ISL 2017/18, Match 52: FC Pune City vs ATK, Player Ratings
Match 52 of the Indian Super League saw FC Pune City in action against last season's champions ATK at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi, Pune.
FC Pune City produced a commanding performance at home as they put three goals past ATK and consolidated their third position on the table. Adil Khan, Diego Carlos and Rohit Kumar got their names on the scoresheet as ATK struggled to contain the Pune brigade.
Here, we take a closer look at how the players performed:
FC Pune City
Vishal Kaith (7.5/10) - The former Shillong Lajong FC keeper had a comfortable outing as he was not called into action many times by the subdued ATK attack. He was strong in his collections from setpieces and was a commanding presence in his box.
Adil Khan (8/10) - The versatile Adil Khan, who played in the right-back position tonight, got his name on the scoresheet for the fourth time this season as he headed in a corner from Marcelinho at the half-hour mark. After playing as the right-back in the first half, he moved to the midfield in the second half, further proving his versatility.
Rafa Lopez (7.5/10) - The Spanish centre-back was the mainstay in the Pune defence as he organised his troops at the back. He kept the long-ball attempts from the ATK midfield at bay and ensured the clean sheet for the home side.
Gurtej Singh (7.5/10) - The young Indian defender forged the perfect partnership with Lopez in the central defence as Pune kept out the ATK attackers. He had a no-nonsense approach in his play as he went in with strong tackles and clearances for the home side.
Sahil Panwar (7/10) - The 18-year old youngster was picked ahead of Fanai in the left-back position and delivered on the management's faith. He made a lot of attacking runs and combined well with Diego Carlos on the left flank,
Jewel Raja (6.5/10) - The former ATK and Minerva Punjab FC midfielder played in front of the defence alongside Rohit Kumar in the first half. He was active on both ends of the pitch, contributing in both attack and defence for the home side. He was substituted just before the hour mark as Sarthak Golui replaced him.
Rohit Kumar (8/10) - The young defensive midfielder played in the pivot role between the Pune defence and attack tonight. He broke up a lot of ATK plays and moved the ball around well as Pune built from the back. He scoredfrom a superb long-range effort in the second half with a shot that swerved past the diving Debjit Majumder.
Jonatan Lucca (7.5/10) - The former FC Goa midfielder was a calming presence in the Pune midfield as he played a supporting role to the attacking trio ahead of him. He kept finding the runs on the flanks and through the centre with ease.
Marcelinho (8/10) - FC Pune City skipper and top-scorer Marcelinho was the nucleus of the attack for the home side as most of the plays revolved around him. He provided an assist from a corner that was headed in by Adil Khan and was substituted with about 15 the minutes remaining on the clock.
Diego Carlos (9/10) - The Brazilian was a lively presence in the FC Pune City attack as he made some great runs on the flank and put in good crosses into the box for Alfaro. He got a well-deserved goal in the second half when he scored a great goal from outside the box with a curling effort. He was adjudged the "Hero of the Match" for his performance in the match.
Emiliano Alfaro (6.5/10) - The Uruguayan striker missed a really easy scoring chance in the first half as his diving header went just wide off the Pune goal. He did well to make good runs through the ATK defence but wasn't his usual clinical self on the night.
Substitutes:
Sarthak Golui (5/10) - The young right-back came on in place of Jewel Raja and was kept busy by the dangerous Zequinha on his flank but did well to keep the danger out.
Marko Stankovic (4.5/10) - The former Austrian international and new signing for the home side made his debut in the ISL tonight as he came on for the final 15 minutes of the match.
Manuel Ortiz (4/10) - The other new signing for Pune, Ortiz came on in the 86th minute of the match to get his first taste of ISL action.