Chennaiyin FC vs FC Goa (3-1): Three reasons why the Marina Machans lost

1. Poor concentration

Chennai defenders made it easy for Goa attackers as Karanjit Singh conceded three [Image:indiansuperleague.com]

After losing the opening game to fierce rivals and last season’s table-toppers Bengaluru, the Chennai defenders must have been keen on stopping Ferran Corominas and co. from testing veteran shot-stopper Karanjit Singh. However, they found themselves sleeping in the penalty box often and was duly punished by the Goa attackers.

“They had a lot of possession but hadn’t created too much. We looked pretty much in control at the back, but we fell asleep when they scored the second goal,” Chennai coach John Gregory said after the final whistle. Goa’s second and third goal, in particular, underlined Mailson Alves and co.’s lapses in concentration.

Eli Sabia, who returned to Marina Arena after one year’s absence, though, had a fantastic individual performance complete with a goal, even earning plaudits from the manager John Gregory.

There’s quality in Chennai’s defense, and it’s now down to the coach to identify how he must set them up so they play to their best ability.