Ratings: Jorge Diaz shines as Mumbai City conquer NorthEast United

It was an game full of end-to-end action.

It hasn’t been an ideal start to the tenth edition of the Indian top flight for NorthEast United as they were handed a 1-2 defeat by the defending league shield winner Mumbai City FC here in Guwahati.

The Highlanders put up a very strong fight against one of the strongest teams in the league. Mumbai opened the scoring through Jorge Pereyra Diaz before NorthEast equalised via Parthib’s screamer. The Islanders however, pounced back six minutes and Diaz netted his second goal of the evening.

On that note, let us take a look at how the players performed.

NorthEast United FC (By Yash Pratap Singh)

Mirshad Michu - 6.5

Mirshad did not have an ideal outing. He conceded two goals and looked clueless. The keeper did pull off a fine save but made a horrific blunder by coming out of the box and almost handing Mumbai another chance to score.

Dinesh Singh - 7.5

Dinesh had a pretty good outing. He kept a check on Bipin and did not allow him many opportunities to create chances. The right-back made overlapping runs and even tracked back in time to defend.

Asheer Akhtar - 7.0

Asheer put in a decent shift at the back tonight. He was solid on most occasions and made some really important clearances and blocks. Him and Yaser are a duo who will only get better with time.

Yaser Hamed - 7.5

It took some time for the Palestine international to settle in. He had a nervous first half, but was very solid in the second half. He made important last ditch clearances and came to his team’s rescue.

Tondonba Singh - 7.0

He had a decent game. Tondonba made overlapping runs, and also contributed in attack. He was decent at the back, but his last ditch tackle late in the game denied Mumbai City FC a third goal.

Mohammad Ali Bemammer - 7.0

He was responsible for doing the dirty work in the middle. Ali miscued a couple of clearances, but was quick enough to track back and make up for his mistake. He took an unnecessary yellow card in the first half.

Nestor Albiach - 7.5

The Spaniard tried a few shots from outside the box but couldn't place them on target. He was always involved in the thick of things for the Highlanders and had a decent outing tonight.

Romain Philippoteaux - 7.5

The skipper dropped a good performance. He created a few chances and everything for the Highlanders came through him. He also displayed a few skills and entertained the fans. 

Phalguni Singh - 7

He was NorthEast United’s lively flare in the middle of the park. Phalguni played with his heart on his sleeves and created a few chances for his side. The midfielder dropped in a very good performance despite losing his father earlier today.

Parthib Gogoi - 8.0

Parthib was the ebay player for his side. He scored a spectacular goal in the first half and kept on pushing for a second. He troubled the Mumbai City FC players with his pace, trickery and technique.

Manvir Singh - 7.0

The young forward led the line for the Highlanders and did a pretty good job. He ran his socks off and ran for every ball. He also had a flicked header on target which was collected by the keeper.

Substitutes

Ibson Melo - 6.5

The Brazilian replaced Manvir up front in the second half. He dropped in deep and won the ball for his side and initiated attacks. 

Pragyan Gogoi - 6.5

He came on in the second half and replaced Romain in the middle. He had a quiet game and did not have much role to play.

Redeem Tlang - 6.5

Tlang came on in the second half to make his second debut for NorthEast United in the ISL. He needs to work on himself. He was poor with his first touch, but did create a chance late in the game.

Mumbai City FC (By Atawaris Warsi)

Mohammad Nawaz - 6

Nawaz received a couple of shots from the left flank of NorthEast United. He had a really good game. Made some decent saves, especially in the second half. There was nothing he could do about Parthib Gogoi’s goal.

Rahul Bheke - 7

The Islanders' captain had a pretty good game. He connected well with Apuia and Chhangte and also displayed some excellent defensive skills. The Mumbai skipper was disturbed by the Highlanders' talisman, Parthib Gogoi.

Rostyn Griffiths: 7.5/10

The Australian was rock solid in defence, partnering well with Mehtab Singh and Rahul Bheke. He also intercepted numerous passes from the Highlanders' frontline.

Mehtab Singh - 7

Mehtab played some excellent balls ahead for the Islanders. He was quite busy in the second half, defending a plethora of shots by the NorthEast United attackers. He also provided the assist to Jorge Pereyra Diaz for the second goal. Substituted for Vinit Rai in the 87th minute.

Akash Mishra - 7

He connected well with Bipin Singh and Greg Stewart. Brilliantly protected his side of the pitch. However, he received a yellow card in the 28th minute.

Lalengmawia Ralte - 8.5

Apuia played a significant role in the Islanders' midfield, being active in creating chances in the first half and displaying excellent physicality and interceptions in the second. He was also involved in the Islanders' first goal.

Yoell van Nieff - 8.5

Van Nieff showed composure throughout the match and was a driving force for Mumbai City FC in the midfield. He was substituted for Tiri in the 68th minute. Also received a yellow card in the injury time of the first half.

Greg Stewart - 8

One of the best players on the pitch for Mumbai City FC, Stewart played a key role in both of Mumbai's goals. However, his misplaced pass led to NorthEast's goal. The Scotsman also received a yellow card in the 86th minute.

Bipin Singh - 9

His blistering pace was a threat to the Highlanders. Bipin was substituted in the 68th minute for Vikram Partap Singh.

Jorge Pereyra Diaz - 9.5

Diaz was a sniper in the final third for the Islanders. He scored a brace in the first half, leading Mumbai to a victory and earning the title of the best player on the pitch. He was substituted for El Khayati.

Lallianzuala Chhangte - 9

A key figure in the Mumbai City FC frontline, Chhangte was a menace for NorthEast throughout the game. His involvement in both of the Islanders' goals proved vital.

Substitutes

Vikram Partap Singh - 7.5

He took on a couple of shots in the second half. Challenged Michu on numerous occasions.

Tiri - 7

Tiri's substitution allowed Rostyn Griffiths to move forward and get more involved with the ball. A decent performance after the substitution.

Vinit Rai - N/A

El Khayati - 6.5

The Dutchman intercepted numerous Highlanders' attacks and was involved in various attacking plays for his team.