SC East Bengal secured a 2-2 draw against Chennaiyin FC in Match 39 of Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2020-21 at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Vasco on Saturday night. A brace from Matti Steinmann negated goals from Lallianzuala Chhangte and Rahim Ali for the Marina Machans, and SC East Bengal head coach Robbie Fowler was satisfied with his team’s performance on the night. “If you see the way we played in the first half, there were a lot of things that were satisfying,” Fowler said at the post-match press conference.  

“In terms of the way the game went, it was important that we didn't lose and our lads showed a lot of fight because this was a game that we didn't deserve to lose. In the second half, we upped the tempo and the desire and attitude towards the game. At times, we looked good going forward,” he added.

Fowler was happy with his team’s improvement in their last four games (three draws and one defeat), having lost their first three games of the season. “We are trying and giving our everything. At times we are a little bit hesitant while defending. We have shown that we can score goals. We’re not a million miles away from where we need to be,” said the Englishman.

The SC East Bengal head coach was also all praise for Steinmann, whose goals proved crucial to the Kolkata-based club. “He is a good player. He popped up with two great goals. He has put in a really good shift since he has been at this club. He is one of the players who fights till the very end,” Fowler said.       

Meanwhile, Chennaiyin FC head coach Csaba Laszlo was disappointed with the result. “We lost two points. It was very hard to get these points because when we create chances we have to score and this is something we are currently missing. We need to be self-critical of our performance. We created chances but could not score so I am disappointed,” he said.

However, Laszlo spoke highly of Indian star Chhangte, who finally opened his account for the season. “I have been working individually with Chhangte and the goal he scored is something he deserved. I know that he will continue to score goals,” he said.