This week's match between Chennaiyin FC and Mumbai City FC was a litmus test for both the teams, as the former needed to continue its winning spree whereas the latter were looking to secure its first win. The match took place at the D.Y Patil Stadium in Mumbai.
Mumbai City FC started the game with with a 4-3-3 formation whereas the visitors played with a 4-4-2 formation. Mumbai City FC were boosted by the return of Sunil Chhetri and Subrata Paul who missed the first two games on national duty. Will they make a great impact and help Mumbai City FC secure its first win? The home fans would have hoped so.
The match had begun with a bang as Thoi Singh was yellow carded within a minute of the commencement of the match. The match was evenly poised until Mendoza took a left-footed shot from outside the box which was saved brilliantly by the Indian goalie. Since then the visitors were in full control of the game. Mumbai City F.C's best bet was in Norde as he was the only one creating chances time and again. He tore apart the left flank and Wadoo did a great job in restricting him. Wadoo has been a revelation for Chennaiyin FC. Norde took a shot which was blocked by Wadoo, resulting in a corner kick. Surprisingly Norde took a direct shot at the goal and Edel made a great save.
The Cameroon goalie had shown great positioning throughout the game. Just before the half time could end, the visitors were granted a free kick outside the box. With skipper Elano ready to take the kick, Mumbai City FC fans were nervous. At the end it turned out to be a great free kick followed by a great save.
The first had ended with the host having 54% possession and the visitors having 46%. However, possession doesn't win matches. This was a perfect example of such a game. The game was going on with both teams trying to break the deadlock, but Mumbai City FC were having useless possession without creating much chances.
With the back four as a solid as a rock, midfield with Elano and Raphael creating numerous chances and the strike force led by Mendoza, Chennaiyin FC were the hot favourites to win the game. The deadlock was broken when there was bizarre passing by the defenders of Mumbai City FC. The ball was intercepted by the skipper Elano. He was selfless in the two on one challenge with the goalie and passed it to Mendoza who it turn finished with ease.
While people were thinking that it was just a slender lead, the lead had been doubled. Six minutes after the first goal, Jayesh took a great shot from outside box which hit crossbar and rebounded. The rebound was finished by Mendoza making it a 2-0 for Chennai team.
After the second goal, the visitors were unstoppable and they dominated till the game ended. Marco Materazzi brought on Fikru for Mendoza to give him some rest.
It was a good result for Chennaiyin FC as they deserved the three points while Mumbai City FC need to improve and turn things around soon. Though both teams played well, there was a lot of wrong passing, which must improve. Mumbai City FC should also improve their finishing. And they sorely miss Moritz.
Chennaiyin FC must continue the good work and improve every game.
