Mohun Bagan saved by Vishal’s ‘golden hands’; despite a disjointed performance, they defeat Chennaiyin thanks to a goal from Manvir

Vishal’s golden hands and a bit of luck helped Mohun Bagan Super Giant pick up all three points in their first home match at the Yuva Bharati Stadium, despite playing some completely disjointed football. In a match they hardly deserved to win, Mohun Bagan edged past an energetic Chennaiyin FC thanks to a solitary goal from Manvir Singh. Liston Colaco’s cross in the second half brought relief to the Mariners, while Vishal Kaith came to their rescue at least five times, preventing Chennaiyin from scoring. Panagiotis Dimas Pana's biggest fortune is having a goalkeeper like Vishal at his disposal.

Especially in the first half, Mohun Bagan’s football was almost impossible to watch. Chennaiyin found plenty of space in midfield. The Bagan midfielders could not move up and down quickly enough. There was no pressing, nobody to collect the second balls, and the football was slow, disjointed and riddled with misplaced passes. On the other hand, Chennaiyin displayed excellent pressing, relentless running to win the ball and an ability to find spaces, while also launching quick attacks. The partnership of Madi Talal and Nikola kept Mohun Bagan on their toes. Madi Talal played the role of an ideal No. 10. Every time he received the ball, the Mohun Bagan defence was in trouble. He was the driving force behind Chennaiyin, with Nikola providing excellent support.

Mohun Bagan, meanwhile, suffered from the absence of a genuine No. 10. Alberto alone fought hard in defence, but the others failed to match his efforts. As a result, Chennaiyin created several opportunities in the first half.

Irfan received a pass from Talal and unleashed a shot, which Vishal saved with his feet. Mohun Bagan’s attempt to play the offside trap nearly backfired once, but the resulting shot went wide. Talal also found himself in space towards the end of the first half. Mohun Bagan’s only notable opportunity came when Erwin took a shot after receiving a long pass from Jelicovic in midfield. Chennaiyin goalkeeper Nawaz blocked it with his feet, but Manvir failed to make proper contact with the rebound despite being in a good position.

In the second half, Panaos had little choice but to turn to Plan B, bringing on Sahal, Thapa and Liston. Drazic also began covering a lot more ground in midfield. Manvir started running more, and Mohun Bagan gradually came back into the game.

Sahal missed a sitter, while Nawaz saved Erwin’s shot. Chennaiyin also came close to scoring on several occasions. But Vishal could not be beaten on this day, just as he has been difficult to beat in most matches.

Madi Talal and his teammates truly discovered what people mean by golden hands! And Panaos realised that unless Miguel and Maclaren are brought back to full fitness quickly, a disaster like the one against NorthEast United could happen any day. It could happen again and again. How can Mohun Bagan expect Vishal to keep saving them every single time?