FC Pune City implode to suffer 4-2 Chennaiyin loss

FC Pune City implode to suffer 4-2 Chennaiyin loss

Pune: Bad, worse, worst.FC Pune City conceded four goals in 18 second-half minutes and finished the game with 10-men against Chennaiyin FC at the Balewadi Sports Complex, on Wednesday.

The second half Harakiri by the Stallions was enough to squander all the hard work and an early goal scored in the first half as Pune inflicted a 4-2 defeat on themselves.

The result leaves some bearing on the Indian Super League table with last season’s champions earning their first win of the season, moving to 8th from the bottom in the standings on four points. The hosts now occupy the last spot, still winless and on two points.

It also continues FC Pune City’s winless streak against Chennaiyin FC, seven defeats and two draws—a run which looked like would end, but John Gregory’s side turned the game around.

A game of two halves
Pune’s academy graduate Ashique Kuruniyan gave the home side a much-needed early goal in the 9th minute. Robin Singh spread a cross-field pass over the Chennai defence from own half to find a run of Ashique. The 21-year-old winger then took the ball in the stride and slotted the ball home through the legs of Chennai custodian Karanjit Singh to open the scoring.

Gregory half-time talk worked as the defending champions found their boots, helped by careless Pune.

Visiting skipper, Mailson Alves, was never marked for the free-kick, instead, Pune defence stood still, raising their hands for an off-side, which never was. Mailson picked his spot and guided his header in the far corner to restore parity in the 54th minute. Two minutes later another lapse in defence meant that Gregory Nelson was through and he chipped the ball over Kamaljit to give Chennai lead.

Soon, the humiliation was complete when Pune conceded two more goals in the 69th and 72nd minutes. Firstly, Inigo Calderon scoring with an overhead kick from a scramble at the corner and Thoi Singh slotting home after Jeje’s effort was saved initially.

Jonathan Villa’s scored the 89th-minute consolation goal to make it 4-2 before Marcelinho was sent off in the stoppage time for a foul on Germanpreet Singh. 

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