ISL 2017, Match 30: Chennaiyin FC 1-1 Kerala Blasters: Player Ratings
There was drama of the highest order when Chennaiyin FC went up against Kerala Blasters in the southern derby at the Marina Arena in Chennai in the ISL. The game was a cagey affair for the majority of the ninety minutes but the last few minutes proved to be dramatic and unforgettable as it ended 1-1 on the night.
Chennaiyin went ahead in the 89th minute when they were awarded a penalty after Sandhesh Jhingan allegedly handled the ball inside his penalty area. However, replay suggested that the ball hit him under the armpit. Mihelic converted from the spot but that was not the end of it as local boy CK Vineeth scored a stoppage time winner to rescue a point for the visitors and sent the travelling 'Manjappada' fans into a delirium of noise.
The result meant that Chennaiyin went ahead of FC Goa, who have played 2 games lesser, at the top of the table with 13 points while Kerala are languishing at 7th place with 7 points from their 6 games. Here we take a look at how players from both sides fared during the thrilling finish in Chennai:
Chennaiyin FC
Karanjit Singh - 7/10
The Chennaiyin shot-stopper did well on the night and made a few excellent saves when he was called into action by the Kerala attackers. Karanjit was named Hero of the match despite conceding an equalizer in the dying minutes.
Inigo Calderon - 6/10
Calderon started the game in solid fashion and contributed defensively as well as while going forward. The defender continues to establish a strong partnership at the back alongside his teammates but was completely caught out when Kerala scored the equalizer in stoppage time.
Mailson Alves - 6/10
It seemed as if Alves was heading for yet another clean-sheet to cap off a commanding performance at the back but CK Vineeth and Kerala had other plans, much to the disappointment of the player who could do nothing to prevent the goal.
Henrique Sereno - 7/10
The Chennaiyin skipper continued his impressive form for the Super Machans and managed to safeguard his team's goal for the majority of the game. Sereno's awareness and ability to read the game is unmatched in the league and he would be disappointed to have conceded a goal right at the end.
Jerry Lalrinzuala - 6/10
Despite being very young, Jerry showed great awareness for his age and managed to keep Jackichand Singh at bay throughout the game. The young left-back is a bright prospect for India but his lack of experience was evident when Kerala found the back of the net following a breakthrough from his flank.
Bikramjit Singh - 6/10
The midfielder completed his duties with great responsibilty and managed to disrupt the rhythm of the game on a few occasions. Bikramjit was comfortable in keeping the ball and also operated effectively around his teammates.
Raphael Augusto - 6/10
Not the best of games for Augusto who came up against a sturdy Wes Brown in midfield. The Brazilian is still recovering from that ankle problem he suffered against Bengaluru FC and he could not complete the full ninety minutes for his side.
Francisco Fernandes - 6/10
Fernandes is currently enjoying a decent run of form in the Chennaiyin side but he was not at his influential best on the night. The winger lacked quality inside the opposition's final third and would be keen to improve on the same.
Anirudh Thapa - 7/10
The 19-year-old impressed in midfield after stepping in for the suspended Dhanpal Ganesh on the night. Thapa made a few daring runs inside Kerala's half and displayed the diversity of his skill set that includes incisive passing and excellent close control.
Jude Nworuh - 5/10
The winger could not provide the cutting edge for Chennaiyin FC in the opposition's half but worked tirelessly down the channel in what was a cagey affair. Jude came up against a resolute Kerala defence and failed to make a mark.
Jeje Lalpekhlua - 5/10
Jeje was left out on his own in the mammoth task of trying to go toe to toe against the Kerala defenders. The striker's diminutive physical presence made it easier for Sandhesh Jhingan and Lakic-Pesic to dominate him throughout the game.
Substitutes
Gregory Nelson - 5/10
The Dutchman forced Paul Rachubka into making a challenging save shortly after coming on in the 75th minute. However, he was given too little time to make a lasting impact on the game.
Rene Mihelic - 6/10
The midfielder showed nerves of steel to convert the penalty awarded to the hosts in the 89th minute, just over 10 minutes after replacing Raphael Augusto.
Germanpreet Singh - N/A
Came on in the 85th minute to replace Anirudh Thapa.