ISL 2017, Match 3: Chennaiyin FC vs FC Goa, 5 talking points

Chennaiyin FC and FC Goa were part of a five-goal thriller in Sunday's Indian Super League encounter. Eventually, it was the away side who came out on top, winning the game 3-2. Ferran Telechea, Manuel Bruno and Mandar Desai scored three quick first-half goals which put the home side to the sword.

Here are the major talking points from tonight's match.

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#1 Finally goals galore in the ISL

For all the excitement surrounding season 4 of the ISL, the first two matches finished in goalless draws much to the disappointment of the fans. Kerala Blasters, ATK, Jamshedpur FC and NEUFC were all wasteful in the final third of the pitch.

However, credit to Chennaiyin and Goa for breathing life into the tournament. Both sides played free-flowing football and had the quality and composure inside the box as well, something which was missing in the first two games.

#2 FC Goa refuse to hold back

Amidst the flurry of goals in Chennai, it must be pointed out that FC Goa were, in fact, the away side tonight. However, not for one minute did the visitors hesitate in their approach. A special mention to Mandar Rao Desai, who was Goa's unheralded hero on the wings.

Their positive and direct approach towards the match helped their cause immensely. The Gaurs scored three goals within a space of fifteen minutes. By doing so, they took an unassailable 3-0 lead, much to the shock of the home side.

Goa were clear on how they wanted to attack and this clarity ensured they were successful in the final third.

#3 Chennai took a lot of time to impose themselves

Playing as hosts, Chennai should have done more to force things on the pitch. Their midfielders were second best while their main man, Jeje failed to involve himself as much as he would have liked. Chennai's star man looked an isolated figure and hardly contributed tonight.

When they did finally wake up from their slumber, it was all too late. The damage had already been done. Those flurry of goals from the 25th minute to the 40th minute had put the home side completely on the back foot and it was always going to be difficult from there on.

#4 John Gregory must instil a sense of urgency in his players

There were signs before the season began that it could start like this. Chennaiyin's new coach, John Gregory openly accepted that his team's management had decided to focus on developing youngsters rather than signing star players.

It's hard to say but maybe the Englishman is not completely happy with the players at his disposal. However, what is done is done and Gregory will have to tweak things immediately to get the best out of his squad. More importantly, he will have to inculcate a sense of urgency within his players, who looked pedestrian for large parts of the first half.

#5 Mandar Rao Desai will be vital this season

Last season, Mandar Rao regularly ran riot on the wings under ex-manager, Zico. And this season, he could not have asked for a better start. Alongside Pune's Kean Lewis, Mandar is among the few Indian inverted wingers in the league.

As a wide man, Mandar stretched the game wide open, forcing Chennai to commit numbers down the flanks. He was confident and displayed patience, releasing the ball at just about the right time. The result? Two of Goa's goals came from them splitting the Chennai defence wide open right through the middle.

In their bid to shut down the wings, the home side were completely dismantled in the middle of the park.