ISL 2023-24: Talking points from Gameweek 5

From close fights to big wins, gameweek 5 saw it all

The Gameweek 5 of the Indian Super League season 10 produced a lot of comebacks and entertainers for the spectators. This week marked the return of almost all the clubs after the international break.

The weak began by a 0-0 draw at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru followed by some miraculous comebacks and then ended with Chennaiyin FC returning back to form during the weekend.

On that note, let us take a look at the talking points from the week gone by

Chennaiyin FC tear Punjab FC to shreds

The last game of Gameweek 5 saw Chennaiyin FC take a toll of the ISL’s latest entrants Punjab FC. The Marina Machans destroyed the newly promoted side and gave them a tough blow in just their fifth game of the season.

The two time champions scored five past Punjab across 90 minutes and showcased this season’s first high scoring thriller. Ryan Edward, Raphael Crivellaro, Vincy Barretto scored once while Connor Shields scored twice and sealed the deal. With this win, Owne Coyle and his army have sent a message of intent across the league that they are now back in the game.

NorthEast United surprise Jamshedpur FC with two goals in five minutes 

It was undoubtedly one of the games to remember for NorthEast United and its fans. The Highlanders staged a dramatic comeback at home and surprised Jamshedpur FC in just five minutes as they came back to win the game from 0-1 down to 2-1 in the last five minutes of the game.

The Red Miners took an early lead, thanks to Daniel Chima Chukwu scoring his first goal of the season. And they even defended with their heart of the sleeves until the 93rd minute when Michel Zobaco restored parity for his side. And just a couple of minutes later Romain Philippoteaux won a penalty which was converted by Ibson Melo in the last minute of the game.

Kerala Blasters fightback against Odisha FC to mark Ivan Vukomanovic’s return

Kerala Blasters scripted yet another comeback at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi in front of their iconic fans. The Blasters went up against Sergio Lobera’s Odisha FC in a game that saw Ivan Vukomanovic return to the sidelines after serving a suspension.

And what a way it was to welcome their head coach back on the sidelines. Odisha FC striked first and went into the break with a 0-1 lead, thanks to Diego Mauricio's first half strike. But, the second half saw the Blasters fight back in style. Dimitrios Diamantakos scored the first goal before Adrian Luna produced a wonder striker and won the game for his side.