Guwahati, Oct 18 (FN Bureau) Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle praised his side after they registered a brave come-from-behind victory over NorthEast United FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) match on Thursday night. With this win, Chennaiyin FC have returned to form, having last secured three points in the opening Matchweek against Odisha FC.NorthEast United FC initially took the lead through Nestor Albiach, but Chennaiyin FC responded with a goal from Jordan Gil and a penalty from Lukas Brambilla. They extended their lead in the second half with another goal from Gil and withstood pressure from the home team in the latter stages of the game, despite Alaaeddine Ajaraie’s late penalty.Coyle expressed delight at the fightback shown by his team against a tough opponent like NorthEast United FC.“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,” Coyle further said.Gil made his first start of the season and impressed by scoring a brace on his full debut for the Marina Machans. Both goals were well-taken, and his physical presence posed a threat to his former side. Coyle expressed his pleasure for the Colombian and fellow striker Daniel Chima Chukwu, who came on in the second half.
“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, someof the good play we had, we were a real threat all night,” Coyle explained.Chennaiyin FC are now unbeaten on the road this season, having won two of their three away games. Both victories have come away from home, marking the second time in ISL history that the Marina Machans have remained unbeaten in their first three away games of a season. Coyle was pleased with the three points and the way his team withstood the pressure from NorthEast UnitedFC to secure the win.“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 added.