Greg Stewart Reflects On Mohun Bagan’s Missed Opportunity In 2-2 Draw Against Mumbai City FC

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024 season opener between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Mumbai City FC delivered a thrilling encounter, ending in a dramatic 2-2 draw at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. The match featured all the elements of a classic showdown between two of the most competitive teams in the league, yet for Mohun Bagan, the result left a bitter aftertaste. After taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the first half, the Mariners saw their advantage slip away as Mumbai City FC struck twice in the final 20 minutes to salvage a point.

For Greg Stewart, the Scottish midfielder making his debut for Mohun Bagan against his former team, the game marked a frustrating start to his ISL campaign. Stewart, who played a key role in Mumbai City FC’s League Shield-winning run last season, lamented his new team’s failure to maintain control of the match, pointing to several factors that contributed to the disappointing outcome.

“Disappointing Again”: Stewart on the Mariners’ Ball Control

In a post-match interview with IndianSuperLeague.com, Stewart expressed his disappointment, highlighting the Mariners’ struggle to maintain possession and make better use of the ball.

“Disappointing again. We went two goals ahead but could not win the match,” Stewart remarked. “I think we gave away too many easy passes. I think we have to react with the ball more and play the simple pass. Sometimes, I don’t think we played simple passes; we always tried to play difficult passes,” he added.

The midfielder’s comments shed light on one of the key problems that plagued Mohun Bagan throughout the match. Despite their early lead, the Mariners’ ball distribution was subpar, with Stewart emphasizing the need for the team to simplify their play rather than overcomplicating it with risky, intricate passes.

A Game of Contrasting Statistics: Possession vs Efficiency

The statistics from the match tell a story of contrasting approaches. Mumbai City FC ended the game with an impressive passing accuracy of 86%, compared to Mohun Bagan’s 80%. Furthermore, the Islanders completed 49 more passes than the Mariners, a reflection of their superior ball control as the game progressed.

This disparity in possession translated into chances, with Mumbai City FC registering six shots on goal, compared to just two for Mohun Bagan. However, despite their limited opportunities, the Mariners were highly efficient, converting both their attempts into goals, taking a 2-0 lead at halftime.

While Mumbai City FC dominated possession and created more chances, Stewart’s frustration centered on his team’s inability to manage the game when in control. “We gave the ball away too easily, and it allowed Mumbai City FC to get back into the game,” Stewart concluded.

Mumbai City FC’s Resurgence: A Tale of Two Halves

The second half of the match belonged to Mumbai City FC, as they upped the pressure and capitalized on Mohun Bagan’s defensive lapses. Led by manager Petr Kratky, the Islanders were the more dominant side for much of the match, with their persistence paying off in the final 20 minutes when they scored twice to level the score.

Mumbai City FC’s resurgence was sparked by their quick, precise passing and ability to exploit the Mariners’ vulnerabilities, particularly after the substitution of debutant Alberto Rodriguez. The Spaniard had enjoyed a solid game at the heart of the Mohun Bagan defense, even scoring the team’s second goal before being replaced.

Stewart, aware of Mumbai City FC’s growing threat, acknowledged that his team needed to improve its control over the ball to prevent such comebacks in future matches. “We need to take better care of the ball, especially when we are ahead,” he admitted.

Subhasish Bose Optimistic Despite Draw

Mohun Bagan SG’s captain Subhasish Bose was more measured in his post-match assessment, expressing hope for improvements in the upcoming fixtures. While Bose shared Stewart’s disappointment, he remained optimistic about the team’s chances in the long run.

“We gave the goal away, and Mumbai City FC scored the second goal. So from our point of view, we have to take care of the ball better,” Bose reflected, echoing his teammate’s concerns. “I think there is a long way to go in the league. I hope we’ll rectify our mistakes, play well, and keep clean sheets in the upcoming matches,” the captain added.

Bose’s words pointed to a collective effort from the team to regain its rhythm and tighten its defense as the season progresses. The left-back put in a solid performance, particularly in keeping Lallianzuala Chhangte quiet for most of the match. However, the Mariners struggled defensively on the opposite flank, where Bipin Singh and later substitute PN Noufal created havoc for the home team.

Rodriguez Substitution: The Turning Point?

One of the major talking points after the game was the substitution of Alberto Rodriguez, who had impressed in his debut for Mohun Bagan SG. His departure midway through the second half coincided with Mumbai City FC’s late resurgence, leading to questions about whether his absence disrupted the Mariners’ defensive structure.

However, Subhasish Bose was quick to dismiss the notion that Rodriguez’s substitution was the sole cause of the Mariners’ collapse. The captain emphasized that the team’s inability to hold on to their lead was a collective failure rather than a result of individual changes.

“When a new player comes in, the setup changes, but the team overall should take responsibility. Mumbai City FC are a good team, and they played well. I hope we will play better as a team,” Bose said, taking a more holistic view of the team’s performance.

Young Talent in the Spotlight: Dippendu Biswas’ Rising Confidence

Despite the draw, Bose pointed out some positives from the match, particularly highlighting the performance of Dippendu Biswas, a young talent who showed signs of promise throughout the game. According to Bose, the youngster has been growing in confidence and has the full support of the team as he continues to develop.

“Dippendu is playing well and gaining confidence. Everyone in the team supports him. I hope he will perform well in the upcoming matches,” Bose said, singling out the emerging talent as one to watch this season.

Biswas’ progression within the team provides a glimmer of hope for the Mariners, as they look to build on the strengths of their younger players while correcting their early-season mistakes.

Looking Ahead: Rectifying Mistakes and Building Momentum

For Mohun Bagan SG, the draw against Mumbai City FC offers both a lesson and a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in the ISL season. While the Mariners showed glimpses of brilliance in the first half, their inability to maintain control in the latter stages of the game cost them a valuable three points.

Both Greg Stewart and Subhasish Bose have acknowledged the areas that need improvement, particularly the team’s ball control and defensive discipline. As the ISL season progresses, Mohun Bagan will need to find consistency in their play if they are to mount a serious challenge for the title.

The team’s next few games will provide an opportunity to fine-tune their approach, with Bose confident that the Mariners can bounce back from this early setback. “I hope we will play better as a team,” the captain asserted, signaling a determination to build momentum in the upcoming matches.

With young talents like Dippendu Biswas on the rise and experienced players like Greg Stewart bringing valuable insight, Mohun Bagan has the ingredients to turn their early-season stumbles into long-term success. All eyes will be on their next fixture as the Mariners aim to deliver on their potential and live up to their status as one of the ISL’s top teams.

Please check for information on the best betting sites in India – https://selectory.org/best-betting-sites/