I-League 2018/19: Chennai City FC 3 - 2 Gokulam Kerala - 3 Talking Points

Chennai City FC extended their lead to three points following their 3-2 win over Gokulam Kerala in Coimbatore on Friday. The hosts are currently first in the league table with 24 points from 11 games, followed by NEROCA on 21.

It was a fascinating contest at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Coimbatore which promised out for goals galore. Chennai City's talisman Pedro Manzi bagged another three to take his season tally to ten goals in the I-League.

The early part of the game was dominated by the visitors, but Pedro Manzi took full advantage from a corner to place the ball behind the back of the net to give the lead for the league leaders in the 7th minute. Ten minutes later, Rajesh's shot ricochets off the goal post and headed straight into the feet of Musa Muddle who had the easier option to tap the ball in from close range.

Just when teams were settling out for an even-steven scoreline, Gaurav Bora handled the ball inside the penalty box. Joel Sunday's penalty was stopped, but the goalkeeper was helpless when he was able to tap in from the rebound.

On Loan from Chennaiyin FC, Srinivasan Pandiyan, who made his first appearance off the bench just minutes before the half-time was sent off for a huge brawl with Arjun Jayaraj in the stoppage time. Both the players were shown the marching orders by the referee.

Chennai City showed great determination in the second half to turn the game upside down. Nestor Gordillo and Pedro Manzi's combination was unstoppable for the visitors. The former assisted and later score on a couple of occasions in the second half.

In this article, we shall look at the three talking points from the game.

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#1 Talisman Pedro Manzi up to the task again

Commentators kept an adage that Pedro Manzi has not opened the scoring chart for Chennai City FC this season. He has always found the back of the net after somebody from his team already have.

But, it took just seven minutes to register his eighth goal of the season with an extraordinary placement over the goalkeeper. When the hosts needed an inspiration, Nestor Gordillo's extraordinary ball deceived the center-back and the goalkeeper from which the striker was able to score with his head.

The same combo worked well. Nestor shot the ball from outside the box which forced the save from the goalkeeper. Ricochet off the keeper, Manzi went for a 50-50 and won the challenge to complete his first half trick of the season.

#2 Abishek Das did well to nullify Nestor Gordillo

Gokulam Kerala's defence looked below-par throughout the game. Their central defenders Daniel Addo and Dimple Bharath struggled to contain Pedro and Manzi up front. However, Abishek Das had an excellent game through the right flank of defence to nullify Nestor Gordillo.

During the first half, most of the attack came through the left-hand side of Chennai City FC, but Abishek Das did well to nullify the attackers. He dealt with him exceptionally well to take the lead into the half-time.

But, Chennai coach Akbar Nawas utilized Gordillo more like a number ten in the second half. This gassed out Gokulam Kerala defenders who were struggling to defend against the front three which looked lightening.

Gordillo found Pedro Manzi from thirty yards out, who in turn had an easier job to head the ball inside the back of the net. In the more central position, he shot one ball which the goalkeeper saved and the hosts' striker tapped the ball in to register his hat-trick.

Abishek Das will be considering himself unlucky to end up on the losing side despite putting in valiant effort to gain at least a point away from home.

#3 Roberto Eslava is the pass master from the back

Spanish defender Roberto Eslava has been the tuner from the back. The Chennai City defender is the one who orchestrates the movements from the back with his passing which in turn helps the attackers.

His threat from set piece makes him one of the most complete defenders in the League at the moment. He has established himself in the back four and played a crucial hand in the second goal when his defence-splitting pass reached Nestor Gordillo who found Pedro Manzi in the process.

Besides, he made life tougher for Joel Sunday, Christian Sabah, and Guilherme Batata who are in remarkable form for the visitors. Even though the defence was broken down at times, Eslava stood with the man to make it sure that the attackers do not run past beyond them.

Except for the first goal which is due to poor marking, Chennai City barely put a foot wrong in defensive part of the game. It has been an excellent season, and Eslava would want to carry the same form for the rest of the campaign.