Recap
SC East Bengal Vs ATKMB – Match Report:
এক ঝলকে দেখে নিন ইস্টবেঙ্গলের প্রথম ম্যাচের পারফরম্যান্স–
SC East Bengal Vs ATKMB, What was the most anticipated match of the Hero ISL ended in favour of ATK MB against city rival SC East Bengal. The match was quite contested but the defending champions ultimately emerged victorious thanks to the tactical brilliance of their coach Mr Habas and the quality of their players.
First Half:
SC East Bengal started the match well despite having very less time to assemble a team and prepare. They started in 4-2-3-1 formation which shifted to 3-4-3 on possession. ATKMB started with their customary 3-5-2 formation. They allowed SCEB space in the midfield to play their passes but closed down as soon as they entered the attacking third. The combination of their defensive unit was remarkable and they did not allow any opening to their opponents. As a result East Bengal had enjoyed a lot of possession but nothing much came out of it.
On the other hand ATK MB was controlling the pace of the game very well by virtue of their midfield pair of McHugh and Javi. They were combining very well with Jayesh Rane and PrabirDas to create overloads in the right flank or sometimes joining the attacking pair of Krishna and Williams. Williams as usual was roaming around helping to create space and passing options.
East Bengal attacks were mostly initiated through their midfield pivot Steinmann who looked quite impressive. He sprayed passes from the back for the attackers. Pilkington was also having a very good game with little touches and runs but the lack of a finisher was evident. Balwant was a shadow of his former self and he struggled to find space .He also miffed two gilt-edged chances both side of the breather.
Second Half:
In the second half ATK MB pressed quickly and got the goal. It was result of collective mistakes from SC East Bengal defense and brilliance of Roy Krishna. Jayesh was allowed to receive and turn by Loken Meitei. He had ample time to pass it to Javi who was mostly unmarked as the EB defense was converging on Jayesh. Javi passed to Krishna who coolly finished with a grounder. Debjit was unsighted and reacted late. Scott Neville did not close Krishna down quickly enough and must share blame for the goal.
After the goal Habas brought Pranay and closed the midfield down and brought Manvir to get some physical presence. Robbie Fowler introduced Rafique in place of out of form Balwant to add some fire power upfront. It did not help much to the cause of his team as Manvir collected a ball from a counter and made a brilliant solo run to finish in the top corner living Debjit helpless. How he was allowed so much space is something to ponder upon.
Conclusion:
In conclusion we can say that ATKMB was tactically the better team and the scoreboard reflected that. SC East Bengal can take a lot of heart from the fact that in spite of having so less time they looked really good in spells. But to make those spells productive the players have to work very hard. Some unexpected names in the first eleven really impressed a lot like Surchandra and Loken. Among the foreigners Pilkington and Steinmann looked really promising. We hope for good days ahead.
