I-league Team of the Round 13

Aizawl reclaimed top spot as both the Kolkata clubs dropped points...

There have been a lot of refreshing changes in the recently-concluded 13th round of I-league. Khalid Jamil’s Aizawl FC have overtaken East Bengal to sit at the top of the table. After a busy schedule last weekend, the round of games on Tuesday and Wednesday were expected to be a little off-color but this wasn’t the case on the pitch.

Churchill Brothers started the round netting big fish East Bengal FC 2-1 away. Anthony Wolfe, Ansumana Kromah and Brandon Fernandes took most of the attacking responsibilities and Adil Khan was the main roadblock for the Red and-Gold in the CB backline. Goalkeeper Naveen Kumar, too, made a few astonishing saves.

Khel Now chooses the I-league Team of the Week after I-league Round 13

In the next two games, Shillong Lajong traveled to league debutants Minerva Punjab FC and faced them in the late game. Playing in parallel were prospective league leaders Aizawl FC away at Pune against DSK Shivajians. Both the games saw a lot of clear chances being made and some exciting attacking display was clear on the pitch. Shillong Lajong won the game 2-1 courtesy goals from Samuel Lalmuanpuia and Brazilian recruit Fabio Pena.

Aizawl, meanwhile, were dominated by Dave Rogers’ managed DSK Shivajians but won with a solitary goal from R Laldanmawia. This took the northeast club back to the top of the league table.

On Wednesday, Mohun Bagan got a major scare against Yellow Submarines Mumbai FC at home as the Santosh Kashyap-led team took a lead of 2-1 after Pritam Kotal had given them the lead. Balwant Singh salvaged a point for the club which has played two games less due to AFC Cup Qualifiers.

In the last game of the round, Chennai City FC drew a point against the floundering Bengaluru FC, who created loads of chances in the first half but were pulled back by poor finishing. The game turned on its head as John Johnson headed in an own goal only to be leveled by Daniel Lalhlimpuia in the 56th minute.

Looking at an overview, Aizawl FC are finally where they deserve to be – at the top of the table. The side has defended in a much-disciplined manner and have taken their chances attacking-wise. East Bengal and Mohun Bagan complete the top three, followed by Shillong Lajong FC and Bengaluru FC. Churchill Brothers are having a revival of sorts with three victories in the last three games against DSK Shivajians, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal FC.

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The last quartet comprises of DSK Shivajians and Minerva Punjab FC, who’re at the 6th and 7th spot with 11 points. Chennai City FC sit on 9th, just over Mumbai FC, who’re at the last spot with 10 points in 13 games.