Mikel helps Tianjin TEDA secure first clean sheet in 19 games as Ideye fires blank

John Mikel Obi put up an excellent display in his make shift position as a central defender, but Brown Ideye fired blank in Tianjin TEDA 0-0 draw against Jiangsu Suning to at Nanjing Olympic Sports on Friday.

Tiajin TEDA who lost their first game of the new Chinese Super League season received a huge boost with the availability of the former Olympiacos striker, Brown Ideye, but he had a low key debut and couldn’t change the outcome of the match.

However, former Chelsea midfielder who surprisingly played as a central defender and goalkeeper Du Jia who made point blank saves put up excellent display.

Earlier on in the first half a mix up in Tianjin TEDA defence would have gifted Jiangsu Suning the lead but Du Jia denied the home team from a close range.

Former Chelsea midfielder Ramires who captained Jiangsu Suning also came close to scoring from a well taken corner kick but his header went over the bar.

If not for a timely clearance by Mikel Obi in the 52nd minute after Du Jia was tested it would have been a goal for Jiangsu Suning.

Brown Ideye who had a quiet day had a chance to put his name on the scorers chat but his effort in the 75th minute from a free-kick sailed well over the bar.

Mikel Obi and Brown Ideye were on the pitch throughout the match as Tianjin TEDA secured their first point of the season.

Tianjin TEDA boss will be glad with his decision to play Mikel Obi in the central defence as his side kept their first clean sheet after 19 games.