ISL 2018-19, Chennaiyin FC 3-4 NorthEast United FC - Hits and flops from the game

The Indian Super League saw one of its most thrilling outings ever as NorthEast United FC clinched a victory against Chennaiyin FC at their home ground.

A match that was raining goals, four from NorthEast United FC and three from Chennaiyin FC had the spectators keep their eyes on the field till the very last minute.

Chennaiyin FC was the first to take lead after Rowllin Borges sent in a ball to his own net. Later, Thoi Singh strengthened the lead in the 15th minute before Barthalomew Ogbeche found the first goal for the visitors in the 29th minute.

Thoi Singh struck again without any delay in the 32nd minute to make things 3-1. However, things soon turned upside down with Ogbeche having some merry time at the Marina Arena. He got past the Chennaiyin FC custodian twice to complete a hat-trick and equalize the score 3-3.

In the second half, Rowllin Borges scored again, this time for his team itself. The clean strike past Karanjit Singh made way to one of the best comebacks in the history of the league.

However after the lead, NorthEast United FC completely withdrew to defence paving way to Chennaiyin FC coming very near to goal.

The thriller including a hat-trick was a treat to watch. This alone assures a lot of hits and few flops from the match.

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#5 Hit - Rowllin Borges (NorthEast United)

NorthEast United's midfield maestro scored the opener of the seven-goal streak with an own goal in the early minutes.

Although he let down the team in the beginning, Borges came back strong offering great support in making a comeback.

The 26-year old was behind the lead-taking goal for NorthEast United in the 54th minute. The compensation goal was important as Chennaiyin FC pressurized for another goal after this moment.

Borges also gave an assist to Bartholomew Ogbeche in the first half and was part of many other dangerous attacks for the team.

He also completed 60 passes and seven tackles making his presence felt in the defence. Rowllin Borges played an important part in the team's victory and is surely a hit.

#4 Flop - Inigo Calderon (Chennaiyin FC)

The Chennaiyin FC defender can be held responsible for a couple of goals and some dangerous attacks that came to Karanjit Singh's post.

Though he wasn't at fault at many times, Calderon remained silent for a major part of the time. The 36-year old was taken away from his usual full-back position and put into the midfield towards the end of the first half.

This might have got a poor effect on his game. There were chances where goals could be stopped if Calderon was in position.

The veteran couldn't win the ball many a time as he could manage just one tackle and no interceptions.

The Spanish-born also got booked in the 82nd minute for taking down Ogbeche from behind.

Inigo Calderon was also seen at the attacking front multiple times in the second half. A few among these that was so close to goal could get Chennai on levels with The Highlanders. However, Calderon missed out there too making things worse for the Chennai club.

#3 Hit - Thoi Singh (Chennaiyin FC)

Thoi Singh turned out to be a super replacement for John Gregory against NorthEast United FC. The manager felt the results of this change in the very first phase of the match itself. Thoi Singh got on the scoresheet twice to give the fans some early minutes of joy.

He got the ball into the net in the 15th and 32nd minutes. Keeping Rowlin Borges' own goal aside, the 28-year old midfielder was Chennaiyin FC's only goal scorer in the high-scoring thriller.

His speed and abilities was a trouble for the NorthEast United wingers at many times. The Chennaiyin mid-field was well organized in the first half when they were leading. A major part of this has to be credited to this man's role in the attacking mid region.

Taking a look at the match, Thoi Singh will be one among the few positives, John Gregory can take into the coming games.

#2 Flop - Pawan Kumar (NorthEast United FC)

It is not always that the goalkeeper of a winning team is termed as a 'flop'. Though NorthEast United FC managed to grab the three crucial points away from home, they were surely missing a reliable man in front of goal.

Pawan Kumar who came into the playing XI, following TP Rehenesh's suspension, was not calm or confident facing the Chennai attacks.

Inexperience being a major factor, he was doubtful on whether to go for an outing or remain at the line. The 28-year old could make better use of the opportunity but missed out on the chance.

Pawan Kumar, who represented Chennaiyin FC last season was appearing in his second ISL match of his career.

But, it has to be seen how the custodian improves his game in the coming matches if offered more chances.

With TP Rehenesh's suspension period yet to be confirmed, more of Pawan Kumar will be seen this season and the club would expect him to raise his confidence and perform to his best.

#1 Hit - Bartholomew Ogbeche (NorthEast United)

There would be no question on the night's biggest hit when the first hat-trick of the season has just been completed.

Bartholomew Ogbeche is now seen as the solution to many problems NorthEast United FC had been troubled within the previous seasons. They had always missed a clinical striker who pounces onto chances.

The Nigerian striker has already scored four goals from the three matches including the hat-trick.

All the three goals displayed the class he owns in his play, which will turn out to be a useful weapon for Eelco Schattorie throughout the season.

NorthEast's comeback led by Ogbeche is a signal to the other clubs on how changed the club is this season.

If an attacking and promising strategy like this continues in the team for the whole season, they are sure to make their first Indian Super League semi finals.