Mumbai City thrash East Bengal, top table

A thumping 3-0 victory over newcomers SC East Bengal at the GMC Stadium here on Tuesday helped Mumbai City FC climb atop the Indian Super League table. Hugo Boumous assisted all three goals as a brace from Adam Le Fondre (20th and 48th) and a strike from Hernan Santana (58th) saw Mumbai register their second straight win with East Bengal yet to open their account.

Mumbai made four changes from their 1-0 win against FC Goa with Ahmed Jahouh returning to the eleven. East Bengal made two changes to the side that lost the Kolkata derby.

East Bengal suffered a huge blow early on as defender Daniel Fox was replaced by Mohammad Rafique. Mumbai had the opportunity to break the deadlock in the 10th minute when Hugo Boumous’ shot was saved by goalkeeper Debjit Majumder.

SCEB had their chances too, towards the end of the first half, courtesy some sloppy passing from Lobera’s side. But they were unable to find a finish. Three Mumbai players were booked before the break.

After the restart, Mumbai carried on from where they had left off and soon doubled their lead which became three in another 10 minutes.

“Some Indian players look like they have never been coached before,” said SC East Bengal coach Robbie Fowler. “Would love to bring reinforcements all over the park.”