Roy Krishna, Manvir Singh seal the deal for ATK Mohun Bagan in the historic Kolkata-derby

By
Sayantan Sengupta
-
0
PC : The Week

Goa: ATK Mohun Bagan beat SC East Bengal FC two goals to nil in the first-ever Kolkata-derby of the Indian Super League. Goals scored by Roy Krishna and Manvir Singh, sealed the deal for Antonio Lopez Habas’ side as he marched himself in the history books of this famous derby as a winning coach.

 
 
 
 
 
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The match started with high expectations as the two of the most historic clubs of Indian football featured for the first time in the Hero ISL. ATKMB looked threatening from the first half as their players were winning every second ball time and time again. Especially Carl McHugh and Javi Hernandez was playing silky touches in the middle of the park which was causing a problem to the East Bengal defence.

The first half ended nil-nil after very few chances being created but both the clubs, only one Javi Hernandez shot was well blocked by East Bengal’s keeper Debjit Majumder and Balwant Singh of East Bengal missed a clear opportunity in the first half. The second sparked straight to life as ATKMB’S Fijian talisman marked his mark in this historic fixture. Roy Krishna broke the deadlock at the 49th-minute mark of the match and created history with a debut goal in the historic Kolkata-derby.

Then the match was going on a sweet pace as both the team was attacking for goals. East Bengal’s Anthony Pilkington who has been their standout performer took a shot from outside which was very well saved by Arindam Bhattacharya under ATKMB goal. The killer blow from ATK Mohun Bagan came at the 84th minute mark after Manvir Singh scored a solo goal to seal the contest in favour of ATKMB on this historic encounter. A match that has been carrying so much history ends in the favour of a club who just fearless enough throughout 90 mins. Joy for the millions of ATK Mohun Bagan fans out their as they beat their arch-rivals on this historic encounter.

ATKMB has been solid. They have played a well-oiled machine. We must say how much Antonio Lopez Habas has influenced the side by his tactics and coaching style. Players like Subhashis Bose who generally plays as a center-back have been used so well as a winger. His tactical brilliance came with the introduction of Manvir Singh in place of David Williams who looked a bit out of shape. But must say this man Habas has got some real firepower as a coach. Risks that he took has can out strong for them.

Mohun Bagan as a side looks pretty strong after their two opening fixture. They love the counter-attacking game with the likes of Krishna and Williams in front, these two have a telepathic connection between them. Manvir has been the best signing of the season for ATKMB. He made his mark against Kerala Blasters FC and did the same against East Bengal on Friday.

Certainly, Krishna was their main man but the performance this young lad has put on has been superb to say at least. Habas is a brave man so as his players on the pitch. Joy for ATKMB. The win which they deserved.

Robbie Fowler’s side lacked a proper no. 9. They have someone like Pilkington and Jacques Maghoma but they were not getting enough support in front to help their side to score and win matches. Certainly Balwant Singh looked out of shape as he missed an easy opportunity in the first half.

Hope that Jeje Lalpekhlua will be fit and should be starting for the East Bengal from the next match because they need poachers like Krishna to win games, or else it will be a difficult first season for the 100 year old club. It was just the first match hope they come back strongly from their second game.

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