Indian Super League, Round 9

Hyderabad FC put on a clinical performance against Chennaiyin FC to register their third win of the ISL season, kicking off of 2021 in fine fashion. After three consecutive losses, this result will give them plenty of confidence, going into the rest of the season. Here are few talking points from that night in Bambolim

Chances, Taken

While the scoreline suggests that HFC were ruthless in the game, the fact is that they have been creating chances even in games they have lost, but finally managed to find of the back of the net, against Chennai. Joao Victor and Halicharan Narzary pulled out stunners while Joel Chianese, who missed a couple of clear chances in the first half finally got lucky.

They scored four goals after the break, their best return in a single half in the ISL and their improved finishing was crucial for the club to get back to winning ways. If they can continue to be effective in front of goal, a place in the top-4 is not too far out of their reach.

Joao Victor’s Show

While his second goal of the season, Hyderabad’s third on the night was a stunner and will take away all the attention, the Brazilian was also effective all over the field. He scored with his only attempt on goal, and also created three chances, completing 90% of his passes and did not give away a single foul all game.

He also drew a couple of fouls, made a couple of clearances, and completed three interceptions in the middle of the park, one of which resulted in a goal. He has played every minute of Hyderabad’s ISL campaign so far and is easily one of our most important players this season.

Settled Backline

Consistency is key to strong performances and the fact that Manolo Marquez has stuck to a back-4 irrespective of recent results, reaped rewards finally. Odei Onaindia and Akash Mishra, like Joao, have played every minute of the campaign for Hyderabad this season while both Asish Rai and Chinglensana Singh have been consistently effective at the back, giving HFC a settled backline, nine games into the season.

Growing in Confidence

Hyderabad scored the first goal but still dropped points against Jamshedpur and FC Goa recently and it was not beyond Chennaiyin to stage a comeback after Anirudh Thapa’s goal, to make it 1-2. However, HFC seemed to have learnt their lessons and pressed hard to find a third and put the game to bed without any complications.

This comes with the experience of Onaindia, Joao Victor, Mohammad Yasir, Halicharan Narzary and Aridane Santana, all of who form the core of this squad. Hyderabad kept up their attacking flair, did not go into defensive mode and made sure that they punished the hosts. It would not have been easy after the recent results but the performance against Chennai shows that Hyderabad have a quality squad, who are mentally strong as well.