India, March 14 -- The swagger has been replaced by a stutter. After winning their first two matches, East Bengal have dropped seven points in the next three. For the second time this season, they have not been able to protect a one-goal advantage. For the second time, they have shipped a late goal. The one against Jamshedpur FC led to a defeat by the odd goal in three. On Saturday, it gave Kerala Blasters their first point after four straight losses.

The 1-1 result will add to the discomfort Oscar Bruzon finds himself in after the East Bengal head coach got himself into a pickle by saying that some in the club are not backing the team. "Go back, Bruzon" could be heard soon after the final whistle at Salt Lake stadium on Saturday belying...