Indian Player Ratings: Dhanpal and Jeje star as Chennaiyin win Southern Derby

The Super Machans were the victors in the Southern Derby as a late Dhanpal Ganesh goal gave John Gregory's men a vital 3 points.  

In what can be regarded as the result of the Indian Super League so far, John Gregory's Chennayin FC came away from Bengaluru with 3 points despite a late siege from the home side. Goals from Jeje and a late winner from Dhanpal Ganesh gave the visitors much reason to cheer. Sunil Chhetri equalised prior to Dhanpal's goal but could not inspire a second for his team. 

Watch: Delhi Dynamos 1-5 FC Goa

Bengaluru FC

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu- 6/10

The stalwart made a return to the starting line up and should have done better to stop Jeje's shot from going into the goal. Did not have much to do in the first period. The second half saw the custodian tested as the visitors looked to ensure that they doubled their lead. Could do nothing about Dhanpal's well-placed header late into the game. 

Rahul Bheke- 7/10

Partnering Johnson in defence, Bheke was challenged by Jeje's intelligent running into the box but held his own in yet another impressive performance by the youngster. 

Lenny Rodrigues- 5.5/10

The Goan medio was restored to the line up alongside Dimas and Dovale. Failed to assert his usual dominance in the middle of the park. Hauled off at halftime for Udanta Singh. 

Harmanjot Khabra- 6.5

The energetic fullback, so often a threat on the right flank, was unusually quiet. His overlaps with the wide forward for the day Edu Garcia were missing for the first half and was a huge factor in Bengaluru's insipid performance in the first half. Had a tough time dealing with the physicality of Jude Nworuh on his flank. 

ALSO READ:

Captain Chhetri's heroics go in vain as Chennaiyin win 2-1 at Sree Kanteerava Stadium

Indian Player Ratings: Kotal poor as makeshift centreback; Brandon happy playing DLP

Shrewd Gregory re-builds Chennaiyin around versatile Jeje

ISL 2017: Deciphering the lackadaisical start of Kerala Blasters

Lobera pleased with 'deserved' win, Chauhan defends rookie goalkeeper Patil

Sunil Chhetri- 7/10

The Bengaluru talisman cut a frustrated figure in the first half as his side struggled to create chances or get him into the game and was closely marshalled by Calderon. Moved into the centre of the pitch a lot more in the second half and started to exert his influence on the game and gave life to his side when he scored in the 84th minute. 

Nishu Kumar- 5

Had an outing he would want to forget as he was put to the sword by Francis Fernandes and added very little going forward. Roca hauled him off 10 minutes from regulation time as wanted to go for broke without the risk of conceding.  

Substitutes

Udanta Singh- 7.0

The man Bengaluru fans call 'The Flash' nearly made an instant impact when he was brought on at half-time as he jinxed his way past the Chennayin FC fullbacks, but the resultant chance was not converted. His introduction into the fray saw the home side's right flank receive some teeth and saw Khabra bomb forward a lot more. 

Subashish Bose- 5/10

Brought on for Nishu Kumar in the second half and kept things tidy at the back but could do nothing about Dhanpal's winning header.   

Also Read

Lobera pleased with 'deserved' win, Chauhan defends rookie goalkeeper Patil

Flamboyant Goa smash dreadful Delhi in capital masterclass, go top of table

Mumbai City host ATK in grudge ISL clash, look to avenge last season's playoff defeat

Chennayin FC

Karanjit Singh- 7.5

Could have done better to save Chhetri's strike, but was on hand to deny the home side from breaching his goal.   

Bikramjit Singh- 6.5

The Indian international kept his composure in the middle of the park and went toe-to-toe with the Bengaluru midfield and kept them under wraps for almost an hour. Brought off for Anirudh Thapa just at the hour mark for a job well done. 

Jeje Lalpekhlua- 9

Scored the goal that shocked the home side and showed just why he deserved to start this game. His industry on and off the ball gave the Bengaluru defence a torrid time and always looked like he would fashion a chance out of nothing. 

Dhanpal Ganesh- 8

 

The Tamil Nadu man was extremely solid in midfield and kept things simple with his passing and reading of the game. His partnership with Bikramjit Singh allowed the attacking players to keep pestering the Bengaluru backline. Endeared himself to the fans yet again when he scored a later winner to give his side 3 valuable points and regional bragging rights. Gregory would be pleased with the performance of a player who is associated with the identity of the club. 

Jerry Lalrinzuala- 6.5

Did not have much to do in the first half as Khabra and Dovale were kept quiet. Had a bigger challenge on his hands when Udanta was introduced and picked up a booking in the tussles with the winger. 

Francisco Fernandes- 7

It was an industrious performance from the medio who did everything his coach asked him. Gave Nishu Kumar a torrid time and had a chance of his own when Jeje's lay off for him was blazed over the bar. A performance that is worthy of praise by the Indian international.       

Substitutes

[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

Anirudh Thapa- 6.5

Came on for Bikramjit Singh in the second half and continued the good work of the man he replaced. Kept a cool head on his shoulders when the home side were looking to go hell for leather.