ISL 2016: Pune City 2-1 Atletico de Kolkata - Player Ratings
Before the game between Pune City and Atletico de Kolkata kicked off, the home side had scored only five goals so far and had failed to keep a clean sheet in 11 consecutive games. However, Pune looked a far more threatening side with their unique formation against a predictable Kolkata side. They had the edge over the visitors for most of the night and the final score is evidence of that.
Despite Kolkata’s good away record, Molina’s men had no sense of urgency even after they were trailing. They didn’t seem to realize they were behind until the final 15 minutes of the game by which time it was too late to do much against Pune who was happy to sit back and defend everything ATK threw at them.
After numerous bookings, especially for the visitors, and a penalty apiece, Pune moved out of last place in the ISL table with a 2-1 victory. Here’s how each of the players fared at the end of the 90 minutes:
Pune FC
Edel Bete – 6/10
With hardly much to do in the first half, Edel was finally called into action when his team conceded a penalty. Even though he kept Hume’s spot kick out, he couldn’t get in the way of his shot on the rebound. He wasn’t really tested by any of the ATK players and was lucky to get out of a few dangerous spots.
Melwyn Fernandes – 5/10
The defender did his part to block any attempts from the ATK players in his own half but he did allow Doutie a clear header soon after ATK had pulled one back in the first half.
Eduardo Ferreira – 8/10
While trying to win back the ball from Postiga near the touchline he went into a headed challenge that was absolutely unnecessary thereby injuring himself. He almost went off but scored from a corner soon after. Unfortunately for him, he was unable to carry on and went off soon after he scored.
Gouramangi Singh – 6/10
Gouramangi made a really important interception in the first half but picked up a yellow early in the game when he brought down Iain Hume with a bad tackle right outside his own box.
Lenny Rodrigues – 6/10
Lenny put in a decent display winning the ball back for his team on many occasions but was quite disappointing going forward. Too many of his passes were off their desired target and frankly, shameful.
Jonatan Lucca - 7/10
The Brazilian midfielder had a good game as he aimed a great shot that went just wide which had Debjit scrambling. Lucca delivered an especially impressive corner right near the six-yard point.
Mohamed Sissoko – 5.5/10
He made a nuisance of himself for the entire game but was unlucky to have a penalty awarded against him in a tugging match with Helder Postiga.
Rahul Shankar – 6/10
He made one important interception for Pune and was relatively competent at containing ATK’s lackluster attacks.
Narayan Das – 5.5/10
The defender looked out of his comfort zone as he was playing a little too far up the pitch than he would like to. Some of his deliveries were weak and did little to further his team’s cause.
Dramane Traore – 6.5/10
Traore was an ever-present figure in and around the ATK box, creating havoc for the defenders even though he played no part in either of his team’s goals. He was a crucial piece of the Pune machinery as they kept continuous pressure on the visitors.
Anibal Rodriguez – 8/10
The matchwinner of the night for Pune City was Anibal as he made the most of his team’s spot kick. His shot was so powerful that even though Debjit got a hand to it, the ball continued straight into the goal.
Substitutes
Tato – 5/10
Tato came on for Eduardo right before halftime. He caused a few moments of unrest for the ATK defenders, especially when turning in from the right flank.
Ndoye – NA
Ndoye came on for Anibal with five minutes left to play of regulation time and won a throw for his team in the final minutes of the game but otherwise was afforded little time to make an impact on the game.