ISL 2018/19, Kerala Blasters 3-0 Chennaiyin FC: 5 Talking Points - Poplatnik brace ends Kerala's winless streak
Earlier this season, Chennaiyin FC and Kerala Blasters played out an insipid 0-0 draw at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. But, it was the Yellow Army who were determined to secure all three points in a one-sided encounter which resulted in a 3-0 victory over their rivals in the Indian Super League.
From minute one, Nelo Vingada's side were on the front foot and utterly dominated the game giving no chance for the Blues to sustain the everlasting pressure throughout the game. When the game was opening up a bit during the first half, Kerala's midfielder Courage Pekuson launched one from the outside of the box which resulted in a save from Karanjit Singh.
However, the Manjappada opened the scoring through their talisman Matej Poplatnik in the 23rd minute, thanks to a howler from Chennaiyin's shot-stopper Karanjit Singh. Seimenlen Doungel squared the ball, but the Blues number 1 tipped the ball over which fell kindly for Poplatnik who then headed the ball in from close range.
The visitors were continuously pushing for an equalizer during the second half, but they were caught on the break when their recent signing Chris Herd pulled his hamstring and struggled to get off the pitch. It was excellently capitalized and the hosts found the back of the net through the same man yet again. Sahal Abdul Samad put in a great shift was rewarded with a goal nineteen minutes before the full-time whistle.
Let us look at the five talking points from the game.
#1 Karanjit Singh is Chennaiyin's weakest list currently, gets exposed again
Chennaiyin FC tried to fix their conundrum by adding some new faces to their squad, but their goalkeeper has been the biggest letdown since the start of the season. It is no doubt that Karanjit Singh was performing above expectations last campaign when he was trained by Tony Warner.
But, he has struggled to find his feet this season. He has never looked assured when it comes to handling the ball. During the first goal, Kerala's No.9 Doungel rounded the ball, but the shot-stopper made a big fuss out of it by squandering which fell gracefully for Matej Poplatnik.
Even though he did not commit any other mistake after that, his presence at the back could reduce the confidence for the outfield players whose hard work gets nullified.