Sergio Lobera: I think we missed Brandon and Jackichand

The Spaniard conceded the home team to be the deserved winners.

ATK clinched a 2-0 win over table-topping challengers FC Goa that took them over their opponents on the day back to the summit of the ISL on goal difference. ATK won the game with goals from Pritam Kotal and Jayesh Rane. While the visitors dominated the game in almost all stats, they didn't dominate the stat that mattered the most. Their inaccuracy in front of goal would've certainly disappointed head coach Sergio Lobera and it was evident in his comments post the game. He gave an honest assessment of his side's performance by saying, "I think we played very well in the first half. But we didn’t start the second half well. After that, we had a lot of chances to score. We took a risk in the latter stages and it’s because of their counter-attacking prowess that they scored the second. I think we had all the chances, but when you have chances against big teams and don’t take it, it’s difficult to win the match." [KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] Sergio Lobera added, "It’s very important to improve in the defensive aspect. The first goal came through a set-piece The second goal is possible as we took the risk and the match was open. We only had three defenders defending it. It was possible for them to score in the counter-attack and unfortunately ATK did it." Further, Sergio Lobera spoke on implying the focus he wants to put on getting his side to defend better. After all, the Gaurs have conceded seven goals in their last four away games with only one clean sheet among them. The Spaniard praised the home team and conceded them to be the deserved winners. He said, "Yeah, I think the smaller aspects won them the game and helped them go above us in the table. The first goal changed the match. It was a mistake from us.” FC Goa were without the services of influential play-maker Brandon Fernandes and despite highlighting his importance, Sergio Lobera called upon his other players to do well in the player's absence. [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News | Article Continues Below"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS] "The problem isn’t only Brandon. The players who can play in that position is Jackichand, Brandon, Manvir and Len (Doungel). The club sold Liston before the match so I needed to work with whatever I had. It’s not easy to lose two wingers and work with it. I think today the opportunities came through the wings as space was there. I think we missed Jacki and Brandon today." FC Goa squandered the top spot to ATK with the defeat. However, will look to reclaim that spot when they next face Kerala Blasters at home next Friday. ATK who are table-toppers again will look to prolong their stay on top of the pile when they welcome NorthEast United to the Salt Lake City Stadium on 27th January.