless, both the sides failed to break the deadlock at the half-time.
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The second half saw three attempts until the 60th minute, including twin saves, from both sides' keeper. Nonetheless, it was eight minutes later, when Bartholomew Ogbeche's right-footed strike put Mumbai ahead, as he shot it into the top-right from the left flank, following an assist from Hugo Boumous.
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Six more attacks ensured as ATKMB looked to be restless to get back. However, twin further saves from both sides' keeper assured that Mumbai maintains the slender lead, which was eventually enough to grab hold of the three points, at the end of the full-time whistle.
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Following the game, Mumbai manager, Sergio Lobera, hailed the side's spirit in its nine-game unbeaten run so far, as he said, "Very proud and happy. Not easy being unbeaten in nine games. Important is performance and implementing the style of play in a short time. I have a very good squad and happy with team. Not about individuals, Raynier and Borges did an excellent job. Important is collective work. We worked and did very good job. The backline did well. To find the balance was not easy and I am happy with the balance we struck, with attack and defence today."
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However, ATKMB head coach, Antonio Lopez Habas was livid in the manner his side conceded the goal. "First half didn't find piece of play and difficult in flanks. They didn't have much chance. We were better and improved in second half. I am very angry with situation that led to goal because our player was injured and they didn't put the ball out," he considered.
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ATKMB striker, David Williams hailed Mumbai as the better team, by saying, "We were beaten by a better team tonight. There was a lot of niggly stuff. If we played football like the past before the break, then we should be okay. We had a little longer break than we liked. The break allows you to reset and calm down ourselves. We can't make excuses because they were the better team. I hope McHugh will be back because he is important for us. He has a big presence in the air at the back and as a leader. I hope he will be back next game."
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Mumbai's goal-scorer, Ogbeche stressed that it wasn't an easy win, for sure. "Tough team to play against but resounding victors of the night. I knew I would get the chance and I knew I shouldn't squander. It was a superb pass from Boumous. They are valuable points. If you drop points, you could put yourself in unnecessary pressure. We cant take the foot of the gas table because we could find ourselves in a difficult position later on," he concluded.
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