The first derby win of the Indian Super League (ISL) goes to ATK Mohun Bagan, who smashed SC East Bengal. ATKMB cruised to a dominant 3-0 win at the Tilak Maidan, Goa. Roy Krishna, Manvir Singh and Liston Colaco were all on the scoresheet.
This victory takes ATK Mohun Bagan to the very top of the ISL 2021/22 points table. They have registered two wins from two games. Meanwhile, SC East Bengal still have not won a game. Prior to this loss, they drew their first opening match of the season versus Jamshedpur FC.
ATK Mohun Bagan 3-0 East Bengal
Star man Roy Krishna (12′) was on the scoresheet as always in each derby. Manvir Singh (14′) and Liston Colaco (23′) made sure the match was theirs just 25 minutes in. The 372nd edition of this 100-year-old rivalry saw the Mariners make it 123 wins. This brings them closer to the Red and Golds’ 129.
SC East Bengal fielded 4 recognised centre-halves. AFC Ajax academy youngster Darren Sidoel made his first start in SC East Bengal colors with Daniel Chima dropped to the bench. ATK Gaffer Antonio Habas put out a similar lineup that crushed Kerala Blasters on opening day.
The Red & Gold Brigade looked energetic from the get go. They even troubled the Bagan backline following an early corner, oblivious to the approaching tempest.
The Mariners overloaded the right flank to smash in 2 goals within 100 or so seconds. Manvir picked out Pritam Kotal who crossed it into the area first-time. A waiting Roy Krishna was left free and the Fiji international coolly swung a right-footed volley past Arindam on the far-side. Thus, the deadlock was broken just 12 minutes in.
SC East Bengal face setback after setback
Draughtsman of goal number 1, Manvir, was quick to add a second. The Finnish Joni Kauko spotted and exploited East Bengal’s Achilles Heel – the left side of their backline. A lay off by Kauko for Manvir inside the area saw the forward slam it home, now on Arindam’s near post.
23 minutes in, Liston Colaco put the game to bed. He was eager to get in on the action and very well did. Arindam rushed out forward to collect the ball only to drop it at the feet of Liston. The winger made no mistake regathering and stepping forward before slotting home into an empty net.
Picking up a knock in the process, Arindam was taken off. Jose Manuel Diaz added Amarjit Singh Kiyam as fresh legs. East Bengal looked devoid of purpose as Bagan launched wave after wave of attack.
Desperate, the Red and Gold Brigade made all their five substitutions with over 30 minutes left. Adil Khan, Amir Dervisevic and Chima came on but the difference in class was clear.
Kauko kept pulling the strings to ATKMB’s attack, controlling play from midfield. Unfortunately, his colleagues were unable to convert to build on their lead as substitute keeper Suvam Sen stood firm.
The Mariners now sit at the top of the table, above Jamshedpur FC by 2 points. Next up, they face Mumbai City in a replay of last season’s while East Bengal will take on Odisha FC next.
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