Indian Player Ratings: Jhingan and Narzary shines as Blasters drown ATK

The southerners maintained their domination throughout the game against the Kolkata outfit.

Kerala Blasters kicked-off their Indian Super League (ISL) season with a  bang, as they defeated rivals ATK 0-2 at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday evening. The ISL opener was a rigid match which needed stunning goals from Matej Poplatnik and Slavisa Stojanovic in the second half to provide the Blasters with just their second win over the Kolkata side.

Watch: ATK 0-2 Kerala Blasters highlights

Here are our Indian player ratings for the day.

ATK

Arindam Bhattacharya- 6.0

The ATK custodian was up to the challenge when required. He made a terrific save from Samad’s shot and looked confident in handling the ball. However, Bhattacharya could not be effective against the two goals and was unlucky to concede those.

Airborlang Khongjee 5.5

Khongjee had a really difficult time as Kerala seemed to have targeted him. He was beaten too often by Holicharan Narzary and Lalruatthara and struggled at first. Although, he recovered later on, but remained a frustrating figure to watch throughout the game because of his lack of attacking threat and shaky defensive demeanour.

Sena Ralte 6.0

Ralte struck a commendable figure in defence and did not let Seminlen Doungel’s pace faze him. The experienced left-back saved ATK from despair in the 12th minute with a terrific goal-line clearance. He was pressurized later in the second half, but did well to contain Kerala’s threat and did not allow opponent wing-play from his side.

Pronay Halder 6.0

Wtch: Pronay was one of the few shining lights in the ATK side

Pronay was an industrious figure in midfield and looked hungry to steal the ball and get attacks rolling. He created a great chance to score for himself with a great one-two and tested Dheeraj with a powerful shot in the first half. However, he could have done better to track back to deny Stojanovic’s shot for the second goal, but had a decent game regardless.

Jayesh Rane 5.5

The former Aizawl winger started the game brightly, but became a frustrating figure to watch as it progressed. He tried too hard at times to create moves and wasted a glorious chance by missing a free header from close range in the first half.  He redeemed himself by being part of some tricky moves in the second 45, but failed to create anything for his side.

Balwant Singh 5.5

Playing on the right-wing, Balwant did not look as much a threat as he is known to be. He was clever with his passing at times and created a decent chance for Pronay Halder in the first half, but did not get any goalscoring opportunities himself.

Substitution

Eugeneson Lyngdoh N/A

Lyngdoh only got a chance to hit a thunderous attempt which forced a great save from Dheeraj, but was unable to turn the game around for ATK.

Cavin Lobo N/A

Came on with the game almost decided and could not make an impact.

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Kerala Blasters

Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem- 6.0

Barely had anything to do at first, but had a nervy moment when Lanzarote’s corner hit the post early on. Young Dheeraj made a stunning save to deny Lyngdoh, but showed impressive confidence in distribution and collecting the ball whenever ATK looked to test his resolve.

Lalruatthara- 6.5

Looked bright on the left wing. He strode forward with intent and produced some brilliant crosses early on to create chances for his strikers. Despite being overwhelmed by Balwant’s strength, he maintained good positional sense and made some crucial tackles to prevent ATK’s movement on his side.

Sandesh Jhingan- 7.5

The Blasters captain was as cool and composed as ever. His distribution was fantastic and one terrific long ball was scuffed by Poplatnik, who was through on goal. He was strong in defence and completely neutralized ATK’s attacks throughout the game.

He also had a glorious chance to score in the 69th minute, when his powerful header blazed over. But otherwise, Jhingan had a solid game in which he led from the front with his aggressive defending.

Mohamad Rakip- 6.0

He was given a difficult time by Rane, but held his ground admirably. He made some crucial challenges to stop ATK from penetrating his side’s defence. He was also a sparky figure going forward and caused problems for ATK with his movement on the right.

Sahal Abdul Samad- 6.0

The Blasters debutant impressed with his composure and clever movement in midfield. He showed lovely distribution and also hit a thunderous shot to stretch Arindam in the first half as well as setting Stojanovic free with a brilliant long-ball later. He was subbed off at half-time after giving a decent first impression.

Seiminlen Doungel- 6.0

Len was as energetic as ever in his Kerala Blasters debut and proved to be a real fox in the attack. He should have done better when he got a free header on the half hour mark. He was part of some decent attacking moves in the second half, but was subbed off after running out of steam late on.

Holicharan Narzary- 7.0

Narzary proved to be a nightmare for Khongjee on that left flank, as he moved well and tricked his way onto goal numerous time. His crossing was on point and he was robbed of an assist by Len’s poor miss. He wasted a promising counter-attack early in the second half, but redeemed himself with a stunning assist for Stojanovic’s goal which killed the game.

Substitutions

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CK Vineeth- 6.0

Vineeth came on with 20 minutes on the clock and despite terrorizing with his movement at times, he didn’t really have an impact on the result.