Chennaiyin FC consolidated their top position in the Hero Indian Super League with a convincing 3-0 victory over Mumbai City FC at the DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai. Chennaiyin FC have now registered 19 points from 10 games, 3 points clear above Atletico De Kolkata.

Chennaiyin missed the services of their marquee player Elano, enterprising striker John Mendoza and dependable Indian defender Gouramangi Singh. They started the game with two Indian strikers Jeje Lalpekhlua and Balwant Singh upfront. Initially, Elano and Mendoza’s absence were felt as the Chennai outfit failed to create positive chances. Mumbai City FC were more dominant in the first half. In the absence of Nicolas Anelka, Peter Reid fielded his side in a 4-4-1-1 formation with midfielder Lalrindika Ralte as the front striker. Andre Moritz operated from just behind Didika. Unfortunately, Moritz had to be benched around the 30th-minute mark owing to an injury. Fredrick Ljungberg replaced him. Ljungberg’s emergence did not help the Mumbai side.

The second half did not have the spark which was seen in the first half. Both the teams played in a slow pace. The energy came in after Bruno Pelissari netted the opening goal for Chennaiyin FC. Pavel Cmovs failed to clear a ball inside the box which fell to Pelissari who finished the move in a composed manner. Ten minutes later Dhanachandra Singh increased the lead after Subrata Paul fisted a floating cross, from Andres Suarez, in an unconvincing manner. Dhanachandra received the ball and found the back of the net with ease. In the 88th minute, Chennaiyin FC won a free-kick just outside the box. Second half substitute Cristian Hidalgo curled a fantastic free-kick and Subrata Paul had no chance of reaching the ball.

After an unbeaten run of 5 consecutive matches, Mumbai City FC conceded their 4th defeat in their Indian Super League campaign. Mumbai City FC are struggling at the 6th position in the league table with a poor goal difference.

While Mumbai City FC struggled due to Nicolas Anelka’s absence, Chennaiyin FC looked a formidable side without Elano, Mendoza and Gouramangi. Without a doubt they are favourites now in the title.

comments