Nicolas Anelka’s second-half goal helped Mumbai City FC beat Delhi Dynamos FC 1-0 in the 22nd Indian Super League (ISL) 2014 match at the DY Patil Stadium on Wednesday evening. The Frenchman managed to dink the ball over the onrushing Kristof van Hout; helping Peter Reid’s side register back-to-back victories for the first time this season. The win enabled them to take the third spot in the league table with nine points after playing six matches.
The home side came into this clash after having triumphed by the same scoreline over Kerala Blasters FC last Sunday courtesy of Anelka’s stunning free-kick. Reid decided to stick with the same starting lineup as Harm van Veldhoven’s side came to the ‘city of dreams’ after falling 2-1 against FC Goa despite having the lead for a considerable period of the game. Both teams had six points in their bag prior to kick-off but it was the Dynamos who started the game on a high and held possession of the ball for long time.
MCFC suffered an early blow when skipper Syed Nabi had to be substituted in the 10th minute with what appeared to be a groin problem. The 28-year-old was replaced by Peter Costa but that didn’t bring down the team’s spirits as Jan Stohanzl took the first shot of the match; sending it well off target. The visitors managed seven shots in the opening half but managed to keep just two on target.
Subrata Paul was quite alert in Mumbai goal to collect all cross crosses; except on one occasion when Steven Dias’ cross towards Mads Junker was fortunately headed over by the Danish striker. Subhash Singh too had an opportunity in the first-half on a counter after Anelka found him unmarked at far-post but the 24-year-old forward volleyed the ball to the ground allowing it to fly wide for a goal-kick.
The second-half started well for the visitors with Gustavo Santos sending a shot over Mumbai City FC goal after Andre Moritz tried his luck with a tame effort. The breakthrough finally arrived just before the hour mark. Subhash did well to beat Wim Raymaekers on the right and chipped in a delicate cross towards Anelka; which evaded Anwar Ali’s desperate attempts to intervene. The former Liverpool and Chelsea striker did well to beat the 6′ 10″ tall Van Hout and take his personal tally to two for the season.
The hosts continued to press with as the Dynamos sent Alessandro del Piero and Francis Fernandes in place of Mads Junker and Shylo Malsawmtluanga to inject pace into their attack. Anelka had the opportunity to double his tally but his effort was deflected away by Raymaekers’ ankle for a corner from which Manuel Friedrich headed straight into Van Hout’s hands. The search for the second goal continued with Subhash, Nadong, Andre Moritz all trying their luck in vain.
Veldhoven sent Morten Skoubo in what was the Delhi outfit’s final substitution that spurred their search for the equaliser. And the visitors went close as Dias’ spectacular cross needed a finishing touch. But Del Piero’s header drifted whiskers away from Subrata’s right-hand post. The Dynamos also had a free-kick in injury time from which Raymaekers’ forced a sensational save from the Mumbai City FC shot-stopper but the goal wouldn’t have counted as the flag was up for offside.
Reid’s boys held on to secure all three points to ensure they leapfrog the Dynamos, FC Pune City and Northeast United FC and take the third place. They will now play neighbouring state side FC Goa on Sunday while Veldhoven will be hoping that his side can end the two-match losing streak against Kerala Blasters FC.
Read More: Indian Super League: Full Fixture List and Match Schedule
ISL 2014 Table & Results: Point Table and Standings