Jamshedpur FC 1-1 Chennaiyin FC: 3 Reasons why the visitors only managed a draw | ISL 2019-20

#1 Chennaiyin compress the game effectively

Anirudh Thapa

Before the game at the Furnace, Chennayin had won a grand total of 0 away encounters since a 4-2 triumph against FC Pune City on the 6th of November, 2018. Moreover, they’d lost each of their previous 7 away fixtures, meaning that they had to massively buck the trend against Jamshedpur FC. And, they nearly accorded their new manager, Owen Coyle a perfect welcome gift with a tactically astute display.

In light of the hosts’ passing attributes, Chennaiyin were willing to drop off just a touch and were inclined to protect the spaces in between the lines. The above enabled them to cut out passing options through the middle, thereby forcing Jamshedpur to switch play and cross the ball.

The tactic worked a charm for the majority of the game as the home side’s deliveries from the flanks were quite sub-standard whereas the likes of Eli Sabia and Lucian Goian weren’t troubled by Passi inside the box.

Additionally, Lallianzuala Chhangte and Thoi Singh tracked back diligently to ensure that the opposition’s full-backs didn’t have a huge impact offensively.

As for the middle third, Anirudh Thapa and Masih Saighani got through their fair share of defensive work whereas they were also composed enough to pick their passes and not be too gung-ho in attack.

The strategy that there were at least 6 men behind the ball at all times, thereby exploiting Jamshedpur’s lack of creative edge significantly.

Thus, it seemed a bit of a travesty that the visitors weren’t able to come away with all three points tucked in their kitty.