Indian Super League 2023/24 Season Overview

Leon Hughes / 11:42 PM GMT • 27th May, 2024

20 minutes

We take a detailed look into this seasons Indian Super League. Odds for 2024/5

With another season gone, we take a look at how the teams got on this season as well as odds for the 2024/25 season. This is Part 1 reviewing the top six teams in the table for the 2023/4 season. Part 2 here.

ATK Mohun Bagan FC 2023/24 Season Analysis

Overview: ATK Mohun Bagan FC had an outstanding 2023/24 Indian Super League (ISL) season, finishing at the top of the table with 52 points from 22 matches. Their campaign was marked by a formidable combination of attacking prowess and defensive solidity, which saw them emerge as the dominant force in the league.

Season Statistics:

• Matches Played: 22
• Wins: 16
• Draws: 4
• Losses: 2
• Goals For: 48
• Goals Against: 18
• Points: 52

Key Factors in Success:

1. Consistent Performance: ATK Mohun Bagan FC displayed remarkable consistency throughout the season. They managed to avoid long winless streaks and often bounced back quickly from setbacks. Their ability to consistently secure points, especially against lower-ranked teams, played a crucial role in their league-topping performance.
2. Strong Defense: The team's defensive record was one of the best in the league, conceding only 18 goals. This was primarily due to the stellar performances of their defensive line, led by Sandesh Jhingan and Tiri. Goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya also played a pivotal role, making crucial saves and keeping numerous clean sheets.
3. Potent Attack: With 48 goals scored, ATK Mohun Bagan boasted one of the most effective attacking units in the league. Key players like Liston Colaco, Roy Krishna, and David Williams were instrumental in creating and converting scoring opportunities. Their ability to perform under pressure and deliver in crucial moments set them apart from their competitors.
4. Tactical Mastery: Head coach Antonio López Habas employed effective tactics that maximized the team's strengths while minimizing their weaknesses. His strategic substitutions and game plans often outfoxed opposition managers. The team's flexibility in switching formations and adapting to different game scenarios was a testament to their tactical discipline.
5. Depth of Squad: The depth of ATK Mohun Bagan’s squad allowed them to maintain high performance levels even when dealing with injuries and suspensions. Players like Carl McHugh and Subhasish Bose provided valuable contributions, ensuring that the team remained competitive throughout the season.

Key Matches:

• ATK Mohun Bagan vs. Mumbai City FC: One of the highlights of the season was their victory against Mumbai City FC, a direct rival for the top spot. The match showcased ATK Mohun Bagan’s tactical prowess and resilience, with a decisive performance that solidified their lead in the standings.
• ATK Mohun Bagan vs. FC Goa: Another crucial fixture was their win against FC Goa. The game demonstrated their attacking versatility, with multiple players contributing to a high-scoring affair that further bolstered their goal difference.
• ATK Mohun Bagan vs. Kerala Blasters: This match highlighted their defensive strength. Despite Kerala Blasters’ persistent attacks, ATK Mohun Bagan held firm, securing a clean sheet and a vital win that underscored their defensive capabilities.

Player Performances:

• Liston Colaco: As the top scorer for ATK Mohun Bagan, Colaco’s pace, dribbling skills, and clinical finishing were pivotal. He not only scored goals but also created numerous opportunities for his teammates.
• Roy Krishna: Krishna continued to be a talismanic figure, contributing both goals and assists. His leadership on the field and ability to perform in crucial matches made him an invaluable asset.
• Sandesh Jhingan: Jhingan’s commanding presence in defense was crucial in maintaining the team’s solid defensive record. His aerial prowess and tackling ability thwarted many opposition attacks.
• Arindam Bhattacharya: The goalkeeper's consistent performances and crucial saves in high-pressure situations earned him several Man of the Match awards. His ability to organize the defense and communicate effectively was vital.

Challenges Faced:

Despite their successful season, ATK Mohun Bagan faced challenges such as injury concerns and the pressure of maintaining top form throughout a grueling schedule. They also had to deal with the tactical adaptations of opponents who were keen to disrupt their playing style. However, their resilience and depth allowed them to overcome these hurdles effectively.

