Punjab FC continued its dominating start to the 2024-25 edition of the ISL, making it three wins out of three defeating Hyderabad FC 2-0 and going top of the table.
Goals from Ezequiel Vidal and Filip Mrzljak in both halves secured a win for the Punjab as they go from strength to strength in the ISL.
Panagiotis Dilmperis made history, becoming just the second manager to win his first three games in the ISL, and while its all smiles for the Shers, the worries continues to pile up for Hyderabad FC, who languish at the bottom with three defeats and not a goal scored after three games.
#5: Punjab are here to win
In what is just their second season in the ISL, Punjab FC have become a fan favorite side. Three wins out of three, and with each passing game, they are looking more threatening and dominant.
They have nothing away today against Hyderabad FC, and a 2-0 scoreline could have very easily been 4-0 or 5-0 had Punjab FC, and in particular Filip Mrzljak, converted the chances.
Under newly appointed coach Panagiotis Dilmperis, Punjab are looking like the side to beat in these early stages of the ISL.
The more important question though, can they continue this for the rest of the season? Only time can tell.
#4: Too much too soon for Hyderabad FC’s youngsters?
Although the financial issues of Hyderabad FC appear to have become a thing of the past with new ownership, and the subsequent lifiting of the transfer ban is a sign of good things to come, Hyderabad FC’s perils on the field continue.
With just one win last year and a transfer ban in place, they were unable to make any signings and had to rely on their youngsters to do the job for them but it looks like the young players are in dire need of a guiding hand on the pitch.
After three games, Hyderabad have not managed to score a single goal and what’s worse, they do not look very threatening going forward and they are extremely vulnerable at the back as well.
As if things were not bad enough, a red card for Leander D’Cunha towards the end of today’s match summed up the kind of season they are having.
Head coach Thangboi Singto will need to be supported with free agent signings or regular signings in the January transfer window but until new personnel with experience come in, it is going to be a rough ride for the Nawabs.
#3: Vidal makes history
A moment of magic, combined with a moment to forget worked together in what was the opening goal of the night.
In what was a seemingly harmless position 35 yards from goal, Vidal struck a clean freekick that curved inwards toward goal and Hyderabad’s goalkeeper, Arshdeep Singh, spills it into the net.
Vidal though, did not mind that one bit. He became the first player to score a freekick goal for Punjab FC in the ISL, which also happened to be his first goal for the Shers.
Watch the goal here:
#2: Coaches react
Punjab FC’s head coach Dilmperis was a delighted man after the game. “I am very proud of my players. All the congrats should go to them. They have worked hard for three months to achieve this goal.”
“This was our third game on the trot. Some players were not fresh but they tried hard, and the players from the bench helped us a lot. We’re in this together,” he added.
Thangboi Singto, Hyderabad’s head coach, emphasized the need for his players to get fitter and use the upcoming break to work on that aspect.
“First half we played well. We created chances. It was all about being a little more clinical and taking our chances. But congrats to Punjab, they looked fitter and were much better in possession,” he said.
“We were steamrolled in the second half. The red card (to Leander D’Cunha) really helped Punjab’s cause. We want the boys to make better decisions. Even the first goal could have been saved, I believe,” he added.
#1: What’s next for both teams?
Punjab FC will travel to Bengaluru on the 18th of October, another team who are in very good form, in what promises to be a thrilling contest between two in-form sides currently, in the ISL.
Hyderabad FC will be at their home turf for their next game, against Chennaiyin FC on the 1st of October.
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