I-League 2020-21 Hits and Misses: 200* for Aizawl's Alfred Jaryan

Games continue to come thick and fast in the second tier of the country.

It has been another grueling week full of fixtures in the I-League 2020-21, as teams are gradually looking to build on their wins and get the momentum going. However, there is not much to separate the sides as there is only a difference of six points between nine teams.

The week started with a bang as Sudeva Delhi brushed aside Chennai City FC and registered their second win this season. But, it has been the same story for the Black Panthers, as they registered yet another draw. While Aizawl FC held leaders Churchill Brothers in a historic match for Alfred Jaryan, Real Kashmir were just too good for the young Indian Arrows. Lastly, RoundGlass Punjab also came back to winning ways with three points against TRAU FC.

Here are the hits and misses from I-League 2020-21 Gameweek 6:

5. Newcomers Sudeva Delhi make statement of intent

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jArrYXjLhRU

Despite being an all-Indian side in their first season in the I-League, Sudeva Delhi have proven that they are no pushovers. Chencho Dorji's men played really well against Real Kashmir as well and with more game management they could have won that match. However, they finally played to their potential against Chennai City, as they dominated the former champions to score four past them.

Former NEROCA youngster, Naocha Singh scored an early brace to set things in motion for the debutants. While Naorem Mahesh Singh and Manvir Singh also scored a goal each to add to the misery of the Coimbatore-based outfit. The Southerners were rattled by the two in the first ten minutes and from there they did not even recover to put up a fight. This win will be crucial for the Delhi-based side, as they will look to build on it and get the momentum going for the rest of the campaign.

4. Mohammedan Sporting continue to fire blank

Playing out drab draws has been the norm for Mohammedan Sporting Club. Since their win against Sudeva in the opening match, the Black Panthers have drawn all the other four matches, which proves that they have not been clinical in front of goal.

Jose Hevia's men have only scored thrice this season in five matches and two of them have come in the game against TRAU. So, clearly there are issues with chance creation and also in attack. The Spanish tactician will have to come up with ideas as it is already a shortened season and every result will be vital for the Kolkata outfit.

3. Marathon man Alfred Jaryan clocks 200*

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQQ3LCz4Lbo

A lot of foreign players have come and gone, but not many have stayed long enough to play 200 matches. Alfred Jaryan is the modern embodiment of loyalty in Indian football. The Liberian midfielder joined Aizawl FC back in 2015 and ever since then, he has been their pillar in the middle of the park.

Jaryan has been with the Reds through thick and thin. The 32-year old played a vital role in their title-winning side and was also a part of the team when they were struggling for form. The midfielder etched his name in the history books with his 200th appearance, which came against league leader Churchill Brothers. Yan Law and his men also made sure that they make it memorable for the Liberian. While they did not manage to churn out a win, they kept the Red Machines at bay and earned a point from the tough fixture.

2. Six of the best for Real Kashmir

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuQpzOKyE1g

The Snow Leopards have struggled for form this season and while they have had their chances, the forwards were not clinical before this fixture. But, a dominant 6-0 win over Indian Arrows will boost the morale of the players for their future matches.

Head coach David Robertson will hope that this match will end their goalscoring woes, as Dipanda Dicka netted a brace with Lukman Adefemi also getting on the scoresheet. Real Kashmir overpowered the Arrows physically and took the game away in the second half, scoring five goals. With this win, the team from the Valley climbed their way to second spot. They are placed three points behind leaders Churchill Brothers, with a game in hand. This can be the match that Robertson's men needed to get their campaign up and running.

1. Chencho's form key to RoundGlass Punjab's success

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87e3vwHLaD4

Just like Mohammedan Sporting, RoundGlass Punjab have also struggled for form this season. Curtis Fleming's men have squandered their chances in front on goal and therefore they have failed to build momentum with multiple wins. While there is talk of Baba Diawara changing things upfront for the Punjab-based outfit, others also have to step up to the plate.

Bhutanese forward Chencho Gyeltshen scored a very crucial brace against an in-form side in TRAU. The first goal he scored was totally against the run of play, as RG Punjab struggled to keep possession against TRAU's high press. But, the goal from Chencho afforded breathing space to Fleming's men and it allowed them to control proceedings. With Diawara coming in and Chencho finally getting his rhythm back, it will exciting to see how things turn out for the former champions.