ISL 2016: Mumbai City FC 1-0 North East United FC - Player Ratings
A new beginning at their new home saw Mumbai City FC take all three points after a 1-0 win against table toppers NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) at the Mumbai Football Arena in Andheri, Mumbai. NEUFC came into this game with two wins out of two, but could not make it a hat-trick of wins after Diego Forlan’s penalty gave the home side the points after a tight encounter.
Here's a look at how players from both sides fared. (All ratings out of 10)
Mumbai City FC
Roberto Neto: 7
Had more to do in the first half than the second, but was assured, getting behind shots from distance fired in by NEUFC’s attack. Marshalled the defence well.
Lalhmangaihsanga Ralte: 6.5
Was up against Nico Velez. After a slow start, picked up in both departments as the game progressed.
Anwar Ali: 7
Along with his partner Goian, provided steady rearguard action, especially in the frenzied closing moments of the game.
Lucian Goian: 7.5
Was a powerful presence in the heart of Mumbai's defence. Made the key block on an Alfaro shot in the first half that was heading for goal.
Aiborlang Khongjee: 7
Had a long-range effort thwarted by NEUFC’s keeper in the first half, and provided steady support for his attacking unit. With Holicharan Narzary’s introduction in the second half, his defensive workload increased considerably, and barring some rushed tackles, held firm.
Sehnaj Singh: 7
Picked up the Emerging Player of the Match award after an industrious performance, shielding his defence well. Made a last-ditch tackle on Alfaro when he was through on a one-on-one, potential goal scoring opportunity in the first half. It was a 50-50 tackle and could have been called for a penalty, but the ref decided otherwise.
Pronay Halder: 8.5
For the second game running, Halder’s tireless running and tough tackling paid dividends for Mumbai. Was instrumental in pressing the opponents at any given opportunity and was first on the scene to many 50-50 balls. His pressure off the bad pass yielded the penalty after he was brought down in the box by Reagan Singh.
Krisztian Vadocz: 8
The Hungarian was everywhere on the pitch and together with Halder was key in applying pressure on NEUFC when they had the ball. Also drove forward with the ball at his feet, bringing his forwards into play.
Leo Costa: 6
Wasn't very involved in the game with Forlan and Defederico getting more touches. Free-kicks too were off the mark.
Matias Defederico: 7
Showed excellent touch and skill in beating defenders and getting into the attacking third, but end product was not up to scratch.
Diego Forlan: 6.5
Scored the only goal of the game, but looked a little off. Even his penalty wasn't the greatest and his 1-2 plays with Defederico didn't come off.
Substitutes
Otacilio Alves (sub 79’): 6
Looked dangerous and troubled NEUFC with his pace as Mumbai looked to sit back and hit on the counter in the closing stages.
Gerson Vieira (sub 84’): 5
Mainly brought in to add an extra body in midfield. Did that well in his six-plus minutes.
Boithang Haokip (sub 87’): 4
Replaced Forlan with three minutes to go hardly getting a touch.