ISL 2015: In a game of near misses, Kerala Blasters and Mumbai City play out goalless draw

Kochi: Kerala Blasters threw everything at Mumbai City FC but could not break through the visitors’ newly fortified defence. Despite several half chances and near misses, the two teams played out a 0-0 draw in front of more than 61,000 fans at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. Mumbai played well on the counter, but lacked the firepower up front to the few opportunities they created. Nicolas Anelka and assistant manager Oscar Bruzon rang in the changes as wingbacks Keegan Pereira and Ashutosh Mehta were dropped for an all-foreign back four. Aitor Lopez and Darren O’Dea came in, and the move paid off in terms of keeping a cleansheet. But it also meant that they would have to sacrifice a foreign attacker, which paved the way for Subhash Singh to come in for Frederic Piquionne – a lightweight forward for a marksman of incredible strength. While Subhash was brushed away time and again when released through the channels, Piquionne hit the post with his first chance in the dying minutes of the match, a fact that must have left Anelka wondering if he should have started with his fellow Frenchman. [caption id=“attachment_2463782” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Sunny Norde (L) was the best Mumbai City FC player on the pitch against Kerala. Sportzpics[/caption] Subash, however, did look dynamic with his dribbling runs and movement off the ball, earning him the man of the match award. The Blasters’ best chances also came in the final quarter as Peter Taylor introduced Sanchez Watt, who had scored on his debut against NorthEast United in the Yellow Army’s 3-1 win. Watt was released through the middle and was one on one with goalkeeper Debjit Majumder, but a heavy first touch gave the custodian enough time to rush forward and collect. Minutes after Watt’s miss, Sony Norde, Mumbai’s best player on the pitch, found space down the left channel and shot, only to see his curling effort go wide. The Blasters’ biggest advantage came down the flanks with CK Vineeth and later Ishfaq Ahmed pumping in crosses in the second half. It seemed Peter Taylor had started with a 3-5-2 with Indian right back given the duty to create – the 24-year-old was a bundle of energy but failed to produce the final product when he got forward. Spanish playmaker Pulga was pulling the strings and helping Kerala control proceedings, but Mumbai City were happy to hold a deep line and play safe. Pavel Cmovs and Bertin were both rock-solid in defence, with the former making three last ditch sliding tackles to prevent Vineeth from cutting in on his favourite right foot and letting loose. At the other end, Gurwinder Singh and Peter Ramage had to be equally alert with the tricky Norde and Gabriel Fernandes attempting to counter the two centre-backs’ aerial prowess with low crosses. One such cross was on its way for Salim Benachour to tap in, only for Ramage to make a sliding clearance of the highest quality. For all of Chris Dagnall, Vineeth and Watt’s gung-ho approach, the Blasters couldn’t find a way to penetrate a team which has been preparing to defend well since their 3-1 loss to FC Pune City – and made it work for a hard-earned point. Kerala travel to Atletico de Kolkata next as Mumbai prepare to host Chennaiyin FC.