I-League Mid-season Report Card: Mohun Bagan lead title charge

The points table at the moment depicts a different story than that was anticipated before the season.

The I-League has reached its midway point and keeping true to its reputation, the competition has taken a completely different path than it did last time around. The defending champions, Chennai City, are again struggling to keep up with the top sides. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan have made a U-turn from a disappointing campaign last time around to make themselves serious title contenders under Kibu Vicuna. On the other hand, their rivals East Bengal have endured a meltdown which doesn’t look like it’ll stop anytime soon. Punjab FC have a newfound belief with a new name, while Churchill Brothers continue producing thrilling football. [KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] There’s still a long way to go in the season, but at its halfway point, some glaring aspects have been learned for everyone involved. So, here’s Khel Now’s I-League mid-season report card:

Indian Arrows- 6.0

Under former Indian national team assistant coach Shanmugam Venkatesh, Indian Arrows have played an attractive brand of football after being urged to be more expressive with their style. The hot-blooded young players have shown impressive chemistry in linking together beautifully threaded moves, but inexperience has cost them throughout. While not the worst defensively, lack of mental toughness has seen experienced sides target their Achilles' Heel every time. The lack of a proper #9 hasn’t helped, but Vikram Pratap Singh, Givson Singh and Ayush Adhikary have been real bright sparks. With away wins against heavyweights Churchill Brothers and East Bengal, the young guns proved they have the ability to outclass the big sides. Venkatesh will now urge his team to show more consistency, if they’re to get out from the bottom spot come the season end.

Aizawl FC- 5.0

In their second campaign under Stanley Rozario, Aizawl FC actually showed promise in the initial weeks. They were even in contention for a top-spot finish, but since that solitary win against Indian Arrows, things have gone horribly wrong. Winless in their last six, draws and losses have summed up a disappointing few months for the former I-League champions. Some free-flowing, fast-paced football has shed the spotlight on impressive young talents like Isak Vanlalruatfela, Rochharzela and Ramhlunchhunga, but they haven’t been consistent enough. Alfred Kanoute has been the pick of the foreigners with his goalscoring threat, while Alfred Jaryan has tried his best leading them tirelessly. Too error-prone in defence, lacking a strong goalkeeper or reliable figures has cost the Northeast side dearly. Rozario has tried to make the most of limited resources.

Chennai City FC- 4.0

How the mighty have fallen! At this point last season, Chennai City had already run away with the title. But, the second half of 2019 proved disastrous. From losing key foreign players, including captain Pedro Manzi, to selling their crucial domestic talents, Akbar Nawas was stripped off his jewels. As a result, the defending champions have suffered one embarrassment after another. Nevertheless, Katsumi Yusa has tried to inspire them with his never-say-die spirit. Their new local talents have also impressed with their work-rate. But, the other foreigners haven’t been as good as the former core, resulting in a marked drop in form. A careless attitude, leaky defence and inability to replace their winning core means the misery is likely to continue. [KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

NEROCA FC- 5.0

Before the season began, there were questions about NEROCA FC's participation in the I-League. Thankfully, they roped in a foreign sponsor, assembling a haphazard squad packed with new foreigners, certain recognized domestic stars and youngsters. The result of which sees them in the bottom half. The Orange Army have managed only two wins despite spending lavishly in the summer, as their degrading home form - which has been their biggest strength in recent seasons - has summed up a dismal campaign. Trinidad and Tobago international Marvin Phillip has saved them from humiliation time and again, while Boubacar Diarra’s been a bright goalscoring cog as well. However, Gift Raikhan just hasn’t found that magical winning combination with his resources, as neither Lady Luck nor his mentally weak players have aided in finding the fire to light up their campaign.

East Bengal- 4.0

Before the start of the season, East Bengal seemed firm favourites to finally break their I-League title drought this time around. That now seems a distant dream. Alejandro Menendez seemed to have gotten his calculations perfect and the Red and Gold Brigade even enjoyed some impressive early-season form. But, then it all came crashing down in January. After suffering three consecutive defeats, Menendez departed for Spain with the squad looking a broken shell of what he had envisioned. Even after getting some big away wins, they sit seventh in the table without proper identity and absolutely shot in confidence. Juan Mera Gonzalez’s lively attitude has been a salvaging factor in an extremely inconsistent campaign so far. Former assistant coach Mario Rivera has a big job on his hands, but considering how the internal meltdown is rapidly getting worse, he’ll need to do something drastic to get them a top-three finish again this campaign.

