Bengaluru can always count on Miku
Despite the result, it wasn't the efficient and attacking Bengaluru FC that we are used to watching, against Chennaiyin FC on Sunday. The slow build-up from the back was often jeopardised by wayward passes and weak decision-making and so clear-cut chances were rare.
RELATED| Miku screamer helps Bengaluru exact revenge
But when it did create a chance, completely against the run of play and courtesy a superb interception and through ball from Xisco Hernandez, Miku did not disappoint. The Venezuelan striker blasted it into the top corner, past a goalkeeper who was never going to get there. Miku, who was its top-scorer in the ISL last season, has been prolific for Bengaluru and continues to show why he's dangerous.
Chennaiyin's defencive woes
Chennaiyin's defence was considered the side's prowess last season. However on Sunday, the defensive quartet Inigo Calderon, Mailson Alves, Eli Sabia and Jerry Lalrinzuala were all over the place.
RELATED| BFC vs CFC: As it happened
From mistimed passes to poor man marking, Chennaiyin's defence just didn't click on the evening and was lucky to have not conceded more than the lone goal.
Chhetri has an atypical start to season
Bengaluru FC captain Sunil Chhetri rarely has a game where he's not involved in either creating chances or scoring them. But on Sunday, Chhetri looked off-colour, barely getting into the game and when he did get a glorious opportunity to double Bengaluru's lead in the second half, he uncharacteristically squandered it.
The Indian skipper was Bengaluru's top-scorer last season with 24 goals and even at the age of 34, he is its most important player. It might just be the first-match troubles, but Chhetri has got to get back to his best if Bengaluru wants to repeat last year's dominance in the league.
Jeje fails to fire
Chennaiyin striker Jeje Lalpekhlua had an evening to forget. The 'Mizo Sniper' had two excellent chances to find the back of the net but he failed to get the ball off his feet on both instances.
RELATED| Bengaluru FC vs Chennaiyin FC: The fan battle
His best chance came as early as the 19th minute when Gregory Nelson played him through on goal and Jeje only had the keeper to beat. He even had support in the box from Germanpreet Singh but he neither got the shot off nor managed to play the pass and the chance went begging.
Jeje had his second real chance when he intercepted a back pass and was one on one against Gurpreet Singh but, yet again, was let down by his footwork.
Comments
SHARE