ISL 2018-19, Northeast United FC 1-0 Chennaiyin FC: 5 Talking Points

Ogbeche was the saviour for NorthEast United FC (Image Courtesy: ISL)

NorthEast United FC hosted last season’s champions Chennaiyin FC in their first game after the Asian Cup break in Guwahati.

This season has seen the fortunes turn for both the clubs as Chennaiyin are languishing at the bottom of the league table, while the Highlanders find themselves at fourth position and with a glorious opportunity to make the playoffs for the first time in their Indian Super League history.

Both the teams were looking to get off to a winning start after the break. Chennaiyin has only pride to play for in the remaining games.

NorthEast United, on the other hand, have all to play for in the remaining games as they are on the verge of a maiden playoff appearance.

The first 15 minutes of the game was a dull affair, but after the initial stages, the game slowly began to open up.

NorthEast United created a flurry of chances in the closing stages of the first half. Both the teams went into the half time break with the scoreboard reading 0-0.

NorthEast United started as the better team in the second half and created much more chances and had more possession of the ball.

Ogebeche scored in the dying moments of the game to give NorthEast United a crucial victory.

On that note let us take a look at the five talking points from today's game.

#5 Poor refereeing decisions keep plaguing the league.

It was the 19th minute Federico Gallego darted inside the box with the ball and beat Germanpreet Singh, but the Chennaiyin FC midfielder lunged into the Uruguayan midfielder and bought him down inside the box.

A penalty should have been awarded to NorthEast United, but the Referee only awarded a goal-kick for Chennaiyin.

It was probably the easiest decision the referee had to make and still managed to make the wrong decision.

What was even more shocking was that since the referee didn't give the penalty, he should have booked Gallego for diving but didn't do that too.

If the quality of refereeing remains the same, then the overall development of Indian football will be hampered.