ISL 2016: Atletico de Kolkata 0-1 Mumbai City FC - Player ratings

Mumbai City claimed a hard-fought win thanks to a late Diego Forlan strike(Image credits: ISL)

Atletico de Kolkata succumbed to their first defeat in the Indian Super League this season, courtesy of a late Diego Forlan goal. The Mumbai City FC striker deftly finished a low cross from Sony Norde, as the hapless Kolkata goalkeeper could only watch helplessly as the ball flew past him into the back of the net.

France and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry was seated in the stands to watch the game, but even his presence couldn’t bring out the attacking flair in the teams, who both laid far more emphasis on defence than on attack.

However, we did thankfully find a goal in the end, much to the relief of all those seeing the match. Obviously, it was a cheerful occasion for the travelling Mumbai supporters who saw their team win after 4 matches and climb to the top of the table, but not so for the home supporters who had to bear the ignominy of a loss at the Rabindra Sarobar stadium.

Here are the player ratings from the game:

 

Atletico de Kolkata

Borja(L) had a solid game in midfield(Image credits: ISL)

Debjit Majumdar: 7/10

The ATK goalkeeper has been one of the league’s best and he had yet another good outing under the woodwork. He tipped off a powerful Sony Norde shot in the 33^rd minute and thwarted the Haitian’s attempts once again the 36^th minute as he came rushing out from his goal.  

The Indian also commanded respect in his six-yard box but could do nothing to save the decisive goal as it took a deflection and went past his flailing arms.

José Luis Espinosa Arroyo: 7/10

The defender had yet another good game in the heart of the ATK defence. His excellent positioning and ability to bring out the ball from the back helped his team to keep the likes of Norde and Forlan under control for long periods in the game.

Arnab Mondal: 6/10 

Arnab partnered Arroyo as he helped to shut down a Mumbai forward line eager to run behind the defence. He was subbed off for Didika late on in the game.

Robert Lalthlamuana: 5.5/10

Robert started off as left back and had a decent first half in which he cleared a number of probing passes from the Mumbai midfield. However, he was largely invisible in the second half and could not provide much offensively as well.

Prabir Das: 7/10

The right back had another good game, as he managed to mark the mercurial Sony Norde relatively well throughout the game, barring the time he set up the goal. However, he has to improve his crossing ability on the overlap if he wishes to make a bigger impact on the team.

Stephen Paul Pearson: 6/10

The Scotsman had  a very good game in central midfield, as he not only marshalled his defence well but also picked out some very good passes while on the counter. Pearson was subbed off for Juan Belasco in the second half.

Borja Fernández: 7/10

The Kolkata captain had a solid game in central midfield as well and often led his side by example as he put in good challenges and neutralised Forlan’s threat to a large extent. He will be really disappointed with the loss, especially after such a performance.

Abinash Ruidas: 5/10

The left winger had a poor game, as he rarely threatened the Mumbai defence barring the odd cross. He ended up receiving a yellow card in the 34^th minute and was duly taken off the field for Bidyananda Singh later on.

Javier Lara Grande: 7.5/10

The Spaniard was one of ATK’s better performers today and had his bullet shot got in the goal in the 24^th minute, the story could have been very different tonight. However, that didn’t happen and despite his best attempts, especially during freekicks, ATK couldn’t equalise.

Sameegh Doutie: 7/10

The South African winger offered great pace and verve going forward but was let down by his team mates on multiple occasions. He scuffed a few chances which should have been buried, especially in the first half.

Iain Hume: 6/10

The big Canadian tried his best up front, but he looked a bit rusty and his first touch was definitely off for most of the game. He was guilty of missing a couple of sitters as well and received a yellow card in the 22^nd minute for a reckless challenge. ATK desperately need Hume to step up his game if they want to win the trophy back this year.

Substitutes:

Baidyananda Singh: 6.5/10

The 18-year-old Manipuri kid came on for Ruidas in the second half and looked lively whenever he had the ball. He also put in a couple of good crosses in the box, but unfortunately, it evaded all the ATK players.

Juan Belencoso: 5/10

The forward was thrown in place of Pearson in order to provide more targets upfront for ATK but failed to really make any sort of visible impact on the game.

Lalrindika Ralte: NA