Talking Points: Is Yuta Kinowaki vital to Mohun Bagan's campaign this season?

The Japanese midfielder put up a commendable display for the Mariners in his first start of the season. 

Mohun Bagan were held to a 2-2 draw in their first home match of the I-League season at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday. With the game stuck at 1-1 in the second half, an inspired display from substitute Sony Norde proved fortuitous as the Haitian winger scored an amazing goal on his return to give them the lead in the 69th minute. However, despite the match looking won for Mohun Bagan, David Lalrinmuana’s incredible free-kick in the dying minutes gave Aizawl their first point of the season.

5. Aizawl are dangerous on the counter-attack

Mohun Bagan might have dominated possession on the day, but Aizawl were extremely clinical on the counter-attack. Gift Raikhan’s men allowed the Mariners to have possession, but pressed well to win the ball and hit them when they were vulnerable. Aizawl created the goal through the counter-attack, when Albert Zohmingmawia capitalized on an open Bagan defense, passing it to Lalkhawpuimawia to score a beautiful goal.

They also created a few chances on the counter in the second period, mostly through Albert, who was brilliant on the day. While their final equalizer was a fantastic effort from David, it was their impressive transition from defence to attack which looked extremely dangerous and will be a big advantage going forward.

4. Yuta Kinowaki key to unlocking Mohun Bagan's midfield potential

Yuta Kinowaki made his first start for Mohun Bagan this season and proved his importance to their midfield with an impressive performance. The Japanese midfielder spread the game with his distribution and pinged the ball all over the park. The Bagan players all passed it to him, allowing Kinowaki to start attacks for his side. He went close to scoring in the 54th minute when he wandered into the box, but his shot struck the side-netting.

Kinowaki's performance will be vital for the Mariners in the games to come

The Japanese was also good defensively and covered for his defenders well, moving into the wide areas and stopping Aizawl from countering later on.  Yuta is key to Mohun Bagan’s fluid system under Sankarlal and the Mariners will hope he stays fit and helps them dominate the games to come with his beautiful passing.

3. Aizawl need to sort out their right-back issue

Aizawl might have been decent defensively up until Sony Norde’s introduction, but their right-side looks too weak. Even prior to him coming on, the Mariners were focusing on moving through the left and often broke free through that wing. Henry Kisekka broke free on goal in the first half before being stopped by Kareem Nurain, who was eventually substituted.

Elhussieny and Pintu Mahata also created many problems through that wing before Norde easily wheezed past right-back Vanlalduatsanga to score the goal. Lalrinchhana Tochhawng, who was Aizawl’s right-back in their previous game, wasn’t even in the matchday squad. While Govin Singh can operate in the position, Raikhan is playing him centrally for utmost effect. However, the coach will have to solve their defensive issues which have cost them so far.

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2. David Lalrinmuana's free-kick was world-class

David Lalrinmuana came on when Aizawl had gone down to Sony Norde’s goal and all seemed lost for them. It looked like they would fall to their second consecutive defeat, but the midfielder had other ideas. He looked really promising and stitched together some nice chances for his side.

Lalrinmuana scored Aizawl's equalizer in the dying minutes of the game against Mohun Bagan

However, he got one chance at getting something in added-time, when Aizawl received a free-kick from almost 30 yards out. The former East Bengal midfielder took an ambitious attempt at goal, but struck a wonderful free-kick which perfectly curled into the net past the helpless Sankar Roy.

1. Sony Norde is back to his best

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Sony Norde was substituted in at a time when Mohun Bagan were in dire need of something special. Aizawl were holding off their threat well and the Mariners needed their captain to save them. He came on to a standing ovation from the fans and it didn’t look like he had lost a touch. He showed his sleek passing a bit before creating a special goal in the 69th minute. Norde received the ball after a scramble and wheezed past Vanlalduatsanga into the box, before superbly finishing from an acute angle.

The Haitian created a few more beautiful moments with his trickery and creativity, dazzling the crowd. He was absolutely untouchable on the wings and proved how fit he was with a majestic performance. While he was unlucky to only get a point despite his amazing performance, Norde’s brought back the edge the Mariners have lacked so far and looks to be at his most dangerous after coming back home.