Ranking the top five performers from ISL 2022-23 Gameweek 19

This week saw an all-foreigners list.

A staggered ISL 2022-23 Gameweek 19 saw some impressive displays from foreign players. Only Hyderabad FC managed a clean sheet as all defences were tested. Despite Sahil Panwar being sent off in the 66th minute, Odisha held firm defensively to curtail the free-scoring FC Goa to a 1-1 draw.

Kerala Blasters defeated Chennaiyin 2-1, with goals from Adrian Luna and Rahul KP. East Bengal and NorthEast United played out an entertaining 3-3 draw. Hyderabad FC secured second on the table and a direct semi-finals berth with Bart Ogbeche’s late goal and Bengaluru FC snapped Mumbai City’s 18-match unbeaten run to prevail 2-1.

Shield winners Mumbai City and Hyderabad FC are through to the semi-finals. Kerala Blasters are third, and seven wins in a row puts Bengaluru FC in fourth. ATK Mohun Bagan have slipped to fifth, and they play Kerala next. Goa are sixth, level on points with Odisha but sit higher due to their superior goal difference.

Here are the top five performers from GW 19.

5. Aleksandar Jovanovic (Bengaluru FC)

After missing out on contributing to BFC’s win-streak through injury, Jovanovic was handed a start after Alan Costa flew home and Parag Shrivas was suspended. The Australian slotted in comfortably in the back five. He passed with accuracy, made three successful tackles and clearances, and also contributed to the second goal with a winding run and the assist.

4. Carlos Delgado (Odisha FC)

With every point crucial for Odisha’s playoffs hopes, the Juggernauts were staring down the barrel after Noah Sadaoui’s second-minute goal. Diego Mauricio equalized before half-time, but Sahil Panwar’s sending off gave Goa the impetus to attack. Up stepped Carlos Delgado in defence, putting up a solid display with seven tackles and six clearances, helping Odisha bag a valuable point.

3. Bartholomew Ogbeche (Hyderabad FC)

Ogbeche is the man for Hyderabad FC’s big moments. Embroiled in a deadlock against ATK Mohun Bagan till the dying minutes, the Nizams’ captain scored the winner from range to seal a semi-final berth for his team after being on the pitch for just 11 minutes.

2. Adrian Luna (Kerala Blasters)

Luna was key in Kerala’s win over Chennaiyin, scoring the equalizer with a stunning strike in the top right corner. The Uruguayan also set up Rahul KP for the winner with a cross.

1. Cleiton Silva (East Bengal)

Cleiton soared to the top of the ISL 2022-23 goalscoring charts with a brace against NorthEast United. The in-form Brazilian now has 12 goals this season. The first goal was a glancing header from Jerry’s cross, and he won a penalty after drawing a foul from Alex Saji. Cleiton sent Arindam the wrong way from the spot and helped East Bengal snatch the lead.