Midfielder Abdenasser El Khayati bagged a hat-trick and two assists, to set a new Indian Super League (ISL) record for most goal contributions in a match as Chennaiyin FC thrashed NorthEast United FC 7-3 in a ten-goal torrent at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, here on Saturday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
El Khayati opened the scoring in the game, putting his team 1-0 up in the 11th minute before the Highlanders equalised, and then sealed his hat-trick with goals on either side of the half-time whistle.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Petar Sliskovic also had a fine game up front for Chennaiyin FC with a brace, with one of his goals set up by El Khayati. Julius Duker was the other beneficiary of El Khayati's stellar show, bagging a 68th-minute goal to wrap up a near-perfect attacking performance.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Joe Zoherliana (79') had a night to forget, guiding the ball into his own net to give Chennaiyin FC their seventh goal of the evening.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
New NorthEast United FC head coach Vincenzo Annese was taking charge of his team for the first time following the departure of Marco Balbul. It was a difficult start to his time in charge, but there were some positives to take back from the game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Wilmar Gil Jordan was on target for NorthEast United FC from the penalty spot and Romain Philippoteaux smashed in a great volley in the second half. Rochharzela added another goal for the Highlanders five minutes into stoppage time. But ultimately, all of it came much too late.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Their early momentum was disrupted by El Khayati, who got on the end of an excellent cut-back from Prasanth K. from the right flank. Khayati's guided volley effort set the tone for his performance.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
El Khayati, Sliskovic, and Rahim Ali were a constant threat with El Khayati getting his second four minutes after Jordan's equaliser, and Sliskovic getting his first just before half-time. El Khayati's second was a brilliant bending effort. Sliskovic's brace included two headers, with his first coming from an excellent near-post run. Chennaiyin FC were heading into the second half with a 3-1 lead.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Whatever resolve NorthEast United FC had earlier in the game was lost quite early in the second with El Khayati completing his hat-trick three minutes into the second half with a driven effort from range. Sliskovic made it 5-1 for Chennaiyin FC in the 57th minute with another thumping header.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Julius Duker joined the party 11 minutes later to put Chennaiyin FC 6-1 ahead. The next three goals in the game all came from NorthEast United FC, two in their favour and one in Chennaiyin's.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The win keeps Chennaiyin FC in seventh place, but with a big boost to their goal difference which is now closer to being in the positive. They host Kerala Blasters next on December 19.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Julius Duker joined the party 11 minutes later to put Chennaiyin FC 6-1 ahead. The next three goals in the game all came from NorthEast United FC, two in their favour and one in Chennaiyin's.<\/p>\r\n\r\n