Matchweek 17 of the Indian Super League (ISL) delivered action-packed tactical battles with late equalisers, gritty performances and more.

Six out of eight fixtures of this matchweek ended on level terms, as only Kerala Blasters FC and FC Goa managed to seal all three points in the opening and final match. NorthEast United FC, along with the Blasters and the Gaurs, played twice this matchweek, where any side couldn't make it two wins in two.

Kerala Blasters FC kicked off matchweek 17 with a solid comeback victory against Odisha FC in a five-goal thriller. The next successive six matches saw teams sharing points which might be costly for some teams in the playoff race.

To wrap up this week, FC Goa secured a narrow victory over East Bengal FC at the Fatorda.

As another exciting matchweek comes to an end, here are the key takeaways.

Blasters stretch their positive momentum

Kerala Blasters FC, who started this month with an away victory against Punjab FC, carried forward their positive run as they went unbeaten in their two outings this week. Arguably, under the guidance of TG Purushothaman, the Yellow Army are showcasing some promising performances in recent games.

Also Read: Can TG Purushothaman’s pragmatic Kerala Blasters FC make the playoffs?

The Blasters edged past the Kalinga Warriors in an end-to-end thriller where the hosts made their way back to the game despite going down twice. Kwame Peprah, Jesus Jimenez, and Noah Sadaoui were on the scoresheet as Kerala Blasters FC beat Odisha FC.

The Blasters held the Highlanders for a goalless draw in their second match, despite playing with ten men courtesy of Aiban Dohling's 30-minute red card.

Mohammedan SC's injury time drama at home

Mohammedan Sporting Club delivered another unexpected result this season as they came back from a two-goal deficit to salvage a point against Chennaiyin FC. The hosts were trailing by a 0-2 scoreline till the 90th minute of the game, but a spirited performance in the stoppage time with back-to-back late goals left the visitors stunned.

Manvir Singh scored the opening goal for the Black and White Brigade with his clinical finish inside the opponent's box while Lalremsanga Fanai sealed a point with his precise penalty kick in the final action of the game.

NorthEast United FC's draw streak continues

NorthEast United FC shared the spoils in each of their two outings this week. The Highlanders played out a 1-1 draw against upbeat FC Goa in a home fixture where Jithin MS' second-half goal sealed a point for the hosts.

However, NorthEast United FC and Kerala Blasters FC played a goalless draw in Kochi, adding another match that ended up on level terms.

Following these results, NorthEast United FC recorded their fourth consecutive draw in the ISL, their outright longest such streak and the joint second longest such streak overall for any team in league history.

Brison Fernandes: FC Goa's X-factor

Brison Fernandes continues to experience a dream season with goalscoring important goals that are adding crucial points for the Gaurs. Fernandes' 13th-minute headed goal ended up being the decider as they secured a narrow 1-0 victory over East Bengal FC at Fatorda.

However, the Gaurs shared points in their opening fixture of this matchweek, where they drew against the Highlanders in an away game.