ISL 2020-21: David Williams wonder-strike gives ATK Mohun Bagan comfortable win over Bengaluru

Arjun Singh / Sportzpics for ISL

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A David Williams stunner, from just outside the box, gave ATK Mohun Bagan a 1-0 win over Bengaluru FC. In the end it was a comfortable affair for the reigning champions, with BFC rarely threatening Arindam Bhattacharya's goal. 

BFC had made a number of changes, with Rahul Bheke at left-back to cover for the unfortunately injured Ashique Kuruniyan and the pair of Udanta Singh and Deshorn Brown replacing Suresh Singh Wangjam and Kristian Opseth. 

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Habas, meanwhile, had made one change to the team that ground out the win against FC Goa -- and it was an attacking one, Edu Garcia replacing Jayesh Rane.

They were similarly attack-minded on the pitch. ATKMB took the game to BFC from the off, with the front three of Williams, Roy Krishna and Manvir Singh a constant menace, and with Garcia controlling midfield behind them they were much the better side through the game.

In the 11th minute, Subhasish Bose drilled in a low cross for Manvir, who got the better of Bheke. But his first-time shot was easily caught by the Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. His second attempt was set up by Garcia with a sublime through ball, which was also dealt with by the Bengaluru keeper. Sunil Chhetri did test Arindam Bhattacharja but it went straight to the ATKMB custodian.

With BFC playing a high line, Krishna had plenty of space to run in behind, but was caught offside thrice before breaking through in the 16th minute. Juanan, though, shielded him superbly and prevented a shot on goal. At the other end, a poor clearance led to a tame Erik Paartalu header, right into the arms of Arindam. 

Then, in the 33rd minute, David Williams stepped up. A long ball from Carl McHugh was stopped dead with a deft touch before he worked space at the edge of the box and curled a wonderful strike past a hapless Gurpreet. 

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The second half followed much the same pattern, with Williams skying a presentable chance soon after the restart. Bengaluru had more attacks, coming closest in the 73rd minute. A careless goalkick from Arindam saw Leon Augustine and Suresh combine to release Cleiton Silva in the six-yard box who scraped a shot wide. 

As the game went on, ATKMB sank deeper and deeper and eventually saw off a rather dull-looking BFC side comfortably. They are now second on the table, on goal difference, having taken 16 points in 7 matches. They face Chennaiyin next on Dec 29. Bengaluru, meanwhile, remain third with 12 points in seven, two clear of the hot-in-pursuit NorthEast United and Jamshedpur. They face the latter on Dec 28.