ISL: Chennaiyin secure first home win of the season- Talking points

Chennaiyin FC secured its first home win of the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season, defeating Hyderabad FC 1-0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, in Chennai on Wednesday. 

On a rainy evening at the Marina Arena, the Marina Machans got all three points thanks to a fifth minute Irfan goal. 

After a disappointing 0-2 defeat to East Bengal just a few days back, their third defeat on the trot, this win should come as a relief to Owen Coyle and his men. 

They move up to seventh in the table, once again back in contention for the playoff spots, level on points with NorthEast United FC, who have played a game less.

#5: A much-awaited home win for the Marina Machans

Chennaiyin has had a tough start at home this season. Having lost their opening game of the season to Mohammedan SC, things never looked up for the Marina Machans as they chased after the elusive home victory. 

Against East Bengal, it was hoped the drought would end but a disappointing 0-2 result meant that fans had to wait longer, but they did not have to wait more than three days, as CFC have responded with a gritty 1-0 win over Hyderabad FC. 

Owen changed formations, playing Irfan up top along with Wilmar as CFC lined up with a two-striker system, with Lukas Brambilla playing behind them and it has worked in favor of the Marina Machans. 

It was Brambilla's through ball that released Irfan and his left-footed finish, aided by a deflection, ended up in the back of the net. 

This win should kick-start a strong home run for Chennaiyin, who after three defeats in a row, can't afford to slip up any further in the ISL points table. 

#4: Win by any means necessary

CFC's objective was simple, to win by all means necessary. Yes, they did not play the flashiest of football or mesmerize the fans with a plethora of chances, but they got the job done, and sometimes that is all you need. 

The Nawabs fought to the best of their abilities and did create a few opportunities but they were few and far and there was no cutting edge in their gameplay. 

Only one shot on target across the entire match is not going to help a team chasing the game and that is precisely what happened with Hyderabad FC. 

Chennaiyin wouldn't mind that though, and as often seen, momentum is a fickle thing, and one such win could sparkle a change in fortunes and it is certainly something Owen Coyle would hope for in the coming weeks. 

#3: Thoughts with Elsinho 

Injuries are something no one wants to see and head collisions are as horrific as they come. 

Elsinho suffered a head collision with teammate Laldinpuia and immediately went to the ground in the 55th minute of the game. 

Elsinho, who replaced Ryan Edwards at half-time, eventually had to be stretched out after receiving medical attention on the field, and it is a relief to have learned that he is responding well to treatment at the hospital, as confirmed by head coach Owen Coyle after the match. 

"My thoughts are with him, the injury looked really concerning, but I've heard that he is responding well at the hospital," he said. 

#2: What did the coaches say 

CFC head coach Owen Coyle had a few stern words to say about the officiating tonight, calling the Connor Shields sending-off in the 97th minute a lack of common sense move by the referee. 

"To send Connor Shields off for arguing, who was arguably the best player on the pitch, to send him off for that, it is about a bit of common sense," he said. 

He also asserted that his players played "as a team" today to get the win against HFC. 

Hyderabad FC's head coach Thangboi Singto was very clear about what went wrong for his team tonight, stating "I think up front we weren't good enough, we had our fair share of chances, but credits to the Chennai defense, they were really strong," he said. 

#1: What's next for both teams?

Chennaiyin FC will look to build on this win when they face Mumbai City next on the 21st December, away from home. 

Hyderabad FC will be back home for their next fixture, facing NorthEast United on 23rd December.