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The match between Chennaiyin FC and NorthEast United FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai ended in an entertaining 2-2 draw. The match was evenly fought throughout and none of the teams deserved to loose. Elano gave Chennaiyin the lead in the first half, but Seminlen Doungel restored parity in just 13 minutes.Elano yet again scored in the second half, but Koke’s last moment brilliance helped NorthEast securing a point out of this away fixture. This was arguably one of the best matches in the Hero Indian Super League so far, quality wise. The fans in Chennai witnessed an exciting game characterised by continuous attacks from both ends.Chennaiyin FC are placed comfortably at the second position in the league table with just a point less than Atletico De Kolkata with a game in hand, while NorthEast United FC are at the fourth position with just 3 points less than the table toppers.Here are the 5 talking points of the game.
#5 Chennaiyin FC is the most balanced side in the league so far
Chennaiyin FC is currently placed second in the league table just behind Atletico De Kolkata with just a point less than them and a game in hand. When performance is concerned, they are arguably the most consistent side in the Hero Indian Super League. Abhishek Bachchan owned franchise has played wonderful football throughout the tournament. They have been compact in defense, their midfield has been composed and their strike force has done wonders. Except their away tie in Delhi where they lost 4-1 to Delhi Dynamos, Chennaiyin FC has been fantastic. They are already one of the favorites to win the title along with Atletico De Kolkata.
#4 Fielding two strikers from the beginning helped NorthEast United FC
NorthEast United FC coach Ricki Herbert decided to field two strikers upfront from the beginning of the match. His strategy worked well, as his team exhibited great attacking football. English striker James Keene and 20-year-old Indian forward Seminlen Doungel played well up front and kept a continuous pressure over the back four of Chennaiyin FC. Even after conceding a goal, NorthEast United came back strongly restoring parity in just 13 minutes. Their main man up front, Koke looked a bit relaxed due to the presence of the striking duo.
#3 End to end football throughout 90 minutes
Today’s game was arguably one of the best matches in the Hero Indian Super League so far, quality wise. It was an evenly fought match and both the team exhibited fantastic football. Speedy runs down the ground, superb defending and 4 brilliant goals characterized today’s match. Chennaiyin FC took the lead from Elano’s header in the 25th minute. Promising Indian striker, Len Doungel restored parity with a wonderful goal. The first half ended in a 1-1 score line. Elano completed his brace in the second half with a superb striker after dribbling past two NorthEast United defenders. Just when everybody was expecting yet another Chennaiyin victory, Koke drew level from an eye-catching volley. The score-line did justice to this superb match, as neither of the teams deserved to lose.
#2 Seminlen Doungel in place Durga Boro in the starting lineup was a good move
Durga Boro’s poor form in last 6 matches forced Ricki Herbert to replace the Guwahati boy with Seminlen Doungel in the starting line-up. The Lajong FC striker impressed everybody from the beginning of the game with his speedy runs and continuous pressure over the Chennaiyin defense. The 37-year-old Mikael Silvestre was having serious problems in checking Len upfront. Len proved his worth in the 39th minute when he restored parity for his team from a brilliant half volley. Other than the goal, Len performed brilliantly. He was opportunistic and showed great energy on the field.
#1 Unstoppable Elano
Chennaiyin FC’s marquee signing Elano Blumer has turned out to be the best signing in Hero Indian Super League so far. Elano has scored 8 goals in 6 appearances. The Brazilian has been a tireless warrior in Chennaiyin colours. From going to his own half to providing killer assists to his strikers, Elano has done everything. He snatches ball from opposition, dribbles past defenders with ease. He is the link between the midfielders and the forwards. Finally, when it comes to free-kick, Elano has no match in the ISL. He has converted 5 free-kicks and 2 penalty goals in the tournament. He has almost 80% conversion rate from set piece situations. All in all, Elano is the most entertaining footballer in Hero Indian Super League till now.
