Ratings: Mahesh shines as East Bengal spoil Mumbai City's Shield party

The Islanders were given a guard of honour before the match by the Red & Golds' players and coach.

Mumbai City suffered their second straight loss heading into the playoffs of the ongoing season of the Indian Super League (ISL 2022-23) as East Bengal defeated the Islanders 1-0 at the Mumbai Football Arena on Sunday. Head coach Des Buckingham fielded a new-look side, giving playing time to quite a few young prospects from the setup.

However, a dominant strike by East Bengal forward Naorem Mahesh Singh in the 52nd minute ensured that Stephen Constantine walked away with a positive result from a venue where he has had quite a few memorable outings whilst at the helm of the Indian national team previously as well.

Here are the player ratings for both teams from this game:

Mumbai City FC (By Tarkesh Jha)

Phurba Lachenpa – 5.5

The goalkeeper made multiple solid saves but was left hapless against Naorem Mahesh Singh’s clinical strike in the 52nd minute.

Hardik Bhatt – 6

Hardik attempted six tackles, made three clearances and two blocks, and even crossed thrice, but should have positioned himself better in the move leading up to Mahesh’s goal.

Halen Nongtdu – 5

Halen maintained a 94 per cent passing accuracy but failed to make any notable defensive contribution and was culpable for the mess up that culminated in the East Bengal goal.

Mourtada Fall – 5.5

With two tackles and six clearances, the skipper put in all the requisite efforts to keep the East Bengal frontline at bay for the majority of the game.

Vignesh Dakshinamurthy – 6

The left-back demonstrated some incredible footwork in addition to attempting four tackles and making four interceptions to round off a convincing performance altogether.

Rowllin Borges – 5.5

Borges did a fine job shielding the backline. He made a couple of tackles and clearances each, but would have wanted to do better from the numerous set-pieces that he was in charge of during the course of the game.

Alberto Noguera – 6

Noguera was the enforcer, often drilling the ball forward with his incredible zeal and enthusiasm. He tackled twice and created three goal-scoring opportunities.

Ahmed Jahouh – 5.5

Jahouh made four tackles along with a couple of clearances and interceptions each, but could not attain a stronghold over the proceedings like he usually does.

Lallianzuala Chhangte – 5.5

Chhangte had a couple of clear-cut goal-scoring chances in the first-half and he took two shots on target as well. Like for the rest of the side, the finishing touch was missing from his end as well.

Bipin Singh – 6.5

Bipin was a constant thorn in the East Bengal backline particularly in the opening essay of the game. He took one shot on target and made three testing crosses – none of which could be converted into a goal by his other teammates.

Ayush Chikkhara – 5

It was a testing day on the field for the youngster as Chikkhara could not register a single shot on target and completed a total of seven passes in the 45 minutes that he spent on the field.

Substitutes

Gurkirat Singh – 5

Gurkirat didn’t have much quality service coming his way and neither did he really initiate any moves that could help Mumbai City secure the equaliser.

Asif Khan – 5

It was a good outing for the academy product but Asif couldn’t really make any assertive impact in the 17 odd minutes he got on the field.

Gyamur Nikum – N/A

PC Rohlupuia – N/A

Gursimirat Gill – N/A

East Bengal (By Sathvik Bharadwaj)

Kamaljit Singh - 8

Was tested with long rangers, punched well. Saved all the five shots attempted towards him.

Sarthak Golui - 7

Long throws were a threat. Cleared Borges’ effort off the post. Put in six crosses. 

Lalchungnunga - 8.5

Good awareness and positioning from open-play and set-pieces. Cleared a goal-bound Chhangte shot off the line.

Charalambos Kyriakou - 8

Solid presence at the back with seven clearances. Put his body on the line with a late block. Held the defensive line well. 

Jerry Lalrinzuala - 8

Was booked for a two-footed tackle on Chhangte. Enjoyed an engaging battle with the winger. 

VP Suhair - 8

Occupied the spaces in behind Vignesh. Food service from out wide (right). Failed to score a genuine goal as Lachenpa’s double save came to Mumbai City's rescure, although the second attempt from Suhair should have been stronger.

Alex Lima - 7

Alert to loose balls in midfield to intercept. Completed the most passes (59) with 82% accuracy.

Mobashir Rahman - 6.5

Lost out to Jahouh on many occasions, was choked for space. More involved with the link-up in the second half. 

Naorem Mahesh Singh - 8

Was a livewire down the left with brisk sprints. Blasted in a fine finish to score the solitary East Bengal goal and almost added in a second. 

Jake Jervis - 7.5

Blazed an early chance over the woodwork. Clever with his cut-backs and crosses.

Cleiton Silva - 7.5

Linked well with Jervis. Assisted Mahesh's goal. Came off for Haokip.

Substitutes

Sumeet Passi - N/A

Semboi Haokip - N/A