Two teams undefeated in Indian Super League (ISL) 10 created just one chance amongst themselves in 90 minutes and left the fans to return home with little cheer in the last match of 2023 at the Nehru stadium on Tuesday.
Football is about adrenalin got through goals scored and the last match of the Gaurs in Goa, before the end of the year, was bereft of thrills or any football skills worth the stature of the match.
Both teams started cautiously with Mumbai City FC enjoying possession through short passes interloped with long crosses across the face of the goal but with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Zabala strong as rock, there was nothing entertaining in front of the goal.
FC Goa made their presence felt in the 15th minute when Victor Rodriguez looped the ball to Noah Sadaoui whose only shot at goal was confidently tipped over by Mumbai keeper Phurba Lachenpa. That was the closest the hosts came to scoring in the 90-odd minutes.
FC Goa played without Brandon again and the story of the last game continued, with Carl McHugh, despite controlling the midfield, showing restraint in creating an attacking circumference at the centre.
Raynier, who started for FC Goa, and was neither here nor there through 90 minutes, thus giving the visitors plenty of space at the centre. However, with FC Goa playing very compact defensively, Mumbai City FC could not breathe freely.
Mchugh played creatively for his team but either appears to lack the freedom to push more fluidly forward or prefers to play a holding game thus leaving the play upfront ending in a stutter.
Mumbai City FC coach made three quick substitutions in the second half and substitute Vinit Rai got the best crack at the FC Goa goal with a low header but the ball was directed straight to goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh.
FC Goa have 20 points from eight matches having lost none, because the emphasis of new coach Manolo Marquez appears to be on defence instead of attack and that explains the trickle of goals.
Noah was not at his best today nor was Victor Rodriguez or Paulo Retre. They did try to fill in for Brandon in set pieces but their attempts kept falling apart with their other colleagues nowhere close to optimizing on chances.
Boris Thangjam worked hard but at this level, working hard implies either scoring or creating opportunities for others and he was nowhere close. He tried and failed but kept trying.
FC Goa regroups at the Nehru stadium in Fatorda after games away and whatever the result, a fresh approach will go a long way in preparing their fans for better football in the New Year.
