Why Mohun Bagan have been such a drive in ISL11

Following an early wobble once they misplaced 0-3 away to Bengaluru FC – the one match the place they had been the second-best staff, in line with head coach Jose Molina –squandered a two-goal lead towards Mumbai Metropolis and had one win from the primary three matches, Mohun Bagan have dominated the season. They moved to the highest of the 13-team standings after a 3-0 dwelling win towards Jamshedpur FC on November 23 and have not often needed to look again.

Mohun Bagan have notched up probably the most wins (15), scored probably the most objectives (42) and conceded the least (14). That the groups with the subsequent finest defensive file, FC Goa and Mumbai Metropolis FC, have shipped 11 objectives extra having performed a match much less is proof of the hole between Mohun Bagan and the remainder. Goalkeeper Vishal Kaith has 13 clear sheets from 21 matches. It’s greater than double the subsequent finest. And from being the staff with probably the most bookings after six rounds, 22, Mohun Bagan are the one facet to not have had a crimson card this time period.

Saturday’s 3-0 away win at Kerala Blasters was emblematic of Mohun Bagan’s season the place they’ve been medical in entrance of aim and compact with out the ball. Mohun Bagan had 33.4% possession which additionally meant that they had considerably fewer touches (693-438) and passes (516-261). But, that they had 4 photographs on course, two greater than the house staff.

At 53.36%, Mohun Bagan are fifth in total possession stats going into the subsequent spherical starting on Wednesday. Bengaluru FC, Mumbai Metropolis, Kerala Blasters and Odisha FC have had extra of the ball, as per knowledge from ISL, and NorthEast United have extra makes an attempt on aim (348) however Mohun Bagan have probably the most makes an attempt on course (125). Jamie Maclaren’s on-the-run flick for his and the staff’s second aim in Kochi is an instance of their effectivity within the ultimate third. The ball travelled from Kaith to the rival aim in six touches and concerned three outfield gamers.

Mohun Bagan have additionally been the competitors’s finest staff with set-pieces. They’ve scored 20 objectives from or following a set-piece state of affairs, two greater than second-placed Odisha FC. And so they have let in 5 from set-pieces. FC Goa, second within the standings on 39 factors and with a match in hand, and NorthEast United, who’re fourth, have each conceded 10, Bengaluru FC, at the moment fifth, have leaked 15.

“Everyone helps. I’ve a superb workers,” Molina has stated referring to Mohun Bagan’s success with attacking set-piece conditions. “The participant who delivers the corner-kick or the free kick is essential. Then, after all, we have now tall guys wo are highly effective and may win aerial duels.” Eleven objectives have come from two defenders, skipper Subhasish Bose and Alberto Rodriguez.

A former Spain worldwide and sporting director of the Spanish federation, Molina has been key to getting this star-studded squad to tug in a single route. Mohun Bagan have 11 India internationals. Their foreigners’ contingent has in Maclaren the best scorer within the historical past of the A-League, his teammate within the 2022 Australia World Cup squad Jason Cummings who was additionally an impression sub final time period, Dimitrios Petratos, Mohun Bagan’s go-to particular person for objectives and assists over the previous two seasons, Greg Stewart who has received the Scottish Premiership, the league protect, the ISL cup and the golden ball and central defenders Tom Aldred and Rodriguez who’ve not often appeared like this was their first season collectively.