ISL 2019-20: Chennaiyin FC 2-0 NorthEast United FC | 5 Talking Points & Tactical Analysis

#3 Outrageous goals give Chennaiyin breathing space

Nerijus Valskis found himself on the scoresheet again (Pic: Chennaiyin FC)

When it seemed like Chennaiyin were going to somehow contrive to throw the game away, despite creating chance after chance after chance, their clutch players showed up, grabbed the game by the scruff of its neck, and in a couple of minutes, put it beyond the reach of the Highlanders.

First, Crivellaro turned his marker on the left flank just beyond the half-way line, only to spot Subhasish off his line in the NorthEast goal. The Brazilian then conjured a sublime shot from a long way out that went beyond the NorthEast custodian and hit the back of the net. It was not the best bit of goalkeeping from Subhasish for sure, but it was an unbelievable piece of play from Crivellaro.

First, to have the vision to spot the goalkeeper off his line. That is an art and a skill in itself, but then to have the skill to take that shot, and have the power, direction and precision on it to lob it over the keeper is quite something else. It was an amazing goal which capped off an outstanding display from Crivellaro.

When Crivellaro had done it, how could Valskis be left far behind? The Lithuanian dropped deep and fed Schembri. Unfortunately, it wasn't the Maltese attackers day, as he scuffed the shot. But Valskis was alive to the situation, as Kai Heerings curiously played the ball straight back to the Chennaiyin striker.

With a superb strike, Valskis picked out the top corner - the perfect postage stamp goal. Two pieces of outstanding ability in the end decided a game which Chennaiyin should have won anyway, had they taken the easier chances they had created.