Conclusion:

The 2023/24 season for ATK Mohun Bagan FC was a masterclass in consistency, tactical intelligence, and team cohesion. Their balanced approach, combining a strong defense with an efficient attack, ensured they were a formidable opponent throughout the campaign. The team’s success was a collective effort, driven by standout individual performances and strategic brilliance from the coaching staff. This season not only cemented their status as the top team in the ISL but also set a high benchmark for future campaigns.

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Mumbai City FC 2023/24 Season Analysis

Overview: Mumbai City FC had a strong 2023/24 Indian Super League (ISL) season, finishing in second place with 49 points from 22 matches. The defending champions showcased their strength and consistency, remaining one of the top contenders throughout the season. Their balanced approach, combining a potent attack and solid defense, kept them in the race for the title until the very end.

Season Statistics:

• Matches Played: 22
• Wins: 15
• Draws: 4
• Losses: 3
• Goals For: 45
• Goals Against: 22
• Points: 49

Key Factors in Success:

1. High-Scoring Offense: Mumbai City FC had one of the most formidable attacking units in the league, scoring 45 goals. Key players like Igor Angulo, Bipin Singh, and Ahmed Jahouh were instrumental in driving the team’s offensive play. Angulo, in particular, continued his prolific form, finishing as one of the top scorers in the league.
2. Solid Defensive Record: With only 22 goals conceded, Mumbai City FC maintained a strong defensive record. The partnership between Mourtada Fall and Mehtab Singh in central defense provided stability, while goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz delivered consistent performances between the posts.
3. Strategic Management: Head coach Des Buckingham’s tactical acumen was evident throughout the season. His ability to rotate the squad effectively and make crucial in-game adjustments ensured that the team remained competitive in every match. Buckingham’s strategic nous helped the team navigate through tough fixtures and maintain their position near the top of the table.
4. Squad Depth: The depth of Mumbai City FC’s squad was a significant advantage. The team managed to cope well with injuries and suspensions, with players like Vikram Pratap Singh and Rowllin Borges stepping up when needed. This depth allowed them to maintain high performance levels across the season.
5. Home Advantage: Mumbai City FC capitalized on their home ground, the Mumbai Football Arena, creating a fortress where they were particularly difficult to beat. The support from home fans provided an additional boost, contributing to their impressive home record.

Key Matches:

• Mumbai City FC vs. ATK Mohun Bagan: A pivotal match in the season, this fixture saw Mumbai City FC narrowly lose to the eventual champions. Despite the loss, the close contest highlighted their competitive edge and ability to challenge the best teams in the league.
• Mumbai City FC vs. Hyderabad FC: An emphatic 3-0 victory against Hyderabad FC showcased Mumbai City FC’s attacking prowess and defensive solidity. This match was crucial in maintaining their momentum and solidifying their position in the top two.
• Mumbai City FC vs. Kerala Blasters: In a thrilling encounter, Mumbai City FC secured a 2-1 victory against Kerala Blasters. The match demonstrated their resilience and ability to perform under pressure, with Igor Angulo scoring the decisive goal.

Player Performances:

• Igor Angulo: Angulo continued to be a key player for Mumbai City FC, finishing as one of the top scorers in the league. His clinical finishing and ability to score crucial goals were vital to the team’s success.
• Bipin Singh: Singh’s pace and creativity on the wing provided numerous assists and goals. His consistent performances made him a crucial part of the attacking setup.
• Ahmed Jahouh: Jahouh’s presence in midfield was pivotal, providing both defensive cover and creative impetus. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game and deliver accurate set-pieces added a significant dimension to the team’s play.
• Mourtada Fall: Fall’s leadership in defense was crucial. His aerial ability and commanding presence helped Mumbai City FC maintain a strong defensive record.

Challenges Faced:

Mumbai City FC faced several challenges, including injuries to key players and the pressure of defending their title. Adapting to different playing styles and overcoming tactical setups aimed at neutralizing their strengths were additional hurdles. Despite these challenges and with football betting sites in India lowering the odds this season, their depth and tactical flexibility allowed them to remain strong contenders.

