First goal changed the game, admits NEUFC asst. coach Paul Groves

The Highlanders have now lost five matches in a row, scoring just one goal.

NorthEast United FC were handed their fifth consecutive defeat of the season by three times runners up Kerala Blasters at home. Paul Groves' side got off to a strong start and it seemed that today would be their day.

But, it was just an illusion as they got back to their normal avatar and ended up being on the losing side. Sahal Abdul Samad came on and became a super sub by scoring a brace after Dimitrios Diamantakos netted the opener in the 56th minute. 

NorthEast United seem to have no idea of what they want and are just firing shots in the air. After the game, the assistant coach Paul Groves addressed the media and answered their questions.

What went wrong?

As mentioned above, the Highlanders were thrashed 0-3 by Kerala Blasters and were handed their fifth defeat of the campaign. Speaking about the game, Paul Groves said that the game was evenly balanced until Kerala Blasters scored the opening goal.

“I think for 65 minutes, the game was relatively even and we had restricted them to a few opportunities. The game changed when the first goal went in and then from thereon we tried to chase the game and became vulnerable to a counter attack. We have to take our opportunities and if we don’t it's going to be very difficult to take the three points,” he began.

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Lack of quality up front?

The Highlanders have looked clueless upfront and have scored just one goal in five matches so far. They seem to have forgotten the way to the back of the net. When asked if his side is lacking quality upfront, Groves said that they are failing to create chances for sure.

“I think we are missing the quality to create opportunities for sure. Whether it's crosses or dribbling or a little bit of magic. The game was fairly even, but that first goal changed the game completely,” he stated.

Inexperienced young players

NorthEast United have a relatively young squad, with a majority of the players not used to the high voltage gameplay of the Indian top flight. When quizzed about his opinion on if the inexperience of young players affects their goal-scoring chances, Paul Groves said, “When you've played you are relatively young and are finding their way into the ISL, the lessons can be harsh and at times it has been the case. But, whether it is your first season, you come back to the quality of the delivery, to have the composure and awareness to take your chance.

“That's where all those ingredients come together to score a goal, which is the hardest thing to do in football,” he added.

Defensive issues

NorthEast United have conceded 11 goals, the highest in the league this season. Shedding light on his side’s backline, the assistant coach said that once they started to move forward, Kerala Blasters capitalised on the exposed spaces.

"I think defensively we limited them as a unit for at least 65 minutes. I think once we started to throw bodies forward and gamble, it opened up spaces and exposed us. I don’t think until then they created many chances as the structure was intact. But, we had to chase the game and put them on the back foot,” he signed off.