ISL 2017, Match 57: Bengaluru FC vs Northeast United FC, Player Ratings
Avram Grant and Elco Schatorrie travelled with NorthEast United FC to Bengaluru for their first away game after taking charge of the team. Bengaluru FC resumed their ISL campaign after featuring in the AFC Cup playoff game against Transport United FC of Bhutan.
The game was more important for NorthEast as a defeat on Friday would have meant that their hopes of making the semifinals would be all but over. Bengaluru, on the other hand, wanted the three points to reach the top of the table and get back to wining ways after drawing against Transport United.
The Blues took the early lead in the 14th minute when Juanan headed in an Edu Garcia free kick. A Subhasish Bose handball resulted in a penalty, which Marcinho put away brilliantly to level the scores before half time.
The second half started on a positive note and Bengaluru FC went ahead just within 5 minutes when Sunil Chhetri punished NEUFC for a defensive error.
The game ended 2-1 in favour of BFC, as the Blues marched to the top of the table yet again. On that note, we take a look at how someof the players performed in the match.
Bengaluru FC
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (7/10): Gurpreet didn’t have much to do during the game, but made one brilliant save from a Seiminlen Doungel shot. He also made some good outings during set pieces and his collection was very good.
Harmanjot Singh Khabra (6.5/10): Khabra had a brilliant game at right back as he put in some very good crosses. He also provided the all-important assist for Sunil Chhetri's goal. He was also the sole reason why Halicharan had to defend for long parts of the game.
Juanan (8/10): Juanan scored a brilliant goal to open the scoring, when he headed in an Edu Garcia free kick, leapfrogging the whole NEUFC defence. He was solid defensively too as he kept a close vigil on Danilo.
John Johnson (7.5/10): Johnson kept the NEUFC forwards at bay and put in some crucial last ditch tackles to stop NEUFC from scoring.
Subhasish Bose (6/10): Bose was guilty of awarding NEUFC a penalty when he went arms stretched into a tackle to clear the ball inside the 18-yard box, only to see the ball strike his hand. Other then that, Bose had a couple of problems in keeping the 'Lighting Len' in check.
Lenny Rodrigues (6.5/10): Lenny won a lot of second balls in midfield and broke down a lot of NEUFC attacks, but his passing and distribution wasn’t upto the standards.
Erik Paartalu (7.5/10): Eric was a big presence during set pieces and he controlled the game in the middle of the park. He won a lot of the aerial duels but that final ball was left wanting.
Edu Garcia (7.5/10): Edu Garcia was superb in the midfield. His set pieces were spot on and he played some lovely forward passes. His movement and passes kept the NEUFC defenders on their heels. Edu, though, did miss the chance of the game when his shot went agonisingly wide with just the keeper in front of him.
Udanta Singh (6/10): Udanta had a quiet game as most of the action for BFC seemed to happen from the other flank or through the centre. However, he did track back well and help out his defenders.
Sunil Chhetri (8/10): He was brilliant again, as he scored an incredible goal from a tight angle, to give BFC the lead. He also tracked back very well and helped out his defenders.
Miku (6.5/10): Miku didn’t score on the night, but was a handful for the NEUFC defenders, as the likes of Sambinha had a difficult time keeping his runs in check.