ISL: Punjab brings firework on Diwali night, defeat Chennaiyin- Talking Points

New Delhi: Punjab FC returned to winning ways against Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League season 11 defeating them 3-2 on Thursday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.

Playing on a Diwali night, second-half fireworks from Punjab propelled them to the win. 

Trailing 0-1 in the first half, Punjab returned with three goals in the second half to register their fourth win and move to third place in the points table.

Luka Majcen scored twice on his return and Asmir Suljic scored the third goal for Punjab FC while Wilmar Jordan Gil scored on his return to his former club.

Here are the major talking points from the game:

#5 More questions for Owen Coyle 

After winning the first game, Owen Coyle's side has failed to maintain a consistent run and has won just one game in the last five games including a home loss against debutants Mohammedan SC.

While the team has shown promise and won a close game against NorthEast United, the performance has largely been uninspiring.

They face Jamshedpur FC next in an away game at Jamshedpur.

#4 Coyle blames poor decision-making for the loss

Chennaiyin FC coach Owen Coyle blamed poor decision-making from both the referee and players for the loss.

Chennaiyin had a disallowed goal in the first half as the referee deemed it to be foul but Coyle felt otherwise.

#3 Punjab back to winning ways

After a tight loss against Bengaluru FC and a long break, Punjab FC is back to winning ways, and that too with their captain returning.

Punjab has been in fine form this season winning four games and losing just to table toppers Bengaluru.

Punjab will face FC Goa next in an away game.

#2 Luka Majcen returns to action with a brace

The returning saviour of Punjab FC and their leader Luka Majcen picked up from where he left off.

Injured against Kerala Blasters, Luka missed close to six weeks of action. 

However, the experienced Slovenian returned to action with a bang on Diwali night and scored two goals to put Punjab in the lead when they were trailing 0-1.

In the 46th minute, Luka latched on a through ball from Filip Mrzljak and scored from his right foot to equalize.

Three minutes later, K Lhungdim found him open in the box and he scored to make it 2-1 and record a brace. He was substituted in the 68th minute but he had executed his role to perfection.

#1 Wilmar Jordan scored twice on the return to his former home ground

It was a happy return for Wilmar Jordan Gil to his former hunting ground as he opened the scoring for Chennaiyin FC in the 30th minute and then grabbed a consolation in the added time.

The former Punjab FC striker latched on a through ball from Lukas Brambilla after a counter-attack and scored with a deft finish to make it 1-0 and put Chennaiyin FC in the lead.

He was kept quiet by the defense in the second half but popped in the 90+7 minutes to latch on to a defensive lapse and poach a consolation goal.