FOOTBALL
EPL: Leicester shock Liverpool
‘’We knew that the headlines were probably already written. But you write your own story in football.’’
Brendan Rodgers’ post-match comments perfectly sum up the backdrop of the Premier League clash between Liverpool and Leicester City.
Leicester start on the back foot
Liverpool entered the fray as clear favourites, having lost only once in the league over the last nine months.
Leicester City, on the contrary, were licking their wounds following a 6-3 hammering at Etihad.
Most football fans put their money on Liverpool leaving the King Power Stadium with all three points.
But, as Rodgers rightfully pointed out, football does not follow a defined script.
As a reminder of that undeniable fact, the Foxes picked up a remarkable 1-0 victory over Jurgen Klopp’s title chasers.
Earlier proceedings of the match, however, were indicative of a comfortable road trip for Liverpool.
The Reds pushed the already depleted Leicester City backline to the back foot from the word go.
With covid and injuries limiting his options, Brendan Rodgers was without his first-choice centre-back options.
But, the former Liverpool manager took a bold decision in not starting a specialized defender in Jannik Vestergaard and handing the keys to the defence to Wilfred Ndidi, asking the midfielder to play a makeshift centre-back role.
Ndidi fouls, Salah misses
The decision appeared to be a costly one as Ndidi recklessly brought down Mohamed Salah inside the penalty box and conceded an early penalty to Liverpool, before Jordan Henderson squandered a golden opportunity to put the visitors ahead, firing the ball well over the crossbar.
But, Salah, who did not miss a penalty in the Premier League since Huddersfield shot-stopper Jonas Lossl denied him four years ago, could not find his way past Kasper Schmeichel.
The ball did make its way back to Salah, but the Egyptian hit the post with rebound effort and could not make proper contact with the ball as it rolled back to him again.
It was the first of a series of top-class saves Schmeichel made in the remainder of the game, but Leicester are also indebted to Lady Luck for getting away in some tumultuous moments.
For example, Sadio Mane could not believe his own eyes when he saw his shot flying over the crossbar.
Diogo Jota had found the Senegal international in acres of space inside the Leicester box, but much to the awe of the Liverpool faithful, Mane could not pounce it in.
Vardy a constant menace
Jamie Vardy was the most consistent source of threat from the home side as the veteran made some menacing runs past the Liverpool defence.
He almost set up James Maddison for the opener, but Trent Alexander-Arnold produced a stunning goal line clearance to frustrate the 25-year-old.
But, the Reds could not stop the hosts from getting the lead as Ademola Lookman started and finished off a brilliant counter attack move just before the hour mark.
Lookman got the ball around the half-line and made some interchanges with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to breach the Liverpool defence and defeat Alisson Becker at the Liverpool goal.
Despite Liverpool’s desperate attempts to salvage an equalizer, the make-do Leicester defence held on and brought the home side a much needed victory.
FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.
Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.
The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!
FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.
The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.
FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant! The Indian Super League (ISL) promises an intense showdown as FC Goa faces league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant this Friday at Fatorda. With playoff positions at stake, both teams are set for a thrilling encounter.
FC Goa aims to break into the top three with a win, continuing their unbeaten six-match streak. Striker Armando Sadiku leads the Goa attack with eight goals in ten matches, while midfielders Iker Guarrotxena and Dejan Drazic add creativity. Young goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari’s three clean sheets in five matches provide defensive assurance. FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant!
Mohun Bagan, atop the league with 26 points, has relied on Jamie Maclaren’s scoring consistency and Greg Stewart’s midfield mastery. Although Stewart will miss the match due to injury, the Mariners boast six clean sheets this season, anchored by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.
Both teams have impressive records, with Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season. The match could define playoff aspirations as Mohun Bagan aims to solidify their position, and Goa seeks to climb the rankings. Fans anticipate a tightly contested game between two strong sides showcasing Indian football’s growing quality.
The match is critical for both teams’ playoff aspirations. FC Goa looks to capitalize on their home advantage and attacking prowess, while Mohun Bagan seeks to extend their dominance at the top of the league. With FC Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season, the battle promises to be a showcase of quality football.
Fans are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes clash, which could significantly impact the league’s playoff picture. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, ensuring a thrilling contest.
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 features a highly anticipated clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa at Fatorda’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. Both teams come into this encounter in solid form, aiming to strengthen their campaigns at a crucial juncture in the season.
Mohun Bagan leads the standings with an unbeaten streak, registering seven wins and a draw in ISL 2024-25. Their defensive strength is evident, having kept six clean sheets. FC Goa, sitting fourth on the table, boasts a dynamic attacking style, with nine different players contributing goals this season.
This battle between Mohun Bagan’s resolute defense and Goa’s attacking versatility promises to be a high-stakes showdown. Goa seeks to overcome the league leaders and secure vital points to narrow the gap. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan looks to extend its dominance and consolidate its position at the top.
Key players to watch include Mohun Bagan’s defensive stalwarts and Goa’s offensive playmakers. Both sides have demonstrated their capability to adapt to challenging situations, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. With the mid-season point approaching, the match carries significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations.
Fans can expect an intense, action-packed game as two of the ISL’s top teams vie for supremacy. Mohun Bagan’s strategic discipline will be tested against Goa’s creative and relentless attacks. This matchup is a must-watch for football enthusiasts, showcasing the best of Indian football talent.
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