Bengaluru FC held a spirited Jamshedpur FC in an entertaining 0-0 draw in the Indian Super League at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim. While some may feel that the Men of Steel missed out on a great opportunity to bag all three points, head coach Owen Coyle was happy even after the draw.
The Scottish tactician felt that it was a good game with two teams fighting it out for all three points. He said, “I think there were two very tough teams, a very competitive game, not scrappy. Both teams were competing for three points, we had some wonderful chances to win the game. Their goalkeeper made some top saves, but we showed the same energy and efforts to win.
“A point against a very good Bengaluru side and another clean-sheet, so there are a lot of positives from the game,” Coyle added.
The former Wigan Athletic boss revealed that Nerijus Valskis missed out due to a knock that he picked up during the warming up session just ahead of kickoff. He also added how there were some other players who had some niggles too. He was happy how his team held their own and were resolute in defence.
He pointed out how defence is not always about the backline and the goalkeeper, it start from the front for him. He believes that had they been a little more clinical the result could have been different. “I am delighted with the defending. But, defending isn’t just the keeper and back four, it starts from the front, so collectively defending was fantastic. In terms of goals, if we would’ve been clinical and held our composure, the result could’ve been better,” the Scotsman analysed.
Coyle was very impressed with the performances of Brazilian midfielder Alexander Lima and youngster Jitendra Singh. Lima had some exceptional chances to hand Jamshedpur FC the three points in the game. He was brilliant with his passing and moving and had he been a little clinical in front of goal, the Men of Steel would have bagged all three points.
Jamshedpur FC are currently second in the points table, just behind Mumbai City FC. Whereas Bengaluru FC are currently languishing in the bottom half of the table with only six points from eight games.
