I-League 2018-19: Chennai City v Shillong Lajong - 3 reasons for Chennai's resounding win

#2 Samuel’s free-kick stands out but no plan ‘B’ for Lajong

Lajong defenders were clueless against Chennai City

Just three minutes into the second half, Lajong skipper Samuel Lalmuanpuia committed a mistake inside his own half. He lost the ball cheaply, which resulted in the third goal for Chennai City.

But Samuel came up in style with a brilliant free-kick three minutes later. From 35 yards, he smashed a brilliant knuckle-ball striker into the top corner of the net. The ball had so much power that Chennai goalkeeper Nauzet Santana had no chance to stop it.

This came as a consolatory goal for Lajong, who otherwise delivered another dismal performance of their campaign. Coach Alisan Kharsintiew will now have to seriously think about the future of their campaign. Their ultra-defensive strategy is not bearing any fruits as the defenders letting their team down in almost every match.

Chennai dominated the ball all over the match, which was expected. At least eight players were acting as defenders whenever the home team came for an attack. Even then, they conceded half a dozen due to their poor gameplan.

The defenders don’t have the experience to keep their calm in front of the box. They lost the ball too many times inside their own half. The gaps between the central defenders were too much and Chennai exploited the opportunity by playing shorts passes.

Even though the conceded four goals after the break, they performed better in the second half. There was an intent among some of the players, including Samuel, who created few chances from the middle. But the absence of a positive striker in the attacking third proved too costly for the visitors.