ISL: Mumbai City FC continue cruise mode with 4-0 win over NorthEast United FC

Mumbai City FC went seven points clear at the top of the table after a comfortable 40 victory over NorthEast United FC in an Indian Super League ISL 202223 match at the Mumbai Football Arena here on ThursdayAhmed Jahouh Jorge Diaz and Vinit Rai were on target for the Islanders The third goal of the match was classified as an Alex Saji own goalThe result was another example of their dominance this season in all Mumbai City FC have now scored 45 goals in 15 games putting them just a goal behind FC Goas league stage record of 46 goals in 201920 with five games to goDes Buckingham made four changes to his side that saw Mourtada Fall Lalengmawia Ralte Rai and Diaz return to the starting XI to replace Rostyn Griffiths Vignesh Dakshinamurthy Rowllin Borges and Alberto Noguera Vincenzo Annese made two changes that saw Romain Philippoteaux and Rochharzela replace Jon Gaztanaga and Emil BennyAlso readISL Mumbai City FC seal 10 win over ATK Mohun BaganAnnese tweaked his tactics specifically for Mumbai City FC but the gamble did not pay off as the visitors found themselves three goals down inside the opening 15 minutes of the game A deflected Ahmed Jahouh freekick handed the hosts an early lead five minutes into the gameImmediately after the goal the Highlanders hovered near the Mumbai City FC box but failed to penetrate the staunch defence Six minutes after the opener the Islanders doubled their lead after Lallianzuala Chhangtes tricky run was thwarted by the defence only to put the loose ball into the path of Diaz who scored his ninth goal of the seasonAfter scoring the second Diaz was involved in a smooth onetouchpass move that ended with Greg Stewarts shot deflected into the goal by Saji For the second time in three weeks Mumbai City FC had dismantled their opponents inside the opening quarter of the gameAt halftime Rai was allowed too much space by the NorthEast United defence about 25 yards away from goal The fullback tried his luck from range and his scorching effort flew into the top left corner of goal The Highlanders were reduced to ten men after Wilmar Gils swinging arm impeded on Diaz near the halfway line straight after kickoffIn the second half Mumbai City FC lowered the tempo and took complete control of the game However the Islanders were still hovering near the NorthEast United FC box constantly looking for openings in the defenceThree minutes from time Diaz had the opportunity to add another goal to his tally from the penalty spot However the Argentines penalty was saved by Mirshad MichuMumbai City FC are now seven points clear at the top of the table now Hyderabad FC can cut the deficit back down to four if they win their game against East Bengal FC on FridayAs for the Islanders their next challenge will be a game against Jamshedpur FC on January 27 NorthEast United FC were handed their 13th defeat of the season and they will play Kerala Blasters FC next on January 29This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever