Mumbai continued with their usual possession-based football but for ATK who were out of the blocks early, it was all about surging ahead. While the islanders had over 60% possession in the first quarter, Bagan had more shots on target.
There was an early penalty call when Bipin Singh was challenged in the box by Pritam Kotal, but the referee displayed no interest.
Thereafter, it was all about the ATK. The Kolkata side pinned their opponents with a high pressing game which forced the Islanders into errors. The first real threat for Mumbai came from a Javier Hernandez free-kick which brushed the crossbar. Roy Krishna then forced a save from Amrinder Singh from a tight angle.
With pressure mounting on Mumbai’s defence, the Kolkata side broke the deadlock first. Krishna dispossessed Ahmed Jahouh just outside the box and slipped a pass to Williams. The Australian got on to his stronger right foot and fired a firm shot past Amrinder.
But with Jahouh and his trademark long deliveries, it…