Conclusion:

The 2023/24 season for Mumbai City FC was marked by strong performances, strategic management, and a balanced approach. While they fell short of retaining the title, finishing second with 49 points is a testament to their quality and consistency. The team’s potent attack, solid defense, and effective squad rotation were key factors in their successful campaign. This season further established Mumbai City FC as one of the premier teams in the ISL, setting a high standard for future seasons.

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Bengaluru FC 2023/24 Season Analysis

Overview: Bengaluru FC had a challenging 2023/24 Indian Super League (ISL) season, finishing in the lower half of the table with 22 points from 22 matches. The team struggled with consistency and faced several obstacles, including injuries to key players and defensive vulnerabilities. Despite these challenges, they showed moments of promise and fought hard throughout the season.

Season Statistics:

• Matches Played: 22
• Wins: 5
• Draws: 7
• Losses: 10
• Goals For: 20
• Goals Against: 34
• Points: 22

Key Factors in Performance:

1. Inconsistent Form: Bengaluru FC struggled to maintain consistent form throughout the season. They had difficulty stringing together a series of positive results, often following up wins with draws or losses. This inconsistency hindered their ability to climb the table.
2. Defensive Challenges: Conceding 34 goals, Bengaluru FC's defense was one of the weaker aspects of their game. The team struggled with defensive organization and frequently allowed goals from set-pieces and open play. Injuries to key defenders exacerbated these issues.
3. Injury Woes: The team faced significant injury problems, with several key players, including captain Sunil Chhetri, missing crucial matches. These absences disrupted their rhythm and affected their overall performance.
4. Lack of Offensive Firepower: With only 20 goals scored, Bengaluru FC had one of the lowest goal tallies in the league. The team struggled to convert chances, and the lack of a consistent goal scorer was a significant issue. Despite creating opportunities, they often failed to finish effectively.
5. Midfield Struggles: The midfield struggled to control games and provide the necessary support to both the defense and the attack. The lack of a dominant presence in midfield meant that Bengaluru FC often lost the battle in the center of the park.

Key Matches:

• Bengaluru FC vs. Kerala Blasters: A 2-1 victory against Kerala Blasters was one of the highlights of Bengaluru FC's season. The team showed resilience and determination, with Sunil Chhetri scoring a crucial goal to secure the win.
• Bengaluru FC vs. ATK Mohun Bagan: Despite losing 4-0 to the league leaders, this match highlighted the gap between Bengaluru FC and the top teams. The defeat underscored the defensive frailties and lack of depth in the squad.
• Bengaluru FC vs. NorthEast United: A 2-2 draw in this match showcased Bengaluru FC's fighting spirit. Coming from behind twice to secure a point demonstrated their resilience, though their defensive issues were again evident.

Player Performances:

• Sunil Chhetri: Despite an injury-plagued season, Chhetri remained a vital player for Bengaluru FC. His leadership on and off the pitch was crucial, and he contributed several important goals and assists.
• Cleiton Silva: Silva was one of the few bright spots in Bengaluru FC's attack. His ability to create and score goals provided a much-needed spark in their offensive play.
• Gurpreet Singh Sandhu: The goalkeeper had a busy season, often being called upon to make crucial saves. Despite the high number of goals conceded, Sandhu's performances prevented several matches from becoming more one-sided.
• Suresh Singh Wangjam: A consistent performer in midfield, Wangjam's energy and work rate were commendable. However, he often lacked the necessary support to control the midfield effectively.

Challenges Faced:

Bengaluru FC's season was marred by several challenges:

• Injuries to key players disrupted their campaign and affected their ability to maintain a consistent lineup.
• Defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of a dominant central defender contributed to their poor defensive record.
• Offensive struggles, particularly the inability to convert chances into goals, hampered their progress.
• Midfield control issues led to frequent losses in the midfield battle, affecting both their defensive stability and attacking potential.

