ISL 2023-24: Nobody could deny that we were the better team – Chennaiyin FC’s Owen Coyle after win against NorthEast United

Chennaiyin FC’s head coach Owen Coyle was delighted after they defeated NorthEast United FC by 2-1 in the 21st match week of the ongoing Indian Super League at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai on Tuesday.

Madathil Subran scored the opening goal for the visitors in the 49th minute after both teams failed to score in the first half. However, Aakash Sangwan and Ankit Mukherjee scored for the Marina Machans to keep their hopes alive for the playoffs.

“I knew it would be obviously a tough game. Both teams I knew would go all out to win the game. Both teams had some good chances, but we had some chances to get in front,” Coyle stated at the post-match press conference.

“Vishal (Kaith) had an unbelievable save from Jordan (Murray) in Kolkata. But that save tonight by Gurmeet Singh from Ryan Edwards in the first half with the header was probably one of the candidates for save of the season. So we certainly felt we should be in front, but we never. And then, we made a horrendous mistake (at the beginning of the second half), which can happen,” he added.

The home team had 53.9% possession and took seven shots on target out of total 17 shots. Coyle said Irfan Yadwad should have grabbed his chance from header.

“We were a threat all night with some wonderful chances. And then Irfan Yadwad should have had another goal for the header from three yards. But the keeper had some great saves for them. And again, they’ve hit the post as well through Tomi Juric. So the game was end-to-end. I think any neutral watching the game must have thought, wow, what a fantastic advert for the ISL and for Indian football. But I don’t think over the piece anybody could deny that we were the better team and deserved to win,” Coyle continued further.

Coyle showered praise on match winner Ankit Mukherjee, who wanted to play despite his father being seriously ill.

“Obviously, I’ve probably picked up another couple of suspensions tonight. I think Ankit (Mukherjee) is now suspended. And just a note on Ankit, because obviously he popped up with the winning goal,” he said.

“But more than that, Ankit’s father has been really, really ill and has been taken to hospital. And I told him yesterday he didn’t have to play this game. I mean, nobody loves football more than me. But families, which we love games and the fans are incredible. Families are more important. I mean, your father’s seriously ill. But all credit to him. He said, ‘No, coach, I want to play the game’.” Coyle shared.

Chennaiyin FC will next take on FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai on Sunday.