ISL 2015: Delhi crash to their biggest defeat as Jeje shines for Chennaiyin
Jeje's brace and another dazzling performance from Stiven Mendoza gave Chennaiyin FC an emphatic 4-0 win over Delhi Dynamos FC at the Marina Arena. The home side have now climbed up to fourth spot in the league table, while Delhi stumble to their first defeat in six matches.
Marco Materazzi's decision to bench Elano once again might have raised a few eyebrows, but it was a tactical decision more than anything. Chennaiyin switched to a 4-3-3 formation with Bruno Pelissari and Mendoza taking turns to run at Delhi right back Souvik Chakraborty down their left wing.
Chennaiyin took the lead in the 17th minute when Stiven Mendoza was sent through on goal by a long ball from the back. Mendoza's job was made easier by a moment of madness from Delhi Dynamos goalkeeper Toni Doblas. The goalkeeper charged out of his box and headed the ball straight to Mendoza. The Colombian striker had the easy job of keeping his volley on target, and it was a goal despite Anas Edathodika's desperate efforts to save it.
Just three minutes later, Bruno Pelissari doubled Chennaiyin's lead. Mendoza pressurized Anas into making a mistake and won the ball in the final third. The forward passed it to Jeje inside the box, but his shot was well saved by Doblas. The ball, however, reached Bruno at the edge of the box and the Brazilian managed to curl in a shot into the back of the net, despite three Delhi defenders guarding the line.
In the 40th minute, Chennaiyin moved further ahead as Jeje found the goal and Mendoza was once again the creator. The 23-year-old ran down the left wing and played in a delightful cross for Jeje to tap it in.
It was turning out to be the worst performance by this Delhi defence, since their opening game defeat against FC Goa. It was hard to believe that this back four had conceded the least number of goals so far in the league.
Jeje completed his brace in the second half as he scored the home side's fourth goal of the game. Bruno Pelissari set Mendoza through on goal with a lovely through ball. The striker's shot hit Anas inside the six-yard box and fell kindly for Jeje, who turned it home.
Meanwhile, Chennaiyin midfielder Harmanjot Khabra picked up another suspension as he was shown his fourth yellow card of the tournament in the 60th minute.
Despite bringing on Dos Santos and Richard Gadze, Delhi could not find a goal and the match ended 4-0. Roberto Carlos will hope that this was just an anomaly in what has been a wonderful season so far for the 'Pride'.