ISL 2022-23: ATK Mohun Bagan coach Ferrando admits win against NorthEast United FC was not easy
ATK Mohun Bagan secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over NorthEast United and moved up into second place in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
FollowATK Mohun Bagan secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over NorthEast United and moved up into second place in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
Liston Colaco broke the deadlock in the 35th minute before Aaron Evans equalised in the 81st minute. Subhasish Bose, on his 99th Hero ISL appearance, scored the winner to give the Mariners a win in their 50th ISL game.
Juan Ferrando did not make any changes to the ATKMB starting line-up and fielded the same XI that snatched a point in Mumbai this past Sunday. NEUFC made four changes as Marco Balbul switched from a 5-3-2 to a 4-3-2-1. Imran Khan and the Gogoi brothers - Pragyan and Parthib - were included in the line-up as Jithin M.S and Matt Derbyshire dropped to the bench.
NorthEast United FC created the game's first chance via Parthib just 15 seconds after kick-off. The young striker could not get a good touch on the ball before Pritam Kotal put it out for a corner. On the counter, Dimitri Petratos buried the ball in the back of the net, but the goal was chalked off because the ATKMB striker had strayed offside.
Five minutes past the half-hour mark, ATKMB breached the NorthEast United FC defence. Hugo Boumous pounced on Parthib's misplaced pass in midfield and advanced towards the goal before finding Colaco with a perfectly weighted through ball. The winger aimed for the far post and finished it with aplomb.
Ten minutes into the second half, Pragyan tried his luck from range, but Ashish Rai partially blocked his effort as the stray ball fell to Parthib right in front of the goal. The teenager came tantalisingly close to scoring as his effort came off Vishal Kaith, struck the upright, and stayed out. Two minutes later, at the other end, Petratos beat the offside trap but missed his effort.
Drama ensued in the final ten minutes of the game. Jon Gaztanaga's glancing header allowed Aaron Evans to score the equaliser with a diving header in the 81st minute. The Highlanders had their hearts broken in the 89th minute when Petratos' cross was met by Bose's accurate diving header that put the Mariners back in front and eventually handed them all three points.
Following this win, ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Juan Ferrando declared it was not an easy result. The ATKMB gaffer further said that the Highlanders were unlucky in some moments in the game, despite the hosts securing a win in Kolkata.
"For me, the most important thing is to help my team. In my point of view, NorthEast United FC should be further up the table with four-five points. But at this moment, they have zero points. The match was difficult. They have a good team and a plan. And in some moments, they have been unlucky. Today, after going down 0-1, NEUFC had a big chance to equalise (through Parthib Gogoi) and in the end, they conceded a goal. Our focus is now the next game against FC Goa," Ferrando said.
When asked about the areas that ATK Mohun Bagan needs to improve ahead of the clash against FC Goa, Ferrando stated, "We have five-six days to prepare for this match. It will be a difficult match, of course, because FC Goa have started the season well. They have nine points at this moment. They have good players. It’s a great opportunity for the spectators to watch the game. We have time to prepare and I hope the players will be ready. Both the teams will enjoy this match as both teams like to play with the ball."
The win took ATK Mohun Bagan up into second place with 10 points. They will visit Goa next to face the Gaurs on November 20, Sunday. The Highlanders came very close to scoring their first point of the season but will remain rooted to the bottom of the table. They will get a break during the next Matchweek before hosting Mumbai City FC on November 25, Friday.
Key Stats:
- Joni Kauko completed 52/62 passes and finished the game with a passing accuracy of 84%
- Mirshad Michu faced 10 shots on goal and produced 8 saves
- Dimitri Petratos created 6 chances and finished the game with 1 assist to his name
