Half Time Report: Attacking Pune have ATK on the run; lead with fastest goal this season

Starting Line-ups:

FC Pune City - Steve Simonsen, Dharmaraj Ravanan, Gouramangi Singh, Roger Johnson, Nicky Shorey, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Didier Zokora, Lenny Rodrigues, Jackichand Singh, Yendrick Ruiz, Tuncay Sanli

Atletico de Kolkata - Juan Catalayud, Rino Anto, Arnab Mondal, Josemi, Nalappan Mohanraj, Borja Fernandez, Oftense Nato, Nadong Bhutia, Javi Lara, Arata Izumi, Iain Hume

An early goal by Jackichand Singh saw Punce City gain a lead over table toppers Atletico de Kolkata that they could not extend despite trying hard throughout the half as the visitors desperately defended to contain the damage to a minimum.

Determined to field his strongest side against ATK, Pune City coach David Platt made five changes to the starting line-up that he used against Dehli Dynamos. Didier Zocora, Tuncay Sanli, Yendrick Ruiz, Roger Johnson and Eugeneson Lyngdoh were given a start in what is the first instance where Pune City have been able to field a full-strength squad.

Atletico de Kolkata made three changes, introducing three players back from national duty - defenders Arnab Mondal and Rino Anto as well as defensive medio Oftense Nato.

Almost immediately after the match began Pune City were ahead. A long ball into the box that found Jackichand running in from the left and tapping it in. Rino Anto was following the ball from pretty close but failed to disrupt the move as ATK conceded an early goal before their defence had managed to settle down.

For the rest of the half ATK tried hard to control the ball and build attacks but it was Pune City who were clearly the more aggressive side whenever a chance arrived. 

14 minutes in, Rino Anto tried to make good for the defensive error he committed with a good pass to Hume who ran up the flank and sent in a cross but Arata did not get to it in time.

Later, a good cross from Javi Lara almost found Arata in a dangerous position but Dharmaraj managed to head it clear. 

Soon after, it was Ravanan again, this time delivering a long ball to Ruiz. Ruiz passed it to Tuncay who shot it way above the target.

And then Pune City were denied a clear penalty. Tuncay Sanli was brought down, almost off the ball, by Borja inside the penalty box but the referee did not see it properly, adding to the long list of penalty-related blunders officials have already piled up this ISL.

Then came a period of heavy pressure as multiple Pune City players invaded ATK box twice. First time, it was Ruiz who took the shot, and Juan Catalayud punched it out. The ball went to Jackichand Singh who headed it, but Arnab Mondal made a brilliant goal-line save with his face to keep the ball out.

Feeling that the heat was on, Platt looked to turn the screw. He substituted Lenny Rodrigues with Bikash Jairu. There was little immediate effect but with four national team players on the pitch Pune City sure to be more attacking in the second half. 

For ATK, things are not going well. What Habas will be looking to produce in the second half is one shock move that changes the direction of the game. So far ATK have gone into the second half with a lead to defend in this season but now they must chase the game and get back on equal terms with a side that is clearly challenging them for all 3 points. It should make for an interesting contest in the second half.