ISL 2017/18, Match 55: FC Pune City vs Jamshedpur FC, Player Ratings
ISL kick-started the week's action as Match 55 saw FC Pune City host Jamshedpur FC at the Shee Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium in Balewadi, Pune.
The two sides in the top half of the standings clashed in their 12th fixture of the season with FC Pune City being placed third on the table with 19 points while the visitors were fifth with 16 points.
FC Pune City rose to the top of the table as they came back from being a goal down in the first half to score two goals within four minutes to grab the win at the Balewadi Stadium. FC Pune City now have 22 points from their twelve matches whereas Jamshedpur FC stay rooted to the fifth spot in the standings.
FC Pune City
Vishal Kaith (6.5/10) - The young custodian was unlucky to have conceded the goal scored by Wellington Priori at the half-hour mark when his save rebounded into the path of the Brazilian. He was comfortable with his collections from crosses and corners as he asserted control between the sticks for the home side.
Adil Khan (7/10) - Khan initially began the game in the first half as the right-back and was a strong presence on the flanks for the home side. He later moved into the defensive midfield position when Sarthak Golui was brought on and did well to play the first line of protection for the Orange Army.
Rafael Lopez (7.5/10) - The Spanish centre-back was a rock in the Pune defence as he organized his troops at the back. The defender was always a threat from set-pieces and kept the pacy Jamshedpur attackers in check.
Gurtej Singh (8/10) - Former Bengaluru FC defender Gurtej was a good partner to Rafa Lopez in the defence as he made a lot of clearances and interceptions. He managed to get his name on the scoresheet when he headed in a goal from the corner to give Pune parity in the match.
Sahil Panwar (7/10) - The young left-back, who has been preferred ahead of Fanai in recent games repaid Popovic's faith as he produced another stable performance. He was busy on both ends as he made a lot of runs and fell back to defend whenever called upon.
Rohit Kumar (6.5/10) - The young defensive midfielder for Pune was a solid presence ahead of the defence as he kept the Jamshedpur attackers in check with tackles and interceptions.
Isaac Vanmalsawma (5/10) - The youngster, who got a rare start this season had a poor outing as he was unable to make his mark on the pitch. He was substituted at the start of the first half when Popovic replaced him with Sarthak Golui.
Jonatan Lucca (5.5/10) - The Brazilian midfielder who played centrally behind the attacking trio looked off-colour in contrast to his usually calm and composed game. He was replaced after the break by new signing Marko Stankovic.
Marcelinho (8.5/10) - The Pune skipper was a constant threat to the visitors as he kept the pressure on the defenders with his movement and regularly tried to find the net. He registered two assists on the night as his passes led to the two goals scored - one by Gurtej Singh and the other by Emiliano Alfaro.
Emiliano Alfaro (8.5/10) - The Uruguayan forward was involved in the attack with his intelligent runs in the box but missed a sitter in the first half when he failed to score after the keeper was beaten as Yumnam Raju produced a brave block. Alfaro made up for his mistake in the second half when he scored the winner for Pune in the 66th minute.
Diego Carlos (7.5/10) - The winger was a lively presence on the wings as he kept the Jamshedpur defence on their toes with his runs on the outside as well as when he cut inside. He had a lot of shots on target.
Substitutes:
Marko Stankovic (6/10) - The former Australian international came on in the second half in place of Jonatan Lucca as Ranko Popovic shuffled things up in the midfield.
Sarthak Golui (6/10) - The former Mohun Bagan youngster came on in place of Isaac in the second half and slotted into the right-back slot freeing up Adil Khan to play in the midfield.
Lalchhuanmawia Fanai (5/10) - The former Mumbai City FC defender replaced Sahil Panwar late in the second half as Popovic slotted in the experienced defender to keep Jamshedpur in check and held on for the win.