East Bengal FC once again continued their dubious record of not winning at home in the Indian Super League (ISL) as they were steamrolled past by a dominant Mumbai City FC side. Even though the Islanders were coming back from a 2-week break, they teared up all sorts of rustiness and played an exemplary brand of football.
The action at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata began after almost a month for East Bengal FC. Head coach Stephen Constantine made one forced change as Jordan O’Doherty was injured. Charis Kyriacou returned to the playing XI in place of him. On the other hand, Des Buckingham made 2 changes in his side. Mourtada Fall and Mandar Rao Dessai replaced Rostyn Griffiths and Vignesh Dakshinamurthy in the side.
Mumbai City FC had a chance in the 4th minute of the game itself when Greg Stewart fired a top-notch shot that saw East Bengal FC’s custodian Kamaljit Singh fumble and almost concede a goal. Ankit Mukherjee displayed great presence of mind and stopped the goal from goal-line.
Lalengmawai Ralte’s brace costed the Red and Gold Brigade the game as he made sure he powers his side to a powerful and dominant victory. Scottish man Greg Stewart netted the other goal for Des Buckingham’s side.
Difference in quality between East Bengal FC and Mumbai City FC was visible
The gulf in the quality between the two sides was aptly visible and Head coach Stephen Constantine highlighted that in the post-match press conference as well.
“I don’t think there was a lack of effort at all. They tried very hard, it’s just that you’re playing against a team whose substitutes would play in our first team, let’s be honest. They gave whatever they had, but this is what we have. As for the pre-season, I don’t compare pre-season, it’s pre-season… We won that game, but it was a meaningless game,” said the English tactician.
East Bengal FC will next take on Bengaluru FC at home on 30th December 2022. On the other hand, table-toppers Mumbai City FC host Chennaiyin FC on 24th December 2022 in their next match.
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