Kerala Blasters climbed to the top spot in the ISL after defeating Hyderabad FC 1-0. Here are the three talking points from the game.
Yellow is the colour
A total of nine yellow cards were shown during the game, in an evenly contested game. Both teams came out with a clear objective – to take all three points and climb to the top of the table. The intent was clear for both teams in the kind of football they played.
The game took a physical turn as well, with the amount of bookings clearly proving it. Kerala Blasters FC skipper Jessel Carneiro had to be stretchered off in stoppage time, which also shows the heated nature of the game.
Dream-run continues for Kerala Blasters FC
The new league leaders are on a 9-game unbeaten run, and have overcome Mumbai City FC, and now, Hyderabad FC. They fully deserve the top spot right now, but their lead is only on goal difference, and they will have to fight hard to defend their spot.
The 1-0 win was earned by fine margins as well, with Hyderabad FC putting up an unrelenting offensive display. However, they could not find an equaliser to take a point away.
It’s anybody’s title now
Kerala Blasters might be at the top of the table, but they don’t have a point advantage. With the developments over the last few games, the title race is wide open.
To put things into perspective, there are only four points between Kerala and Odisha, who are in seventh place.
The real winners here are the fans, since the ISL is set up for a very exciting end to the 21/22 season.