Talking Points: Lack of communication turning out to be Gokulam’s bane?

A stunning strike from VP Suhair wasn’t enough for the hosts to stage a comeback.

Chennai City FC edged past Gokulam Kerala, 3-2, in a thrilling I-League Southern Derby encounter, at the EMS Corporation Stadium, Kozhikode on Sunday. After the Malabarians took an early lead through Antonio German’s penalty, Chennai City came rallying back to score through Pravitto Raju, Pedro Manzi and Ameerudeen Mohaideen.

A stunning strike from VP Suhair wasn’t enough for Gokulam to stage a comeback, as the visitors picked up a crucial away win and went back to the top of the table. Here are our talking points from the amazing derby:

5. Nawas has made Chennai City fearless and fluid in attack

No longer are Chennai that one-dimensional team who would create and score off limited chances during their games. Experienced coach Akbar Nawas has completely changed their style and brought a sense of fearlessness to them. Chennai often looked too cautious last season, something which cost them. However, that isn’t the case as it was shown when they kept on attacking throughout the Southern Derby.

Thanks to the resurgent attacks sparked by Nestor and Sandro, the Chennai City players look full of energy and urgency to push forward. They’re playing a fluid, free-flowing style which can impress any fan. Nawas has taken away the “minnows mentality” from the team and given them with a purpose to play attractive football, regardless of how big or small the opposition are.

4. Arjun Jayaraj is an absolute gem for Gokulam Kerala

Gokulam Kerala might have come up short against Chennai City, but one player who shone through again for them was Arjun Jayaraj. The dazzling midfielder is having a prolific season for the Malabarians so far, as it seems like the Man of the Match performance against Mohun Bagan has given him a boost of confidence. Jayaraj created quite a few chances for Gokulam, showing amazing control of the ball and impressive creativity which terrorized Chennai’s defence throughout.

He showed an amazing piece of skill in the second half to wheeze his way into the box, but his compatriot couldn’t make use of his pass. Jayaraj has been a bright spark of Gokulam’s season so far and with captain Mudde Musa being sent off against Chennai, he’ll need to take more responsibility and come up with inspirational performances in his team's crucial set of games ahead.

3. Chennai City’s Spanish magic is running wild in I-League

Chennai City's Spanish influence was excellent once again

Chennai showcased some more beautiful football against Kerala and their Spanish influence was excellent once again. Nestor Garillo was superb, creating pockets of space and providing some delicious through-balls to create chances. It was his shot which ricocheted off Shibinraj and allowed Raju to equalize. Nestor provided another delightful assist by sending Ameerudeen through on goal in the second half, to help wrap up the game.

He created many counter-attacks, when his precise creative passes broke open the Malabarian defence with ease. Nestor showed incredible energy and urgency and was excellent once again. Manzi added another goal to his tally before being substituted thanks to Kerala’s defensive error, while Sandro was also intelligent with his distribution. The Spanish men are crucial to this dazzling passing system under Nawas and the coach’s decision to bring in suitable players to compliment his style is working wonders.

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2. Lack of communication turning out to be Gokulam’s bane

While Gokulam Kerala have brought together a talented bunch this season, it looks like they’re yet to gell as a unit. The Malabarians have a really dangerous attack and fine midfielders, but their communication at the back and in the middle is still lacking. There were many communication issues in their game defensively against Chennai and the worst hit them hard, when Pedro Manzi capitalized on a weird collision involving Addo and Shibinraj.

The hosts were also too open defensively which allowed Ameerudeen to score the third goal. The foreign defenders aren’t on the same page as their domestic counterparts. Gokulam’s defence was blown open almost a dozen times because of their players’ poor positioning. A lack of leadership and proper understanding between defence and midfield is creating problems for Gokulam.

1. The most end-to-end game of the I-League so far

The match was an absolute classic as both the teams battled it out

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The Southern Derby exceeded its reputation as Gokulam Kerala and Chennai City put up an absolute classic with their positive attitude throughout the game. Gokulam set the tempo nicely with a blistering start to the game and opening the scoring through German’s goal in the fourth minute, but Chennai City turned on the style after that. With some excellent work from Nestor Garillo, Sandro Ramirez and their terrific wingers Raju and Jesuraj, Chennai kept bombing forward and dazzled everyone with their creative, passing style.

However, the game picked up amazingly after the interval with chances coming aplenty with each passing minute. Chennai kept on bursting forward on the counter-attack and scored their third through one, but Gokulam weren’t giving up easily. VP Suhair’s powerful strike set up the game for a thrilling end and both sides kept on attacking. The ball struck the woodwork numerous times and the goalkeepers pulled off some great saves. This excellent, end-to-end game was not only the best Southern Derby in the I-league, but also one of the most entertaining games in the league this season.