ISL talking points: Chennaiyin downs ATK, moves to fifth spot

Chennaiyin FC defeated ATK 3-1 in Kolkata to move up to the fifth spot -- one point off fourth-placed Mumbai City FC.

Chennaiyin FC enjoyed a comfortable 3-1 win over ATK.

Chennaiyin FC downed ATK FC 3-1 at the YBK stadium in Kolkata on Sunday in the Indian Super League (ISL). The win took Chennaiyin to the fifth spot -- one point off fourth-placed Mumbai City FC, with a game in hand.

Rafael Crivellaro found the early lead with a calm and composed finish in the seventh minute before Andre Schembri doubled the lead with a header. Roy Krishna pulled one back for ATK immediately as the two teams went into the break with a 2-1 scoreline in favour of Chennaiyin.

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It was Nerijus Valskis who sealed the win for Chennaiyin as he added the third goal in the final minute with a chip over ATK goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharja.

Here are the major talking points:

1) Chennaiyin FC's playoff fight going strong

The 3-1 thrashing of ATK was a resounding victory for Chennaiyin, whose fight for the playoff berth is going strong. With a game in hand, Chennaiyin is a point adrift fourth-placed Mumbai City.

Interestingly, Mumbai City faces Chennaiyin in its next match, which will be the former's final league fixture. It will be a must-win game for the Islanders, who have 26 points. Anything less than a win will put Mumbai's top-four hopes in doubt.

As for Chennaiyin, it will be up against the a down-and-out  NorthEast United after its tour of India's financial capital.

2) Poor ATK put up disorganised display

It was a game to forget for ATK as it struggled defensively and caused little to no trouble through its attack.

All three goals conceded on Sunday were due to defensive errors by ATK players. Arindam Bhattacharja's decision-making wasn't the best, but his defenders were no better.

The injury to Anas Edathodika in the first half made things difficult for ATK and it will hope the Kerala-born defender is not sidelined for a long time.

3) Roy Krishna gunning for Golden Boot

Although his team ended on the losing side, Roy Krishna is edging closer to the Golden Boot award. The Fijian's 40th-minute goal was his 14th strike of the season, which makes him the league's top scorer.

FC Goa's Ferran Corominas, NorthEast United's Bartholomew Ogbeche and Chennaiyin's Nerijus Valskis are his competitors -- all tied at 13 goals.