#1 There is nothing wrong in being defensively sound
As we mentioned in yesterday’s “5 things”, the team who makes the fewest mistakes at the back this season will have a very good chance of winning this season’s ISL. Step forward Steve Coppell’s Jamshedpur FC. They don’t really do conceding, having let in one single goal in the opening six matches – a 1-0 defeat to FC Pune City. Granted, they have only scored twice but they are the only team in the ISL that you look at and think, “they will be tough to beat today”. Every other side, even FC Goa with their 18 strikes in 5, look like they could get beaten by making a couple of defensive howlers at any point. Steve Coppell’s men might sit 6th with 9 points but they are right in the playoff hunt.
#2 Bengaluru FC need to react quickly to their first ever home defeat double
Bengaluru FC, formed in 2014, have never lost back-to-back home matches. They still sit second at the time of writing, after their 1-0 defeat to Jamshedpur yesterday but will need to regain their form quickly. Bengaluru FC did create enough chances to win yesterday, but if you don’t take them you don’t win football matches.
#3 Coppell may be considered defensive but it was an attacking change that won the game
Firstly, Steve Coppell does not care if you call him defensive. Secondly, it was an attacking substitution that won him the game. Bringing on Sameegh Doutie in the last ten minutes made perfect sense as Bengaluru were clearly tiring. The South African winger was able to run at their back line and force the silly foul that won Jamshedpur the penalty.
