Half time tactics, including throwing in Robin Singh after the break - who killed off the game in the 79th minute ensured East Bengal beat Bengaluru 2-1 at home.
The man who inflicted the tactics, Trevor Morgan was understandably a happy and satisfied figure post the match.
"To be fair, they are a very good side. We had a problem with our formation and in dealing with their side. We had a chat at half-time. Sometimes, tactics are okay but you have to have a big heart", the 60-year-old commented.
I-League 2017: East Bengal 2-1 Bengaluru FC: Robin Singh condemns The Blues to first defeat
Reflecting on the game, Morgan laid out a very clear assessment. " We won the game in the second half because that's probably the hardest the players have worked this year and they got their rewards for that. The first fifteen-twenty minutes, we could not get near anybody. They have a system that they play and it is very very hard."
"We got the goal back from the set-play which was pleasing. In the second half, we did really well in the chances from open play. Our players responded to what we said and they won the ball further up the pitch."
Robin Singh, playing against his former side turned out to be the game changer who took advantage of some pretty ordinary defense work by the title-holders. " I am not saying Robin has got a point to prove but sometimes playing against your old side can spur you on a little bit. He is still working hard to get his fitness back. He gave us a lot more options in the second half."
Even though the Red and Gold brigade scored the two goals, a flurry of chances was missed and the scoreline could have been more painful for Bengaluru, who were kept in the game by an astute Amrinder Singh.
" Do I look disappointed? We made some good opportunities. But we were not able to get on the end of it", Morgan said.
Willis Plaza was the 'misser-in-chief' with the Trinidadian squandering over three gilt-edged opportunities. However, Morgan did not let that hamper his spirits when asked if he could have scored a hat-trick. " Do I think? I think he could have had five", Morgan sparkled to a quick reply.
The gathered press had a few questions on whether Caribbean duo Plaza and Wedson Anselme were not getting along together given their unfriendly interactions on the pitch but the former Dempo SC coach had none of those allegations.
Morgan cracked down on the press and his detractors, " You can print what you like, because you normally print what you like anyway. If you feel anything between them, print it. To be fair, our players react well to criticism especially to all the experts out there. The only way you can keep the experts off your back is by getting the three points. So, for the next four days I am safe.
When asked about midfielder Mehtab Hossain's injury status as he had to be forced off the field with five minutes of regulation time, the Perth-based coach was blunt as a pipe. " He couldn' run any more. He ran himself into the ground. We brought him off. He was fantastic".
Lastly, the 2012 Federation Cup winning coach was quizzed about how East Bengal were shaping up to chase Mohun Bagan in the title race, he smirked and chose not to blurt out anything controversial given the heated rivalry.
" Look, I will not answer any questions about the (Kolkata) derby, there are still three-four matches before that", he quipped with a wry smile.
For the record, the derby is on 12th February.
The man who inflicted the tactics, Trevor Morgan was understandably a happy and satisfied figure post the match.
"To be fair, they are a very good side. We had a problem with our formation and in dealing with their side. We had a chat at half-time. Sometimes, tactics are okay but you have to have a big heart", the 60-year-old commented.
I-League 2017: East Bengal 2-1 Bengaluru FC: Robin Singh condemns The Blues to first defeat
Reflecting on the game, Morgan laid out a very clear assessment. " We won the game in the second half because that's probably the hardest the players have worked this year and they got their rewards for that. The first fifteen-twenty minutes, we could not get near anybody. They have a system that they play and it is very very hard."
"We got the goal back from the set-play which was pleasing. In the second half, we did really well in the chances from open play. Our players responded to what we said and they won the ball further up the pitch."
Robin Singh, playing against his former side turned out to be the game changer who took advantage of some pretty ordinary defense work by the title-holders. " I am not saying Robin has got a point to prove but sometimes playing against your old side can spur you on a little bit. He is still working hard to get his fitness back. He gave us a lot more options in the second half."
Even though the Red and Gold brigade scored the two goals, a flurry of chances was missed and the scoreline could have been more painful for Bengaluru, who were kept in the game by an astute Amrinder Singh.
" Do I look disappointed? We made some good opportunities. But we were not able to get on the end of it", Morgan said.
Willis Plaza was the 'misser-in-chief' with the Trinidadian squandering over three gilt-edged opportunities. However, Morgan did not let that hamper his spirits when asked if he could have scored a hat-trick. " Do I think? I think he could have had five", Morgan sparkled to a quick reply.
The gathered press had a few questions on whether Caribbean duo Plaza and Wedson Anselme were not getting along together given their unfriendly interactions on the pitch but the former Dempo SC coach had none of those allegations.
Morgan cracked down on the press and his detractors, " You can print what you like, because you normally print what you like anyway. If you feel anything between them, print it. To be fair, our players react well to criticism especially to all the experts out there. The only way you can keep the experts off your back is by getting the three points. So, for the next four days I am safe.
When asked about midfielder Mehtab Hossain's injury status as he had to be forced off the field with five minutes of regulation time, the Perth-based coach was blunt as a pipe. " He couldn' run any more. He ran himself into the ground. We brought him off. He was fantastic".
Lastly, the 2012 Federation Cup winning coach was quizzed about how East Bengal were shaping up to chase Mohun Bagan in the title race, he smirked and chose not to blurt out anything controversial given the heated rivalry.
" Look, I will not answer any questions about the (Kolkata) derby, there are still three-four matches before that", he quipped with a wry smile.
For the record, the derby is on 12th February.