![]() ![]() They've taken the losses of Juanan and Ashish Rai in their stride and are playing the same kind of quality football that saw them win the whole shebang last time out. In their second match, they simply blew NorthEast United away. The defending champions suffered a late wobble against Mumbai City in their opener, but still dominated large portions of the 3-3 draw. Whether Constantine can unlock all that will make for one of the most fascinating subplots of the season. There's something in this squad, unlike the last two times: fight, goals, wins, proper quality. In the second half of their second game, vs Goa, they looked sharp in attack. In the first half of their first match, vs the Blasters, they looked defensively okay. There have been glimpses, though, that Stephen Constantine could have what it takes to ensure the other recent norms - a poorer middle and a worse end - aren't repeated. The inexplicability of that statement sums up what has now become the norm for the great Kolkata club - a poor, poor start. Stephen Constantine started Sumeet Passi as right winger and then a right back in East Bengal's opening two matches. Shibu P/Focus Sports/ ISL Oh, East Bengal ![]() ATL Mohun Bagan's Joni Kauko celebrates after scoring against Kerala Blasters. With so much going on off the field - Mohun Bagan fans wanting the 'ATK' bit completely dropped from the name of the club, the management calling it a 'merger' (the club themselves put in quotes), and the resulting unrest in India's oldest fandom - this win should do Ferrando's men a world of good. They were fast on the break, smooth in their passing, and wonderfully unselfish in the final third. ![]() The naivety of the Blasters' defending played into their hands, and Dimi Petratos scored his hat trick from what felt like a sum total of six yards out, but those goals still needed scoring. After all that, a five goal riot was just what the doctor ordered. They then lost their first game, at home, against Chennaiyin - a match in which they dominated most of the stats (possession, shots, xG, the like) but still looked dull and. ![]() That Blasters match? Juan Ferrando had needed that.ĪTK Mohun Bagan had had a rather terrible pre-season: a Durand Cup group stage exit and a humbling in the AFC Cup. ATK Mohun Bagan's wild opening ride, just in reverse It was a sobering end to what had looked like a cracking ten-day long party and Vukomanovic will hope the wakeup call has come at the right time. Even as the Blasters created (and missed) chances at the other end, the absurd naivety of their defending was hard viewing for the capacity crowd. Over the next hour, Bagan ripped through the Blasters' backline with absurd ease as they scored five of the simplest-looking goals you'll ever see. ![]()
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