ISL 2017/18, Match 76: Chennaiyin FC vs Jamshedpur FC, 5 Talking Points

A sublime volley by Wellington Priori was cancelled out by a late Rafi header as Jamshedpur were held to a 1-1 draw against Chennaiyin FC in Sunday's crunch ISL fixture.

The stalemate leaves their respective positions on the table unchanged. Chennai remain in third position with 28 points while Jamshedpur occupy that crucial fourth spot, trailing the southern outfit by just two. Here are the major talking points from tonight's entertaining clash.

Raphael Augusto impresses once again

Over the last few games, Raphael Augusto has struggled to make an impact but tonight the Brazilian was once again back to his best. Questions still remain over his fitness but when he plays, there are very few midfielders who can match his creativity in the middle of the park.

Chennai's midfield linchpin was active throughout the game and made things happen. Against Jamshedpur, he also displayed his versatile side by attacking the opposition full backs from the right wing, something that he has rarely done in previous games.

If Bengaluru FC have Edu Garcia, Chennaiyin have Raphael Augusto in their ranks. When he is in his zone, there's not much one can do. His ability to glide past his markers is second to none.

No Tom but Jerry vs Jerry battle was intriguing

It was a battle of the two Jerrys. (Photo: ISL)

There was no Tom but two Jerry's on the pitch tonight. 20-year old Jerry Mawihmingthanga has always been lively down the right wing for Jamshedpur. 19-year old, Jerry Lalrinzuala has been a dependable figure for Chennaiyin as left-back.

Today, the both of them were involved in an intriguing battle down the flank. It was Jamshedpur's Jerry who came out on top in the first half. He created the best chance for his team, stealing the ball off the other Jerry before whipping in a delightful ball for Farukh who missed a sitter from close range.

Chennai's left back found it tough to deal with the pace and energy of his namesake who ran riot and wasn't afraid to take on his marker. Ultimately it was a close battle between two promising, young players.

Wellington Priori scores another screamer

Wellington keeps scoring the wonder goals. (Photo: ISL)

After his magical overhead kick in the last game, Wellington Priori backed it up with an equally delightful volley against Chennaiyin. Jamsehdpur's tricky forward is making it a habit now.

After the ball played ping-ball in Chennai's final third, it fell kindly to Priori who was positioned way outside the box. The Brazilian smashed it first time from long range to score a sublime volley past keeper, Kranjit. That shot was dipping and swerving before it nestled into the bottom corner.

In the larger scheme of things, the visitors deserved to score the opener. While Chennai dominated early on, it was Jamshedpur who created the better chances. A moment of brilliance from Priori breathed life into the game.

Andre Bikey rock solid but always on edge

Andre Bikey was playing with fire during the match. (Photo: ISL)

For large parts of the game, Jamshedpur FC were able to keep the home side at bay courtesy some sturdy defending at the back. Case in point, their centre-back, Andre Bikey who was super attentive.

The Cameroonian not only kept Jeje quiet but also gave a hard time to Chennai's midfielders. He wasn't afraid of coming out of his area and press the opposition players outside the box. As a result, the visitors had to resort to orchestrating their attack from the wings, most of the time.

Bikey was solid but he was always on edge. His interceptions were last ditch and his tackles bordered between dangerous and accurately timed. He was cautioned by the official on more than one occasions but that didn't deter his aggressive approach.

#5 Chennai rewarded for persistence

Rafi's goal keeps Chennaiyin in the hunt for a semifinal spot. (Photo: ISL)

After going down to a superb goal in the first half, the home side upped their ante in the second. Chennai were far more aggressive, looked to take risks and bosses possession. In fact, they had 60 % possession for close to 45 minutes but did not make use of it.

The likes of Jeje and Mihelic were peripheral figures as they were outnumbered in the final third. Raphael Augusto was trying too hard to give his side the equaliser and in the process, he acted selfishly on a couple of occasions.

But substitute, Mohammed Rafi scored a fantastic header to give Chennai that crucial equaliser. Mihelic delivered a pinpoint cross and a backtracking Rafi cleverly placed his header past a stranded, Subrata Pal who should have been done better with his positioning. Chennai were rewarded for their persistence and Jamshedpur were punished for being overly defensive.