ISL 2017/18, Match 81: Delhi Dynamos vs ATK, Player Ratings
Delhi Dynamos hosted ATK in a game that had only pride to play for, as both the teams had no chance to make it to the playoffs or secure a direct qualification spot for the super cup.
ATK, last season’s champions, have had a season to forget, as injuries and turmoil of the pitch have plagued their season. Delhi on the other hand never really got their season started as they failed to get the correct combination going for them.
The first half started on a bright note for the team from the capital and they went ahead in the 23rd minute through a Kalu Uche goal but the last season's champions equalized in the 37th minute through debutant Mbatha.
ATK came out all guns blazing in the second half as Robbie Keane scored two goals in quick succession to give the visitors a 3-1 lead. Then Delhi scripted a thrilling comeback with two quick goals to make the scoreboard read 3-3. Delhi snatched the winner in injury time through a Mirabaje strike which helped Delhi Dynamos leapfrog ATK in the points table.
On that note let's take a look at the player ratings of today’s game
Delhi Dynamos
Xabier Iruetaguena (5.5/10)- Delhi’s goalkeeping howler was back today, as the Spaniard spilled a ball through his hands and onto Robbie Keane’s path. After the spill incident, his confidence seemed to take a big blow and he made some hasty clearances.
Pritam Kotal (7/10)- Pritam didn’t have much to do while defending as ATK seldom used their left wing, and that helped Pritam to venture forward and help Seityasen in the attack. He ventured into the ATK box often and had few pops at the ATK goal, and had one good shot saved by Soram.
Rowlinson Rodrigues (6/10)- Rowlinson looked to have problems copping up with Robbie Keane and was often seen on all fours trying to keep the Irishman at bay. He also had a lot of issues covering Mbathe.
Gabriel Cichero (5.5/10)- Cichero was a bit shaky in defence today and it was his deflection that allowed ATK the equaliser in the first half. Cichero did lunge into some hasty tackles which could have been dangerous for his team.
Sena Ralte (5/10)- Sena was completely put to dust by Mbathe. He performed poorly as the left back, and couldn’t do much as the left winger either. His passing was not up to the mark today and he didn’t cover his man well.
Joren Lumu (8/10)- Lumu had more of the ball than most of the players on the pitch as he shuttled between left back and left wing with conviction. He was the main reason Mbathe was quiet for the final 20 minutes of the game. Lumu defended and then built attacks from the back. It was Lumu’s run in the 90th minute that provided Delhi with the winning goal.
Vinit Rai (7/10)- Vinit Rai had more touches of the ball than any other player on the field. He looked to control the whole game and played some good passes for his forwards. He provided a delicious pass for Arana but the Spaniard failed to utilise the ball.
Seityasen Singh (8.5/10)- He literally schooled Keegan in the second half. Seityasen was lively throughout the game and looked to get his name on the score sheet, which he eventually did. He also provided a vital assist for Kalu Uche and was the main man who instigated the spirited Delhi comeback in the second half.
Paulinho Dias (6.5/10)- Paulinho started the game on a bright note and created some good chances in the first half, but sort of faded away in the second half. His passing though was good today.
Lallianzuala Changte (7.5/10)- Changte created a lot of problems for Ashutosh and Anwar with his runs and crosses. He provided a good assist for Seityasen and it was his movement and presence that helped Uche get the cutback for the first goal Delhi scored.
Kalu Uche (9/10)- Kalu Uche has been in rich vein of form recently and has been in a good goalscoring form as he bagged his 7th goal in 6 games. He played as the perfect fox in the box and gave the likes of Anwar Ali plenty of problems. Uche went onto score another goal from a Seityasen cross. Uche also provided Mirabaje with an assist for the winning goal.