Chennaiyin FC were by far the better team against Hyderabad FC: Owen Coyle
The Marina Machans picked up their first win of ISL 2023-23 thanks to Connor Shield's goal.

Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle lauded his team for their 1-0 victory over Hyderabad FC in an Indian Super League (ISL) match at the GMC Balayogi Stadium in Hyderabad on Monday.
Connor Sheild’s goal was the difference as Chennaiyin FC kept their first clean sheet of the season to pick up their first win of the campaign.
Coyle, who won the League Winners’ Shield with Jamshedpur FC in 2021-22 felt his side were worthy winners.
“I think we were by far the better team, scored a great goal and could have scored three or four. We restricted Hyderabad FC to very few openings,” Coyle said at the post-match press conference.
“We fully deserved the three points which we have been threatening to do a few times this season,” he added.
The Scot was pleased with his team’s defensive display after they were under pressure having conceded eight goals in their first three matches.
“I thought our defence stood up to some very good players. They have a big goal threat with Moya, Felipe and Joao Victor who has been one of the best players in the league. I thought our boys were outstanding, I can't recall too many chances for Hyderabad FC,” he said.
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— Chennaiyin F.C. (@ChennaiyinFC) October 23, 2023
Coyle suggested that Chennaiyin FC’s performances had been better than their results in the ISL so far and was confident that his team would turn a corner sooner rather than later.
“Before this game, we have had more crosses into the box than any other team, so we know we are a good side and it was important to get that win,” he said.
“It's difficult to come away from home and win in the ISL and we were worthy of that win,” he added.
The Marina Machans now face three home games in a row and Coyle wants the players to make the most of home advantage and climb up the table.
“It's a new group, I have inherited a lot of these players and it's my job to improve them. We now go into three home games, so we should look to capitalise on that,” he concluded.