ISL Gameweek 4: SC Delhi Comeback, Bengaluru Stay Unbeaten

The fourth gameweek of the Indian Super League (ISL) delivered plenty of drama, including one of the competition’s most remarkable comeback victories, a spectacular counter-attacking goal, late goals, and a costly goalkeeping error. While SC Delhi celebrated their first win of the season, Bengaluru FC maintained their unbeaten run, Chennaiyin FC continued to struggle in front of goal, and FC Goa finally secured their first victory under head coach Gouramangi Singh.

At the top of the standings, Mohun Bagan returned to their familiar position, adding another talking point to an eventful round of fixtures. From Mumbai City’s defensive collapse to NorthEast United’s missed opportunity to secure all three points, GW4 offered plenty to analyse.

Here are the major talking points from the fourth gameweek of the Indian Super League.

SC Delhi Produce Stunning Comeback to Beat Mumbai City FC 3-2

SC Delhi produced one of the most impressive comeback victories of the ISL season after recovering from a two-goal deficit to defeat Mumbai City FC 3-2. With just 20 minutes remaining and Mumbai leading 2-0, the Islanders appeared to be comfortably heading towards another victory.

However, Carlos Fortes gave Delhi a lifeline after Mumbai failed to defend a set-piece properly. His goal changed the momentum of the contest, although Mumbai initially appeared capable of seeing out the remaining minutes.

For almost 19 minutes after conceding, Mumbai managed to limit Delhi’s attacking threat. They allowed just two shots, both from distance, neither of which seriously troubled goalkeeper TP Rehenesh. The next attempt, however, should have been an equally straightforward situation for the Mumbai goalkeeper.

Akshat Mehra, making his first attempt on goal in his ISL career, produced a shot that Rehenesh should have dealt with comfortably. Instead, the goalkeeper fumbled the ball into his own net, handing SC Delhi an unexpected equaliser and giving Mumbai another defensive setback in a season already filled with costly mistakes.

The situation became even worse for Mumbai just moments later. Akash Mishra gave away possession to Juan Pena near the halfway line, allowing the Delhi attacker to launch a dangerous run towards the penalty area. Mumbai’s defence failed to challenge him effectively, giving Pena enough space to advance before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner.

Within approximately 20 minutes, Mumbai City’s comfortable 2-0 advantage had turned into a 3-2 defeat. SC Delhi had completed a remarkable turnaround and secured their first victory of the season.

For Manolo Marquez and Mumbai City, the defeat represented another frustrating result. Their inability to manage a two-goal lead exposed defensive weaknesses and raised further questions about their ability to close out matches. Delhi, meanwhile, will take considerable confidence from a comeback that demonstrated their determination to fight until the final whistle.

NorthEast United Produce a Counter-Attacking Goal for the Ages

NorthEast United FC delivered one of the standout moments of gameweek four with a breathtaking counter-attacking goal against Bengaluru FC. The entire move took just 13 seconds, beginning near the Highlanders’ own penalty area and ending with the ball in the back of Bengaluru’s net.

The quality and speed of the move even caught the attention of Sunil Chhetri, who could not hide his admiration during his post-match interview. Considering that the goal came against his own team, his reaction underlined just how impressive the attacking sequence had been.

The move began when Soham Varshneya’s attempt from a Bengaluru FC corner was blocked. NorthEast quickly turned defence into attack, with Jithin MS sliding a pass across to Alaaeddine Ajaraie. Ajaraie collected the ball near the edge of his own penalty area and immediately carried it forward.

As Ajaraie advanced, he found Ethyan Gonzalez on the left side. Meanwhile, Abdul Rabeeh and Jithin MS accelerated down the right, racing past Bengaluru’s players as the Highlanders launched a rapid counter-attack.

BLISTERING COUNTER! ⚡ From defence to attack in seconds, and the Highlanders lead in Guwahati! #NEUFCBFC #MGISL13 #WeAreOpen

Gonzalez then delivered a pass towards Jithin, who controlled the ball with one touch before finding the bottom corner with his left foot. His first touch was particularly important, as it helped him change direction and left Shivaldo Singh on the ground.

Bengaluru players Lalremtluanga Fanai, Borja Martínez and Varshneya also attempted to get in the way of the shot. However, none of them could prevent the ball from reaching the net.

The image of four Bengaluru players lying on the ground in a line after the move perfectly captured the speed and effectiveness of NorthEast United’s counter-attack. It was a goal built on quick decision-making, accurate passing, intelligent movement and clinical finishing.

NorthEast had produced a moment of genuine quality, but their inability to protect the resulting lead would eventually become the biggest talking point of the match.

Gurmeet Singh’s Late Errors Help Bengaluru FC Remain Unbeaten

Despite scoring one of the most memorable goals of the gameweek, NorthEast United could not secure all three points against Bengaluru FC. A late goalkeeping error from Gurmeet Singh allowed Bengaluru to rescue a draw during second-half stoppage time and extend their unbeaten run.

For most of the match, Gurmeet had been excellent. Whenever Bengaluru threatened, he responded with important saves. His command of the penalty area was also impressive, particularly when dealing with corners and crosses. Until stoppage time, he had given NorthEast United every reason to believe they could hold on to their advantage.

