New Delhi: It’s still early days in the 2024-25 Indian Super League but Punjab FC are showing all traits of well trained team, beating Hyderabad FC 2-0 to notch up a hat-trick of victories and be early pace setters of the competition.
At a time when most teams are trying to find their feet, Punjab have bolted out of the starting blocks to collect the maximum nine points after three games.
As in their wins over Kerala Blasters and Odisha FC in the opening two rounds, midfield duo of Pulga Vidal and Filip Mrzljak were the chief architect of Wednesday’s victory.
Who at the top? We at the top. 😎#PunjabDaJosh #TheShers #PFCHFC pic.twitter.com/opgYFqLP2z
— Punjab FC (@RGPunjabFC) September 25, 2024
Not because they scored but the manner in which they carried the team and controlled the flow of action.
Punjab created more opportunities and though they couldn’t put away several presentable chances Vidal managed to squeeze in a free-kick with his preferred left foot on 35 minutes although Arshdeep Singh should have intercepted the ball rather than attempt a weak parry with one hand.
Mrzljak made sure of the three points with a typical run on a swift counter attack, chasing a stray ball that deflected off Hyderabad keeper Arshdeep Singh’s foot to roll it into an empty net in the 71st minute.
The Croat had a glorious chance to make the scoreline more handsome for Punjab but skied an inviting Lhungdim cross despite being unmarked in the box and having Arshdeep only to beat.
Hyderabad reduced to 10 men
By then Hyderabad, after struggling to create much though fighting for every ball, had gone down to 10 men after Leander D Cunha was sent off for two yellow cards.
A late change in ownership leading to lifting of transfer bans after the transfer window meant Hyderabad are hardly prepared to battle with well prepared teams.
They had only two foreigners in their squad and just like their opening round loss to Bengaluru were prone to mistakes. But it wasn’t because of lack of effort but due scant preparation and insufficient technical ability.
Still Hyderabad coach Thangboi Singto wouldn’t be too overtly worried. He is already looking forward to the international break in October to add free overseas players while his Punjab counterpart would be beaming with three successive wins topped with a clean sheet.
Punjab FC defeated Hyderabad FC 2-0 to grab the top spot in the ISL with three wins in as many matches Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
