Nothing so High About I-League

Awful ground conditions, poor turnout at matches and below par marketing have been THE ORDER OF THE DAY in the I-League this season.

- Novy Kapadia

After a month of hectic action in the Hero I-League,both Kolkata teams, EastBengal and Mohun Bagan, are at the top of the table for the first time since 2001. East Bengal is the leader with 19 points from seven matches that include six victories on the trot.

It is for the first time since 2010-11 that East Bengal is in pole position in the I-League. Bagan, which has played one match less, is second with 16 points (at the time of writing). Bagan won its first four matches, but was held to a goalless draw by DSK Shivajians, the most improved team in the I-League. The Pune-based team has held both Bagan and Bengaluru FC to draws.

Manager Trevor Morgan, an Englishman who is now a naturalised Australian citizen, is working wonders again with East Bengal in his second stint. He was with East Bengal from 2010-2013 during which he helped the team win the Federation Cup (2010 and 2012) and the Super Cup (2011). Morgan believes in one-touch approach play and quick transition from defence to attack. He has once again got a group of players that is easily adapting to his coaching philosophy.

During his first season with East Bengal, Morgan had the magical trio of Penn Orji, Tolgay Ozbey and newly recruited Robin Singh, who relied on pace and quick attacks. They won six matches in a row at the start of the 2010-11 I-League.

IN HIS SECOND STINT, Morgan has revitalised the club. His attacking trio this time consists of Robin and Willis Deon Plaza (Trinidad and Tobago international) and play maker Wedson Anselme (Hai-ti). Skipper Lalrindika Ralte has also returned to peak form after an injury lay-off, and his measured cross-field and chipped passes initiate many attacks.