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Chennai City FC rode on Spanish domination to complete their ninth win of this season's Hero I-League by edging Aizawl FC 4-3 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Coimbatore.
They stay first and have extended their lead by eight points over Churchill Brothers who will be in action against NEROCA on Saturday.
It was an even contest in the first half with Sandro Rodriguez opening the scoring in the 28th minute, which was cancelled out by Albert Zohmingmawia nine minutes later.
There is clearly no doubt about the domination of the visitors in the first half, but it was the complete opposite in the second half.
Leonce Dodoz missed a one-on-one just before Pedro Manzi made the fool out of the goalkeeper to lift the ball over him from halfway to regain the lead fifteen minutes after team's talk. It kept on getting worse for the visitors who were not able to stop the unstoppable front four.
From thirty yards out, Sandro Rodriguez scored an excellent free-kick to give the two-goal cushion. It was made soon four when Pedro Manzi netted his second of the game by chipping the goalkeeper.
There was some scare when Aizawl scored two goals within two minutes in the stoppage time through Isak Vanlalruatfela and Lalkhawpuimawia, but that was eased as the host's excellent defence saw out the game to secure all three points.
In this piece, we shall look at three talking points from this thrilling encounter.
#1 Chennai City made something out of nothing
Chennai City barely had possession when Aizawl were completely dominant in the first few minutes of the game.
But, in a very good counter-attack, Sandro Rodriguez opened the scoring by shooting from outside the box to secure his first game of the night.
During the second half, it proved to be the same story. Dodoz had an excellent opportunity to put Aizawl in lead, but he rather scuffed the shot which lead to a quick distribution from Nauzet Santana.
Little Vanspaul did know about the assist because Pedro Manzi was able to find the back of the net from half line. Then the hosts started running riot by adding another two to their tally.
Those two goals were significant in the complexion of the game because those were scored against the run of play. The ability to take one chance out of one proved the mettle of their forwards.
#2 Aizawl failed to convert easy chances
Aizawl was the side to have plenty of possession in the early part of the game, but they failed to capitalize with it by missing so many gilt edging chances. The absence of Roberto Eslava has taken a toll on Akbar Nawas' side.
Forward Leonce Dodoz had a couple of chances to take his team ahead in the game before Sandro Rodriguez hit first for the hosts.
Rochharzela had another chance before the half time, but he did not take the chance as well.
There were plenty of missed chances throughout the game for the visitors which has cost them.
Having already shipped 18 goals in 12 games before the game against Chennai, there is very minimal chance of keeping the Spanish triumvirate of Chennai City FC quite throughout the game.
It was a game which was more dependent on the forwards who did not do the team any favour by squandering the ball more often than not.
#3 Introduction of Soundrapandian changed the game
When Chennai City FC's midfield was overrun during the first half and coach Akbar Nawas was quick to spot it.
Half an hour into the game, he made a change by substituting Soundrapandian and brought Pravitto Raj off. Particularly with the absence of Eslava at the back, it was a precautionary measure taken by the coach.
With the introduction of Soundrapandian, the hosts were able to gain more control in the game and won many battles in the middle of the park. With some pace available in the pack, he was able to play through the wings to help Romario and Nestor.
When Chennai City were counter-attacking in numbers, he helped out the wingers who in turn were able to cause havoc to the opponent's defence.
It was Pandiyan who was at fault for the third goal to Aizawl who was able to break out after winning the ball back from him. Unlike his fellow midfielder, Soundrapandian had a 10/10 game without a shadow of a doubt.
