XtraTime Web Desk – A huge win for ATK Mohun Bagan as they beat NorthEast United 2-0. Huge based on the fact that this win took ATK Mohun Bagan top of the table and will also boost their confidence before their mega clash against Mumbai City FC.
ATK Mohun Bagan played attacking football with their defence intact. NorthEast just like their other matches, were focused on counter-attacks. However, with Pritam Kotal, Sandesh Jhingan, Tiri and Subhasish Bose it was never easy for NorthEast. With that, ATK Mohun Bagan had Sk. Sahil and Carl Mchugh as the central defensive midfielder. NorthEast very soon realised that it was going to be very tough for them. Thus, they depended more on set-pieces but couldn’t convert any. Bagan missed few chances throughout the half as the first half ended 0-0.
ATK Mohun Bagan was a different side in the second half. They were much more eager to get the three points and started playing attacking football. Their approach was very different from the first half. Roy Krishna picked up a goal in the 51st minute in a brilliant manner. Even the rival fans would have appreciated Roy Krishna’s effort. Tiri’s flick from a corner landed in an open area and Roy Krishna dived to meet the ball with his head and scored the goal for ATK Mohun Bagan.
Minutes later, ATK Mohun Bagan scored their second goal of the match. However, it was a controversial one this time. It was an own goal from Lambot. The player complained that Sandesh Jhingan pushed him and made a foul but referee didn’t change the decision and ATK Mohun Bagan scored their second goal in the 57th minute. After that ATK Mohun Bagan did what they do the best. They took off the pace and put in players like Pranay Halder and Glen. Their plan was to increase players in the midfield to kill the momentum and ATK Mohun Bagan did it brilliantly. NorthEast failed to make a mark as ATK Mohun Bagan beat them 2-0.
ATK Mohun Bagan once again move to the top of the table with 20 points from 9 games. NorthEast has 11 points from 9 games and currently placed 6th in the table.