ISL 2015: Chhetri decimates NorthEast United as Mumbai makes statement of intent

 The home side opened the scoring in the 25th minute of the match as NorthEast lost the ball in their own half. Sunil Chhetri released Subhash Singh on the right wing and the 25-year-old's attempted cross was blocked by Carlos Lopez, with his hands. The referee pointed to the spot and India's star striker Chhetri stepped up and converted with a Panenka penalty!

The Highlanders responded immediately though, as they equalized just three minutes later. Boithang Haokip scored from a free-kick, as poor positioning by the Mumbai wall left a gaping hole at the near post and Subrata Paul could not reach the low and hard shot in time.

The parity did not last long though, as Sony Norde drifted in from the left wing and picked out Subhash Singh at the far post with a cross in the 40th minute. The former East Bengal forward headed it across the goal for Chhetri to poke it into an empty net. It provided Mumbai with a 2-1 lead over NorthEast as both the teams headed into the tunnel for the half-time.

Mumbai were awarded their second penalty of the game at the start of the second half, Andre Bikey the offender this time, and Chhetri obliged once again with a clinical finish.

Sony Norde, who troubled the NorthEast defense throughout the game, finally got the goal he deserved in the 50th minute. The Haitian foward was sent through on goal by substitute Juan Aguilera and he calmly bent the ball around the on-rushing goalkeeper to score Mumbai's fourth of the night.

Defender Frantz Bertin added the cherry on the cake for Mumbai in the 86th minute as he headed in a Norde delivery from a corner.

The heavily one sided game ended 5-1 in favour of Mumbai, who are now firing on all cylinders at the most crucial time of the league phase. This performance has established their title credential and proved why their strike force is considered to be the best in the league.

After two wins in their previous matches, this game will push NorthEast United manager Cesar Farias back to the drawing board. The defense was in shambles and he needs to sort out the back-four if they are to harbor any hope of qualifying for the knock-out phase.