NorthEast United and Pune City played out a goalless draw in Guwahati. Neither side could take their chances in an intriguing midfield battle. Koke and Katsouranis were the standout players for their respective sides in this thoroughly even encounter.
The home side had better possession of the football during the first half and they threatened to break the deadlock constantly. Pune City, however, were content to sit back and play on the counter. Seiminlen Doungel looked dangerous for NorthEast early on as he made searing runs down the right hand side, giving his marker Dharmaraj Ravanan a tough time throughout. Koke was also heavily involved in most of the home side’s attacking play. The best chance of the half, however, fell to Pune City’s Davide Colomba. A long ball forward was headed back expertly into the path of the Italian who took a first time shot at goal. However, NorthEast keeper Rehenesh, who was impressive again, was on hand to make the stop. The teams went into the break with nothing to separate them.
The second period continued in the same vein with, neither side getting the important breakthrough. Kostas Katsouranis stepped it up in the second half as he began to control the game for Pune City from midfield. Koke continued to be the most important player for the Highlanders with some exhibition football. He too, however, was unable to get his side over the line. The home side had more possession than their visitors but couldn’t fashion enough chances to worry Arindam Bhattacharya in the Pune goal. When Koke did get the chance in the 83rd minute from a superb through ball, he hit his shot straight to Bhattacharya who made a routine save. The game eventually petered out to another goalless draw despite late pressure from the hosts.
Ricki Herbert will hope that his side pick up their rate of scoring in the second half of the campaign and march up the league table. They play league leaders Atlético de Kolkata in their next match on November 18, in Kolkata. For Pune City, they will want to continue with their recent good form and solidify their place in the top four when they play second-placed Chennaiyin in Chennai on November 19.
Match Awards:
Hero of the Match: Kostas Katsouranis (Pune City)
Swift Moment of the Match: Israil Gurung (Pune City)
Amul Fittest Player of the Match: Guilherme Felipe de Castro (NorthEast United)
ISL Emerging Player of the Match: Alen Deory (NorthEast United)