Gameweek 11 Wrap: Mumbai City strengthen position at the top of the standings; SC East Bengal continue resurgence
Gameweek 11 of Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2020-21 witnessed thrilling encounters, quite a few goals, some hard-earned victories and adrenaline pumping action.
Gameweek 11 of Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2020-21 witnessed thrilling encounters, quite a few goals, some hard-earned victories and adrenaline pumping action. Like the previous gameweek, Hyderabad FC were one of the biggest entertainers and Jamshedpur FC and Kerala Blasters FC were also involved in an exhilarating encounter. Mumbai City also strengthen their stranglehold at the top of the league summit and here we have a look at the highlights from gameweek 11 of Hero ISL 2020-21.
Hyderabad FC’s goal rush
After scoring four against Chennaiyin in the previous gameweek, Hyderabad registered a 4-2 win over NorthEast United FC in the first match of gameweek 11. Manuel Marquez’s men were at their explosive best in attack and took a two-goal lead in first half with strikes from Aridane Santana and Joel Chianese. The Highlanders hit back with two goals to make it all square at the break but super-sub Liston Colaco scored a late brace for Hyderabad to secure back-to-back wins which saw them net four times each in both encounters.
SC East Bengal continue their revival
SC East Bengal seem to be finding their feet after a slow start to their campaign following a 1-0 win over Bengaluru FC. The Kolkata club are now unbeaten in their last five games after Matti Steinmann netted the winner against the Blues. Their new-look attack featuring Bright Enobakhare has been integral to their resurgence and the win over Bengaluru also saw them register a clean sheet. With half of the league stage still to play, SC East Bengal will be hoping to continue their rise in the standings and build on the momentum that they have gained over the past few weeks.
Chennaiyin’s winless run continues
The Marina Machans’ winless run in Hero ISL 2020-21 is now at four games following a goalless draw against Odisha FC. Chennaiyin are the lowest scorers this season having found the back of the net just eight times so far. They need to start capitalizing on their chances soon if they are hoping for a change in fortunes. However, they will need to turn things around without their playmaker Rafael Crivellaro, who has been ruled out of the season due to an injury. Manuel Lanzarote has been roped in as the Brazilian’s replacement and the Marina Machans will be hoping that the Spaniard who has Hero ISL experience can help them climb the standings.
Kerala show their strength of character
Perhaps the most thrilling contest of the past gameweek was Kerala’s clash against Jamshedpur. The Blasters won the match 3-2 in dramatic fashion and demonstrated tremendous character while doing so. Kerala took the lead through a Costa Nhamoinesu header but a Nerijus Valskis freekick ensured that the score was level at halftime. The second half witnessed Kerala reduced to 10 men after Lalruatthara was sent off by the referee. However, the Blasters rallied against the odds to score twice through Jordan Murray and even though Valskis pulled one back for Jamshedpur, it wasn’t enough to deny Kibu Vicuna’s men maximum points.
Mumbai City strengthen position at the top
Mumbai City extended their unbeaten run in Hero ISL 2020-21 to nine matches after edging ATK Mohun Bagan 1-0 on Monday night. The Islanders dominated the first half without creating too much in terms of chances and the Mariners struck the post in the second half. However, in the end it was a sensational finish by Bartholomew Ogbeche in the 69th minute that proved to be the difference between the teams. The win opened up a five-point gap for Mumbai City at the top of the league standings.
NorthEast United FC 2-4 Hyderabad FC
Bengaluru FC 0-1 SC East Bengal
