Talking Points: Are NEROCA FC out of contention for the I-League title?
The win keeps the Goan side five points behind table-toppers Chennai City.
Churchill Brothers managed to edge past NEROCA FC 2-1 courtesy of a late brace from Willis Plaza. Varney Kallon scored the only goal for NEROCA. The win moves Churchill back to the second position on the table, five points behind table-toppers Chennai City.
Kallon gave the visitors the lead In the 24th minute through a well-executed set-piece. Churchill keft it late, scoring twice in the final five minutes, both times through Plaza. The two goals strengthen Plaza's position as the highest scorer of the current season along with Pedro Manzi.
Let's take a look at the five talking points from the game:
5. Are Churchill Brothers over-dependent on Willis Plaza?
Plaza has been part of 14 of the 24 goals Churchill Brothers have scored this season
There has been one thing constant in Churchill Brothers' games - Willis Plaza scoring winners for them. The two goals against NEROCA mean the striker has been part of 14 of the 24 goals Churchill have scored this season.
A team aiming to fight for the top prize cannot and must not have to depend on a single forward for goals. The Red Machines' fans would want the likes of Anthony Wolfe, Chesterpaul Lyngdoh and Dawda Ceesay to contribute more in attack.
4. Are Churchill Brothers clumsy at defending set-pieces?
Churchill pinned NEROCA in their defensive half for most of the game. The goal they scored was against the run of play and through a free-kick. What troubled Churchill the most were the dangerous set-pieces of the visitors, particularly those from Aryn Williams.
While the northeastern side conceded through a set-piece as well, they looked confident while dealing with most of them, unlike the hosts.
ALSO READ
3. Did NEROCA pay the price for their missed chances?
Katsumi Yusa missed two sitters, both in the second half, allowing Churchill to take advantage of the same
The away side were in their defensive half for most of the game. But, they did well on the counter. The likes of Katsumi Yusa, Felix Chidi and Malem Meetei were exceptionally good in attack, though they were guilty of missing chances that could have sealed the deal for the club from the northeast.
Katsumi Yusa missed two sitters, both in the second half, allowing Churchill to take advantage of the same.
2. Do Churchill play the best brand of football in the league?
While there has always been talk about Chennai City and the way their coach has made them play the best brand of football in the league, there is a certain team from Goa who could vouch for that title as well.
The game between Churchill and NEROCA is a testament to the same. Churchill's midfield was all over the field and outperformed that of NEROCA with ease. The likes of Khalid Aucho, Lyngdoh and Ceesay dominated the game for the team from Goa.
1. Are NEROCA out of title contention?
[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]The loss means NEROCA stay in fifth position, with 21 points from 13 games. They are nine points behind leaders Chennai City. East Bengal, Churchill and Real Kashmir all have more points than the team from the northeast at the moment.
With just seven games left to play, it means that their hopes of winning the title have been shattered once again, after playing their hearts out in the past two seasons.
Latest News
- Emiliano Martinez set to miss UEFA Conference League semi-final first leg against Olympiacos
- [WATCH] Throwback: When Young Lamine Yamal was Sergio Ramos' El Clasico mascot
- Vitesse Arnhem suffer relegation from Eredivisie after 18-point deduction
- RFDL 2024: Sudeva Delhi FC vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant Live
- RFDL 2024: Home Missions FC vs East Bengal Live
Trending Articles
- Mohun Bagan's Brendan Hamill, Dimitri Petratos distribute gifts to underprivileged children after ISL Shield win
- Indian Sports Calendar April 2024: Events to watch in second week of April
- How Lionel Messi could become minority owner at Inter Miami alongside David Beckham?
- Frank Lampard emerges as surprise candidate to take charge of Canada national team
Editor Picks
- Mohun Bagan's Brendan Hamill, Dimitri Petratos distribute gifts to underprivileged children after ISL Shield win
- Top 10 goalkeepers with most clean sheets in Champions League history
- Top 10 most profitable academies in football world
- Top 10 longest penalty shootouts in football history
- Top 10 footballers to score vital goal against their former club