Mohun Bagan Super Giant suffered their third defeat on the trot in the ISL-X on Wednesday. After Mumbai City FC and FC Goa, it was Kerala Blasters’ turn to log full points against Bagan.
The 1-0 defeat at the Salt Lake Stadium in Bagan’s last match of the year dropped Juan Ferrando’s men to fifth position on the league table with 19 points from 10 matches. Blasters take the pole position with 26 points from 12 matches.
Dimitri Diamantakos scored the all-important goal in the ninth minute. He got the ball just outside the rival box, dribbled past three Bagan players and rifled the ball onto the roof of the net from a tight angle. Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith did not have any chance.
Blasters would have heaped more humiliation on Bagan but for Kaith who made two good saves in the second half injury time. Rahul KP had only the Bagan keeper to beat, but Kaith did well to effect a save. Then Kaith denied Daisuke Sakai from close range.
The defeats will surely put pressure on Bagan’s Spanish coach. They are bogged down by injuries and suspensions but that's part of the game. Even Kerala Blasters have to deal with injuries. Adrian Luna is ruled out for the season, Jeakson Singh is yet to make a comeback. Yet coach Ivan Vukomanovic is getting results.
Ferrando should take the blame for not getting the reserve bench ready. Bagan management may persist with him as the league takes a one-month break, hoping Ferrando turns things around from February.
