Ratings: NorthEast United FC hand Mumbai City FC a shocking defeat

It was a collective performance by the Highlanders who were deserving winners against the Islanders.

NorthEast United shocks Mumbai City FC as they hand them a 2-1 defeat in the Hero Super Cup 2023. A brace from Wilmar Jordan Gil was enough to secure three points despite a late consolation goal from Apuia that gave some hope of a comeback to Mumbai City FC.

Des Buckingham was hardly impressed with the calls by the referee and alleged that two penalties should have been given to his side. Having said that, despite less possession of the ball, NEUFC players delivered a collective performance to get the win.

Here is a look at the player ratings from the Super Cup 2023 win of NorthEast United FC against Mumbai City:

NorthEast United FC

Mirshad Michu (GK) - 5.5

Mirshad Michu got a yellow card for his time-wasting antics. He commanded his box well and communicated with his defenders nicely to keep them organised.

Alex Saji - 7.0

The defender was exceptional in his duties and made a sensational run to initiate the attack, leading to the second goal for NEUFC.

Ali Kholmurodov - 7.0

The centre-back brought calmness and a no-nonsense attitude to NEUFC's defence. He made several key clearances to keep MCFC attackers at bay.

Joe Zoherliana - 6.5

The defender plays well alongside Kholmurodov and did not let figures like Vikram Singh dominate him. His duel with tall and physically adept Chikara was entertaining nonetheless.

Tondonba Singh - 6.5

The full-back was slightly reckless with his tackling and got a yellow card during the game. However, he was steadfast in his defensive duties and kept the pressure on MCFC wingers.

Joseba Beitia - 6.5

The midfielder was the creative force in the NEUFC midfield. He retained possession well and dribbled out of trouble exceptionally well on a few occasions.

Mohamed Irshad - 6.0 

Mohamed Irshad was impressive in his work rate and did his duty of providing cover to the defenders well. His pressing pushed MCFC defenders into making hasty decisions.

Gani Nigam - 7.0

Gaani Nigam was ambitious and it was a rebound from his shot that led to the second goal on the night for the Highlanders.

Jithin MS - 6.5

Jithin MS had a game of ups and downs. While his pace and movement caused the MCFC defenders trouble but his deliveries in the final third could have been better.

Emil Benny - 7.5

Emil Benny got a deserving place in the starting lineup and he was excellent tonight. His crossing caused plenty of problems for MCFC and the attacker gave the opposition defenders headaches with his movement.

Wilmar Jordan Gil - 9.0

Wilmar Jordan was the difference maker in the tie. The skipper scored from the penalty spot and then added a second from close range after reacting first to a rebound, finishing easily past a hapless goalkeeper.

Substitutions

Rochharzela - 5.5

The winger was sent in the second half to add more energy and drive on the flank but he was unable to leave his impact on the match, losing possession of the ball on a number of occasions.

Mashoor Shareef - 5.5

Did his defensive duties well to keep NEUFC ahead at full-time.

Pragyan Gogoi - N/A

Laldanmawia Ralte - N/A 

Mumbai City FC

Phurba Lachenpa (GK) - 4.0

The custodian could not do a lot to stop the penalty but his unimpressive parry gave the ball on a platter to Jordan which led to the second goal.

Rahul Bheke - 5.5

Rahul Bheke was solid in defence but his attacking threat was lukewarm as he failed to deliver pinpoint crosses to players in the box on a couple of occasions. 

Mehtab Singh - 6.5

Mehtab Singh was one of the better performers in the MCFC defensive unit. However, he could have done better to react to prevent the second goal and the handball for the first goal was unfortunate.

Vignesh Dakshinamurthy - 5.5

The full-back had an ordinary outing as Emil Benny gave him a lot of issues and his tackling was hardly accurate. Des Buckingham chose to bring on experienced Mandar Rao Dessai in the second half in place of Vignesh in a slight reshuffle at the back.

Hardik Bhatt - 6.5

Hardik Bhatt took his position in the defence and did a good job keeping Jithin MS in check. He also fought well to neutralise Rochharzela in the second half.

Vinit Rai - 6.0

The midfielder was clean with his passing and kept the ball moving from one wing to the other. Some of his switches were impressive but his playmaking was underwhelming, to say the least.

Apuia - 7.5

The playmaker contributed with a well-taken goal as he put the ball in the top left corner from the right side of the box. 

Rowllin Borges - 6.0

Rowllin Borges did well to recover ball possession but his deliveries from set-pieces were lacking the quality it usually has.

Lallianzuala Chhangte - 5.0

It was not a fruitful night for the golden ball winner of the ISL 2022-23 season. Scoring chances were less and the NEUFC defenders kept a close watch on him, making the winger ineffective.

Bipin Singh - 5.5

Similar to Chhangte, Bipin Singh was also underwhelming tonight against NEUFC. He was disappointed with his crosses and did not take enough shots on goal to trouble Michu.

Vikram Pratap Singh - 7.0

Vikram Singh was more effective when he shifted to the right wing and made more chances for the team. He almost won a penalty for his team late in the game but the referee did not award one. He got a yellow for protesting.

Substitutions

Mandar Rao Dessai - 6.0

Played as a left-sided centre-back to allow MCFC players to push forward. No notable contribution to the game.

Ayush Chhikara - 7.5

Ayush Chhikara caused plenty of problems after coming on from the bench and got close to scoring after his right-footed shot hit the crossbar.

Gurkirat Singh - 6.5

Gurkirat Singh took a few tame shots on goal and came away from the game with a yellow card.