ATK kickstarted the new year with a bang, climbing top of the 2019-’20 Indian Super League table with a clinical 2-0 victory against Mumbai City FC at the Mumbai Football Arena on Friday.
First-half goals from Pranoy Halder and Michael Soosairaj snapped Mumbai City’s six-match unbeaten streak. The win saw ATK draw level on points with FC Goa (21) while the Islanders remained fourth in the standings.
Jorge Costa made three changes to his Mumbai City line-up with Rowllin Borges, Souvik Chakrabarti and striker Amini Chermiti slotting into the starting eleven.
ATK meanwhile, made two changes with Pranoy Halder returning from injury and new-singing Victor Mongil Adeva making his debut.
The first big chance of the game fell to Mumbai City as early as the fifth minute when Diego Carlos combined well with Mohamed Larbi before forcing a fine save from ATK custodian Arindam Bhattacharja. Larbi then traded a silky exchange with the Brazilian few minutes later, cutting inside and blasting his effort inches wide of the far post.
The visitors who were on the back foot during the opening exchanges, got a chance in the 13th minute through a free-kick. Javi Hernandez fired a sublime curler which was tipped over the bar by goalie Amrinder Singh.
It was Mumbai City who had threatened the most from cross but that attacking spark soon fiddled out. ATK soon began to assert control and from there on, it was one-way traffic.
Jayesh Rane beat two of his markers before skidding a through ball for Krishna in the box, the ATK captain’s effort rolling wide off the woodwork during the 22nd minute.
Antonio Habas’ side continued to pile the pressure and were rewarded with the lead just before the half-hour mark when Williams was put through on goal by Javier Hernandez. The Australian took his time and squared a pass for Pranoy Halder, who opened the scoring with a tap-in from close range.
Halder was forced off the field due to an injury soon after the opener, being replaced by Michael Soosairaj as ATK reverted back to a 3-5-2 system.
The substitute, however, ensured that Halder’s absence was not felt as he continued to wreak havoc down the left flank.
The move paid dividends during the 43rd minute when Krishna won an aerial duel and flicked the ball for Soosairaj outside the box. The winger kept his calm and curled his shot past Amrinder, adding another one before the break.
Mumbai began on a bright note after the change of ends where they dominated possession and pinned ATK in their own half. However, they failed to breach the ATK rearguard who were content in defending their lead.
Costa brought on Bidyananda Singh for defender Chakrabati with Raynier Fernandes dropping to right-back as the home team sought a comeback. Mumbai City threw kitchen sink at ATK but lacked that killer instinct in front of goal.
Larbi came close to netting the opener during the 72nd minute when his header was cleared off the line by Pritam Kotal.
Sougou sparked celebrations in the Mumbai City camp but it was short lived ten minutes later. The Senegalese pounced on a howler by Bhattacharja and chipped the ball into the net but it was deemed as a foul by the referee.
Substitute Serge Kevyn squandered another gilt-edged opportunity during the dying stages as he blasted his header wide, denying Costa’s side any hopes of grabbing a consolation goal.
A resolute defensive display in the end, also ensured that ATK registered their sixth clean sheet of the season, joint-highest in the league alongside Bengaluru FC.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!