Kerala Blasters and NorthEast United played out a 0-0 draw and shared a point each. The game was the first goalless draw of the season. Here are the key takeaways from the goalless affair:
Finishing, where?
Kerala Blasters FC had at least three chances to score three extremely easy goals, and somehow, all of them managed to be off target. Pereyra Diaz and Sahal Samad’s chances in particular barely had the keeper in the equation.
But, Subhashish Chowdhury will be thanking his lucky stars for the two players practically missing an empty goal and keeping them in the game. If Kerala need to finish high in the table, they need to be able to take these chances when they come and bury them without hesitation.
NorthEast – pegged back
NorthEast United did not have a single shot on target in the 90 minutes, while their opponents had four on goal despite missing sitters. The chances need to be coming if the team is to improve its chances of winning games. Because it isn’t happening without the goals.
Moreover, the chances created by Kerala Blasters were mostly by robbing the NorthEast United players in possession. More confidence on the ball is expected from the outfield players, and it almost seemed too easy for the Kerala attackers at one point.
Vincy Barretto’s stunning debut
Indian football may have unearthed a gem with Vincy Barretto. The youngster had a remarkable first outing in the ISL, and could’ve easily had an assist to his name. The NorthEast United defenders found it very difficult to deal with his pace and for some, he was the rightful man of the match.
Still only 21, Barretto has a lot of room to grow but can develop into one of the country’s top footballers in the years to come.