However, the closing moments of the match brought an unexpected collapse. Twice within approximately 10 seconds, Gurmeet failed to command his penalty area properly and struggled to deal with routine catches. The second mistake proved particularly costly.

His fumble allowed the ball to fall directly at the feet of Sunil Chhetri. For Bengaluru FC, there could hardly have been a more reliable player to receive possession in such an important moment.

Chhetri remained composed and chose not to rush the opportunity. Instead, he laid the ball off for the arriving Vinith Venkatesh, who calmly guided his finish into the bottom corner.

The goal completed Bengaluru’s late comeback and ensured that they left the match with a point. For Vinith, it was an important contribution, while Chhetri once again demonstrated his ability to make the right decision under pressure.

The result was particularly disappointing for NorthEast United. They had come close to recording a second consecutive victory, but their advantage disappeared in stoppage time. Gurmeet’s earlier heroics were overshadowed by two late mistakes, while Bengaluru continued their unbeaten start to the campaign.

Chennaiyin FC’s Goalscoring Problems Continue

Chennaiyin FC’s biggest concern after four gameweeks remains their inability to convert attacking opportunities into goals. Their performance against Kerala Blasters once again highlighted the difference between creating chances and finishing them.

Chennaiyin had gone 307 minutes without scoring since Irfan Yadwad’s goal in their season-opening match against FC Goa. During that period, they had attempted 68 shots, but only 19 had been on target. The numbers underline a significant problem for Clifford Miranda’s side: they are finding opportunities but failing to make them count.

The match against Kerala Blasters followed a familiar pattern. Chennaiyin played some attractive passing football, moved the ball effectively and created several promising attacking situations. They also registered 18 shots, twice as many as the Blasters.

However, their attacking pressure did not translate into goals. Kerala goalkeeper Amrinder Singh made some important saves, but Chennaiyin’s finishing meant that he was repeatedly given opportunities to influence the result.

One of the clearest examples came late in the match when Irfan Yadwad found himself through on goal after Bryce Miranda sent him through on the counter-attack. With only the goalkeeper to beat, Irfan attempted to chip Amrinder.

Instead of committing himself by going to ground, Amrinder stayed upright and extended his hand to make a relatively straightforward parry. It was another missed opportunity for Chennaiyin and another example of their lack of efficiency in front of goal.

There is a sense that Clifford Miranda’s team have played better football than their position in the standings suggests. Their performances have included positive passing sequences and attacking intent, but those qualities have not produced enough points.

After four matches, Chennaiyin had collected just two points. The problem is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. In football, creating chances is important, but converting them is what ultimately decides matches. Until Chennaiyin improve their finishing, their performances are unlikely to produce the results they need.

FC Goa Finally Secure Their First Win Under Gouramangi Singh

FC Goa finally recorded their first Indian Super League victory under head coach Gouramangi Singh, getting the breakthrough on his third attempt. The result provided some much-needed relief after a difficult start, although the coach’s celebrations were cut short when he was sent off during stoppage time.

Gouramangi was dismissed after clearing the ball away to delay an Inter Kashi restart, an incident that saw him channel his playing days in an attempt to disrupt the opposition’s quick restart. Despite the late dismissal, the most important development for Goa was that they had finally secured all three points.

The victory was thoroughly deserved based on their attacking performance. Isak Ralte caused problems down the left flank, while Franchu and Chiki demonstrated their quality through the middle. Muhammed Nemil also played an important role, constantly moving around and providing an attacking option.

Franchu initially put Goa ahead, giving the team an opportunity to take control of the contest. However, their advantage did not last, as Sumeet Passi produced a neat finish to bring Inter Kashi back into the match.

Goa responded with a well-constructed attacking move that ultimately proved decisive. Franchu delivered an inch-perfect pass towards Nemil, who moved into a dangerous position and attracted the attention of both the goalkeeper and a defender.

With the opposition drawn towards him, Nemil produced an accurately timed cut-back towards Chiki. The pass created a straightforward finishing opportunity, and Chiki made no mistake in finding the net.

It was a goal that reflected the quality of Goa’s attacking combinations. Franchu’s delivery, Nemil’s movement and awareness, and Chiki’s composed finish came together to produce the winning moment.

The timing of the victory was also important. Heading into a major home fixture against Bengaluru FC without a win would have increased the pressure on Gouramangi and his players. Instead, Goa can now approach that match with greater confidence and some momentum behind them.

Mohun Bagan Return to the Top as GW4 Delivers More Drama

Gameweek four of the Indian Super League provided a mixture of spectacular football, individual mistakes and important results. SC Delhi’s comeback against Mumbai City was among the biggest stories of the round, while NorthEast United produced a counter-attacking goal that will remain one of the standout moments of the season.

Bengaluru FC demonstrated their ability to fight until the final whistle, taking advantage of Gurmeet Singh’s late error to preserve their unbeaten record. Chennaiyin FC, meanwhile, were left with familiar questions about their finishing after another match in which their attacking numbers failed to produce enough goals.

FC Goa’s first victory under Gouramangi Singh offered a positive development for the club, while Mohun Bagan returned to the top of the standings.

With dramatic comebacks, late equalisers and crucial victories shaping the latest round, the ISL season continues to deliver unpredictable contests. The challenge now will be for the teams to build on their performances, address their weaknesses and carry their momentum into the next gameweek.