ISL 2026-27: Kerala Blasters’ boss Westwood demands more from Indian attackers after draw vs Chennaiyin FC

Kerala Blasters head coach Ashley Westwood said his Indian attackers needed to improve in the final third, but took positives from his side’s third clean sheet in four matches.

Updated : Oct 31, 2026 23:07 IST , CHENNAI - 3 MINS READ

File Image: Ashley Westwood expressed disappointment over his side’s lack of attacking output but welcomed a third clean sheet in four ISL matches. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Kerala Blasters head coach Ashley Westwood asked for more from his Indian attackers after his side was held to a 0-0 draw by host Chennaiyin FC in their Indian Super League clash on Saturday.

Blasters’ talisman Adrian Luna missed from the spot in the second half in what was perhaps their biggest chance of the game, leaving the side in sixth in the standings with five points from four games.

“I think the overall assessment, without being too critical, is we need more from our Indian attackers. Those boys are getting it in good areas, and they’re not producing in the vital moments,” Westwood said after the match.

Blasters started the tie with new signing Mohammed Sanan and Korou Singh Thingujam on either side of English forward Andre Green. But both wingers had little impact on the pitch and were subbed off after almost 80 minutes, during which Blasters recorded just two shots on target.

MATCH REPORT | Luna misses penalty as Chennaiyin FC holds Kerala Blasters to goalless draw

“At the minute they’re not producing in key areas. Sanan produced a little bit at home (last game), but today he didn’t really get the better of his full-back. Korou got in areas and then just the final pass, the final cross just wasn’t quite there for him,” Westwood assessed.

“But we can’t be too critical because we are four games in. We have not even had a month yet of training. With a lot of new players and new staff, it’s going to take a while,” he added.

The 50-year-old, however, did not dwell on Luna’s penalty miss, saying that “it happens” in football. “If we score that penalty, we win the game, and that’s just the way it is. But you don’t have to talk too much about that. I’m not blaming anyone for missing that. I wouldn’t take one. I’m rubbish at penalties,” he said.

So close, yet so far. 🟡 The Blasters had a chance to take the lead in #CFCKBFC, but Luna squandered the spot kick! 😭 Watch #CFCKBFC live on YouTube, Sony Sports Network and #SonyLIV. 📺 #MGISL13 https://t.co/Vec8ObzUYq

— MG Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) October 31, 2026

Westwood, meanwhile, noted that walking away with a clean sheet from a tough place to visit is a boost.

“A clean sheet is a positive. That’s three clean sheets now out of four games. We are defending well. Chennaiyin are a tricky side. Their form will tell you that they’ve not picked up as many points as they should have. They’ve had lots of chances not converted themselves. We’re disappointed we didn’t win, but we’re okay with the point,” he said.

Looking ahead, Westwood said that the upcoming break, courtesy of the international window, will help his players work on building fitness.

“The boys will have a few days off for Diwali with their families. Then from Tuesday (November 10) we’ll be flat out until we play Goa on the 29th, concentrating first and foremost on some fitness top-ups,” he said.

“Then as we start getting within 7-10 days towards the game, we’ll start on some tactical stuff, some shapes and some patterns of play. When we play Goa, we shouldn’t be talking about fitness anymore because we would have had enough,” Westwood concluded.