ISL 2023-24: It was a nice statement and a wonderful performance: Chennaiyin FC’s Owen Coyle

Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle was delighted after their roller-coaster 3-3 draw against Kerala Blasters FC in the Indian Super League at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi on Wednesday. Rahim Ali scored the first goal in the opening minute of the game to put his team in front.

However, Dimitrios Diamantakos equalized for the Yellow Tuskers after 10 minutes. But Jordan Murray was quick to once again put the visitors in front as he scored in the 13th minute.

Murray then added to Chennaiyin FC’s lead as he found the back of the net in the 24th minute. However, Peprah was able to get one back for Kerala Blasters before the half-time break. Thus, the first half was a goal-scoring fest as five goals were scored by both teams.

Dimitrios Diamantakos then equalized for Kerala Blasters in the 58th minute and both teams shared the spoil.

“Both coaches at different times would have felt that they could have won all three points. I certainly felt at 3-1 that we were in a very good position to see the game through. If we took care of the final pass, we could have scored again. That being said, I accept that 3-3, with 10 minutes to go.. Kerala Blasters FC had more opportunities at that time. So Ivan (Vukomanovic) will certainly feel with that 3-3 in the last 10 minutes, he could have won it,” Coyle said in the post-match press conference.

The Marina Machans have not registered a single win in their last three matches. In fact, they have taken lead in the last two matches but have failed to seal the game.

“What I’m looking to build is a really positive attacking team. But I don’t have all the pieces yet. What I need is a bit more solidity at the back. Middle to front, we have good players that can create chances against anybody. As a matter of fact even though we sit mid-table in the league, we have created more big chances than anybody. Which into the game, was same as Kerala Blasters FC tonight,” he explained.

“Kerala Blasters FC scored three wonder goals whereas we got some big chances in the game. If we were toe to toe with Kerala Blasters FC for big chances, we are delighted. What Kerala have done is been more convincing with their finishing. Prior to the game they converted 55 percent more chances than we had. It shows that we need to be more clinical and at the other end, we need to be more solidified. But that will come with time. But tonight, it was a nice statement and some wonderful performance,” he added.

Chennaiyin FC will next take on Jamshedpur FC on 7th December at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur.