ISL 2020-21: ATK Mohun Bagan regains top spot with 1-0 win over Jamshedpur FC

The man is coming, the time has come! And that man, for ATK Mohun Bagan, was once again Roy Krishna. After a cautious affair threatened to end in a goalless draw, Krishna’s late goal (85 ‘) made the difference as Antonio Habas’s side edged Jamshedpur FC 1-0 in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium on Sunday.

The victory propelled ATKMB to the top of the Hero ISL table and also to the playoffs. Mumbai City FC, who were topped by ATKMB by two points, are one game short. The result also meant that Jamshedpur’s chances of making the playoffs are over.

The first half was a cautious affair and both teams took a rather cautious approach.

ATKMB, however, soon took the lead. They had a penalty call as early as the seventh minute when Roy Krishna fell into the box, under pressure from Peter Hartley, after being fed by David Williams. However, the referee ruled otherwise.

There were some chances in the first half hour with Marcelinho coming closer in the 28th minute when he slammed a shot into the side net.

Bagan had another good chance shortly after when a quick free kick from Jhingan found David Williams. His low shot was deftly deflected by Jamshedpur’s keeper TP Rehenesh.

Jhingan had a chance on a corner kick at the edge of halftime, but missed a chance to head the ball.

The second half continued along the same lines, although Jamshedpur coach Owen Coyle tried a more offensive approach with the introduction of Nerijus Valskis. However, when an hour had passed, Jamshedpur had yet to register a shot on goal; it was clear that his intention was to sit back and defend.

Meanwhile, ATKMB continued to create opportunities at the other end. Hostage was called into action twice in quick succession, both times to defend himself against Krishna. First, he forced a Rehenesh stop after being fed by Marcelinho. Then a rather hopeful shot from the Fijian’s flanks was easily picked up by the Jamshedpur goalkeeper.

But Krishna was not going to be denied for long. His goal came just after ATKMB goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharja acrobatically kept off a header from Valskis that appeared to be entering. And as with many times that Krishna had marked, it was David Williams who created it. After receiving the ball from the Australian, Krishna found the right corner of the goal, swooping past Rehenesh with a perfect shot.