Conclusion:

The 2023/24 season was a tough one for Bengaluru FC. Despite their efforts and moments of promise, the team struggled with consistency, defensive organization, and injuries to key players. Their inability to convert chances and control the midfield further compounded their difficulties. However, the resilience and fighting spirit shown in several matches highlight the potential within the squad.  Moving forward, addressing defensive weaknesses, improving squad depth, and finding a reliable goal scorer will be crucial for Bengaluru FC to return to the upper echelons of the ISL.

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Kerala Blasters 2023/24 Season Analysis

Overview: Kerala Blasters had a challenging 2023/24 Indian Super League (ISL) season, finishing in the lower half of the table with 23 points from 22 matches. The team faced multiple hurdles, including defensive inconsistencies and a lack of clinical finishing. Despite these challenges, Kerala Blasters showed moments of resilience and determination, often pushing top teams to their limits.

Season Statistics:

• Matches Played: 22
• Wins: 6
• Draws: 5
• Losses: 11
• Goals For: 25
• Goals Against: 36
• Points: 23

Key Factors in Performance:

1. Defensive Inconsistencies: Kerala Blasters struggled defensively throughout the season, conceding 36 goals. The team often found themselves vulnerable to set-pieces and counter-attacks, leading to several matches where they conceded multiple goals.
2. Lack of Clinical Finishing: Despite creating numerous scoring opportunities, Kerala Blasters were unable to convert them effectively, scoring only 25 goals. This lack of clinical finishing was a significant factor in their inability to secure more wins.
3. Midfield Creativity: The midfield, led by the likes of Adrian Luna and Jeakson Singh, showed moments of brilliance but lacked consistency. The creative spark was often missing in key games, leading to a disjointed connection between midfield and attack.
4. Injury Problems: Injuries to key players disrupted the team's rhythm and forced frequent changes in the lineup. The lack of continuity affected their overall performance and ability to build momentum.
5. Home and Away Form: Kerala Blasters had a mixed record at home and struggled significantly in away matches. The passionate support at home games provided a boost, but the team was unable to replicate this form on the road.

Key Matches:

• Kerala Blasters vs. Bengaluru FC: A crucial 2-1 victory against Bengaluru FC showcased the team's potential. Adrian Luna and Sahal Abdul Samad were instrumental in this win, highlighting their importance to the squad.
• Kerala Blasters vs. Mumbai City FC: Despite a spirited performance, Kerala Blasters lost 2-1 to Mumbai City FC. This match exemplified their season, where they competed well but fell short against stronger opponents.
• Kerala Blasters vs. ATK Mohun Bagan: A 0-0 draw against the league leaders demonstrated Kerala Blasters' defensive resilience. This match was a rare example of their ability to shut out high-scoring teams.

Player Performances:

• Adrian Luna: Luna was a standout performer for Kerala Blasters, providing creativity and leadership. His vision and passing ability were crucial in creating scoring opportunities for the team.
• Sahal Abdul Samad: Sahal showed flashes of brilliance and was often a key player in their attacking moves. His dribbling skills and pace were vital in breaking down defenses.
• Jeakson Singh: A consistent performer in midfield, Jeakson's defensive contributions and passing helped stabilize the team. However, he often lacked support to control the midfield effectively.
• Prabhsukhan Gill: The goalkeeper had a busy season, making numerous crucial saves. Despite the high number of goals conceded, Gill's performances prevented several matches from being more lopsided.

Challenges Faced:

Kerala Blasters faced several challenges:

• Defensive Frailties: Their inability to maintain defensive solidity led to many goals conceded from set-pieces and counter-attacks.
• Inconsistent Finishing: Despite creating chances, the team struggled to convert them into goals, affecting their ability to win matches.
• Injuries: Frequent injuries to key players disrupted the team’s rhythm and consistency.
• Away Form: Poor performance in away matches significantly impacted their position in the table.

Conclusion:

The 2023/24 season was a tough one for Kerala Blasters. Defensive inconsistencies, a lack of clinical finishing, and injuries to key players were significant factors that hampered their progress. Despite these challenges, the team showed moments of resilience and potential, especially in matches against top teams. Moving forward, Kerala Blasters need to address their defensive issues, improve their finishing, and build greater squad depth to compete more effectively in future seasons. Strengthening their midfield creativity and finding consistent goal-scorers will be key to improving their league position.

