Gameweek 7 of the Hero I-League was eventful. The youthful team of Minerva Punjab recorded their first win and East Bengal continued their impressive form. The table also makes an interesting view as Mohun Bagan and East Bengal sit on top. The two erstwhile giants who have been on a downward curve in recent years in the domestic league.

Bodo goal creates history, Minerva Punjab score big win

Minerva Punjab went into an important clash with Mumbai still in search of their first win. The newcomers had been playing well and looked increasingly coherent but were yet to take 3 points from a game. Minerva put aside a poor Mumbai team to take a morale boosting 3 points. Baoringdao Bodo scored to become the youngest ever in the I-League to do so and gave the hosts the lead. Anirudh Thapa doubled the margin on 66 minutes to put Minerva in a commanding position. Karan Sawhney’s 77th minute goal for Mumbai halved the deficit but couldn’t keep Minerva from winning the game.

It’s interesting to see that both the new entrants have started playing well a couple of weeks into the season. The major issue was the lack of preparation time they had on hand but this seems to be slowly overcome by both Minerva and Chennai.

Bengaluru FC: Cracks appear in the champions fortress

Bengaluru were favorites to win the league once again but have been anything but impressive so far. Barring a good start, the Blues have been poor in recent weeks. An out-of-sorts defense and a misfiring attack have meant that the BFC are now languishing in 5th place, 9 points behind of East Bengal at the top. CK Vineeth has been a bright spot for BFC scoring regularly and leading the line well but unfortunately the defense has been what has let the defending champions down. Even against DSK Shivajians, Bengaluru FC conceded two goals before rallying to salvage a draw, courtesy an injury time equalizer from Ranjan Singh.

Another factor affecting BFC are their AFC cup travels, as they recently traveled to Jordan where they lost 2-1 to Al-Wehdat. Coach Albert Roca needs an answer to steady the ship and get the defending champions back on track.

Aizawl and Shillong look vastly improved

Aizawl FC and Shillong Lajong currently occupy 3rd and 4th place respectively. This is a testament to the impressive showings from both teams. Aizawl and Shillong, while they may not have the consistency of Mohun Bagan or East Bengal, are both playing good football and getting results that matter. Aizawl put up a great fight against heavyweights Mohun Bagan while Shillong scraped past Churchill Brothers even when they weren’t at their best. These are signs that both these teams are not to be underestimated.

Mohun Bagan and East Bengal head into derby in fine form

While it’s a bit early to predict a winner, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal will undoubtedly be right in the mix. Both Kolkata teams are yet to lose and are playing some scintillating football coming into the much anticipated derby “Boro Khela” as it is fondly called by the supports in the city of Kolkata. East Bengal brushed aside Chennai City with ease as Anselme and Plaza, who have formed a formidable partnership, were among the goals again. East Bengal also have the joint best defensive record in the league along with Mohun Bagan,conceding only 3 goals thus far. The fiery Kolkata derby is sure to be full off action as the two top teams face off with local pride at stake. Mohun Bagan have a game in hand and that will be another aspect of the game that could prove pivotal in the title race. 

It remains to be seen as to what happens on 12 February 2017, when two of the most successful teams meet once again to renew their age-old rivalry. Whether it is the “Chingri” (Prawns), a symbol of Mohun Bagan or “Ilish” (Hilsa), a symbol of East Bengal,  for the Sunday night feast in Bengal the football lovers appetite certainly has a mouthwatering clash ahead.  

The I-League holds it’s breath in anticipation of the Kolkata derby where league leaders East Bengal take on fierce rivals Mohun Bagan. The game promises to be a showstopper with major implications at the top of the table.