From Maximiliano Barreiro's winning penalty to impressive performances by Hyderabad's Mohammed Yasir, Abhishek Halder and Gurtej Singh and Marcelinho, here are the major talking points from the Hyderabad FC vs NorthEast United FC Indian Super League (ISL) 2019-20 clash:
Tale of two halves
The first half belonged to Hyderabad FC and the second to NorthEast United. In the opening half, the host had a total of seven shots, with three of them being on target. The latter had no shots. Hyderabad was wasteful with its opportunities and the players looked too keen to make the 'keeper, Subhasish Roy, work from distance.
But the story was completely different in the second half. NorthEast started positively in the second half and put the opposition 'keeper to work instantly. Redeem Tlang's shot in the first minute on resumption was parried away for a corner, while Panagiotis Triadis' clever flick was saved.
Gyan had to be subbed off, but the team didn't allow the intensity to drop. This eventually resulted into the winning goal coming under tough circumstances.
Super-sub Barreiro's goal proving to be the difference
Things went from bad to worse for NorthEast United when its mainstay striker Asamoah Gyan pulled up five minutes into the second half. After a poor first half, where NorthEast United had no attempts on goal, the visitor was in desperate need of a new source of inspiration. Someone who had the finishing touch on the night.
S. Shankar's howler in the defence handed NorthEast a penalty, a late opening in the game and that's when substitute Maximiliano Barreiro stepped up. Under immense pressure, he calmly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner of goal, sending Hyderabad's goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh the wrong way.
NorthEast's other striker, Martin Chaves, only had one shot and created just one chance. Redeem also had an average outing and after Gyan's departure, the onus was on Barreiro and he delivered.
Young guns of Hyderabad put in excellent shifts
Mohammed Yasir, Rohit Kumar, Abhishek Halder and Gani Ahmed were impressive throughout the game. Yasir, with this swift feet, gelled extremely well with Abhishek Halder. The two created numerous chances for the likes of Gani and Marcelinho in the centre.
Midfielder Rohit Kumar also played his role alongside Marko Stankovic to his utmost potential. His pinpoint passes to Marcelinho and Yasir in the left often left NorthEast defenders behind.
What eventually cost the host was poor finishing and eagerness to get shots on goal. Had it been more patient in front of goal, the story would have been different.
Gyan's injury scare of NorthEast
NorthEast United players will keep their fingers crossed and hope for the best after Gyan pulled up short in 46th minute of the match. The team's star striker seemed to have hurt his groin. Gyan went down straightaway and four minutes later, he was taken off for Panagiotis Triadis.
The Ghanaian striker has played an pivotal role in helping NorthEast make a positive start to the season. He has scored two important goals so far and is the joint top-scorer of the team with Redeem.
Comments
SHARE