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FC Goa 2023/24 Season Analysis

Overview: FC Goa had a commendable 2023/24 Indian Super League (ISL) season, finishing in a respectable position in the upper mid-table with 33 points from 22 matches. The team displayed a balanced performance, combining effective attacking play with a relatively solid defense. However, inconsistency in some matches prevented them from challenging for the top spots.

Season Statistics:

• Matches Played: 22
• Wins: 10
• Draws: 3
• Losses: 9
• Goals For: 35
• Goals Against: 28
• Points: 33

Key Factors in Performance:

1. Strong Attacking Play: FC Goa was one of the more prolific teams in terms of goal scoring, netting 35 goals. The attacking trio of Brandon Fernandes, Jorge Ortiz, and Devendra Murgaonkar was instrumental in driving their offense. Their ability to create and convert chances was a key factor in their victories.
2. Defensive Stability: While not the best defensive team, FC Goa managed to maintain a decent defensive record, conceding 28 goals. The defensive unit, led by Ivan Gonzalez and Seriton Fernandes, provided stability at the back, helping the team secure several crucial clean sheets.
3. Tactical Flexibility: Head coach Carlos Pena's tactical flexibility allowed FC Goa to adapt to different opponents and situations. His ability to switch formations and strategies based on the game context was vital in securing important results throughout the season.
4. Midfield Control: The midfield duo of Edu Bedia and Glan Martins played a crucial role in controlling the tempo of the game. Their ability to link defense and attack effectively helped FC Goa dominate possession in many matches.
5. Home Advantage: FC Goa leveraged their home ground, the Fatorda Stadium, effectively, turning it into a fortress where they secured the majority of their points. The support from their home fans provided an additional boost to their performances.

Key Matches:

• FC Goa vs. Mumbai City FC: A significant 2-1 victory against Mumbai City FC highlighted FC Goa's capability to compete with the top teams. Jorge Ortiz and Brandon Fernandes were pivotal in this match, showcasing their attacking prowess.
• FC Goa vs. Hyderabad FC: A dominant 4-0 win over Hyderabad FC was one of the standout performances of the season. This match demonstrated FC Goa's offensive capabilities and defensive solidity.
• FC Goa vs. ATK Mohun Bagan: Despite a strong performance, FC Goa fell short in a 1-0 loss to ATK Mohun Bagan. This match highlighted some of the defensive lapses that occasionally plagued the team.

Player Performances:

• Brandon Fernandes: Fernandes was the creative heartbeat of FC Goa, contributing both goals and assists. His vision and passing ability were key in breaking down opposition defenses.
• Jorge Ortiz: Ortiz was one of the standout players, leading the attack with his dribbling skills, pace, and clinical finishing. His performances were crucial in many of FC Goa’s victories.
• Edu Bedia: Bedia's experience and composure in midfield helped FC Goa control many games. His ability to break up opposition play and distribute the ball effectively was vital.
• Ivan Gonzalez: As a central defender, Gonzalez provided stability and leadership at the back. His defensive contributions and ability to organize the defense were crucial in maintaining their defensive record.

Challenges Faced:

FC Goa faced several challenges during the season:

• Inconsistency: The team struggled with inconsistency, often following up strong performances with unexpected losses or draws.
• Injuries: Injuries to key players at crucial moments disrupted their momentum and affected their overall performance.
• Defensive Lapses: While generally solid, occasional defensive lapses cost them points in important matches.
• Away Form: FC Goa’s away form was less impressive compared to their home performances, impacting their ability to secure a higher position.

Conclusion:

The 2023/24 season for FC Goa was marked by strong attacking play, solid defensive performances, and tactical flexibility. Despite facing challenges such as inconsistency and injuries, the team managed to secure a respectable position in the upper mid-table. Key players like Brandon Fernandes, Jorge Ortiz, and Edu Bedia were instrumental in their success. Moving forward, addressing inconsistency and improving their away form will be crucial for FC Goa to challenge for the top spots in future seasons. Strengthening their squad depth and maintaining their tactical adaptability will also be key to sustaining their performance levels.

