Indian Super League 2020-21: Five things we learned in Gameweek 8

The action-packed gameweek saw several surprising results in the league.

The Indian Super League (ISL) action is heating up, as the previous week saw plenty of drama ahead of and after Christmas. Antonio Habas came up with a tactical genius to cripple Bengaluru FC and kept his team’s forward charge intact. Meanwhile, Odisha FC and NorthEast United shared the spoils. It was a similar outcome in SC East Bengal's clash against Chennaiyin FC, as the Marina Machans missed their shooting boots on the night. 

Jamshedpur FC missed the chance to sneak into the top four, as they were beaten by a late winner from FC Goa, while Kerala Blasters registered their first win this season against Hyderabad FC. 

Let us look at the top five things we learned from ISL Gameweek 8:

5. Do ATK Mohun Bagan have the most complete attack in the ISL?

In the first seven matches, Antonio Habas has shown multiple facets of this ATK Mohun Bagan side, which comes out with a different plan against every opponent. Against Bengaluru FC, the fluidity in the attack was very evident, as we saw David Williams getting back in shape with a stunning match-winner. 

The Australian forward was one of the most important players for ATK last season and his camaraderie with Roy Krishna gives the Mariners a whole new dimension. With this deadly duo, a jubilant Manvir Singh has only added more dynamism to the mix. The players in attack looked like they compliment each other, something which makes them stand out from the rest in the ISL. 

4. Sloppy moments could cost NorthEast United in playoffs race

NorthEast United had a surprising start to the season and were unbeaten for the first six matches until they went down to Jamshedpur FC. While a lot of people expected them to get back to winning ways against wooden spooners Odisha FC, that was not the case as the Highlanders could only manage a draw. The compact defence which has been the highlight of Gerard Nus' side till now was missing on the night and one of the major reasons was the absence of Khassa Camara in the starting XI. 

The Highlanders did not have control and composure in the middle of the park and hence, the tempo was controlled by Odisha. The NorthEast defence got exposed multiple times in the first half, which led to the goal scored by Diego Mauricio. NEUFC have not only been sloppy at the back but also in attack. The foreign forwards in Idrissa Sylla and Kwesi Appiah have missed chances, starting from penalties to tap-ins. So, if that does not change, it will be difficult for Nus and his men to keep up in the playoffs battle with other teams gathering momentum. 

3. Have Jamshedpur FC suffered the most from poor refereeing this season? 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrO9WfOG0yo

It was clear from Owen Coyle's post-match press conference after their loss against FC Goa that he was distraught with the officiating in the Indian Super League this season. In all fairness, it has been hard on him and the players who have seen several bizarre decisions go against them. In the game against Goa, Nerijus Valskis played Alex Lima through on goal as the Brazilian's shot struck the bar and crept in before bouncing out. It was a clear goal, which the linesman and the referee missed. But, what followed was even more heartbreaking for the Men of Steel, as Igor Angulo headed home a last-gasp winner from an Edu Bedia corner to claim all three points. 

It is not the first time this season that Jamshedpur have been deprived of a legitimate goal. In the match against Hyderabad FC, Peter Hartley's header from a set-piece ricocheted off Aridane Santana before going past custodian Laxmikant Kattimani. It was a clear goal, but the referee for some bizarre reason saw a handball and chopped it off. Jamshedpur FC came back to equalize late in the game, but had that goal stood, who knows, the match could have had a different result. 

Apart from these incidents, there have been numerous calls which have gone against Owen Coyle's men. So, it can be said that the Men of Steel have borne the brunt of very ordinary officiating this season, more than any other team in the league. 

2. Were SC East Bengal really built for the I-League?

https://youtu.be/pdehOe0Nfh4

SC East Bengal were the latest side to join the ISL this season and for obvious reasons, they did not have the luxury to choose the cream of Indian players. Most of them were contracted for the long-term with other teams and therefore the Red and Gold tried to build a team which they thought would be good enough to be competitive in the ISL. Expectations were low as it was a new setup with a new coach and foreign players. But honestly, even the fans never thought that they would be languishing in the bottom two positions, trailing in every game and winless after seven matches. 

The Indian players have been put to the sword for their horrendous performances, as a horde of them have been released by the club on loan to I-League teams. During the summer, the Red and Gold went with veterans who have prior experience of winning trophies like Balwant Singh, Jeje Lalpekhlua and Eugeneson Lyngdoh. However, they completely ignored the fact that two of them were coming from long-term injuries and aren't getting any younger. 

A lot of players who have done well in the I-League have not yet got a fair shot this season. Players who have been with the club for a long time and have done relatively well like Samad Ali Mallick, Brandon Vanlalremdika were not even given an opportunity. Moreover, a proven Indian Super League player like Gurtej Singh has been loaned to Mohammedan SC and Milan Singh, who was one of the most consistent players in Eelco Schattorie's NorthEast United side is yet to get a start. The Indian players have not been at their best, but a little backing could have done wonders for the team. 

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1. Kerala Blasters paper over cracks with win over Hyderabad FC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fN_D9aHhWGE

It will be a huge relief for Kerala Blasters and head coach Kibu Vicuna to get the win against Hyderabad FC. The Spanish coach went through a lot in the last week on the personal front as well. However, in this match, Vicuna and Co. showed character and courage as they decided to bench the underperforming foreigners and replaced them with a few Indian players. 

While the scoreline would not suggest so, Hyderabad were just like in any other game, looking to attack with their pacy wingers and Aridane Santana being their focal point in attack. The Nizams created a ton of chances as the forwards kept fluffing their lines. The pores in the Blasters’ defence were very evident, as it was a new-look backline and the understanding between the players was all over the place. Yet, they brought home a clean-sheet and a solid 2-0. However, on any other day, they could have conceded a few, something that will be a major cause of concern for Vicuna in the coming games.