Indian Player Ratings: Thoi Singh brace goes waste, Rowlin Borges' hard-work pays off

This win has pushed the Highlanders to the top of the table.

It was an epic seven-goal thriller at the Marina Arena, in Chennai, as visitors NorthEast United came back from behind twice to beat defending champions Chennaiyin FC. After being 0-2 down in 15 minutes, NEUFC pulled one back via skipper Bartholomew Ogbeche on the half hour mark. Chennaiyin found their two-goal cushion again as Thoi Singh scored his second just after three minutes. However, Ogbeche completed his hat-trick within 10 minutes, as both sides went into the interval locked at 3-3.

After Rowllin Borges found the back of the net in the 54th minute, Chennaiyin FC fought valiantly to bring the game to their dominance. However, NEUFC didn't lose the lead and registered a memorable win.

Bartholomew Ogbeche led from the front and inspired @NEUtdFC to an incredible come-from-behind victory over @ChennaiyinFC tonight.More videos: https://t.co/mrtZlxvu6i #ISLRecap #LetsFootball #CHENEU #FanBannaPadega pic.twitter.com/acZOaprLDE

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) October 18, 2018

Watch: Chennaiyin FC 3-4 NorthEast United

Let’s take a look at how the Indian players performed in this ISL match:

Chennaiyin FC

Karanjit Singh - 5.5

In a seven-goal thriller like this, there was little the goalkeepers could do on either side. The Chennaiyin shot-stopper was unable to deny NorthEast's Nigerian forward from scoring his hat-trick. Also, his full stretch dive could not prevent Borges from scoring the winner. A poor night for the goalkeepers.

Jerry Lalrinzuala - 6.5

The ever-present little man was true to his defensive duties throughout the game. He also fed in the crosses inside the box from the left flank, but was unable to break the United backline. His tackles and interceptions prevented the Highlanders from breaking free at will.

Anirudh Thapa - 6.0

Back from international duty, Thapa was unable to make the Marina Arena and the Chennaiyin midfield sing in unison, as NEUFC managed to win the ball back very frequently. He couldn't make a definite mark on the game against a fearless and rejuvenated Highlanders side.

Isaac Vanmalsawma - 6.5

The Mizo midfielder was a livewire and lived up to his abilities throughout the game. In the 15th minute, he squared the ball beautifully inside the box to assist Thoi who provided Chennaiyin a two-goal cushion. NorthEast were successful in taming his sharp pinpoint crosses to avoid any last moment howler.

Thoi Singh - 7.0

The Chennaiyin midfielder played a much more advanced role and gave a tough time to the NEUFC backline. Despite his two brilliant goals, Chennaiyin were unable to hold on to their lead on two occasions. Apart from the goals, he wasn't too involved in the run of things.

Francisco Fernandes - 6.0

Francisco Fernandes gets a decent chance to level things but his shot goes straight to Pawan Kumar.Watch it LIVE on @hotstartweets : https://t.co/MG2EOcsZqyJioTV users can watch it LIVE on the app.#ISLMoments #LetsFootball #CHENEU #FanBannaPadega pic.twitter.com/IsenW277B3

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) October 18, 2018

Francisco had a tame effort saved by the NEUFC goalkeeper

The midfielder wasn't needed during much of the game. Had to fall back in his own half as NEUFC emerged stronger with possession during most of the match. Was replaced in the 80th minute.

Substitutes

Jeje Lalpekhlua - NA

With the clock running out, @jejefanai almost grabbed an equaliser for @ChennaiyinFC. How close was that? Watch it LIVE on @hotstartweets: https://t.co/MG2EOcboz0JioTV users can watch it LIVE on the app. #ISLMoments #LetsFootball #CHENEU #FanBannaPadega pic.twitter.com/JHZJBN5Mwo

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) October 18, 2018

The Mizo marksman almost found an equalizer for his side

John Gregory's attacking substitution couldn't prove to be a saviour as NEUFC held their nerves until the final whistle.

ALSO READ:

• Bartholomew hat-trick as NorthEast tame Chennaiyin in seven-goal thriller

• Jorge Costa expects his side to steady ship, Miguel Portugal hopes to outscore Mumbai

• Komal Thatal is very skilful on the ball– Steve Coppell

NorthEast United

Pawan Kumar - 5.5

Not the ideal start for a second-choice goalkeeper, however, Kumar was lucky to end up on the winning side. Although, there was very little he could do in the first half, he made up for his errors with some neat keeping after the interval, when the ball was bobbling all over the penalty area owing to late Chennaiyin pressing.

Reagan Singh - 5.5

With the match balanced on a needle's edge, Reagan Singh comes up with a brilliant tackle on Thapa to keep the scores level. Watch it LIVE on @hotstartweets: https://t.co/MG2EOcsZqyJioTV users can watch it LIVE on the app. #ISLMoments #LetsFootball #CHENEU #FanBannaPadega pic.twitter.com/MxUl1u0Pjd

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) October 18, 2018

Reagan Singh made a match-winning tackle on Anirudh Thapa

The Manipuri right-back was unable to check those runs of Issac and Jerry in the first half owing to poor man-marking. As such, constant crosses inside the box put NEUFC on the back foot. However, he made some vital clearances in the game to keep his team's hopes alive. Not the best of performances to be honest.

Rowlin Borges - 6.5

Once again the midfielder proved his mettle when his side needed him the most. He set up Ogbeche for his second and also scored his team's winner. With seven tackles and three interceptions, he was equally good in his defensive tasks. Overall, a fine shift of football for the Indian international. Not many would remember the own-goal he conceded in the 4th minute of the game,  as United came out with flying colours.

Robert Lalthlamuana - 5.5

Not the performance one would have anticipated from him against the defending champions. Pretty ordinary in the first half. Spelt out his frustrations in the form of reckless challenges. However, helped the team cross the line with some cool and composed clearances late in the match to deny Chennaiyin an equalizer.

Redeem Tlang - 6.0

An average performance from the United winger. The Shillong Lajong academy graduate was stolen of possession many a times despite his brilliant runs and couldn't do much to win back the ball. Expected to improve as the season goes on. Was replaced in the 80th minute.

Nikhil Kadam - 6.0

Kadam was good initially with his runs down the pitch. However, wasn't much used in the way the team would have wanted. He was instrumental in the link-up play. Puitea replaced him on the hour mark.

Substitutes

Lalthathanga Khawlhring - 5.5

Came on the in 59th minute replacing Nikhil Kadam. Wasn't much required. However, played his part in the game to make sure NorthEast registered their second consecutive away win.

Provat Lakra - NA

Came on for Redeem Tlang in the 80th minute. Contributed very ably to the defence as NEUFC soaked up the Chennaiyin pressure.

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Gurwinder Singh - NA

Brought on to replace Federico Gallego at the end of regulation time, as NorthEast looked to tighten the screws in the dying moments of the game.