ISL 2022-23: Dimitri Petratos, Edu Bedia fly high in Gameweek 2

The action remained witness to the first hat-trick of the season.

After a thrilling opening week, the Indian Super League (ISL) teams maintained their consistency in dishing out entertaining games to the fans. The second game week of ISL 2022-23 marked the first game for FC Goa, the first 'home' game for the likes of Mumbai City and East Bengal and the highest-scoring game so far (Kerala Blasters vs ATK Mohun Bagan).

17 goals were scored across five games – with an average of three per game. There were a few players who made this possible with their wonderful performances for their respective teams. These stars produced amazing performances that helped their sides in gaining valuable results.

So, here we’ll look at the top five individual performers from the ISL 2022-23 Gameweek 2.

5. Edu Bedia (FC Goa)

FC Goa started the Carlos Pena era with a dramatic win over East Bengal. They scored a winner deep into added time to break the hearts of the Red & Gold Brigade. And the man responsible for it? None other than Edu Bedia. The Spaniard led from the front, helping them dominate the game and getting the most touches of the ball (86).

He created three chances, tormenting Kamaljit Singh with his swerving set-pieces as well. And then in added time, Bedia had the courage to take a direct free-kick from near the halfway line – as it crept past all the bodies into the goal. Bedia’s performance proves that despite a change at the helm, he remains an indispensable part of the Gaurs' side.

4. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Bengaluru FC)

Bengaluru FC had to survive a trial by fire in the Southern Derby against Chennaiyin FC. They ended up playing out a 1-1 draw, but were fortunate to get that one point. A major reason for them getting anything from the game was Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. The India no.1 was in top form on the day and wasn’t letting the opponents score many past him.

Sandhu made five saves alongside three catches and two punches. He couldn’t do much for Prasanth K’s equaliser, but did a great job for the remainder of the game. While Gurpreet didn’t get his clean-sheet, he at least ensured BFC went away with a point and again proved himself as the best goalkeeper in the country.

3. Ahmed Jahouh (Mumbai City)

Mumbai City had to really dig deep to get their first win of the season. The Islanders ousted a dangerous Odisha FC with a 2-0 win. But it was Ahmed Jahouh who helped them maintain control and keep at ease when things got tough. While he wasn’t actively involved in either of the goals, the Moroccan was colossal in midfield.

He won five tackles, made two interceptions and one block – nullifying the opposition’s flow in the middle of the park. He maintained an impressive 88% passing accuracy, flinging the ball around the park with the utmost efficiency.  Jahouh remains a vital figure in the Islanders’ side and proved that with a solid outing at the Mumbai Football Arena.

2. Halicharan Narzary (Hyderabad FC)

Halicharan Narzary continued his impressive start to the season with Hyderabad FC. The defending ISL playoffs champions stormed to the top of the league with a 3-0 win over NorthEast United. In the game, Narzary tormented his former side. He ran rings around their defenders and made the left wing his own.

Narzary created four chances, getting the assist for Borja Herrera’s goal. He even got on the scoresheet himself, pouncing on a defensive mistake to score his second of the season. The 28-year-old maintained his solid form with two goal contributions and is looking really sharp in the early half of the season.

1. Dimitri Petratos (ATK Mohun Bagan)

If there’s a way to introduce yourself to a new league in style, then Dimitri Petratos definitely topped it. The new ATK Mohun Bagan striker erased all the questions over his ability on Sunday. He absolutely embarrassed Kerala Blasters at their own home to power his side to a massive 5-2 win at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. Petratos scored a hat-trick – becoming the first player in the ISL 2022-23 to do so.

Doing so in his second-ever appearance itself helps him get into the history books. Not just that, but Petratos also produced an assist in the game – proving himself as an all-around destroyer. The 29-year-old showcased some slick finishing, brilliant link-up play and creativity to thrill the fans. In doing so, he also produced the best single performance by a player in the ISL 2022-23 so far – with four-goal contributions in one game!