Indian football veteran Sunil Chhetri was the player everyone had their eyes upon prior to the start of the Indian Super League, and there was a reason why he was stamped with the highest base price in the ISL player auctions this year.
Football fans and aficionados knew all about the abilities of the striker, and those who didn't yet, Chhetri once again showed why he is called one of the best footballers in the history of Indian football.
The Mumbai City FC player scored a brace in the first half to record a 2-1 lead for his side going into the half time in the match against NorthEast United FC on Wednesday evening at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
The highest goalscorer in the Indian national team jersey scored in the 25th minute, the 40th minute, as well as the 48th minute, to give his side the much-needed impetus in the game, and he has now recorded six goals in the competition from four games.
And has become the joint top-scorer in the league with Chennaiyin FC's Stiven Mendoza.
Mumbai FC won the game by a whopping 5-1 scoreline.
The first goal from Chhetri came through a subtle penalty and the 31-year-old showed his class after scoring through a panenka right in the middle of the net. The goal had confidence written all over it.
NorthEast United FC goalkeeper Rehenesh dived to his side, but he never expected Chhetri would make the goal look so easy.
Check out the goal HERE.
The second goal from Chhetri saw a wonderful build-up with the ever-prowling Sony Norde in the flank. The Haitian got past Aibor Khongjee to deliver a wonderful cross towards the far post for Subash Singh.
The fast-paced Subash headed the ball in for Chhetri, who made his run inside the box, and the Indian skipper's left-footed shot found the back of the net.
Watch the goal HERE.
The third goal arrived through a penalty once again as the four-time AIFF Player of the Year stepped up once again, and this time, his shot directed to the corner. Rehenesh dived in the correct direction and got his hands on it, but the powerful ball only headed into the back of the net.
Watch the third goal HERE.
