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After squeezing a 0-1 win away at Jamshedpur - a match which saw two penalties awarded and several questionable decisions by the referees - Chennaiyin FC have regained their spot atop the Hero Indian Super League standings.
As things stand:
Chennaiyin have secured 16 points from 8 matches. There are three teams trailing close behind - FC Goa, Bengaluru FC, and FC Pune City - each with 12 points.
While FC Goa have two games in hand, their upcoming away fixture against ATK is only on 3rd January, after the turn of the calendar.
What can happen before New Year?
ISL debutants Bengaluru FC also have a game in hand over Chennaiyin FC. Bengaluru FC travel to Kerala on Sunday, 31st December - a match that is guaranteed to have tensions running high among the spectators. Even if Bengaluru secure those crucial three points, they will still end the year with 15 points, leaving them one point adrift of league toppers Chennaiyin FC. A similar story runs for FC Pune City who host NorthEast United on Saturday.
Chennai's powerhorse - Jeje!
While Chennaiyin FC have displayed a well-rounded performance on the pitch this season, with a solid midfield and a reliable back-four defence to back them up, one of their key performance-points has been the forward Jeje Lalpekhlua. He converted a penalty in Chennaiyin's recent match against Jamshedpur, taking his goal tally for the season up to 4 goals from 8 matches - making him Chennaiyin's leading scorer so far.
While the number of goals is the easiest to quantify, Jeje's contribution is much more than just goals. Jeje has been involved in creating several key goal-scoring chances for the team, which allowed Chennaiyin to score a few last minute goals. Goals in the dying minutes of the game have allowed Chennaiyin to secure at least six points this season, in matches against Bengaluru FC, ATK, and FC Pune City.
Author's Take - Can Chennai go all the way?
After losing their opening match to FC Goa, Chennaiyin have dropped only three points so far this season. Following a shaky start, the solid defensive lineup of Chennaiyin have grown increasingly comfortable, conceding only two goals in their last three matches. Chennaiyin FC's key strength lies in their ability to score goals. They have managed to get on the scoresheet on 7 of their 8 games so far, with Jeje, Augusto and Calderon leading the charge.
Given the current performance of the team and the league standings, it would not be farfetched to say that Chennaiyin have what it takes to finish the season at the top of the table.
