ISL 2018/19, NorthEast United FC 1-0 Chennaiyin FC: 5 Hits and Flops

#3 Hit - Eli Sabia

The Brazilian was guiding the entire inexperienced backline in the absence of the Skipper Mailson Alves and did an excellent job individually (Image Courtesy: ISL)

If John Gregory is looking out for a positive out of this game, he would perhaps look at some of the defending done by the centre-back Eli Sabia in this game.

The Brazilian was guiding the entire inexperienced backline in the absence of the Skipper Mailson Alves and did an excellent job individually.

During the first half, Chennaiyin had control for the first fifty minutes. But, Northeast started to grow into the game slowly and cause constant trouble to lead the game.

But, Eli Sabia stuck to the task by making the best out of Federico Gallego and Bartholomew Ogbeche.

His timely interventions and the ability to win headers were key for the Blues in keeping their clean sheet intact until the 87th minute of the game.

There were many instances where he did excellently to protect his team. Despite ending in the losing side, Eli Sabia was surely one of the best players on the pitch.