Matchweek 3 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 season was a stunning one with plenty of action throughout the week as some teams teams tasted their first victories of the season, while some played their first games at home as new stars slowly found their feet in the Hero ISL.

East Bengal FC collected their first three points of the season with a comfortable victory over NorthEast United FC whereas FC Goa continued their perfect start with a second consecutive win on the road.

In the season’s first double-header, Mumbai City FC and Jamshedpur FC played out an exciting 1-1 draw whereas reigning Hero ISL champions Hyderabad FC triumphed over Bengaluru FC in their first-ever home win of the season.

The matchweek ended with Odisha FC's comeback win over Kerala Blasters FC as they returned to Bhubaneswar after more than two years.

Matchweek 3 had plentiful action involving some remarkable individual performances, team-fighting spirit, and some nail-biting end-to-end encounters.

Here are the key takeaways:

Constantine delivers for East Bengal FC

Newly appointed head coach of East Bengal FC, Stephen Constantine, guided his team to their first win of the season as the Red and Golds beat NorthEast United FC 3-1 to clinch full points and move up the table.

Constantine’s men put themselves in the offence right from the beginning and reaped benefits with an early goal from Cleiton Silva followed by a screamer from Charis Kyriakou in the second half and a late goal from Jordan O’Doherty.

Although the Highlanders had more possession, the Red and Golds outplayed them with their counter-attacks and had put the game to bed fairly early. Marco Balbul’s men snatched a goal late in stoppage time through Matt Derbyshire but it was too little too late as his side is still in the lookout for their first win of the season.

Noah Sadaoui shines in FC Goa’s second successive victory

Carlos Pena’s FC Goa continued their away form with another victory as they saw off Chennaiyin FC with goals from Redeem Tlang and Noah Sadaoui, with the latter being the contributing factor in both the goals in what was his first start of the season.

It was an end-to-end game where both sides went toe-to-toe and were constantly in search of goals while creating several chances. However, the Gaurs converted their chances and left the Marina Machans reeling in a fixture that has witnessed a plethora of goals throughout the course of Hero ISL history.

On the other end, Thomas Brdaric demanded a better output from his team on the pitch after losing his first game of the Hero ISL 2022-23 season.

Chhangte marks his 100th Hero ISL appearance with a goal

Mumbai City FC forward Lallianzuala Chhangte was the man of the night for his side as he bagged a goal in their match against Jamshedpur FC that ended in a 1-1 draw. The Islanders would not be happy with the one point they took from the game, as they were the dominant team, especially in the second half with the chances they created. Chhangte’s 100th Hero ISL appearance might not have been a win but surely, it was special for him with an all-important goal.  

Aidy Boothroyd’s Jamshedpur FC did enough to take home a point as they continue to look for their first three points of the season after losing out to Odisha FC in their first match and playing out a draw in their second one against Mumbai City FC.

A winning night with the home crowd for Hyderabad FC

It was all delight for Hyderabad FC as Manolo Marquez’s men clinched their first home win of the season in a cagey 1-0 victory over Bengaluru FC with the help of their talisman Bartholomew Ogbeche. Marquez who played his first-ever home game with his side - was extremely delighted with his players’ commitment to his playing style and wants to keep the momentum going for their supporters.

For Simon Grayson’s Bengaluru FC, it was a disappointing night as the head coach rued the lack of attacking intent from his side as they lost their first game of the season and reiterated that his team needs to keep getting better at what they do.

Kalinga delight for Odisha FC again 

Odisha FC returned to Bhubaneswar to play their home games at the Kalinga stadium after more than two years and could not have hoped for a better start as they came back from a goal down to beat Kerala Blasters FC 2-1. Goals from Jerry Mawihmingthanga and Pedro Martin secured the points for Josep Gombau's side who once again emerged as the dominant force at the Kalinga stadium. 

The Juggernauts have now won five out of the seven games played in Bhubaneswar drwing the other and losing just once. Their home form could be crucial as they bid to reach the knockout stages of the Hero ISL for the first time in their history. 

Odisha FC are placed third after matchweek 3 and are looking good to mount a strong challenge for the playoff spots this season.