Ratings: Iker Guarrotxena steals matchball as FC Goa conquer East Bengal

FC Goa got their second consecutive win while East Bengal lost their fourth game in a row.

FC Goa have now almost cemented their place among the top six by downing East Bengal 4-2 at Fatorda. It was a brilliant first-half performance that saw the Gaurs go up 3-0. They scored again in the second half before East Bengal returned two back. East Bengal were not good enough to score another. They also lacked quality to prevent the FC Goa attackers Noah Sadaoui and Iker Guarrotxena to steal the show.

Against such a backdrop, let us see how the players of both teams fared in the game.

FC Goa (By Riddhiman Sarkar)

Dheeraj Singh - 6.5

Was not called into action much as nothing could be done about the two goals he conceded. Still made two high claims after playing full 98 minutes. 

Aiban Dohling - 6

Probably the poorest amid a very hardworking Goa side, winning only two of his seven ground duels. 

Fares Arnaout - 7

Led from the heart of defence, as influential as his dominating stature, with a 100% tackle completion rate. 

Anwar Ali - 7

Massive at the back with 13 clearances to his name. Contested and won only one ground duel but helped FC Goa build from the back with 103 touches on the ball.

Sanson Pereira - 7

Excellent close control from the attack-minded left-back not only meant he was solid in possession but he actually got an assist too! Won four of his six ground challenges, both of his aerial duels, and was dribbled past only once.

Ayush Chhetri - 6.5

Won his only ground duel and completed his attempted long ball, but did so much more than the numbers speak. Although it wasn’t his best game by far, Chhetri played a good understudy to Edu Bedia, with a 95% pass accuracy.  

Edu Bedia - 6.5

The seasoned silky-toed Spaniard helped his compatriot run the show as he quietly pulled the strings in midfield. Although he made only one key pass, Bedia’s 90 touches and 66 accurate passes (out of 74) speak volumes of his orchestral role.  

Devendra Murgaonkar - 6.5

Got only 23 touches for the entirety of his time on the field but helped Pena’s team out as a false winger. Completed 100% of his passes before being replaced by Redeem Tlang in the 67th minute. 

Brandon Fernandes - 7

Made the most of his 84 minutes of action as he delivered two key passes and rounded off his game with a gem of an in-swinging free kick. Carlos Pena took him off to deploy Brison Fernandes in his stead.

Noah Sadaoui - 7.5

Brilliant 57-minute cameo, in which he sped past his markers to tee up Guarrotxena twice and help give FC Goa an unassailable lead! Subbed off for Alvaro Vazquez in the second half. 

Iker Guarrotxena - 9.5

Displayed his all-round finishing skills as he ghosted past Charalambos Kyriakou and Jordan O'Doherty for a well-placed header. Following that, he then ran onto a loose ball to acrobatically finish off with a looping volley. Rightly earned the Man of the match award for his feats as he had a 100% shot accuracy for the game.

Substitutes

Alvaro Vazquez - 6

Still way off his game as he did not have much to offer except one key pass interception in his half-hour contribution.

Redeem Tlang - 6.5

Provided the immediate surge in tempo that was asked of him by his manager, as he got a shot on target in only 15 touches.   

Lenny Rodrigues - 6.5

A good 22-minute shift from Lenny saw him generate one key pass and try his luck with a shot that was unfortunately way off target.

Saviour Gama - 6.5

Made three key clearances after coming on and looked unfazed by any aftereffects of his injury in the last match.

Brison Fernandes - N/A

East Bengal (By Souvari Paul)

Kamaljit Singh - 7.5

Had a decent game. Made a full-fledged effort to stop FC Goa’s free-kick goal. Could not have done anything in the case of FC Goa’s other three goals. Made a few crucial saves.

Lalchungnunga - 4.5

Had a poor outing in the right-back position. Looked uncomfortable in the same, the advantage of which was taken well by Noah. Was subbed off in the 62nd minute.

Charalambos Kyriakou - 5.0

Had a poor outing. Started initially as a centre-back but was later moved to the right-back position and ultimately to a defensive midfielder. Should have done more in the case of many of Goa’s goals.

Ivan Gonzalez - 5.5

Made a few good touches. But the overall game was quite poor. Should have organised his defence after conceding the second goal.

Jerry Lalrinzuala - 6.5

Had a relatively better game than his peers in defence. Floated an extremely good cross in the first half. Got booked and was subbed off in the second half.

VP Suhair - 7.5

Suhair had a good game after a few days. Scored a good header and looked threatening on multiple occasions. Exhibited a good spirit and tried to inspire his teammates throughout the game.

Jordan O’Doherty - 7.0

With the second-highest number of passes for his team, O’Doherty tried to give some respite to his team’s midfield. Created one chance. 

Mobashir Rahman - 5.5

Tried his best to support O’Doherty but was not effective much. Should have scored in the first half after Goa gave away the ball cheaply.

Naorem Mahesh Singh - 7.5

Had a good outing on a bleak night. Assisted both the East Bengal goals with quality deliveries. At the same time, missed two good chances. 

Cleiton Silva - 6.0

Took two shots and created a chance. As usual, looked lively. Did not get enough opportunities to create real problems for FC Goa.

Sumeet Passi - 4.5

Missed a sitter in the first half. Looked rusty throughout. Was not able to impact the game in any manner.

Substitutes 

Sarthak Golui - 7.5

Played for around 30 minutes and looked to instil life into his side. Scored East Bengal's second goal. With Noah already subbed off, it became a bit easy for him to defend.

Tuhin Das - 5.5

Tuhin looked bright as a left-back. Provided stability to his side’s defence. He also tried to aid his side's attack by making a few good runs. Committed a tactical foul to receive a yellow card.

Athul Unnikrishnan - N/A