Indian Super League 2020-21: Five things we learned in Gameweek 10

The top four teams in the table remain the same after an action-packed round of games. 

Another decisive week full of Indian Super League (ISL) action, as the league gradually enters its business end. The week began with ATK Mohun Bagan holding their nerves and coming out with a win against a resilient NorthEast United side. On the other hand, Hyderabad FC found their mojo with a dominating win over Chennaiyin FC, deflating their spirits in the process.

Meanwhile, Mumbai City maintained their form with a comfortable win over Bengaluru FC, as Carles Cuadrat parted ways with the Blues. While SC East Bengal came up with a shocking draw against FC Goa, Odisha FC registered their first win against Kerala Blasters. 

Here are the highlights from ISL Gameweek 10:

5. Low block the way to restrict ATK Mohun Bagan's potency?

ATK Mohun Bagan have been in fine form of late, as they won 2-0 against NorthEast United and are in second place, well within range to hunt down Mumbai City for the top spot. Antonio Habas' men have maintained a pragmatic approach in games this season. While their game might not be visually very appealing, they have managed to grind out results at the end of the day. However, the Mariners have not looked comfortable while playing against teams who employ a low block and do not allow much space for the forwards to work in. 

The Highlanders restricted the likes of Roy Krishna, David Williams and others for large parts of the game, but two set-pieces changed the scenario for ATKMB. The same was seen when they played Bengaluru FC, another match they won without creating many chances.

The Mariners even struggled against Odisha FC early on in the season, as they maintained a low block and allowed them to have possession. The problem mainly has been with Edu Garcia's form, as he has not been able to make those penetrations through the middle and create space for his fellow attackers. Javi Hernandez's unavailability, too, has created some problems for Habas. 

4. Demons of the past come back to haunt Chennaiyin FC?

Chennaiyin FC have been through a lot in the last couple of seasons. Currently in eighth position, they only have themselves to blame. Under experienced Romanian tactician Csaba Laszlo, though the team have played some great football, they have not managed to capitalize on chances. Hence, they have been one of the most inconsistent sides in the league. 

While Laszlo brought his own philosophy and style of play, the Chennaiyin management could have simply stayed with Owen Coyle to have continuity. With a strong squad which should be competing for the title, the Marina Machans are not even in the top half of the table. 

Coming to the lack of goals this season, Chennaiyin FC lost the top scorer from last campaign, Nerijus Valskis who followed Coyle to Jamshedpur FC. The Lithuanian marksman had scored 15 goals and delivered six assists last term, something which the Marina Machans have not been able to replicate this season. Also, with Andre Schembri retiring after last season, they lost another crucial member of the squad who has not been replaced well. 

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3. Carles Cuadrat's sacking timed right by Bengaluru FC?

The biggest news of this week has to be the sacking of Carles Cuadrat after Bengaluru FC lost 1-3 to Mumbai City. The Blues were going through a rough patch, as they suffered three back-to-back losses. They had a very drab performance against the table-toppers and while Cuadrat's pragmatism is well-criticised among some football purists, this performance was the last nail in the coffin for the Spaniard. Honestly, not many people saw this coming, despite the soulless performances from Bengaluru FC, as they were still pretty much in the mix to make it to the playoffs. 

However, now with Naushad Moosa taking over as interim head coach with immediate effect, it will be interesting to see how the Indian tactician manages to perform under the weight of expectations. The management have shown trust in Moosa, who is one of the pioneers behind their shrewd youth development. 

With the playoffs still in sight, it is a huge task from Moosa to deliver. He will look to prove himself on the big stage. Who knows, this may open up avenues for Indian tacticians to lead teams in the ISL in future.

2. SC East Bengal show green shoots of recovery

After the saga of joining the league late was followed by a series of dreadful performances, Robbie Fowler's men have finally started showing signs of improvement. The Red and Gold are now unbeaten in four matches. Moreover, with Bright Enobakhare joining, the team look charged up and have found their lost zeal. 

Along with the Nigerian forward, Fowler brought in Indian defenders like Raju Gaikwad and Ankit Mukherjee and both of them have also had their part to play in the last couple of matches. The last few matches have acted as a glimpse of what the team can produce, if the Englishman is given time and the right players.

Although there are still plenty of issues with the defensive organization and even in the defensive midfield position, the attack looks sorted with Enobakhare's arrival and in this short time, he looks like a player who can slot in alongside the likes of Anthony Pilkington and Jacques Maghoma. 

1. Should Kerala Blasters stick or twist with Kibu Vicuna?

Kerala Blasters have hit a new low after losing 2-4 to Odisha FC. Kibu Vicuna went back to the all-Indian backline which helped him get a clean-sheet against Hyderabad FC. But, unlike the other day, the back four had little to no cohesion among themselves. There was acres of space between the two centre-backs, Sandeep Singh, Abdul Hakku and Diego Mauricio simply feasted on that with some vicious counter-attacks. After all these matches, it feels like Vicuna himself is not sure about his starting combination, as he keeps on trying new things, which has not helped the players develop an understanding among themselves. 

Starting from the defence to chance creation to even goalscoring, the Blasters have issues all over the pitch. At least with Jordan Murray's introduction into the starting XI, they have had some inspiration in the final third. However, the management needs to take a decision sooner rather than later on Vicuna's future. While he has not looked like the most sought-after coach in the league and his team has crumbled under pressure, there is still a factor of continuity which is something very lacking at Kerala Blasters. There is a scope for giving Vicuna more time, but if performances like these are repeated, he may very well be shown the door.