Chennaiyin FC outplays Pune City

It replaces Atletico de Kolkata at the top of the table on number of goals

November 20, 2014 12:48 am | Updated November 16, 2021 04:45 pm IST - CHENNAI:

IN THE ACT AGAIN: Chennaiyin FC's Mendoza started the scoring with a wonderful effort in the 62ndminute as the home side defeated FC Pune City 3-1. Photo: R. Ragu

IN THE ACT AGAIN: Chennaiyin FC's Mendoza started the scoring with a wonderful effort in the 62ndminute as the home side defeated FC Pune City 3-1. Photo: R. Ragu

Chennaiyin FC dominated the contest against FC Pune City in a crucial Indian Super League football match at the Nehru Stadium here on Wednesday. The local side created more chances with its midfielders and strikers working in harmony throughout the match.

After missing half-a-dozen opportunities in the first half, Chennaiyin FC found its groove in the second — with the match heading for a draw — to script a 3-1 win over FC Pune City.

With the win, the host moves up to the top of the league standings with 16 points (goal difference +5) from nine matches. Even though Atletico de Kolkata also has 16 points and a goal-difference of +5 from the same number of matches, Chennaiyin FC is on top because of the number of goals scored — 17 to ATK’s 12.

Comfortable win

Chennaiyin FC will feel relieved after having broken its string of four consecutive draws and winning comfortably.

Chennaiyin FC played 4-3-1-2 at the start with Mendoza and Jeje up-front. Midway in the first half, the host suffered a major setback when Elano, its marquee player, left the field apparently due to an ankle injury.

Undaunted, the host attacked with vigour as Jeje and Mendoza made repeated inroads into rival half which is known for its solid defence.

Mendoza’s speed and energy, coupled with his attitude on the field, have made him a big hit with the fans. After Elano, Mendoza has been the most effective striker for Chennaiyin FC.

A wonderful 1-2 between Balwant and Mendoza resulted in the first goal as Mendoza chipped one over the on-rushing goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya.

Toothless frontline

FC Pune City seemed a pale shadow of its previous matches. The frontline was toothless, as was its defence and midfield.

Pune equalised through an own goal by Eric Djemba-Djemba.

A pass from the left by Davide Colomba was deflected home by the Cameroon midfielder.

Bruno Pelissari, who replaced Elano, came up with a wonderful goal to put the host 2-1 ahead. After side-stepping a defender, the 21-year-old, playing his third ISL match, unleashed a left-footer that changed track after touching the body of defender Bruno Cirillo.

Starting with 4-1-4-1 with David Trezeguet being the lone striker, Pune couldn’t stitch together one good move.

The marquee player couldn’t do much and was soon replaced by Dudu. Kostas Katsouranis, the midfielder, who played for Greece in the 2014 World Cup, also could not make an impact.

Chennaiyin FC toyed with the defence and the third goal by Jeje in the dying minutes of the match was an apt result for the home side.

The results: Chennaiyin FC 3 (Mendoza 62, Bruno Pelissari 70, Jeje 90) bt FC Pune City 1 (Eric Djemba-Djemba 70-og).

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