ISL 2016: Delhi Dynamos 2-2 Atletico de Kolkata - Player ratings
Delhi Dynamos and Atletico de Kolkata gave us a goal fest for the second day running as the Indian Super League seems to have finally leapt to life. Two cracking long rangers, four goals, a red card, some pretty ordinary refereeing and ninety minutes of breathtaking action played out into a thrilling a 2-2 draw at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi.
The result sees Gianluca Zambrotta’s men stretch the lead at the top albeit by another point as they now go two points above Kerala Blasters. Meanwhile, Kolkata move on to 13 points from 9 games and in sole position of the last playoff spot.
In an end to end game that not only challenged the players but the referee as well, we look at how each of them fared. Thankfully, we are not passing a judgment of the refereeing.
Here are the player ratings from this gripping encounter.
Delhi Dynamos
Tony Doblas (5/10)
Was caught in no man’s land for the first goal. With the Doblas rushing out, it gave Hume the perfect opportunity to score with his first touch. Commanded his box pretty well whenever call upon. His positioning for the second goal could be questioned as well.
Souvik Chakrabarti (7/10)
Another solid outing for the Mohun Bagan player. Playing as a right-back today, Souvik impressed with his industrious nature. A Vital interception on the 50-minute mark proved crucial as Hume looked clear to get his second of the goal.
Anas Edathodika (6/10)
Failed to sort out his feet as he let Sameehg Doutie’s through ball get past him. The man from God's own country had another solid outing except for that moment of indecision.
Ibrahima Niasse (5.5/10)
His inclusion was a surprise as Gianluca Zambrotta opted to start the Senegalese instead of Ruben Rocha who has been their rock at the back. Was caught off guard for the first goal as he proved to be a step too late to prevent Iain Hume from giving Kolkata the lead.
Lalchawnkima (7/10)
Moved into the centre of the defence after David Addy was brought in. Looked more comfortable than Niasse as it took only a long ranger to break Delhi’s backline in the second half.
Marcelinho (5/10)
The Brazilian was not his usual self tonight and was lucky to be on the pitch. His blatant dive in the second half could and should have resulted in his second yellow card of the evening and a sending off. However, in reality, it gave Delhi a chance to get back into the game with the referee pointing to the penalty spot.
Florent Malouda (6.5/10)
Malouda had a quiet game after his recent outburst. Missed from the penalty spot, but later redeemed himself as the ball bunced back kindly for him to score Delhi’s second.
Memo (6/10)
Had a quiet game at the centre of the park as his partner Milan Singh lit up the night with his play.
Milan Singh (8/10)
It’s not every day that an Indian outplays his fellow foreign central midfield or score a goal courtesy of a blistering strike from 25 yards out. Milan Singh did all that, and even more as the man from Manipur yet again showed why he is being hailed as the find of the season.
Kean Lewis (6/10)
The winger didn’t have any moment worth remembering during his 89-minute spell. With Badji being red carded, had to pull up his socks and provide more cover for his backline.
Badara Badji (3/10)
His only meaningful contribution to the game was getting two stupid yellow cards and handing Kolkata the advantage.
Substitutes
David Addy (7/10)
Relaced Niasse at the break. With him at the back, Delhi looked more solid down the left.
Alwyn George (N/A)
Bruno Pelissari (N/A)