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Mumbai travelled to Chennai to play out their last game of this season’s ISL. The game, in general, didn’t have much at stake, even though a win for either of the teams would have meant that they finish above their current positions on the league table.
Chennaiyin wanted the win to finish above FC Pune City and finish 2nd on the points table, whereas Mumbai wanted the three points to finish above Kerala Blasters and claim the last direct entry spot for the Super Cup.
Chennaiyin won the game 1-0 via a Rene Mehelic penalty to secure the second spot for the Super Machans, whereas the Islanders have to play the Super Cup qualifiers to get into the Super Cup.
On that note, let's take a look at the player ratings.
#1 Chennaiyin give their reserved players a chance
Chennaiyin made eight changes to their starting eleven, and gave their reserve side and substitutes a runabout. Goalkeeper Pawan Kumar got to make his ISL debut with a completely new back line. Chennaiyin also fielded just three foreigners in Mihelic, Gavilan and Jude. Even with their reserve side Chennaiyin looked to trouble Mumbai and had the better of the opportunities. Rafi and Germanpreet looked impressive and gave an account of themselves to be considered for during the playoffs.
Thoi Singh, a man who is known to have dual oxygen cylinders had a good game, as he ran his heart out and also put in some good crosses.
#2 More of a wrestling bout than a football game
With as many as 18 fouls committed by both the teams combined in the first half itself, and around 30 during the whole span of 90 minutes, the game had a stop-start approach to it. Mumbai committed more of the fouls, most of them being deep inside their own half and in dangerous positions. Chennai too restored to the physical aspects to stop Mumbai from venturing forward.
Mumbai eventually paid the price for their hard-tackling nature as Wadoo bought down Gavilan inside the box to award Chennaiyin a penalty. Gerson, Raju, and Germanpreet were players who were guilty of committing the most number of fouls during the game.
#3 Both the teams fail to utilise their chances
Even though the first half had more of wrestling than swift football, we had a few instances when both the defences were split wide open. Chennaiyin had the better chances, but Mumbai also missed a few chances in the first half.
Jamie Gavilan showed a piece of magic in the 38th minute when he snatched the ball form under Rosario’s nose and ran inside the box, but was brought down by Goian, only to see the ball fall for Mihelic, who hit the post from close range.
Balwant also had a good chance from close quarters in the first half but saw his shot saved by Pawan Kumar.
#4 Reserve Keepers steal the show
Both the sides fielded their reserve keepers for this game. Pawan was given a rare start keeping in mind the playoffs, whereas Arindam came in for the injured Amrinder. Arindam especially was brilliant on the night. He denied the likes of Mihelic and Gavilan on a couple of occasions. His anticipation, positioning and saves were praiseworthy.
Pawan, on the other hand, gave a good account of himself on his debut. He did come out of his line well with conviction and looked unfazed by the occasion.
The performance from both the keepers will do them a world of good, as they can now make a statement for next season and also seek a move to a different team.
#5 A dead rubber indeed
Chennaiyin, with a win, would have gone to the second spot, but with their qualification to the playoffs secured, they seemed to be content to just play out the 90 minutes. Meanwhile, Mumbai could have secured a direct entry into the Super Cup with a win.
With around 30 fouls committed by both the teams, the game didn’t really have that swiftness to it. Both the teams had a pass success rate that was below 70 percent, and that played a big part in making the game a dull affair. Except the last minute of the game (when Mumbai scored an offside goal) and the 38th minute(when Gavilan ran through the Mumbai defence) the game really didn’t have many exciting things to talk about.
