Gameweek 17 of Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2020-21 witnessed important victories as the teams began their final push for a place in the top four. Kerala Blasters FC ended up on the losing side for a second straight gameweek after taking the lead, this time against leaders Mumbai City FC. Meanwhile, ATK Mohun Bagan stayed hot on the heels of the league leaders after beating Odisha FC 4-1. NorthEast United FC and FC Goa played out a thrilling 2-2 draw and Chennaiyin FC’s attacking woes continued in a 0-0 draw against Bengaluru FC. In the last match of the gameweek, SC East Bengal snapped their five-game winless run against Jamshedpur FC. Here, we look at some of the highlights of the gameweek gone by:

Mumbai City come back to retain top spot

The Islanders held onto their position at the top of the league table with their 10th win of the season when they beat Kerala Blasters 2-1 on Wednesday. Vicente Gomez gave the Blasters the lead in the first half but goals from Bipin Singh and Adam le Fondre in the second half secured the three points for Sergio Lobera’s men. However, the contest was a close affair, with Kibu Vicuna’s side having 10 shots on target compared to Mumbai City’s six.

NorthEast United keep the pressure on Hyderabad and FC Goa

NorthEast United took their unbeaten run to five matches when they held FC Goa to a 2-2 draw. Level on points going into the game, the Gaurs had a chance to consolidate their position on the league table and went ahead twice as well. However, Juan Ferrando’s side conceded two goals, both penalties, and the Highlanders went home with a point from the game. The draw meant that Hyderabad FC, NorthEast United and FC Goa are all level on points (22) on the league table heading into a crucial run of fixtures.

Manvir and Krishna help ATK Mohun Bagan to crucial win

Manvir Singh and Roy Krishna scored two goals each to secure a 4-1 victory over Odisha FC. Manvir opened the scoring for the Mariners in the first half but his brilliant finish was matched by another spectacular goal scored by Odisha’s South African midfielder Cole Alexander. However, the scores were not level for too long after Manvir Singh gave his side the lead for a second time in the second half. Then Roy Krishna scored two goals late in the match to seal the three points for his team. The Mariners reduced the deficit on league leaders Mumbai City to three points.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu goes past Subrata Paul

In another major highlight of the gameweek, Bengaluru FC goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu took his clean sheet tally to 29 following a goalless draw against Chennaiyin FC, which is now the highest in the history of the Hero ISL for a goalkeeper. Prior to the game, he was tied with Subrata Paul. 

SC East Bengal return to winning ways

Playing against Jamshedpur FC without head coach Robbie Fowler suspended on account of bad conduct against match officials, SC East Bengal pulled off a fantastic 2-1 win against all odds. Matti Steinmann and Anthony Pilkington scored for SC East Bengal while Peter Hartley pulled one back for Owen Coyle’s men. It was their first win in six games. Overall, it was their third win of the season that saw them move one place up to ninth on the points table.