Ranking the top five performers from ISL 2022-23 Gameweek 21

Only one Indian player featured in this list.

The penultimate gameweek of the ISL 2022-23 delivered the drama it promised. Chennaiyin dented FC Goa’s hopes of making it to the playoffs, beating the Gaurs 2-1 in their own backyard. Odisha FC beat NorthEast United 3-1, Jamshedpur edged Hyderabad 3-2, ATK Mohun Bagan beat Kerala Blasters 2-1 and East Bengal upset Mumbai City 1-0.

Five teams, namely Mumbai City, Hyderabad FC, ATK Mohun Bagan, Bengaluru FC, and Kerala Blasters have now qualified for the playoffs. The remaining spot will be a battle between Odisha FC and FC Goa, with the Juggernauts having a three-point advantage.

Mumbai City and Hyderabad have qualified for the semi-finals directly, and the teams that finish third and fourth have the home advantage for the eliminators.

Here are the top five performers from ISL 2022-23 Gameweek 21.

5. Naorem Mahesh Singh (East Bengal)

Mahesh’s solitary goal helped East Bengal to a 1-0 victory against Shield winners Mumbai City in the Mumbai Football Arena. An unmarked Mahesh powered in a left-footed shot past Phurba Lachenpa to seal the win.

4. Saul Crespo (Odisha FC)

Saul Crespo dominated the midfield against NorthEast United, providing two assists from two chances created and posting the most touches and passes with 84 and 65, respectively. He also made four clearances and three successful interceptions in the outing.

3. Bartholomew Ogbeche (Hyderabad FC)

Despite ending up on the losing side, Bartholomew Ogbeche did not give up, scoring a goal in either half to ensure a nervy finish to the encounter. He opened the scoring from Rohit Danu’s corner and scored the second off a cross with his left foot. Big Bart now has 10 goals to his name and will eye the Golden Boot once again.

2. Carl McHugh (ATK Mohun Bagan)

McHugh’s brace was crucial in snapping ATK Mohun Bagan’s five-match winless streak. The midfielder equalized in the 24th minute, scoring off a brave header from a Dimitri Petratos free-kick. He tilted the game the Mariners’ way with a pile-driver from distance and helped ATMKB achieve playoffs qualification.

1. Kwame Karikari (Chennaiyin FC)

Back from injury, Kwame Karikari put up a clinical display against an in-form FC Goa, and scored both his goals from two shots on target. He opened the scoring by capping off a flowing Chennaiyin attack and provided the perfect finishing touch. He converted a penalty late in the second half to seal full points for Chennaiyin.