ISL 2017, Match 6: Chennaiyin FC vs NorthEast United, Player ratings
Chennaiyin FC hosted NorthEast United in Chennai, in what was supposed to be a cracker of a game. NorthEast United had never lost an ISL game in the Marina Arena, but the game started in the worst possible manner for NEUFC, as they conceded an own goal within 12 minutes and went two down within 25 minutes.
Chennaiyin started the game from an improved position from where the finished the game against FC Goa, whereas NEUFC fielded an unchanged eleven from the last game but the same set of eleven played a brand of football which was well below par compared to what we witnessed in the last game.
Chennaiyin’s coach did mention that unbeaten records are there to be broken and what a way to break NEUFC's unbeaten record at the Marina Arena, by beating NEUFC 3-0.
We take a look at the Player Ratings of today’s game
Chennaiyin FC
Karanjit (6.5): Karanjit didn’t have much to do today but was pretty shaky whenever called upon, and nearly gifted NEUFC a goal in the opening minutes.
Inigo (7.5): Inigo had a solid game and kept the likes of Lenn and Holicharan in his pockets. He made some good runs down the flanks too and kept the likes of Robert and Dika occupied in defence.
Mailson (7): Mailson buried the ghosts of the previous game and put in a solid shift at the back. The likes of Danilo and Marcinho were seldom given any space to operate in.
Sereno (7.5): Sereno had a great game. He put in some solid tackles and his anticipation was superb as it helped Chennaiyin keep a tight backline.
Jerry (7.5): Jerry showed his class today with the way he kept the likes of Odair and Alfonso quiet for most of the match. He also helped his team in attack with some darting runs down the left.
Dhanpal Ganesh (7): Dhanpal Ganesh played the role which Busquets plays for Barcelona. He was excellent in snatching balls from the opponents and his presence allowed Raphael to move forward more often.
Bikramjit (7): Bikramjit too had an excellent game, he helped out his defenders when required and then moved forward to provide support up front. His distribution and the way he controlled midfield was brilliant today.
Franciso Fernandes (6.5): Francis had a good game and went forward quite often, but his crosses were not of the desired quality and his defensive contribution was also not up to the mark.
Nelson (7.5): With an assist to his name and some fine touches, Nelson was clearly one of the best players on the pitch for Chennaiyin. He helped Jerry out in defence as well.
Raphael (8.5): Raphael had a game in which everything he touched turned into gold. Right from the first whistle, Raphael started controlling the game. With a goal and the architect of the own goal, Raphael had a hand in nearly everything Chennaiyin did.
Jeje (7): Jeje had another good game, though he failed to score. He was a handful for the NEUFC defenders and kept them chasing shadows for most the game.