ISL 2017/18: Kerala Blasters vs Chennaiyin FC, Player ratings
The South Indian Derby had all to play for as both Kerala Blasters and Chennaiyin FC are vying for a spot in the Playoffs. A loss for Chennaiyin would have put them under pressure, while a win for Kerala Blasters would have taken them to the 4th place in this year's ISL and that is what made the tie so important, as it had much more than just pride or bragging rights to play for.
The match started off on a bright note for the home side Kerala Blasters as they seemed to do all the attacking, Chennaiyin though were happy to soak up the pressure and hit them on the counter. The first half ended with the scoreboard reading 0-0.
The second half was an exciting affair with an end to end action and a saved penalty but in the end, the scoreline read 0-0 in what was a game for the Goalkeepers. This result means that Kerala still has mathematical chances of making it to the playoffs.
On that note, lets take a look at the player ratings of today.
Kerala Blasters
Paul Rachubka (8/10): Rachubka pulled off a stunning fingertip save in the dying moments of the game to help Kerala get a one of the game. Rachubka didn’t have much to do like Karanjit, but whenever he was called upon he looked up to the task and he pulled off some stunning saves.
Rino Anto (6/10): Rino had problems keeping the likes of Mihelic under check, and was often beaten. He also didn’t venture forward much, and his crosses were way below par.
Sandesh Jhingan (7/10): Jhingan was solid again for Kerala as he helped Kerala keep a clean sheet. He made one stunning block from the Raphael Agusto shot and also made numerous clearances.
Wes Brown (7/10): Wes Brown looked composed in defense and kept Jeje under close vigil. He completed nearly all his passes and was brilliant in helping Kerala build up plays from the back.
Lalruatthara (8/10): Lalruatthara was brilliant today, he was the main reason why Nelson couldn’t trouble the Kerala defense much. He also ventured forward well and helped out Vineeth in attack. He also made a high number of clearances and saw a lot of the ball.
Milan Singh (6/10): Milan was busy throughout the game trying to keep the likes of Raphael and Mihelic quiet. Milan put in some very important tackles and had a good number of interceptions to his name too.
CK Vineeth (5.5/10): Vineeth hit the post in the first half from a Berbatov pass, and miscued two rebounds that fell likely for the Kerala forward. He couldn’t do much from the flanks today and looked to cut into the center in search of openings.
Courage Pekuson (6/10): Missed a penalty, and was a shade below his usual self. He did run a lot but failed to create chances for his attackers, and only managed to create one-half chance.
Jackichand Singh (6.5/10): Jackichand worked hard and moved up and down and also shifted to the other flank, but his deliveries were poor, his crosses and freekicks were below par.
Berbatov (6/10): Calm and Composed on the ball, the Bulgarian looked unfazed by the occasion went about doing his job in a calm cool manner. He had a brilliant shot on goal, only to see it headed away by Dhanpal Ganesh. He also worked hard defensively making some impressive interceptions.
Gudjon Baldvinsson (7/10): Worked really hard and had two brilliant shots saved by Karanjit. His hold up play and movement was also really good. His performance today also earned him praise from his head coach David James.