Chennaiyin FC's first home game of the Indian Super League 2019-20 season saw the side play out a goalless draw with Mumbai City FC. It was a game that saw plenty of chances but neither side was able to seize the opportunities that came their way.
The result sees Chennaiyin pick up its first point of its ISL 2019-20 campaign, while Mumbai City went to the top of the table with four points. Here are the major talking points from the Chennaiyin FC vs Mumbai City FC ISL 2019-20 game:
Sougou injury makes matters worse for Mumbai
Mumbai City's star striker Modou Sougou had to be taken out early in the first half after suffering what seemed like a hamstring injury. Sougou did not start in the side's opening game and came on as a late substitute as he was still recovering from a previous injury.
He joins a long list of injured players including Mato Grgic and Pauo Machado, and coach Jorge Costa will have a tough time choosing his next XI.
Finishing woes
Chennaiyin had as many as seven shots on target - five more than Mumbai City - but its attackers could not find the back of the net. Brazilian Rafael Crivellaro had three good chances in the first half but was denied on each occasion by Amrinder Singh.
Mumbai City striker Amine Chermiti had a few glorious chances himself, including a 1v1 with the goalkeeper, but somehow failed to find the target. Substitute Kevin Serge also had a peach of chance, but a goal was just not to be scored.
Amrinder continues to impress
After making a phenomenal save in Mumbai City's game against Kerala Blasters last week, Amrinder produced another blinder in the opening minute on Sunday. He first saved Andre Schembri's attempt and then came up with an astonishing reflex save to deny Rafael an open goal. And that went on to set the tone for the game as Amrinder was not to be beaten on the evening.
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Chennaiyin's midfield conundrum
Coach John Gregory had said in the pre-match conference that his side had to gel immediately and that it doesn't have a lot of time to settle down, but there seemed to be a bit of tension between Rafael and Dragos Firtulescu. Rafael manned a central role and had Firtulescu for company on the right, on multiple instances, but often chose to go solo instead. A visibly agitated Firtulescu made sure Rafael knew of his displeasure, but he still received little to no supply.
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