We showed our character and spirit again: Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle after win against NorthEast United FC

Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle was delighted after a thumping 3-2 win against NorthEast United FC in the Indian Super League at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati on Thursday. Coyle said they showed their character and spirit again to bag all three points against the Highlanders.

Nestor Albiach scored the opening goal for the home team in the fifth minute but Wilmar Jordan equalized in the 25th minute for the visitors. Lukas Brambilla then scored from the spot kick in the 36th minute to put the Marina Machans in front. Jordan then scored his second goal of the night in the 51st minute to give a 3-1 lead to his team.

Alaeddine Ajaraie scored for NorthEast United FC in the 89th minute from the spot kick but there was no further late drama.

“I’m absolutely delighted. In my opinion, there’s not going to be too many teams who are going to come here to Guwahati and leave with three points,” he said in the post-match press conference.

“What we showed again is the character, the spirit we have. NorthEast United FC had one or two chances as we did. Irfan was in (front of goal) twice and could have had better finishes. We showed the quality we have,” he further said. 

The Spaniard manager showered praise on Wilmar Jordan, who scored a brace after making his first start of the season.

“I thought it was time for Jordan to play tonight because he has done really well. Daniel Chima (Chukwu) has done really well too but it was time for Jordan to come back to his old stomping ground. It’s his birthday today as well so happy birthday Jordan. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate. But apart from his goals he was terrific tonight, leading the line. Daniel (Chukwu) came in as well when we were down to 10 men and had to withstand a lot of pressure.. But the third goal, some of the good play we had, we were a real threat all night,” Coyle explained.  

Coyle was delighted to bag all three points after the International break.

“This is a wonderful three points after the break. Coming here I think against a very, very good team. Great play, great desire. Better game management at the end knowing how to win a game because that’s a real quality to have in this league. Because you see later on in the league how things change very quickly and dramatically. But we showed real resilience, desire and a will to win which I love to have in my teams. And that was nice to see that tonight,” he said.  

Chennaiyin FC will next take on FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai on Thursday.