#5 Great defensive organization for rest of the game after throwing away three early goals
![Eelco Schattorie's men managed to hold fort after an early period of defensive lapses [Image: ISL]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2018/10/f80a2-15399186999968-800.jpg?w=190 190w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2018/10/f80a2-15399186999968-800.jpg?w=720 720w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2018/10/f80a2-15399186999968-800.jpg?w=640 640w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2018/10/f80a2-15399186999968-800.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2018/10/f80a2-15399186999968-800.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2018/10/f80a2-15399186999968-800.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2018/10/f80a2-15399186999968-800.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2018/10/f80a2-15399186999968-800.jpg 1920w)
For the first thirty minutes of the game, Chennaiyin FC were in supreme control with a two-goal lead. NEUFC were undone by an own goal and exceptional works from Isaac and Raphael Augusto through the right flank to go past the defence and provide an assist to Thoi Singh. John Gregory told his players to counter press and tried to hurt them on the counter-attack. Rightfully, Eelco Schattorie was furious on the touchline with the players when they were letting in cheap goals.
The Highlanders reorganized themselves after receiving information from the manager to shut down the midfielders of Chennaiyin FC. Jose Leudo and Rowllin Borges sat back with the defence to provide utmost freedom for the attackers. This move helped the defenders who were living their life without support during the first half. Additionally,
the wing-backs also provided more support defensively which helped the course for NorthEast United. Mato Grgic and Mislav Komorski defended deep along with others to shut down the attackers and see out the game.