ISL 2023-24: Talking points from Gameweek 4

This ISL gameweek witnessed a few firsts, for both individuals and teams.

After a 12-day international break, the Indian Super League returned with its Gameweek 4. The recently concluded gameweek saw only eight out of 12 teams go head to head against each other in what was a three-day affair.

Mumbai City FC made a trip to Saudi Arabia to face Al-Hilal in their AFC Champions League fixture while Mohun Bagan and Odisha FC have their AFC Cup group games. Gameweek 4 witnessed two draws and two wins and on that note, let us take a look at the talking points from the gameweek gone by.

Sandesh Jhingan’s first ISL goal in 10 seasons

The ISL resumed with East Bengal hosting FC Goa at a neutral venue in Bhubaneswar due to administration issues in the City of Joy. And a major highlight from that game alongside FC Goa’s comeback was Sandesh Jhingan’s first ever ISL goal.

Jhingan has been a part of the league since its inaugural edition in 2014, but had never scored a goal. The India international had never scored a goal despite playing over 130 games for four different teams. But, he broke the deadlock with FC Goa in his 132nd appearance in the league when he scored the equaliser for his side in the second half.

Chennaiyin FC end their losing streak

Chennaiyin FC did not have a fairytale start to the 10th edition of the Indian top flight. They ended up on the losing side in their opening three fixtures while conceding eight goals in the process. But, the former champions turned it around in their fourth game as they emerged victorious against Hyderabad FC away from home. 

The Marina Machans pulled off a hard fought 1-0 win over the Nizams and got their first points of the ISL season. On the other hand, problems continue for Hyderabad FC as they have now lost all three of their opening games and find themselves at the bottom of the table.

FC Goa stage another comeback

There is something about FC Goa and epic comebacks this season. The Gaurs like to fight back from behind and have done it very successfully so far in the season. In Gameweek 3, they pulled off a miraculous 3-2 comeback win over Odisha FC and stunned everyone. 

But, that wasn’t it. They pulled off another heist, this time against East Bengal, as they came back from 1-0 down at half-time to 1-2 at full-time. Debut goals from Sandesh Jhingan and Victor Rodriguez ensured FC Goa’s third consecutive win of the season.