Chennaiyin thrash Pune 3-1 to move to top of ISL table

Chennai, Nov 19: Chennaiyin FC produced a crushing performance to beat FC Pune City 3-1 as they pipped Atletico de Kolkata to the top spot in the points table of the Indian Super League (ISL), here today.

Schedule; Points Table; Guide; Photos

Courtesy strikes from Stiven Mendoza Valencia (62 nd minute), Bruno Pelissari (70th minute) and India international Jeje Lalpeklhua (90th minute), Chennaiyin moved right on top of the table with 16 points.

The Abhishek Bachchan and Mahendra Singh Dhoni co-owned team are on top having scored more goals than ATK, who are on second position, with same number of points. For Pune, it was an unfortunate own goal by Chennaiyin's Cameroonian mideo Eric Djemba Djemba, that had given them some hope before the final burst from 'Blues' buried them.

The hero of the match undoubtedly was young Balwant Singh, whose assist was key to two of the three goals scored by Chennai and he repeatedly switched flanks to keep the Pune players at bay. During the first half, it was Chennaiyin, who dominated the proceedings with better ball possession.

In fact, it was Pune custodian Arindam Bhattacharya, who pulled off a stunning save in the 10th minute which was pure reflex work. It was Chennaiyin's best player Elano taking a perfect corner that fell into the melee and Jeje was quick to execute a backheel.

The big-bodied Arindam was moving towards his left but arched his body back and stretched his right hand to avert the danger. Elano, who did not look fully fit was taken off by coach Marco Materazzi along with Gourmangi Singh, who sustained a groin injury.

It was Mohun Bagan forward Balwant, who was pressed into action and the Chennayin had a lot of mibility upfront. Chennayin's first goal in the 62nd minute was a combination of a four-touch finish. It was Mendoza, who received the ball on the left side of the central midfield.

He quickly passed it onto Djemba Djemba and went on the overlap. The former Manchester United player's first touch was for Balwant, who essayed a killer through pass that found Mendoza in the open. While Arindam left his charge to narrow the angle, the Colombian placed it in with a deft chip.

PTI