Chennaiyin FC assistant coach Noel Wilson commended his players’ defensive performance after they held league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant to a goalless draw in the opening fixture of Matchweek 18 in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday.

The Marina Machans put on a spirited display on home turf, showcasing defensive resilience and an unwavering fighting spirit. The solid centre-back pairing of Elsinho and Ryan Edwards played a pivotal role in Chennaiyin FC’s defensive heart, effectively neutralizing the Mariners’ attacking threats.

Despite being pressed defensively, Chennaiyin FC also created a few chances, with contributions from Wilmar Jordan Gil, Irfan Yadwad, Connor Shields, and others. However, a lack of precision in the final third prevented them from breaking the deadlock.

Following the 0-0 draw against Mohun Bagan SG, Chennaiyin FC marked their 18th goalless draw in ISL history, the highest among all teams in the league.

Wilson praised the Marina Machans' resolute performance against a formidable offensive side like Mohun Bagan SG, emphasizing their defensive strength. He believes this could help build positive momentum for the team in upcoming matches, aiding their push to finish higher in the points table. The assistant coach expressed his satisfaction with the players' efforts, particularly in nullifying the Mariners’ offensive threats, one of the league's strongest attacking units this season.

“First, you need to know that we are playing with a team that is at the top of the table, Mohun Bagan SG. I think they are the best team now in the league; that's the reason they are on top, and then going forward, trying to get three points, it's good, but sometimes when you go too forward and then you get another goal in three games, it's like you are already in a place where you are not being motivated; you are just going down,” he said in the post-match press conference.

“So it's a positive one point, an important point against a good team. I think once we go to Goa, now that will be a positive note for the players, and we can get three points in Goa, and then we can start going into the remaining matches,” he continued.

Elsinho suffered another injury following a collision with Deepak Tangri in the second half. Full-back Vignesh Dakshinamurthy also appeared to be in discomfort in the final minutes of the game and was substituted by Mandar Rao Dessai.

When asked about the conditions of these two players after the match, Wilson responded,

“I think Elsinho has a knock on the right shoulder and Vignesh (Dakshinamurthy) has a groin injury, but I hope he will get better before he goes to Goa.”

“So that's what is happening because every time it's the defenders who are getting injured, and at that moment it's always dangerous to bring in another guy, a fresh guy like Mandar (Rao Dessai) came in, but you could see a fresh guy coming in Goa is a problem, but I think the defence still kept a clean sheet; that's important,” he further added.

Former Mohun Bagan SG captain Pritam Kotal, who recently joined Chennaiyin FC on a multi-year deal from Kerala Blasters FC, debuted for his new club. Kotal, known for his versatility in operating both as a right back and centre back, played a pivotal role in thwarting Mohun Bagan SG’s potent forward line.

Undoubtedly, Kotal’s inclusion brings much-needed leadership to Chennaiyin FC’s defence, alongside a do-or-die mentality in duels—something Coyle’s men had been lacking in recent games.

Speaking about Kotal’s impact on his Chennaiyin FC debut, Wilson remarked,

“Yeah, Pritam Kotal’s debut was good because he has played both positions; he has played centre-back and also right back as well, so when they have not scored anything, that means a clean sheet is always a good positive note for the defender and the goalkeeper; that's what, as a coach, I feel.”

“I think the defenders did well by not allowing them to score, so Pritam Kotal has played well in today's game,” he signed off.