Sony Norde and Sunil Chhetri were instrumental in getting Mumbai City FC’s first win in this year’s ISL with a 2-0 result against Delhi Dynamos. Sony’s game was as flamboyant as his fiery hairstyle, as he created two chances for Chhetri to showcase his finishing ability.
In the 13th minute, Norde attempted a stylish curling shot in, the ball flew off a defender’s trailing leg into Chhetri’s path for the latter to get within range of the bouncing ball and tap into the net to go 1-0 up. The Haiti-Indian combo added another in the second half, when Norde weaved past the defenders’ legs to the goalline before tapping the ball at the far post with his left foot. Chhetri arrived right on time to score his second goal of the day.
Nicolas Anelka’s faith in Subash Singh as a specialist striker start paid off, as the powerful Manipuri beat rivals with pace and showed courage to withstand physical challenges. He could have scored with a long-ranger after creating space for a right-footed blast but the crossbar came to Delhi Dynamos rescue.
Subhash and Chhetri were the twin strikers in the home team’s formation, supported by a four-man midfield, covered up by four defenders.
The first goal happened when Spanish midfielder Bustos intercepted an attempted pass from Robin Singh to Hans Mulder. As the Delhi defence took time to recover, Chhetri kept an eye on the ball and reacted when the opportunity presented itself.
Malouda wore the captain’s armband, manning a strong midfield with Hans Mulder, Francisco Fernandes, Sehnaj Singh and Souvik Chakrabarti.
Antonio Santana was under pressure again when Juan Aguilera and Norde teamed up. Norde beat the offside trap with a timely run into space on the right flank, trapped, turned and floated across the goal. Subhash got into position and fired wide.
Mumbai’s successful tackles in their own half and their confidence on the ball by midfielders and strikers in the rival half deprived Delhi the breathing space to set up moves, as the visitors were constantly retreating to stop waves of attacks by the blue shirts.
Roberto Carlos brought in Anwar Ali for midfielder Sehnaj to boost the defence at the break. Ghanian spearhead Gadze joined the attack, replacing Chakrabarti. Nothing could stop Norde though. Delhi suffering their second defeat of the season remain on nine points after five matches.
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