Chennaiyin FC failed to score in a second straight home match this season and was punished for its profligacy by David Williams' 48th-minute goal that gave ATK a 1-0 win and three points.
Sportstar looks at the major talking points from the match.
- Goal-shy Chennaiyin FC -
Chennaiyin FC's profligacy in front of goal is the reason it has failed to win any of its three matches so far in the ISL 2019-20 season. Its attacking players were particularly wasteful against ATK and Nerijus Vlaskis missing two chances inside the opening 10 minutes set the tone for the night.
Andre Schembri was subbed on in the 58th minute and had arguably the simplest chance of the match to draw Chennaiyin level but dragged his left-footed shot wide of the far post, suggesting the forwards might be short on confidence.
On the balance of its goal attempts (16) and attempts on target (6), Chennaiyin FC had enough chances to win the match but let itself down with its finishing.
- A hard-fought win for ATK -
The away side didn't get many refereeing decisions in its favour and was under the cosh in the final 30 minutes with Chennaiyin piling men forward in search of an equaliser. Michael Soosairaj's injury coincided with ATK struggling to regain and keep possession and Chennaiyin's pressure very nearly brought it the equaliser.
Ultimately, ATK was able to keep a clean sheet and secure the three points, which moved it to the top of the points table on goal difference.
- Chennaiyin winless but can draw positives -
Despite being winless in three matches, Chennaiyin can take a few positives into its next match against Bengaluru FC at the Kanteerava Stadium.
Lallianzuala Chhangte and Anirudh Thapa shone against ATK, the former a constant threat on the left flank. Thapa was a metronome in central midfield, linking defence and attack and bringing calm to the home team in a match played at a frenetic pace.
Chhangte played the full match and created two chances while having two attempts on goal. These two players are likely to be crucial to Chennaiyin turning around its season.
- ATK's bench strength a major positive -
For the match against Chennaiyin, manager Antonio Habas left Jayesh Rane, John Johnson, Balwant Singh, Eduardo Garcia, among others, on the bench. The wealth of options bodes well for the manager and for the team, considering it's a long season.
However, Habas will expect a greater impact from his substitutions than what Rane and Garcia, the second-half substitutes against Chennaiyin, were able to offer.
Comments
SHARE