Our priority was to keep it tight at the back: Reid

He sounded critical of his team's poor defending following a crushing defeat a few days back, but Mumbai City FC coach Peter Reid said he was delighted with his back four's performance in their Indian Super League match against Kerala Blasters.
A stunning goal from Nicolas Anelka helped Mumbai City FC to pip Kerala Blasters 1-0 at the D.Y. Patil stadium yesterday.
"I am absolutely delighted with the way my boys played. We had taken part in a lot of video sessions and concentrated on getting our defensive tactics in order. Our priority was to keep it tight at the back. We were too open in the last game and paid the penalty. Once we got the goal, I knew that Kerala would come at us, but we defended superbly. My boys performed their roles beautifully and I cannot be happier for them," the Englishman said last night after his his side's win.

He credited the midfielders and the defenders and said the victory was deserved.
"We defended as a unit. Everyone knew where to be and how to get the game flowing into the opposition half. We counter attacked brilliantly once we managed to snuff out any potential dangers. I do not remember Subrata Paul having to make a decent save all game, which shows that we denied them any room to create goal scoring opportunities.
"My defenders and midfielders took joint responsibility and made sure that we finished with three points. It was a clinical and professional performance, worthy of a victory," the former Manchester City manager said.

Reid also praised French striker Nicolas Anelka, who scored the lone goal of the match, and said the team was fortunate to have him.

"He is a top class player. What a free kick that was! If you noticed, Kerala were trying to stifle him by surrounding him every time he got the ball. We had made a conscious decision to play him further up the pitch today so that he could get on the end of things. Players of his age like Didier Drogba are playing for top clubs in the Premier League. Our team is very lucky to have him here," he said.

Although pleased with the team's performance, Reid felt they could have scored a few more goals.
"We could have won by more than one goal. Kerala were caught on the break so many times towards the end of the game. If Subhash (Singh) could have finished off the chance that Anelka had created, then I would have been a happier man," he said referring to a sitter that the Indian forward missed in the 74th minute.