ISL 2017, Match 19: NorthEast United vs Bengaluru FC, Player Ratings
Miku scored again for Bengaluru FC as Albert Roca's men picked up a hard-fought 1-0 win away at NorthEast United. It wasn't the prettiest of games, but Bengaluru showed more quality on key possessions to get the job done.
Joao de Deus' NorthEast United failed to create many clear-cut opportunities and were unable to follow up their win away at Delhi Dynamos in their previous game with another one here at home.
Here's how the players from both sides fared:
NorthEast United
TP Rehenesh (GK) - 4.5
Seemed to be struggling with a bit of a niggle as he outsourced kicking duties during to his defenders. Props for braving it and playing the game, but his error ultimately led to Bengaluru's goal which proved decisive.
Nirmal Chettri (DF) (79 mins) - 4.5
Continued his run as the worst defender in this NorthEast backline. Slow at reading play and continuously shown up by Bengaluru's movement, his passing wasn't any good either. Picked up a yellow in the 31st minute itself.
Sambinha (DF) - 6.5
Was strong and showed some good ball retrieving skills. He was very good in winning the ball back from Bengaluru on quite a few occasions including on one threatening breakaway. Continues to look good in combination with Goncalves. Also played as an auxiliary forward as his side went looking for the equalizer.
Jose Goncalves (DF) - 6.5
Continued his good showing as a captain and as their lead defender. He was given a tough time by Miku, but did decently well.
Reagan Singh (DF) - 5
Was schooled by Udanta down Bengaluru's right flank. Lucky to escape a booking when he kicked out at the Bengaluru winger out of frustration. He was pegged back in his own half for much of the game.
Rowllin Borges (MF) - 5
This game passed him by. He was unable to offer the usual shielding protection to his backline as he was swamped by Bengaluru's midfield three.
Adilson Goiano (MF) (71 mins) - 6
Playing alongside Borges, he found it extremely difficult to contain the runs of Edu and Udanta. Was pushed further up in the second half to try and create more, but couldn't manage much. Goiano had the best chance for his side in the 34th minute when he found himself in on goal after a neat 1-2 with Marcinho, but messed it up completely.
Seiminlen Doungel (MF) (64 mins) - 5.5
His crossing was not up to scratch and failed to make use of the ball the few times he managed to get behind the Bengaluru defence.
Marcinho (MF) - 6.5
Tried his best to get his side going. Some of his passes lacked the incision though that we've seen in previous games. Had two shots on goal from outside the box that went close.
Holicharan Narzary (MF) - 4.5
Was he even in this match? You would be forgiven if you thought that, for the winger was barely visible as the first half went by. He had more touches in the second, but none of note. Only he knows why he was attempting long-range efforts from way off instead of trying to get the ball in the box. de Deus was rightfully infuriated with him.
Danilo Lopes (FW) - 6.5
Had some good chances in the closing minutes as he saw his powerful shot saved by Bengaluru's keeper and had an open header which he completely misjudged. His effort couldn't be faulted though.
Substitutes
Lalrindika Ralte (MF) (on for Doungel) - 5
Was brought in to provide some width and crosses into the box, but couldn't get any telling deliveries into the box.
Alfonso Paez (FW) (on for Adilson) - 5
Won a few free-kicks for his side as they chased a goal, but nothing more.
Gursimrat Singh (DF) (on for Nirmal) - 4.5
Was a strange sub considering NorthEast needed a goal, but de Deus was probably worried about Nirmal.