ISL: Chennaiyin FC vs Kerala Blasters - 5 talking points

A typical semi-final complete with flared tempers and last moment dramaSome games are worthy of being dubbed as having ‘everything’, and the fourth edition of the South Indian Derby certainly has everything. A match built around Chennaiyin FC’s failed first leg and a mammoth task at hand, this second leg of the first semi-finals included moments of pure brilliance, talent, skill and ofcourse some theatrics. We take a look at the 5 talking points of the game between Chennaiyin FC and Kerala Blasters. 

#1 Defensive mentality gives Kerala a shock

Starting with a 4-1-3-2, which often reverted to a five men defense, whilst committing men behind the ball, Kerala Blasters’s approach to this game was pretty much evident. Enjoying a three goal lead from the first leg of the semi-finals, the Blasters looked to be solid and compact in defense.

Although the Sachin Tendulkar co-owned franchisee, did show signs of fluent attacks, carried mostly by Iain Hume and Michael Chopra, they often lacked the sucker punch of converting chances into goals and in an attempt to safeguard their lead, reverted to ‘men behind the ball’ . This negative approach hurt the Kerala side, and allowed Chennaiyin to resurge back into the game.