NorthEast United Crush Kerala Blasters 4-1 to Hit Top of Table
NorthEast United climb to the top of the ISL table after a dominant 4-1 victory over Kerala Blasters in Guwahati.
In a commanding display of attacking football, NorthEast United secured a resounding 4-1 victory over Kerala Blasters FC in an Indian Super League (ISL) clash at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. The win marks the second consecutive victory for the Highlanders, propelling them to the summit of the league table.
Ajaraie Leads the Charge
The hosts set the tone early in the match. In the 15th minute, Eneko Satrustegui delivered a precise needled pass that put Alaaeddine Ajaraie through on goal. The Moroccan striker showed great composure, rounding goalkeeper Arsh Anwer before slotting the ball into the net to give NorthEast United a 1-0 lead.
The Highlanders continued to press their advantage, with Jithin nearly adding a second, though his header was pushed off target by Anwer.
First-Half Dominance
Kerala Blasters attempted to fight back as the first half progressed. Striker Andre Green saw a 38th-minute effort blocked by Satrustegui, and defender Amey Ranawade failed to trouble goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh after receiving a cross from Adrian Luna.
Just as the half seemed to be ending, NorthEast United struck again in the 45+4 minute. After Ajaraie's initial shot was blocked by Hormipam Ruivah, he quickly recovered the ball and set up Antonio Moyano, who finished clinically to make it 2-0.
The Second Half Tug-of-War
Seeking a turnaround, Kerala Blasters made two tactical substitutions at the break, introducing Korou and Sandeep Singh. While NorthEast United continued to create chances through Moyano and Jithin, the Blasters managed to claw their way back into the game against the run of play.
At the 60-minute mark, Yansane converted a flick from Adrian Luna with a low drive that beat Gurmeet Singh, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and sparking hopes of a comeback.
Closing the Door
Any hopes of a Kerala revival were short-lived. Shortly after the goal, Alaaeddine Ajaraie capitalized on a poor clearance by Korou. The striker unleashed a curling effort from the edge of the box that Arsh Anwer could not keep out, restoring the two-goal cushion at 3-1.
With the game firmly in control, NorthEast United made further substitutions, bringing on Nikola and debutant Aman CK. The final blow came in the 82nd minute when Aman CK found the back of the net, converting a pass from Macarton to seal the match at 4-1.
Despite late efforts from the Blasters to salvage some pride, the Highlanders' defense remained resolute, ensuring a dominant victory and a place at the top of the ISL standings.