ISL 2016: FC Pune City 0-1 Mumbai City FC -Player Ratings
Mumbai City FC prevailed in their opening ISL match against FC Pune City in an away match at the Balewadi Stadium by one goal to nil, thanks to a long-range strike by Argentine playmaker Matias Defederico in the second half. The win for Mumbai means they go away with the bragging rights in a tightly contested Maharashtra derby.
FC Pune City had the best chances in the game, with strikers Gustavo Oberman and Jesus Tato going close on a couple of occasions, but Mumbai’s Brazilian goalkeeper Robert Neto stood firm. A clever flick by Uruguayan legend Diego Forlan to Defederico of Mumbai was enough for the Argentine to dispatch the ball in the corner of the net in the second half, scoring the goal which made the difference in the end.
Here’s how each player fared in the match.
FC Pune City
Edel Bete – 6/10
While the Armenian’s heavy build is an asset at times while commanding the penalty area, it let him down as he was unable to react in time to save Matias Defederico’s shot for Mumbai City FC’s goal. Didn’t have much to do otherwise in the match, and did the basics right.
Rahul Bheke – 6/10
The Pune right back started the match brightly and set the tone early with a couple of crunching tackles. However, he lost the ball a couple of times and was culpable in some nervous moments for Pune. Almost scored the winner in the end with a long-range volley.
Eduardo Ferreira – 6.5/10
A composed performance at centre back was let down by a moment of hesitancy as he failed to close down Mumbai playmaker Matias Defederico in time to prevent the only goal of the match.
Gouramangi Singh – 7/10
If Gouramangi Singh’s performance today is anything to go by, he looks like having a solid performance at centre back for FC Pune City this season. Gouramangi rolled back the years and nipped any danger from Mumbai in the bud. Unfortunate to be on the losing side.
Narayan Das – 6.5/10
The Indian international carried his form into the ISL, delivering a solid, no-nonsense performance at left back. His crossing was excellent and almost provided the perfect ball on a couple of occasions towards the end.
Jonatan Lucca – 6/10
The Brazilian did well as a pivot for FC Pune City, regularly breaking down any Mumbai City FC attack. However, he was left lacking in his positioning for Mumbai’s goal, as he failed to see the ball that was delivered to Forlan, which he flicked on for Defederico.
Bruno Arias – 6.5/10
Arias had an excellent first half where he pulled the strings for Pune in the midfield. However, he faded away in the game in the second half and was rightly taken off in the 76th minute for Spaniard Pitu who provided a fresh injection of pace for Pune.
Lenny Rodrigues – 4.5/10
Rodrigues clearly looked out of his depth playing a more advanced role than he’s used to. Did not show enough adventure and confidence on the ball to take his man on, and was sloppy in his passing. A disappointing performance from the former Indian international.
Gustavo Oberman – 5/10
Oberman had the best chance of the first half when Arata’s no look pass found him unmarked in the box but he failed to convert. The man who’s won various tournaments with Argentina at the junior level could have taken up better positions overall.
Arata Izumi – 6.5/10
Arata saw little of the ball throughout the match, as the ball found itself stuck in the midfield most of the time. However, he picked his passes well whenever he got the ball, provided the pass of the match for Gustavo Oberman in the first half. Was substituted in the 62nd minute for Francis Fernandes.
Jesus Rodriguez Tato – 6/10
A good first half from the Spaniard where he kept the Mumbai defence on their toes gave way to a mixed second half where he lacked his finishing prowess. Had Pune’s best chance of the second half when they broke free on the counter, but instead of passing it to an unmarked Ndoye, he selfishly shot at goal only for Neto to save easily.
Substitutes
Momar Ndoye – 7/10
Ndoye came on for Gustavo Oberman at half time. The 24-year-old Senegalese linked up well with Tato on the left wing but did not show enough composure to deliver the final ball. However, his running and commitment could not be doubted. Was Pune’s main attacking threat in the second half.
Pitu – N/A
Pitu was brought on for Bruno Arias in the 76th minute.
Francis Fernandes – 6/10
Francis Fernandes was brought on for Arata Izumi in the 62nd minute. Had some bright sparks, including playing a part in the counter-attack which Tato wasted, but did not demand the ball enough by coming into central spaces.