Sunday’s clash between Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC was the final game of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) before the first international break of the 2018-19 campaign. Over the course of the past nine days, we have witnessed some breathtaking action with familiar stars finding their feet and new prodigies making it count on the grand stage.

If the first round of fixtures is anything to go by, then we are in for an exhilarating fight to the finish. As it stands, five teams are on four points with only former champions ATK and Chennaiyin FC failing to register a single point yet. Here are the results from the week gone by and some of the key talking points.

MATCH 1: ATK 0-2 KERALA BLASTERS FC (MATCH REPORT)

MATCH 2: BENGALURU FC 1-0 CHENNAIYIN FC (MATCH REPORT)

MATCH 3: NORTHEAST UNITED FC 2-2 FC GOA (MATCH REPORT)

MATCH 4: MUMBAI CITY FC 0-2 JAMSHEDPUR FC (MATCH REPORT)

MATCH 5: DELHI DYNAMOS FC 1-1 FC PUNE CITY (MATCH REPORT)

MATCH 6: ATK 0-1 NORTHEAST UNITED FC (MATCH REPORT)

MATCH 7: KERALA BLASTERS FC 1-1 MUMBAI CITY FC (MATCH REPORT)

MATCH 8: CHENNAIYIN FC 1-3 FC GOA (MATCH REPORT)

MATCH 9: BENGALURU FC 2-2 JAMSHEDPUR FC (MATCH REPORT)

Nightmare start for the champions

Coming into the campaign, former champions ATK and reigning champions Chennaiyin were hot favorites to take the league by storm. Chennaiyin retained the spine of the squad, which proved pivotal during their title triumph in March, while ATK bolstered their ranks with a host of high-profile signings during the summer transfer window. However, the pair have endured a poor start to the season, losing both their games. ATK, under new head coach Steve Coppell, looked toothless in attack against Kerala Blasters and NorthEast. Despite the plethora of attacking talent, the Kolkata giants have failed to even score a goal yet.

John Gregory’s men can consider themselves unfortunate not to gain a point from their opening match against Bengaluru, but they were well beaten at home by Goa. The Marina Machans looked disorganized at the back and purposeless going forward. However, it is still early days and both sides will have plenty of time to turn things around when the league resumes.

Late goals grab headlines

The first week of fixtures has provided us with plenty of edge of the seat drama. Of the nine matches played, a total of 11 goals have been scored in the final quarter of contests. Coaches will have to be wary of holding slender advantages, given the quality of opposition on display. Sunday’s match between Bengaluru and Jamshedpur witnessed three goals in the final 10 minutes of the game – a prime indicator that teams are not willing to throw away results until the final whistle.

Usual suspects steal the limelight

After winning the golden boot in the 2017-18 campaign, much was expected of Spaniard Ferran Corominas. So far, the forward has lived up to his billing, topping the goalscoring charts with three goals in two games. Goa’s star forward has wasted no time in adding to his already impressive tally in the league and looks set to break more records this season. Similarly, Bengaluru’s deadly duo of Sunil Chhetri and Miku have hit the ground running. Miku, who was the Blues’ top scorer last season with 15 goals, netted the all-important winning goal in the tie against Chennaiyin while Chhetri managed to get himself on the scoresheet against Jamshedpur.

In defence, Lucian Goian and Tiri have been pillars of strength for their respective sides. Goian has been one of the league’s most consistent performers and the Romanian centre-back showed his mettle and resolve yet again for Mumbai in their first two games.

After Andre Bikey’s departure from Jamshedpur during the summer, questions were raised about the team’s ability to maintain their lofty defensive standards. However, Tiri has got what it takes to single-handedly marshal the backline. The Spaniard put in a truly warrior like performance against Mumbai City, thwarting everything the Islanders threw at him.

Colts’ claim to fame

The first nine matches of the Hero ISL have seen a number of the country’s brightest young talents play fearlessly and deliver exceptional performances. Dheeraj Singh and Sahal Abdul Samad have impressed for Kerala Blasters with their maturity and tenacity under pressure. Pranjal Bhumij also stepped up to the plate for the Islanders when it mattered the most by scoring a stunning 30-yard drive to snatch a point against Kerala.

On Sunday, Bengaluru’s Nishu Kumar scored his first goal in the Hero ISL, executing a brilliant half-volley to open the scoring for the Blues against Jamshedpur. The 20-year-old was also awarded the Hero of the Match for his valiant displays at the back.  These performances suggest that the future of Indian football is heading in the right direction.

Click here to view all the results from the past week in the league.

Related tags:

Kerala Blasters FCJamshedpur FCBengaluru FCFC GoaMumbai City FCNorthEast United FCChennaiyin FC 2018-2019