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Hyderabad FC 2023/24 Season Analysis

Overview: Hyderabad FC had a difficult 2023/24 Indian Super League (ISL) season, finishing at the bottom of the table with only 8 points from 22 matches. The team faced numerous challenges, including offensive struggles and defensive vulnerabilities, which led to a disappointing campaign. Despite these issues, Hyderabad FC showed moments of potential and fought hard in several matches.

Season Statistics:

• Matches Played: 22
• Wins: 1
• Draws: 5
• Losses: 16
• Goals For: 10
• Goals Against: 43
• Points: 8

Key Factors in Performance:

1. Offensive Struggles: Hyderabad FC had significant difficulties in finding the back of the net, scoring only 10 goals throughout the season. The lack of a reliable goal scorer was a major issue, and the team often failed to capitalize on the chances they created.
2. Defensive Vulnerabilities: Conceding 43 goals, Hyderabad FC's defense was one of the weakest in the league. The defensive line struggled with organization and often allowed opponents too much space, leading to frequent goals against.
3. Injury Problems: The team was plagued by injuries to key players, which disrupted their lineup and affected their overall performance. The constant changes in personnel made it difficult for the team to build cohesion.
4. Lack of Depth: The squad depth was another area of concern. Hyderabad FC lacked quality replacements, which became evident when key players were unavailable. This lack of depth affected their ability to compete consistently.
5. Coaching Changes: Frequent changes in the coaching staff led to instability and inconsistency in tactical approaches. The team struggled to adapt to new strategies and formations, which contributed to their poor performance.

Key Matches:

• Hyderabad FC vs. NorthEast United FC: One of the few bright spots was a 2-2 draw against NorthEast United FC. This match showed Hyderabad FC's fighting spirit, as they came back twice to secure a point.
• Hyderabad FC vs. Kerala Blasters: A hard-fought 1-3 loss to Kerala Blasters highlighted some of the potential within the squad, despite the result. The team showed resilience but ultimately fell short due to defensive lapses.
• Hyderabad FC vs. Mumbai City FC: A 0-3 defeat to Mumbai City FC exemplified the defensive struggles that plagued Hyderabad FC throughout the season. This match underscored the gap between Hyderabad FC and the top teams in the league.

Player Performances:

• João Victor: As the team captain, João Victor provided leadership and stability in midfield. Despite the team's struggles, his performances were consistently strong, and he often tried to drive the team forward.
• Laxmikant Kattimani: The goalkeeper had a busy season and made several important saves. However, the high number of goals conceded indicated that he was often left exposed by the defense.
• Bartholomew Ogbeche: Although not as prolific as in previous seasons, Ogbeche was still a key player in attack. He struggled with form and injuries but remained one of the few offensive threats for Hyderabad FC.
• Akash Mishra: The young defender showed potential and had some impressive performances despite the team's overall defensive woes. His development was a positive aspect in an otherwise tough season.

Challenges Faced:

Hyderabad FC faced numerous challenges:

• Injuries: Frequent injuries to key players disrupted the team's consistency and performance.
• Defensive Weaknesses: The inability to maintain defensive solidity led to a high number of goals conceded.
• Lack of Scoring: The team struggled to find reliable goal scorers, which hampered their ability to win matches.
• Instability in Coaching: Changes in the coaching staff led to tactical inconsistencies and affected the team’s performance.
• Squad Depth: The lack of quality replacements impacted their ability to compete effectively throughout the season.

Conclusion:

The 2023/24 season was a challenging one for Hyderabad FC. Offensive struggles, defensive vulnerabilities, and frequent injuries to key players contributed to a disappointing campaign. Despite these difficulties, the team showed moments of potential and resilience. Key players like João Victor and Akash Mishra provided some positive performances. Moving forward, Hyderabad FC needs to address their defensive issues, find reliable goal scorers, and build greater squad depth. Stability in the coaching staff and consistent tactical approaches will also be crucial for improving their performance in future seasons.

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