ISL 2017/18, Match 88: Chennaiyin FC vs Mumbai City FC, 5 Talking Points
Mumbai travelled to Chennai to play out their last game of this season’s ISL. The game, in general, didn’t have much at stake, even though a win for either of the teams would have meant that they finish above their current positions on the league table.
Chennaiyin wanted the win to finish above FC Pune City and finish 2nd on the points table, whereas Mumbai wanted the three points to finish above Kerala Blasters and claim the last direct entry spot for the Super Cup.
Chennaiyin won the game 1-0 via a Rene Mehelic penalty to secure the second spot for the Super Machans, whereas the Islanders have to play the Super Cup qualifiers to get into the Super Cup.
On that note, let's take a look at the player ratings.
#1 Chennaiyin give their reserved players a chance
Chennaiyin made eight changes to their starting eleven, and gave their reserve side and substitutes a runabout. Goalkeeper Pawan Kumar got to make his ISL debut with a completely new back line. Chennaiyin also fielded just three foreigners in Mihelic, Gavilan and Jude. Even with their reserve side Chennaiyin looked to trouble Mumbai and had the better of the opportunities. Rafi and Germanpreet looked impressive and gave an account of themselves to be considered for during the playoffs.
Thoi Singh, a man who is known to have dual oxygen cylinders had a good game, as he ran his heart out and also put in some good crosses.