Ratings: Alan Costa haunts NorthEast United in Bengaluru FC's triumph

The Highlanders tasted their 12th defeat of the season while the Blues got their second away win.

It was a game between two struggling teams which saw Bengaluru FC emerge victorious through a 93rd-minute goal. While the first half remained goalless, the second half saw three goals with two from the Blues. Bengaluru FC scored their first from Sivasakthi Narayanan's 50th-minute strike. NorthEast United equalised in the 66th minute through Romain Philippoteaux. However, their struggle continued as they lost another game from a 'dying moment' Alan Costa header.

On such a backdrop, let us take a look at how the players of each team performed.

NorthEast United FC (By Souvari Paul)

Mirshad Michu - 8.5

Mirshad was the best player for NorthEast in today’s game. He made six saves, many of which were goal-saving. He prevented both Sivsakthi and Sunil Chhetri from scoring in both halves.

Alex Saji - 7.0

Saji’s first start of the season went quite well. He made a goal-saving tackle toward the end to prevent Javi Hernandez from scoring. Overall, he made three tackles and five clearances.

Gaurav Bora - 6.5

With one tackle and three clearances, Gaurav’s performance was satisfactory. He partnered well with Aaron Evans to ensure Bengaluru FC could not score many. But should have done better to prevent Alan Costa from scoring.

Aaron Evans - 7.0

With five clearances and three interceptions, Evans performed well in the game. Should have done better in the case of Bengaluru’s second goal. 

Hira Mondal - 7.0

Hira Mondal’s return to competitive football saw him deliver a good performance. He looked sturdy in his defensive duties and kept Sivasakthi under check for most part.

Emil Benny - 6.0

Took two shots, and made one tackle and one interception. However, apart from these, he was largely ineffective for most of the game. 

Romain Philippoteaux - 7.5

Scored NorthEast United’s equaliser. Took two shots and created two chances and numerous problems for Bengaluru’s defence. Took an immense workload to keep Bengaluru’s defence on their toes.

Jon Gaztañaga - 7.0

With the highest number of touches and passes for his side, Gaztanaga played well in the midfield. Aided Philippoteaux quite well in creating chances for his side.

Rochharzela - 4.5

Apart from creating one chance, Rochharzela did not look much effective. Was subbed off in the 56th minute.

Wilmar Jordan - 5.5

Took a lot of workload and tried his best to threaten Bengaluru FC’s goal. Created one chance but was forced off in the second half due to an injury.

Pragyan Gogoi - 5.0

Created a chance by taking an on-target shot. Was not able to do much other than that.

Substitutes

Parthib Gogoi - 6.0

Parthib was on the pitch for around 34 minutes and his efforts earned the free-kick from which NorthEast United scored. No other significant contribution whatsoever.

Jithin MS - 4.0

Came on in the 60th minute but was not able to affect the game in any significant way.

Imran Khan - N/A

Emanuel Lalchhanchhuaha - N/A

Bengaluru FC (By Sathvik Bharadwaj)

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu – 6

Made a good save coming off his line to thwart Gil. The wall let him down for Romain’s free-kick goal. 

Prabir Das - 6.5

Dealt well with Romain Philippoteaux's threat, but could not get in behind opposite number Hira Mondal. Delivered an astonishing cross to find Sunil Chhetri at the back post. 

Alan Costa - 7

Was caught out of position by Rochharzela’s through ball but steadied the backline well. Should have scored from Javi’s corner. Scored the winner with a comprehensive header, his second late goal against NorthEast United this season. 

Alexandar Jovanovic – 6

Pushed high up the pitch, stepping into midfield occasionally, to intercept. Made four clearances. 

Parag Shrivas - 7

Stuck close to Rochharzela. Was the creative force behind the opener, dribbling in the box and finding Siva free. Had 75 touches and completed 75% of his passes. 

Naorem Roshan Singh – 6

Placed himself very high up the pitch down the left and got into the opposition's 18-yard box. His once reliable crossing was a let-down. Glanced some long-rangers in the second half that troubled Mirshad. Put in six crosses. 

Suresh Singh Wangjam – 8

Was his regular bustling box-to-box self, spraying passes and intercepting danger. Good passing accuracy of 87% and had the most successful tackles (4). 

Rohit Kumar - 7

Covered the midfield spaces well. Completed 41 passes and was neat in possession. Maintained an 83% passing accuracy. 

Javi Hernandez - 7

Was marked effectively by Gaztanaga and failed to influence the game in the first half. Created five chances and was unlucky not to score. 

Sivasakthi Narayanan - 8

Broke the deadlock with a toe-poke that flew into the top corner. Closed the NorthEast defenders down rapidly. Had a one-on-one chance saved late in the first half after being found by Roy Krishna. 

Roy Krishna - 6

Barely had a sniff of the ball in the first half until he found Siva with an outside of the boot pass in the 42nd minute. His goal drought continues. 

Substitutes

Udanta Singh - 8

Made his 100th ISL appearance and marked the occasion with an inch-perfect cross to find Alan Costa for the winner. 

Sunil Chhetri - 7

His trademark diving header was saved spectacularly by Mirshad. Looked sprightly and effected the game positively.