What's the story?
Chennaiyin FC have now recorded the most number of points by any team at this stage of the ISL season, ever since its inception back in 2014. The club's 1-0 win over Jamshedpur FC meant that the 'Super Machans' will end the year on top of the table with 16 points, a record tally after just 8 games.
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John Gregory's men have managed to perform well ever since that 3-2 loss against FC Goa in their first game of the season and notched up impressive victories against ATK and Bengaluru FC.
Chennaiyin have lost just twice all season and are known for their shrewd defence that has stayed compact all throughout the season, helping them enjoy a good run of form in the process.
The heart of the matter
The result against Jamshedpur helped them overcome the previously set record of 14 points at this stage of the season, by FC Goa and Delhi Dynamos in 2015, with good effect. The record will stay that way at least until the next season considering the fact that FC Goa, Bengaluru FC and FC Pune City are all tied down to 12 points.
Chennaiyin will be looking to push on from here and capitalise on their solid start by securing the semi-final spot after a disappointing campaign last year.
What next?
The league leaders will finish 2017 at the summit of the points table and will be in action against a struggling Delhi Dynamos in their next game on January 7th in Chennai.
Author's take
Chennaiyin have been very resilient at the back and they have slowly but steadily emerged as prime candidates for a semi-final berth but they will be aware that the league is far from done and will have to keep up the good work.