ISL 2017/18: Match 51, NorthEast United FC vs Chennaiyin FC, Player Ratings
Match 51 of the Indian Super League Season 4 saw NorthEast United FC host Chennaiyin FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, Assam.
The match saw teams from two different facets of the table come together as Chennaiyin FC, who are second in the ISL standings took on NorthEast United FC, who are in ninth position. NorthEast United FC lost their last match at home against defending champions ATK with a 1-0 scoreline whereas Chennaiyin FC came into this fixture on the back of a five-game unbeaten run.
NEUFC pulled off an impressive upset on Friday as they banked on a hat-trick by Seminlen Doungel to get much-needed three points for the Highlanders. Chennaiyin FC managed to pull one back with Anirudh Thapa's strike but it proved too little in the end as the home side prevailed.
NorthEast United FC
TP Rehenesh (7/10) - The man between the sticks had a fairly decent night as his defence was stable ahead of him and had a few chances to deal with. He was beaten late in the second half with a great volleyed effort by Anirudh Thapa.
Nirmal Chhetri (7/10) - The right-back Nirmal Chhetri had a good game as he kept the threat of Jerry Lalrinzuala and Gregory Nelson on the right flank. He did not go ahead in attack as much as he normally does but was solid in defence.
Sambinha (7.5/10) - The no-nonsense man for the Highlanders had a good match as he partnered well alongside Goncalves to keep out the Chennaiyin FC attack. The burly centre-back was good in the air and made a lot of clearances for the home side.
Jose Goncalves (7.5/10) - The skipper of NorthEast United was a rock in the defence as he kept the threat of Jeje Lalpekhlua in check for the entire match. He won almost every aerial duel and made many interceptions to ward off the away side.
Reagan Singh (7/10) - The left-back for NorthEast United was kept busy on both ends as Chennaiyin attacked with their wingers on his flank. He combined well with Marcinho and Narzary and made a couple of overlapping runs, and managed to put some crosses into the box as well.
Rowlin Borges (7.5/10) - The Indian defensive midfielder played the first line of defence for the home side as he led the charge from the centre of the park. He made a lot of tackles as well as interceptions to keep the Chennayin FC attacks from developing.
Martin Diaz (7/10) - The Uruguayan was a strong presence in the Highlanders' midfield as he alongside Rowlin Borges kept the away side in check. He broke up the play many times and stemmed the flow of Chennaiyin attacks as they stepped up the pressure after going down two goals in the match.
Seminlen Doungel (9.5/10) - The returning man who tied the knot recently made a superb scoring return as he capitalized on a fumble from Karanjit Singh to slot his shot into the empty net. He got his second of the night when he ran through the Chennaiyin defence and scored to put his side two goals ahead. He further extended his tally to three as he got on the end of a cross from Narzary to score his third on the night.
Marcinho (7/10) - The midfield general for the home side was a lively presence in the midfield as he kept searching for the runs through the middle and wings. He controlled the tempo of the game for the Highlanders.
Halicharan Narzary (7.5/10) - The India international and local crowd favourite had a poor first half on the left wing and did not look in good touch. The second half was much better as he grabbed an assist when his cross was put in by Doungel for the third goal.
Danilo Cezario (8.5/10) - The Brazilian striker was a menace for the Chennaiyin FC defence as he played a great point man in the attack. He made good runs whenever NorthEast United countered and was responsible for the goal as his shot's rebound was scored in by Doungel. He was again instrumental as his pass put Doungel through for his second goal.
Substitutes:
Robert Lalthlamuana (4.5/10) - The midfielder came on for Cezario in the 88th minute as the manager ran down the clock at the end of the match.
Helio Pinto (4/10) - The new signing came on in injury time and had his first taste of the Hero Indian Super League action.