Ranking the top five performers from ISL 2022-23 Gameweek 12

The league table began to take shape with some big results during the gameweek

The 12th gameweek of the Indian Super League (ISL 2022-23) produced some close results. The results led to some early indications on the teams that would qualify for the playoffs at the behest of five other teams.

FC Goa drew 2-2 against Jamshedpur, courtesy a late goal from Iker Guarrotxena. Hyderabad FC continued their impressive runs with a 0-3 rout of Bengaluru while Mumbai City overcame Chennaiyin 2-1. NorthEast United ended their run of 10 successive defeats with a 1-0 win against ATK Mohun Bagan. Kerala Blasters found late inspiration from Sandeep Singh to run out 1-0 winners against Odisha FC.

The results mean that Mumbai City and Hyderabad FC continue to hold the top two spots in the ISL table. Kerala Blasters moved into third with their sixth win in seven games. ATK Mohun Bagan slipped to fourth following their defeat. FC Goa and Odisha occupy the final playoff spots with same points (19).

The penultimate gameweek of 2022 saw some great performances from some players. So let's take a look at the top five performers from Gameweek 12 of ISL 2022-23.

5. Wilmar Jordan Gil (NorthEast United)

The Colombian inspired his side to their first win of the season after a chastening run of 10 successive defeats. Gil scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over ATK Mohun Bagan. He impressed with his overall gameplay on the night as well. The forward glanced two shots and scored from one in the 70th minute.

Gil created two chances on the night and attempted one cross. Defensively, he made two clearances to help his side keep their first clean sheet of the season.

4. Ivan Kaliuzhnyi (Kerala Blasters)

The midfielder once again led his side over the line against Odisha FC with his all-round performance in midfield. The 24-year-old midfielder had the most touches by any player on the night (64). He created two chances, attempted two crosses and completed 67% of his passes. Defensively, Kaliuzhnyi won a monstrous seven tackles and made two clearances to ensure his side a clean sheet in their last game of 2022.

3. Lallianzuala Chhangte (Mumbai City)

The Mizo winger continued to impress and produced a virtuoso performance to lead Mumbai City past his former side Chennaiyin FC. Chhangte scored a splendid volley to equalize for his side after Thomas Brdaric's men took the lead. Both his attempted shots were on target and Chhangte also created two chances on the night.

Chhangte completed 67% of his passes, but more importantly, he caused a lot of problems with his pace and movement on the right wing. Defensively, he won a tackle and made two clearances and one interception, respectively. Chhangte's decision-making and on-ball capabilities have improved massively since joining the Islanders. This certainly spells good news to see the winger finally play to his full potential and perform consistently for Mumbai City.

2. Bartholomew Ogbeche (Hyderabad FC)

The veteran striker led his side's charge against Bengaluru FC. The Nigerian scored one and his shot led to the second goal (later given as an own goal) in the 0-3 hammering of the Blues at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Ogbeche's all-round performance helped Hyderabad FC record their third win in a row after back-to-back defeats in mid-November.

Ogbeche scored the opener through a drilled shot following a well-worked free-kick routine. He then got to the end of a cross from Halicharan Narzary and headed the ball which was turned in on his own goal by Sandesh Jhingan. Apart from the goals and opportunities, Ogbeche dazzled with his positioning, build-up play and game awareness.

He had the third most number of touches by an HFC player (48). Ogbeche completed 92% of his passes and created one chance on the night. Defensively, he won two tackles and made two clearances and one interception, respectively.

1. Iker Guarrotxena (FC Goa)

The Spaniard scored at both ends for the Gaurs against Jamshedpur FC. Guarrotxena was omnipresent for Goa and showed tremendous work rate. He completed 91% of his passes and had the third most number of touches by a Goa player (61). Defensively, he won one tackle and made two clearances while also blocking one shot. The Spaniard put in arguably his best performance yet for the Gaurs and more importantly, his brace helped Carlos Pena's men claw back to get a point against Aidy Boothroyd's side.