ISL 2015: Chennaiyin FC 4-0 Delhi Dynamos

Chennaiyin dominated Delhi at the Marina Arena (Image courtesy: ISL)In one of the most one-sided affairs of the tournament, Chennaiyin FC humiliated Delhi Dynamos with a massive 4-0 scoreline at the Marina Arena. The side from the South had never beaten the Dynamos in the Indian Super League, and with this being a must-win game for Marco Materazzi’s men, they finally delivered in front of more than 20,000 spectators.Indian forward Jeje Lalpekhlua scored a brace and was well assisted by tournament’s top scorer Stiven Mendoza who bagged one as well. Bruno Pelissari who scored a stunning goal in this fixture last season added to his goal tally in the ISL. Dynamos who came into this game with a chance to reach the summit of the league were outplayed for the entire course of the game as a despondent Roberto Carlos could only watch from the stands helplessly.The win comes at an important stage for the home side who now move into the fourth spot, level on points with Delhi Dynamos but the side from the capital have a game in hand. The group winners of last season move two points clear of closest rivals NorthEast United, with the Highlanders set to host Dynamos in their next home game.Here we look at the five talking points from the game.

#1 Stiven Mendoza cements his authority as the best player in the ISL

Stiven Mendoza took his goals tally to double figures in the match against Delhi (Image courtesy: ISL)

While the headlines have been dominated by the famed stars who have graced the tournament this time, it has been the form of Chennaiyin FC’s star striker that has caught everyone’s eyes in the tournament.

Stiven Mendoza was on-song once again as he ran riot against one of the best defense in the ISL, scoring one and setting up two fine goals for Jeje. There were questions raised on Materazzi following the selection of Fikru ahead of Mendoza against Atletico de Kolkata, and the Colombian once again reminded his Italian manager why he is so highly regarded.

Mendoza came off at the hour mark to a standing ovation by the 20,000 odd supporters at the Marina Arena who celebrated the striker’s 10th goal in the tournament.

Mendoza’s sparkling performance further cements his performance as the tournament’s most consistent performer and is without a doubt the favourite to land home the ‘Best player award’ for this season.

The on-loan Corinthians forward tormented full-back Souvik Chakraborty as he ran past him on two occasions to put the ball on the plate for Jeje to tap home. His fine combination play saw Pelissari add to the scoreline as well. It was indeed one of the most all-round performances by a player this season.

#2 Defeat should not dampen Delhi\'s hopes

Roberto Carlos will be hoping this result was a one-off (Image courtesy: ISL)

It’s hard to come out of a thrashing especially at such a crucial stage, but Delhi Dynamos now must make sure they put the defeat behind them. The side from the capital are still third in the table, with a game in hand over table toppers Atletico de Kolkata, knowing that a win could see them move to the top if other results go their way.

Carlos’s side have been one of the most consistent outfits in this season’s ISL, coming from an impressive five-game unbeaten run and boast one of the finest away records this season.

There are indeed a lot of points to ponder upon for Carlos and his staff who got their tactics wrong this time around, but with a squad boasting some of the most celebrated footballers it is hard to push them out of the playoff run.

Not many sides have been able to gather momentum like Delhi have this season, with their two impressive unbeaten runs, stretching five and four games, which has been one of the key reasons Carlos’s men can afford a stumble once in a while.

Delhi now must pull up their socks against NorthEast United in their next fixture, knowing that another sub-standard performance could see them move out of the playoff spot with just two games left in the league stage.

#3 Defensive errors cost Dynamos the game

A usually strong defensive Delhi side faltered in Chennai (Image courtesy: ISL)

It was without a doubt the worst we have seen Delhi Dynamos play this season. It wasn’t the scoreline that would haunt Carlos, but the manner in which the side conceded the goals. The 4-0 scoreline came off four defensive mistakes from the Delhi backline that looked anonymous for the majority of the game.

While Spanish goalkeeper Antonio Doblas was to be blamed for the first goal where the former Napoli goalkeeper misjudged the flight of the ball and allowed an easy tap in for Mendoza, it was the surprisingly poor form of Riise that left Delhi in such a dismal state.

Given the task to man-mark Jeje, the former Liverpool defender left his target open on numerous occasions and the Indian forward took full advantage of the situation to tap in two easy goals. Right back Souvik had a rare off day as well, as Mendoza blazed past him on two occasions to set up the goals for Pelissari and Jeje.

Anas Edathodika has often been the inconsistent one in the backline and once again the Pune FC defender was targeted by the opposition strike force. Four individual errors ultimately cost Delhi the game, and for a side whose foundation has been laid on their fine and settled back-line, this comes as a major blow.

#4 Carlos\'s tactics backfire

Starting with Chicao in the midfield backfired for Roberto Carlos (Image courtesy: ISL)

It was a rare occasion that the Brazilian legend got his side and tactics wrong this season. The marquee manager named the same lineup which came out victorious against FC Pune City, but this time the opposition came well prepared.

Vinicius looked out of place in the three-man midfield as he failed to make up the space left behind from the right side. The Brazilian rarely tracked back and left Souvik exposed to counter attacks.

Adil Nabi who scored his first goal in Dynamos colours in the previous match was called off inside the first 30 minutes, being replaced by Richard Gadze. The Pakistan-born forward seemed to be an easy target in what was a poor show by the Delhi frontmen.

The massive gap between the defense and the midfield ultimately cost Delhi the game, as there was hardly any protection for the back line in the entire course of the game.

Defensive midfielder, Chicao who stopped his compatriot Elano when the two sides met earlier this season was outclassed by Pelissari this time and was ultimately left wanting. The introduction of Hans Mulder was left a bit too late as Chennaiyin enjoyed the possession and the chances throughout the course of the game.

Materazzi’s plans of deploying a counter attacking tactic with Elano from the bench worked well as they moved the ball with great pace and guile, which was unmatched by Delhi.

#5 Chennai finding their feet at the right time

Chennaiyin FC are hitting a purple patch at the right time (Image courtesy: ISL)

The ISL is indeed unpredictable and it was evident from the tonight’s result. While many had given up on last season’s semi-finalists to make the cut this time, they now find themselves enjoying the top four spot with two games to go in the league stage.

Chennai found themselves in a dismal state with the side underperforming, and marquee star Elano finding it hard to influence the game like last season. But with eight goals now scored in two games, the Mariners not only have reversed their luck but have also increased their goal difference, which could come in handy as the season comes to its conclusion.

Materazzi’s men leap-frogged Atletico de Kolkata as the tournament’s top scorers and their bulk of options are finally looking a real threat in the attack.

Defensively, as well, it was a settled performance from the side who relished their first clean sheet of the season. Despite conceding more shots on goal, the backline were rarely put to test by Delhi Dynamos, whose best chance came in the final minute of the game through Robin Singh.

With the side set to face seventh-placed Mumbai City at home in their next game, the Abhishek Bachchan-owned side could seal the playoff spot with a win against Nicolas Anelka’s men.