NorthEast United were defeated at home for the third time as they yet again failed to arrest their slump in the Indian Super League, going down 0-1 to Mumbai City FC in a hard-fought, feisty encounter in Guwahati on Saturday. Alexandre Guimares's side have now moved to the top of the table.

The only goal of the game came through a goalkeeping howler as United's Wellington Gomes tried to pass his way out of trouble in his box. The ball was smuggled off him by Sony Norde and Jackichand Singh nodded the ball home at the stroke of halftime.

Singh had come close to giving his side the lead in the first quarter of the game, but his effort from just outside the box went narrowly over the bar. United once again flattered to deceive in front of goal and even the dependable Emliano Afano could not find a way past the Mumbai defence, who pulled off a string of last-ditch saves in the second half.

Tempers spiraled out of control as Sena Ralte and Katsumi Yusa tussled for a ball. The Mumbai full-back and the United attacker got into a shoving match. United skipper Didier Zokora also got involved in the melee. All the aforementioned players were handed a yellow card.

United were high on desperation in the final stages of the game, which saw Afano getting booked for a dive in the box. Seityasen Singh had two good chances: One was cleared off the line and his header from a corner saw Mumbai keeper Albino Gomes show safe hands. United have taken only one point from the last four games.

Brief score:

NorthEast United 0 lose to Mumbai City FC 1 (Jackichand Singh)