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ISL- Indian Super League

Is Chennaiyin FC's defense the reason for their downfall in ISL 2024-25?

Published at :January 11, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Modified at :January 11, 2025 at 7:16 PM
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Aasif Ali


Owen Coyle needs to improve Chennaiyin FC’s defence to have a chance of making it to the playoffs

Chennaiyin FC are struggling in the 10th spot in the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season. The Marina Machans have picked up just 4 wins in 15 league games and it looks increasingly likely that they will miss out on consecutive playoffs.

Under Owen Coyle, Chennaiyin FC have made it to the playoffs in both attempts. However, the Scotsman’s record is under threat this season and Chennaiyin FC’s lapses in defence could be the biggest reason for their downfall.

Key pointers from Chennaiyin FC’s 2024-25 ISL season so far

In terms of defence, here is how Owen Coyle’s team have fared so far:

  • Chennaiyin FC have conceded 25 goals in 15 ISL games this season
  • On average, CFC have 1.7 goals conceded per match
  • Owen Coyle’s team have conceded the second most goals, only behind Hyderabad FC, who have let in 30 goals
  • Chennaiyin FC have recorded an xG conceded of 21.9, which is the highest among all the ISL clubs this season
  • The Marina Machans have conceded the joint-highest, five penalties in this ISL season
  • Chennaiyin FC have kept 2 clean sheets in 15 ISL games with both coming against a depleted Hyderabad FC
  • CFC have conceded 2 or more goals in eight of their 15 ISL games in the 2024-25 season

What has gone wrong with Chennaiyin FC’s defence?

Chennaiyin FC had conceded 38 goals in 23 ISL games last season, at an average of 1.65 goals per game. Having lost Lazar Cirkovic and Aakash Sangwan in the summer, Owen Coyle brought in replacements in the form of Laldinliana Renthlei, PC Laldinpuia, Mandar Rao Desai, and Vignesh Dakshinamurthy to bolster their defence.

While injuries and suspensions have not helped their cause, Chennaiyin FC’s biggest problem has been individual errors. The Marina Machans have had quite a few lapses in concentration, starting from the first game of the season. Without these errors, Owen Coyle’s side could have easily had at least 4-5 more points in the bag.

Can Chennaiyin FC make it to the playoffs in ISL 2024-25?

Currently, on 16 points, Chennaiyin FC are 10th in the ISL table with just nine more games to go. The two-time ISL champions trail sixth-placed Mumbai City FC by seven points and hence it will certainly not be easy to make a comeback this time around.

On paper, Owen Coyle has a good set of defensive players in his squad, led by the club captain and centre-back, Ryan Edwards. The 31-year-old would have to lead his team by example as they need to put in better defensive performances and minimize individual errors.

The saying goes, “Attack wins you games and defence wins you trophies”. Hence conceding lesser goals should be the priority for Owen Coyle and his team as they look to stage a comeback in the business end of this ISL season.

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