XtraTime Web Desk – Khalid Jamil has turned NorthEast United to a beast. NorthEast fans were disappointed after Gerard Nus was sacked all of a sudden but Khalid Jamil’s back to back wins against ATK Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City FC gave the fans a brand new song to sing.
In the first 10 minutes, NorthEast United striked twice. This boosted their confidence a lot by considering the fact that Mumbai City FC are the league leaders and are one of the teams who doesn’t concede much. Deshorn Brown scored the brace when the Jamaican scored in the 6th and 9th minute of the match.
NorthEast was playing completely different style of football than what they were playing under Nus. Their offensive strategy was working brilliantly for them and could’ve picked their 3rd if Brown would’ve kept his shot on target in the 20th minute. Lakra’s brilliant ball was well recieved by Brown but he failed to put it in.
Mumbai made an early change when Mehtab Singh was brought on for Reynier Fernandez as Sergio Lobera needed to bring on a defender to stop NorthEast United. That helped Mumbai City as both the attack and defence looked much organized and could’ve picked up a goal in the 40th minute but Subhasish RoyChowdhury first denied Jahouh and then denied Jackichand within 10 seconds as the first half ended in favour of the Highlanders.
NorthEast started strong in the second half. Apuia was close to score but his long range effort was well stopped by Amrinder Singh. Post that, Mumbai kept posing threat on NorthEast but nothing concrete. In the 70th minute, Subhasish once again stopped Jahouh’s effort as the match looked balanced.
However, in the 84th minute, Adam Le Fondre picked up a goal and gave Mumbai a solid chance for a comeback. The fans were ready for a dramatic comeback. However, there was drama but not a comeback!
La Fondre was close to bring Mumbai level in the 87th minute but he miss placed his header and the 90th minute, Subhasish made another brilliant save to keep the lead intact for the Highlanders as they beat the mighty Mumbai 2-1.
NorthEast are now 4th in the table with 21 points from 14 games while Mumbai City has 30 from 14 games.