What did we learn from Blues' big win over Coleraine?

Published14 minutes ago

Linfield's comprehensive 3-0 win over fellow title challengers Coleraine is certainly a statement in the Irish Premiership.

David Healy's side moved to top spot with a performance that showcased their attacking threat, defensive resilience and growing confidence as they continue their pursuit of a 58th Gibson Cup.

But what made Saturday's victory so significant and could it be an early defining moment in Linfield's title challenge?

BBC Sport NI looks at the key talking points.

Brennan finding form

Linfield knock Coleraine off top spot with statement win

Linfield knock Coleraine off top spot with statement win

On-loan winger Rhys Brennan's recent form has been an encouraging sign for Linfield after he took some time to settle after arriving from Bohemians.

The winger made his mark just before half-time, breaking the deadlock a deft lofted finish.

The timing was crucial as Linfield had shown patience in their attacking play, while keeping Coleraine's dangerous forward line largely at arm's length.

The opener was Brennan's third goal in his past four games and his ability to regularly contribute underlined the value of bringing him to Windsor Park for the season.

"It was unbelievable and a massive result and the most important thing is the three points," Brennan told BBC Sport NI.

"The goal is nice for me, but for the team it was massive. We were all over them at their home ground, so we had to make a statement and do it in our home ground, so we are buzzing.

"This was the best move I could have picked, this is a massive club and I love it and I am enjoying myself which is all that matters now."

Blues ruthless in key moments

Coleraine were still in the game after Brennan's opener, but the moment that swung the match in Linfield's favour came soon after the break.

Ben Wylie missed a key opportunity to slip in Ben Doherty for Coleraine which gifted the Blues the chance to counter attack and Adam Frizzell was able to fire home Linfield's second.

It was a significant turning point as rather than allowing Coleraine to build momentum and possibly level the game, the Blues dealt a decisive blow just seven minutes into the second half.

Coleraine came from 2-0 down against Larne to win 3-2, but Linfield never looked like squandering a similar advantage at Windsor Park.

Kitt Nelson capped an impressive evening with a superb solo effort to make it 3-0, providing a fitting finish to a performance full of quality all over the pitch from Linfield.

David Healy is rarely animated on the touchline, but his reaction to Nelson's goal was particularly telling as even he could appreciate the significance of what his side had just produced in sealing a second win over the Bannsiders this season.

Linfield close down Coleraine's key threats

Coleraine have been ruthless in front of goal this season and scored 32 goals in 15 matches, but Linfield's strong defensive set up limited them to few chances in the final third as they failed to score in a league game for just the second time this season.

Many had thought that Joel Cooper would play a key role in the game on a big pitch that he knows well from his two spells at the Blues.

However, the centre-back pairing of Isaac Baird, who has moved from midfield to defence this season, and Ben Hall helped to limit Cooper and fellow attacker Matthew Shevlin's opportunities.

Coleraine made four changes straight after Linfield's second goal on 52 minutes but still could not break down the Blues' defence and did not register a shot on target in the second half.

David Healy's side have conceded the joint fewest number of goals in the Irish Premiership with 11 in their opening 15 games.

Fellow title challengers Larne have struggled with conceding poor goals, while the Bannsiders have let in five more than the Blues.

If Healy's side can continue their defensive solidity, it could be a key platform to build on in their quest for the Gibson Cup.

Linfield 'becoming the team to beat'

Linfield are now unbeaten in their past 14 games with their only defeat of the season coming on the opening day when they were beaten 3-0 at home by Ballymena United.

After a quiet summer window and a poor result in their first game, many had doubts that they would be serious title contenders, with other teams such as Coleraine and Larne tipped as favourites.

However, they have well and truly shown their title credentials now as the race for the Gibson Cup begins to heat up.

"Linfield will certainly not go under the radar now," BBC Sport NI analyst Paul Leeman said.

"They have shown their quality tonight, they maybe to not have the strength and depth of the teams around them, but they certainly have the quality in the first 14 players.

"It is tremendous from from Linfield, and they are now becoming the team to beat."

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