ISL 2017/18: Match 79, Mumbai City FC vs NorthEast United FC, Player Ratings
The midweek action continued in the Hero Indian Super League as Match No. 79 saw Mumbai City FC host NorthEast United FC at the Mumbai Football Arena in Andheri, Mumbai.
Mumbai City FC started on the seventh spot in the league standings with 20 points from their fifteen matches of the season and have a remote chance at making the playoffs. NorthEast United are in the bottom position with just 11 points from their sixteen matches and are out of the race for playoffs.
Mumbai City FC won a five-goal thriller at the Mumbai Football Arena as Lucian Goian struck at the death to grab the win for the Islanders. Emana's early strike was canceled out with two goals by the visitors as an own goal by Lucian Goian and Sambinha's header put the min the lead. Everton Santos equalized in the second half for Mumbai as Goian got the winner in added time to keep Mumbai's playoffs hopes alive.
Mumbai City FC
Amrinder Singh (6/10) - The Mumbai keeper was beaten twice in the first half with an own goal by his defender Goian and a header from Sambinha. He produced a couple of good saves between the sticks for the home side.
Raju Gaikwad (6/10) - The Mumbai lad played on the right side of the Mumbai defense and had a tough outing dealing with the dual threat of Robert and Ralte on his flank. He provided the all-important assist for the third goal when his cross was slotted in by Lucian Goian.
Lucian Goian (8/10) - The Mumbai skipper played at the top of the 3-man defense for the home side. He was unlucky as he deflected the effort from Gursimrat Gill into the goal. He was his usual reliable self with his tackling from the back and made many crucial interceptions. He got the winning goal for the Islanders when he got on the end of Raju Gaikwad's cross in the added time.
Marcio Rozario (5/10) - After scoring in the last match against ATK, Rozario was the go-to man for Mumbai on free kicks. He had a couple of cracks today as well but Rehenesh was up to the task keeping his efforts out.
Sanju Pradhan (6/10) - The former DSK Shivajians man played on the right flank for the home side. He was good with his movement on the overlap and put in some teasing crosses into the box for the attackers.
Sehnaj Singh (6/10) - The midfielder put on a hard-working shift for the home side as he covered well for the defenders with his tracking back. He was at his usual intensity during the tackles and made a lot of crucial blocks.
Zakeer Mundampara (5/10) - The young Zakeer played just in front of Sehnaj Singh and distribute the ball for the home side. He kept searching for the runs from attackers ahead of him.
Sahil Tavora (5/10) - The Goan winger played on the flanks and provided good pace for the Mumbaikars with his runs and crosses into the box. He was replaced in the second half by Pranjal Bhumij.
Achille Emana (7.5/10) - The Cameroonian played centrally behind the striker Rafa Jorda for the home side. He got the first goal of the match when he scored in the fifteenth minute with a great effort from outside the box.
Everton Santos (7.5/10) - The Brazilian who has played in all the matches for the home side got his fifth goal of the season when he finished off the headed pass from Rafa Jorda. He was a constant threat for the Highlanders with his movement in and around the box. Everton was awarded the Hero of the Match for his industrious performance.
Rafa Jorda (6/10) - The tall Spaniard played in attack for the Mumbai side and provided them with the aerial prowess. He provided the assist for the second goal when he headed the ball into the path of Everton Santos for the finish.
Substitutes:
Pranjal Bhumij (4/10) - The youngster replaced Sahil Tavora as Mumbai manager Guimaraes injected some fresh blood in the attack.
Leo Costa (4/10) - The Brazilian came on to replace Rafa Jorda as Mumbai increased the attacking intensity with the score at 2-2. He came close to scoring when his free-kick was saved
Abinash Ruidas (4/10) - The young left-back came on in the later part of the second half to replace Zakeer Mundampara as Mumbai pressed on for the winner with fresh legs.