Mumbai: Change of coaches seems to have worked wonders for Kerala Blasters, who have now gone on a winning streak of two matches after defeating Mumbai City 1-0 at the Mumbai Football Arena here on Sunday.
A two-time Indian Super League (ISL) finalists, the Kochi based franchise were eighth in the table when former Blasters player-cum-coach David James was appointed in-place of a disappointing René Meulensteen and just three games under him, the ‘Men in Yellow’ looks a different side rejuvenated and revitalised.
Going parallel with the team’s struggle, star man Iain Hume who found it hard to earn a place at Meulensteen’s matchday squad suddenly looks a menacing figure, one that fans love and the Canadian didn’t disappoint on the biggest of the nights although from an off-side position.
A quickly taken free-kick by Courage Pekuson, with the ball clearly a few yards ahead of where the foul was actually committed found Hume who kept his calm to slot the ball home past Amrinder Singh. The former ATK forward was a metre offside, but Mumbai’s protests didn’t mater as the referee upheld the goal in the 23rd minute.
“I do not understand why the goal was allowed. When the free-kick was taken, the ball was five metres ahead of where the foul was committed,” said Mumbai coach Alexandre Guimarães after the match.
It was however the home side who had started well, as Balwant came close with a flying-header early into the match, that went just wide of the mark. But Referee Pranjal Banerjee’s poor call gave the visitors an important lead and although Thiago Santos had a good chance to level terms just before half-time after he dribbled past Wes Brown, the resulting shot was parried away for a corner by Blasters custodian Subhasish Chaudhary.
David James replaced forward Mark Sifneos with CK Vineeth in order to tackle Mumbai’s strong midfield. But it was Balwant who once again found himself in a great position after Everton Santos’ header fell into his path. But the ISL’s highest Indian goal-scorer took too long to fire, allowing Lalruathara to clear in the 47th minute.
Three minutes later, it was the Kerala boy who turned provider with a sublime ball to Achille Emana who hit the net from an offside position. But Kerala responded with almost another goal in the 65th minute. It was Courage Pekuson again on the counter-attack easing past an array of defenders before rifling one above the bar and had he chosen to pass the ball to Vineeth unmarked on the right, the Blasters could have easily gone 2-0 up, but if didn’t matter at the end.
When Leo Costa’s powerful strike in the third of five minute extre-time struck the upright, it looked certain that Kerala will walk away the winners. It took them to sixth, equal on points with Mumbai City but behind just on goal difference.