ISL 2017/18, Match 77: ATK vs Mumbai City FC, Player Ratings
Match 77 of the Hero Indian Super League saw defending champions ATK take on Mumbai City FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
The hosts ATK have been struggling this season and find themselves in the eight spot, with just 13 points from their fourteen matches so far. Mumbai City FC, who finished top of the league last season also lie in the bottom half in the seventh spot with 17 points and have a slim chance of finishing in the playoffs if other results go their way.
Mumbai City FC emerged victorious in gritty fashion as they won 2-1 over ATK after two first-time goalscorers - Marcio Rozario and Rafa Jorda scored for the Islanders. Bipin Singh had equalized for ATK after Rozario's freekick goal in the first half. Rafa Jorda scored with a header in the second half to grab the lead and Mumbai City FC defense held on to the lead to close out the three points.
ATK
Soram Poirei (6/10) - The goalkeeper was beaten in the first half with a powerful freekick from Marcio Rozario despite getting a strong hand to the effort. He conceded another when Rafa Jorda nodded a cross past him in the second half. He did well to stop a lot of long-range efforts from Emana from the midfield.
Ashutosh Mehta (6/10) - The right-back played against his former side and was active on the flank and combined well with Bipin Singh and dealt with the threat of Sahil Tavora well.
Jordi Montel (5/10) - The ATK skipper organized his new-look backline against the threat of Rafa Jorda in the air. He was a threat from setpieces as well for the home side.
Anwar Ali (5/10) - The veteran defender was given a start by Ashley Westwood alongside Jordi Montel as the manager changed the backline. He had a decent night in the defense coming up against the towering Rafa Jorda.
Keegan Perreira (5/10) - The Mumbai-born left back Perreira had a tough night having to deal with the dual threat of Raju Gaikwad and Everton Santos on his flank. He mostly resorted to defensive duties and did not contribute much in the attack.
Ryan Taylor (6/10) - The Englishman operated in the midfield for the home side and kept looking for the runs from the wingers and strikers ahead of him. He was the designated setpiece taker for Westwood's side and did well with the deliveries inside the box. Taylor hit the post at the end from a freekick from outside the box coming agonizingly close to equalizing the score.
Conor Thomas (6/10) - Thomas played in the midfield once again after a brief spell in defense alongside Tom Thorpe. He put in the through-ball for the early second-half goal for the ATK side when he found the run of Bipin Singh inside the box for the finish.
Darren Caldeira (6/10) - Another Mumbai-born player in the ATK lineup played in the central midfield ahead of the English duo and did well to move the ball around in the center of the park. He was replaced by Hitesh Sharma for the final fifteen minutes of the game.
Bipin Singh (7/10) - The brightest player on the park for the ATK side, as he operated in the right wing for the champions. He was constantly threatening the Mumbai defense.
Jayesh Rane (4/10) - The former Chennaiyin FC man had a quiet night as he was subdued by the Mumbai defense and did not offer much in the attack for the home side.
Martin Paterson (6/10) - The hardworking Irishman worked his socks off in the ATK attack constantly going after each and every ball in the box. He had a couple of chances but the Mumbai defense did enough to keep him in check.
Substitutes:
Hitesh Sharma (4/10) - The former Mumbai FC midfielder came on for the final fifteen minutes as Westwood introduced fresh legs in the midfield.
Prabir Das (4/10) - The ATK defender slotted in at the left back as he replaced Keegan Perreira for the final ten minutes of the match.
Robin Singh (3/10) - The striker was put on by Westwood in the final minutes of the added time as ATK looked for the equalizer in the match.