Ratings: Collective Chennaiyin FC brilliance tears apart East Bengal

The Marina Machans registered a league double over the Red & Golds.

In a game that could have seen many goals, Chennaiyin FC pipped East Bengal 2-0 to end their eight-game winless run. Playing in front of their fans, the Marina Machans began the game on the front foot and kept pressure throughout. Consequently, East Bengal, despite having a few sporadic chances, succumbed to the pressure to concede twice. Rahim Ali was on the scoresheet for Chennaiyin while the other one was an own goal by Lalchungnunga.

Let us examine how the players of both teams performed in such an exhilarating game.

Chennaiyin FC (By M Sudharshan)

Samik Mitra - 7.0

Samik Mitra was solid in front of the goalpost, making one crucial save.

Ajith Kumar - 6.5

Ajith Kumar put in a few quality crosses from the right and made two clearances and tackles, respectively. The right-back was subbed off at half-time.

Fallou Diagne - 7.0

Hit the woodwork at the budding stages of the game. The centre-back made three clearances and three interceptions. 

Gurmukh Singh - 6.5

The centre-back had a decent game and made three clearances. He had a passing accuracy of 91 per cent.

Akash Sangwan - 6.5

As always created goal-scoring opportunities from the left flank by providing quality crosses. Akash Sangwan had 74 touches along with two clearances and one interception.

Julius Duker - 7.0

Had the most number of touches (86) and a passing accuracy of 93 per cent. Duker was involved in both attack and defence and made two crucial interceptions.

Anirudh Thapa - 7.5

Anirudh Thapa was omnipresent and covered the majority of the ground. Was instrumental in the opening goal, providing a crucial assist.

Edwin Vanspaul - 6.5

Had a good game in the Chennaiyin FC midfield making two interceptions. He was switched to the right-back position at the start of the second half. Provided an assist to Rahim Ali at the fag end of the second half.

Vincy Baretto - 7.0

Had a good game overall but lacked composure in the final third, failing to score from three shots on target. Nutmegged East Bengal goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh and left-back Jerry Lalrinzuala once each. Gave Jerry a tough time undoubtedly.

Kwame Karikari - 7.0

His pressure upon Lalchungnunga saw Chennaiyin FC take the lead early in the second half. Had two shots on target. Was subbed off in the 83rd minute.

Nasser El Khayati - 6.5

Was taken off in the 37th minute due to a hamstring injury but made his presence felt in the limited time spent on the pitch.

Substitutes

Jiteshwor Singh - 6.5

Jiteshwor was brought on at the end of the first half and the midfielder enjoyed a passing accuracy of 87 per cent during his stay.

Rahim Ali - 7.5

Scored the second goal for Chennaiyin FC in the 87th minute.

Vafa Hakhamaneshi - 6.5

Balanced the centre-back position along with Fallou Diagne. Was brought in post-half-time and made two clearances and one interception.

Narayan Das - N/A

Ninthoi Meetei - N/A

East Bengal (By Souvari Paul)

Kamaljit Singh - 6.5

Made three saves and three clearances throughout the game to prevent Chennaiyin FC from scoring many. Made a few wrong decisions while advancing, one of which could have cost the side a goal.  

Sarthak Golui - 7.5

Created one chance and whipped in two crosses. Had 51 touches, many of which were crucial. Played quite well in defence by making four clearances and two tackles.

Lalchungnunga - 7.0

Had a bittersweet day at office. On one hand, made a significant number of defensive contributions, many of which were goal-saving. Conceded a supposed own goal. 

Charalambos Kyriakou - 7.0

Had a good day in defence for East Bengal. Made many important defensive contributions throughout the game. Number of touches and passes were also high.

Jerry Lalrinzuala - 6

Was bulied by Vincy Barretto throughout. However, had the highest number of passes and touches for his side. Made five significant defensive contributions. 

VP Suhair - 5.5

Missed a glorious chance in the first half. Whipped in three crosses. Looked quite lively at moments but was not good throughout.

Mobashir Rahman  - 5.0

Had 59 touches but wasn’t much visible in the game. No other contribution other than glancing one shot.

Jordan O’Doherty - 4.5

Looked poor in the game. Gave away the ball cheaply once, which could have cost East Bengal a goal. Wasn’t effective in any significant manner.

Naorem Mahesh Singh - 8.0

Created five chances for his side, two of which should have been converted into goals. Looked threatening whenever got hold of the ball. Displayed a phenomenal dummy to create a move.

Cleiton Silva - 6.0

Looked lively and took a whole lot of workload. But wasn’t able to contribute in any significant manner other than whipping in two crosses. 

Jake Jervis - 5.5

Took three shots, only one of which was on target. Many of these shots were clear chances which should have been scored. Needs to show more composure in the final third.

Substitutes 

Sumeet Passi - 4.0

Played for around 15 minutes. Took a shot, which was blocked. No other contribution.

Mohamad Rakip - N/A