Real Kashmir- 6.0

Real Kashmir’s season started in haphazard fashion due to persistent change in fixtures. All the changes took a toll on Dave Robertson’s side early on. Of course, injuries to important players and having to shuffle the team didn’t help. But, the Snow Leopards seem to be getting back to their best, winning two games in-a-row recently. Mason Robertson’s return has galvanized the side into finding back that gritty attitude once again. [KH_ADWORDS type="2" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] Their defensive work has improved, Phurba Lachenpa is more secure in goal, while their excellent foreigners are chipping in nicely. The Snow Leopards are grinding out points in more consistent fashion and playing some effective counter-attacking football. While a title challenge could be out of their compass, a strong finish definitely looks to be on the cards.

Churchill Brothers- 7.0

While a managerial dilemma caused a few issues for Churchill Brothers earlier in the campaign, the Red Machines have shown a real vicious side in overpowering opponents with their muscular attack. Willis Plaza is being a menace like he always has been for them and is being supported well by Dawda Ceesay as well as breakthrough domestic stars like Vinil Poojary and Glen Martins. Israil Gurung’s also chipping in with his creative impact, making their attack among the best in the league. Indeed, they’ve scored the second-most goals despite playing fewer games than Mohun Bagan. But, lacking a quality goalkeeper has cost them on occasions, losing out on points due to frustrating errors. However, their strong home form and unrelenting attack mean they should strongly challenge for the title in the business end of the campaign.

Gokulam Kerala- 6.5

Gokulam Kerala were also heavy favourites for the I-League title after winning the Durand Cup earlier this season. However, the intensity of the I-League slowed down their charge a bit. Nevertheless, the Malabarians have made sure they’re in the hunt for the championship. The Marcus Joseph-Henry Kisekka combination is devastating opponents, while Nathaniel Garcia and Andre Ettienne are supporting them pretty well. Their well-balanced domestic core is performing quite well, with Sebastian Thangmuansang, Mohammed Irshad, Salman Kaliyath and Shibil Muhammed functioning efficiently. [KH_ADWORDS type="1" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] Gokulam have the momentum to go all the way, but Fernando Tavares must improve his side’s concentration and confidence levels in order to find the consistency needed.

TRAU FC- 7.5

When TRAU FC lost their first three matches in a row, it felt like they were destined to embark on the predictable path of a newly-promoted side, harrowing in the bottom places. But, after two draws, last season’s I-League 2nd Division champions hit back hard. With four consecutive wins, they now sit in third place after languishing at the very bottom in December. Managerial problems haven’t kept down the revitalized players, who’ve shown some delightful attacking football this season. Premjit Singh and Krishnananda Singh have been the picks of the lot, being menacing figures on the wings, aiding TRAU’s creative, fast-paced style. Princewill Emeke has also found his footing in the big leagues, while their defensive structure’s been solid after the initial troubles. As long as internal issues don’t ravage the players’ confidence, TRAU’s fearless young side should keep popping up with surprises as the season wears on.

Punjab FC- 7.5

A new name hasn’t changed the never-say-die spirit of Punjab FC, who’ve bitten back their doubters after having a problematic campaign last time around. Smart recruitment has definitely aided the former champions, who are yet to lose a game after their first outing against Churchill Brothers. They’ve since kept improving with each match, becoming a hard nut to crack defensively. This has been largely thanks to their solid shape and impressive centre-backs Teah Dennis, Danilo and veteran Anwar Ali. Fortunately, their attacking recruitment has also worked like a charm, with Aser Pierrick Dipanda Dicka picking out winners left, right and centre. Sergio Barbosa’s brought that Brazilian magic to add unpredictability, while Sanju Pradhan’s heavily influenced their renaissance. [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News | Article Continues Below"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS] With youngsters Makan Winkle Chothe and Thoiba Singh amplifying that spark, they’ve played some effective counter-attacking football and been solid from set-pieces.

Mohun Bagan- 8.0

Murmurs of “Kibu Go Back” echoed around the Kalyani Stadium when Mohun Bagan lost their first home match this season to Churchill Brothers. Well, that seems to have galvanized the Mariners, who have gone from strength to strength snce. Having won seven out of their last eight games, they now sit comfortably at the top of the table. Their new signings have revolutionized the side’s attitude and playing style. Joseba Beitia is pulling the strings with his innovative techniques, Fran Gonzalez has ushered in a warrior mentality with his uncompromising attitude and has even scored goals to reinvigorate the troops. Papa Babacar Diawara is the clinical striker Salva Chamorro could never be and Nongdamba Naorem is like a mini dynamite in Vicuna’s fluid style. The Mariners are playing an attractive, winning brand of football, with each and every player marking their contribution to the collective. As long as they don't crumble under the late pressure, a second I-League should be on its way before they move into the Indian Super League next season.