Analysis by Suparno Chakraborty
In Hero ISL 2022-23 this was the second time when East Bengal FC walked into the pitch as favourites against Jamshedpur FC and the red and golds did justice to themselves. Both teams played a 4-4-2 conventional system with aerial being the only route when it came to build up. East Bengal FC scored all their three goals from counter attacks while Jamshedpur pulled one back from a controversial penalty according to many.
In the very first minute of the game EBFC took the lead when a brilliant delivery from Naorem Mahesh Singh down the left was headed in by Suhair. The best part of Naorem’s delivery within the box was the perfect blend of inswing which resulted in a perfect delivery for Suhair who just had to nod it in. Moments later it was again Naorem’s brilliant delivery down the left flank from a counter attack which Cleiton made no mistake in tapping into the net. Although it seemed during the build up to the counter attack Sawyer was fouled on top of the EBFC box which the referee overruled probably because it was too soft. During this phase JFC came back into the game with a strong reaction as Boris and Thomas took charge of the attack and EBFC defence found it hard to contain with them. Eventually JFC earned a penalty as Lalchungnunga elbowed Sawyer within the box which seemed to be a bit harsh decision as it never seemed to be an intentional foul rather it was a natural reflex. Thomas reduced the margin for JFC from the spot kick. Both teams headed until the lemon break with EBFC leading by 2 goals to 1 against the hosts JFC.
In the second half during 57th minute it was again a brilliant defence splitting pass from Naorem Mahesh that caught the entire JFC defence off guard as Cleiton put the ball into the net squeezing in between Hartley and Pratik. Pratik could have done better during this move in order to contain with Cleiton but he had no clue that Cleiton was making the run from behind.
Jamshedpur will have to regroup and do a lot of hard work before their next game. Keeping out players like Pandita and Rittik will continue to backfire for them unless they understand the value both the guys brings into the playing 11. Although JET looked good and EBFC defence was finding it real hard to get hold of him but technically he is well past his prime rather he is now at the fag end of his illustrious career. Thomas stays in the game only when he is with the ball. The moment he loses the ball he switches off with absolutely zero pressing and chasing. Harry Sawyer also looked unfit and it seemed his only job is to head down those diagonal aerial deliverues from Hartley. Chima was off colour too. The absence of Eli Sabia and Laldinpuia will continue to cause problems for the miners defence and it lies upon the coach to find out a solution but certainly Pratik Chaudhury isn’t the solution.
For East Bengal FC it was Naorem Mahesh Singh all through. One undoubtedly say this was the best game so far for the red and golds in this season’s Hero ISL. Although there is a lot to worry about. If the scoreline suggests a superb performance by the EBFC defence then please don’t fall pray as it was complete lack of inability and creativity of the JFC upfront that made look the EBFC backline good but then also they had real problems in containing with JET and Boris. The midfielders played mostly a free game as the JFC midfield failed to press Lima and Jordan. Kamaljit Singh under the bars was shaky throughout the game. As the season is about to get into the next stage Stephen will have to do a lot of thinking to yield out results to get into the top six.
Naorem Singh won The Hero of the Match Award.
East Bengal FC (PLAYING XI)
Kamaljit Singh (GK), Ivan Gonzalez, Lalchungnunga, Sarthak Golui (C), Jerry Lalrinzuala, Jordan O’Doherty, Alex Lima, Cleiton Silva, Suhair Vadakkepeedika, Thongkhosiem Haokip, Naorem Singh.
Jamshedpur FC (PLAYING XI)
Rehenesh TP (GK), Ricky Lallawmawma, Laldinliana Renthlei, Peter Hartley (C), Pratik Chaudhari, Jitendra Singh, Sekh Sahil, Daniel Chukwu, Jay Thomas, Harry Sawyer, Boris Singh.
Picture Courtesy: East Bengal FC Twitter
