Like the previous seasons, this edition of the I-League has been nothing short of spectacular. With underdogs ruling the roost last season, this year too the competition saw shift of power from the traditional power-houses.
At the start of the season, it was an easy guess that either East Bengal or Mohun Bagan will take the top honours at the end of the season. But as it turned out the ‘minnows’ had some other plans.
Taking inspiration from Aizawl FC’s triumph last season, Minerva Punjab FC and debutant NEROCA FC turned the tables completely. With Minerva Punjab lifting the trophy on Thursday in Panchukula, it was curtains for the big two from Kolkata for yet another season. NEROCA FC did exceedingly well to end number two on the leaderboard.
With four teams vying for glory on the final day of the tournament, I-League couldn’t have asked for a better advertisement that too at a time when it’s relevance has been questioned. Already more competitive, a commercially viable I-League is right on the cards.
With 204 goals in 90 matches this season, let’s take a look at some other numbers from this edition of I-League.
Spectators Coming In
Football fans in the country have been captivated by the drama and excitement provided by the eleventh edition of the I-League and this has resulted in 58% increase in in-stadia attendance.
The average attendance this season has rose to 10,210 fans in a match from 6,500 spectators in a match in the previous edition.
Fans from the footballing hotbeds have always thronged the stadium. But it was the fans of NEROCA FC who have been a revelation.
Debutant NEROCA FC from Manipur saw a mammoth average attendance of 24,494. They had a record attendance of 35,285 in a single match.
East Bengal and Mohun Bagan came distant second, whose average attendances have been 16,312 and 15,936 respectively.
Even in the southern part of the country, the I-League 2017-18 was able to make inroads. The competition saw an average attendance of 9,201 in Gokulam Kerala FC’s matches and an average attendance of 8,938 in Chennai City FC’s.
Dipanda Dicka: Goal Machine
Mohun Bagan’s Aser Pierrick Dipanda Dicka leads the chart with 13 goals, followed by Dudu from East Bengal with 8 goals and, NEROCA FC’s Chidi and Chencho of Minerva with seven goals each. Dipanda’s form has been one of the reason for Mohun Bagan’s late surge. He had scored a brace against East Bengal in the last derby in January.
East Bengal: Goals Not Translating into Title Success
Like last season this season too, East Bengal and Mohun Bagan lead the goal tally but some how that hasn’t resulted in a successful campaign. This season East Bengal managed to hit the back of the net 32 times, while Mohun Bagan 28 times. Champions Minerva are third on the list with 24 goals. East Bengal also scored the maximum goal in a single match this season when they thrashed Churchill Brothers 7-1 in the later stage of the tournament.
Mohun Bagan: The Away Champions
The green and maroon brigade set a benchmark this season with a scintillating away record. They have remained undefeated in all their away matches in the I-League this season, winning five and drawing four. Out of their 28 goals, Mohun Bagan has scored 54% of them in away matches, while conceding 43% goals away from home. Back at home, Mohun Bagan was completely a different team losing three matches and managing win only in three matches.
NEROCA FC: The Great Wall of Manipur
Out of their 18 matches, debutant NEROCA FC were successful in maintaining a clean sheet in nine of their matches. After Mohun Bagan, they were the best away team, remaining undefeated in their last 8 away matches. NEROCA FC’s goalkeeper Lalit Thapa, who is an Indian-born Nepalese footballer, was a revelation in this edition of the tournament and is the main reason behind NEROCA FC’s impenetrable defence.
Minerva Punjab FC: Holding Their Fortress
Champions Minerva got their basics right and rightfully deserved the trophy. Strong performances at home, coupled with decent away outings, Minerva Punjab did well to be crowned the champions in their only second season in the top division. Out of their 10 wins, Minerva won six of their matches back at home. They scored 56% of their goals at home and conceded only 44% of the goals at home.
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