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Bengaluru FC returned to their free-flowing attacking football as they defeated Chennaiyin FC 3-0 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Erik Paartalu, Sunil Chhetri and Semboi Haokip scored for the hosts to mark their first win of this ISL season.
Carles Cudrat made the crucial change of benching Manuel Onwu. Erik Paartalu returned to the line-up and Ashique Kuruniyan was slotted in as a winger. Both the changes were evident in play right from the first whistle as BFC found a refreshed enthusiasm in the attack. Chennaiyin FC were forced to defend with 11-men for a major part of the game. Even when the visitors showed glimpses of a comeback, their attackers let them down with poor finishing.
With the win, Bengaluru FC climb to the fifth on the table with six points whereas Chennaiyin FC are still stuck at the bottom without a goal to their name. John Gregory's failure to meet his objectives, both in defence and attack, will surely make the management recheck the position.
Without further ado, here are five hits and flops from the match between the two southern rivals.
#Hit - Sunil Chhetri
Bengaluru FC fans will be delighted to see their skipper on the scoresheet. The striker had a slow start to the season, not being able to score a single goal from their opening three games. However, the legend proved his critics wrong and led them to victory.
Bengaluru's second goal was a piece of brilliance from Sunil Chhetri. He stormed into the box and hit a powerful shot at Vishal Kaith's near-post but the Chennaiyin keeper had no chance of stopping it.
Apart from the goal, Chhetri had a telling impact in the game with four shots. He combined well with the midfielders and created two chances over the 90 minutes. With Manuel Onwu failing to fill the void left by Miku's departure, more goals will be expected from Chhetri this season.
Sunil Chhetri regaining form is a good news for the Indian football fanatics too as the 35-year old will now head to join the Indian national team for their FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
#Hit - Raphael Augusto
Raphael Augusto was the driving force for Bengaluru FC in the middle of the park. The Brazilian player had an excellent outing against his former club, creating four chances and making six tackles. Augusto also assisted Sunil Chhetri for the second goal.
The 28-year old had good link-up play with Dimas Delgado and Erik Paartalu in the midfield. Augusto also set up Udanta Singh and Ashique Kuruniyan on the flanks frequently.
Having him play behind the striker could solve Cuadrat's goal-scoring woes. Augusto's creativity and vision will work well with Chhetri's runs inside the box.
#Flop - Andre Schembri
Chennaiyin FC continued their goal drought from the previous season and are yet to score after four games of the ISL season. Andre Schembri was signed by the club with great hopes but the forward hasn't found his rhythm for the Marina Machans yet.
Against Bengaluru FC, the Maltese player had only 21 touches on the ball and two shots that were off target. Schembri was often out of position on numerous occasions and could make no eye-grabbing moves inside the opposition box. The 33-year old was eventually substituted in the 61st minute.
#Flop - Vishal Kaith
Vishal Kaith had a poor outing at the Sree Kanteerava. Though the custodian made a few good saves throughout the game, his mistakes turned costly for the visitors.
Vishal Kaith conceded his first goal from Erik Paartalu's header in the 14th minute. A few minutes later, he was close to a blunder as he fumbled at collecting a lobbed ball directed at an onrushing Dimas Delgado. The second goal was let in through his near post which could have been stopped by better positioning.
Semboi Haokip poached a goal out of nowhere when he latched on to a ball inside the Chennaiyin box. Kaith should have collected the ball, leaving the line while Eli Sabia was trying to challenge the attacker.
The yellow card he collected in the late minutes too was an avoidable mistake, collecting the ball outside the penalty area.
#Hit - Erik Paartalu
Erik Paartalu has made a magnificient return to the league after being sidelined for the first three matches with an injury. The Australian player opened the scoring for BFC, assisted Haokip and created three chances against Chennaiyin FC.
His return helped Cuadrat execute the midfield-centred tactics through Paartalu and Delgado. The 33-year old was a vital presence on the field with 46 passes at an accuracy of 85%. The midfielder did his defensive duties too, making two tackles and interceptions.
Having Paartalu, Delgado and Augusto in the midfield, Bengaluru FC seem to have found a solution for their troubles. If the trio keeps pusing forward, more goals will be coming for the Blues.
