ISL: East Bengal falter as Chennaiyin FC bounce back in style- Talking points

Chennaiyin FC ended their seven-game winless streak in emphatic fashion, securing a 3-0 victory over East Bengal FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata.

Despite both teams being out of playoff contention, the match held significance as Chennaiyin FC climbed to 10th place with 21 points, while East Bengal remained stuck in the lower half of the table.

Here are the five major talking points from the game:

#5 Chennaiyin FC finally break the streak

Coming into this fixture, Owen Coyle’s Chennaiyin FC had not won a game in seven matches, struggling to find form.

However, a determined performance saw them dominate proceedings and capitalize on defensive errors to register their biggest win of the season.

The victory pushed them to 10th place, but with a seven-point gap to sixth-placed Bengaluru FC, their playoff hopes remain mathematically slim to none.

#4 Nishu Kumar’s costly own goal 

East Bengal FC started brightly, creating early chances, but a defensive lapse saw Chennaiyin FC take the lead.

In the 13th minute, an attempted clearance from Nishu Kumar ended up in his own net, giving Chennaiyin a 1-0 lead.

The own goal disrupted East Bengal’s rhythm and allowed Chennaiyin to take control of the match.

#3 Wilmar Jordan Gil proves his worth again

Chennaiyin’s attack looked far more dangerous with Wilmar Jordan Gil leading the line.

The Colombian striker doubled the lead in the 21st minute, finishing a well-delivered cross from Irfan Yadwad.

He was a constant presence in the final third, completing 12 of his 20 attempted passes and playing a key role in the team’s attacking buildup.

#2 East Bengal’s lack of finishing costs them again

Despite some positive moments in attack, East Bengal struggled to convert chances.

Vishnu Puthiya, Saul Crespo, and Dimitrios Diamantakos all had opportunities, but their finishing lacked precision.

Chennaiyin FC goalkeeper Mohammed Nawaz made a few key saves, but East Bengal’s lack of cutting edge meant they failed to break down the resolute Chennaiyin defense.

#1 Daniel Chima Chukwu seals the win 

With East Bengal pushing forward in the dying moments, Chennaiyin took advantage on the counterattack.

Kiyan Nassiri’s headed pass found Daniel Chima Chukwu, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner in the ninth minute of stoppage time, putting the game beyond doubt.

The goal was a fitting end to a dominant performance by the Marina Machans.

What’s Next?

Both teams are out of playoff contention, but they will look to finish the season on a strong note.

- East Bengal FC will face Mohammedan SC on February 16.

- Chennaiyin FC will take on Punjab FC on February 15.

Despite their inconsistencies this season, Chennaiyin’s comprehensive victory offers hope for a strong finish as they prepare for the final stretch of the campaign.