Mendoza's return, Bruno's new role and Dhana's character: Here's how Chennaiyin FC are back in the hunt

Chennaiyin announced they won’t give up as yet with a thumping win over Kerala Blasters at the Marina Arena. Trevor Morgan, Kerala Blasters coach, succinctly said: “I thought Chennaiyin were hungrier, quicker to the second ball, took their chances well”. It was indeed a complete team performance from the league toppers of last year who have been struggling for form. Here we pick three key factors that tilted the scales in favour of Chennaiyin FC this match. Mendoza clicks with the support cast John Stiven Mendoza didn’t play a single minute in the loss against Atletico de Kolkata. He was found shaking his head when the substitutions were made at around the 70th minute. Chennaiyin were already trailing 1-2 by that time. The message was clear. He was raring to go. [caption id=“attachment_2516660” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Stiven Mendoza (c) was back in the Chennaiyin FC lineup with a bang. PTI[/caption] On Saturday, Kerala Blasters got a full blast of what he can do when provided with the right support. He was an absolute menace to the Kerala defence the entire duration he was on the field. He scored a hat trick alright, but it could easily have been many more. Twice Jeje Lalpekhlua and Mendoza broke away to result in a two on one situation with both fluffing their final balls. As for Mendoza’s finishes, the first one was a sight to behold, the second one - audacious shot with the outside of the boot that took a deflection and the third - delicately neat. What really mattered was the service provided from the rest of the players. Be it the constantly toggling wingers - Bruno Pelissari and Thoi Singh or the ever dependable Raphael Augusto and Harmanjot Khabra - they combined to great effect with the front line. Jeje’s role in holding up play or joining in the passing and movement was a refreshing change to have in place of the static and disappointing Fikru Teferra. Bruno Pellisari starting Keeping with the rotation policy, Elano deservedly got a rest after looking spent in the last match. That meant Bruno Pelissari made his second start against Kerala. What was unusual was that he started on the left wing and not is preferred no. 10 role. Since Jayesh Rane’s injury, Jeje, Elano, Balwant Singh, Harmanjot were all tried in the same position producing unsatisfactory results. Bruno was a revelation in the position. He was hugging the touchline all through the game stretching the Kerala defence. Along with Thoi, the two swapped wings often to great success. He was also dutiful in tracking back, though the Kerala fullback hardly gave trouble in the flanks. The interplay with the forwards ahead and Augusto centrally was also pleasant on the eye. Marco Materazzi, the Chennaiyin manager, was gushing in his praise for Bruno. “For us Bruno is a very important player. He has been very mature and very professional. He has never argued, though he plays only 10-15 minutes every game. I have only the best to say about him,” Materazzi told Firstpost in the post-match presser. He also kept his cards close to his chest when asked by Firstpost if there’s a chance for Elano and Bruno to start together saying “It depends on the next two days. Our opponents have had 6-7 days rest and we’ll have to see who is ready for the game.” Backing Dhanachandra Singh A horrendous handball that led to Atletico’s equaliser in the previous game resulted in leftback Dhanachandra Singh being substituted at half time. It was a real kick in the gut for the promising defender. Against Kerala, he came out of the blocks in flying colours with a superb volley that gave Chennaiyin the first goal on the day. Not happy with that, he also turned provider with a pinpoint cross to Mendoza for the second. “For me one single mistake doesn’t make a difference. I know in the moment I get really angry, but I have really personal relationships with the players and as you saw I gave him a second chance in this game," Materazzi said in a response to query from Firstpost. “Maybe other coaches may not have done the same, but I always keep the defence of my players.” When asked about his performance, Dhana said “It was much better when compared to the last game. But can be much better.” A supportive manager to back you and a thirst for perfection are ideal ingredients for a player and a side in resurgence. Chennaiyin FC need more of the same going forward.