Ratings: Melo, Zabaco's late heroics hand NorthEast United full points

Melo's extra time penalty acted as the decider

Indian Super League (ISL) matches never disappoints. In match-week 5, where Jamshedpur FC locked horns against the Highlanders, Chima Chukwu scored from the spot kick in the first half to put the Red Miners ahead. JFC made an effort to play decently the entire game, but they were unable to pull off a victory as NorthEast United FC scored two goals in extra time to mount a strong comeback, thanks to Zabaco and Ibson Melo.

In a thrilling and tension-filled match held in Guwahati, Jamshedpur FC appeared to be in control for a solid 90 minutes. However, it was NorthEast United's standout player, Melo, who seized the spotlight with a last-minute goal, turning the game on its head and leaving fans on the edge of their seats.

Here are the player ratings for the game.

NorthEast United FC (By Keshava Verma)

Mirshad Michu - 7

Wasn’t quite tested by Jamshedpur’s forwards, and was clean with his clearances and ball collections. Mrishad however conceded the penalty in the first half, with a poorly timed dive. 

Dinesh Singh - 6.5

Had a disappointing game, and lacked the sharpness that he usually possesses. His passing lacked accuracy, and his long balls lacked vision. 

Michel Zabaco - 8.5

Was solid at the back yet again, and gave no room to Jamshedpur’s frontline. Was constantly at the back of Stevanovic, and allowed him no time on the ball whatsoever. Scored an all important equalizer for Northeast late into stoppage time. 

Asheer Akhtar - 8

Was reliable in the back, and guarded Chukwu throughout the game. Played some half decent balls in the wings as well.

Tondonba Singh - 6.5

Despite doing well defensively, Tondonba lacked quality going forward, and couldn’t play decent crosses into the box when presented with the opportunity. 

Mohammed Ali Bemammer - 8.5

Was the heart and soul of Northeast’s midfield, and was heavily involved in all of Northeast’s moves. Made a number of quality interceptions as well, and was yet again impressive for the Highlanders. Provided the cross for Northeast’s late equaliuzer

Romain Phillipoteaux - 7.5

Had an average game, and couldn’t break past Jamshepdur’s rigid backline. Looked promising at times with his forward runs, but couldn’t produce any real opportunity for the home team. Won a penalty in th dying stages of the game, that ultimately gave Northeast the lead.

Gani Nigam - 8

Was pretty lively in the midfield, and tons of forward passes in the path of the attackers. His off the ball movement was also great, and ensured a fluid play for Northeast.

Parthib Gogoi - 6.5

Had a quite underwhelming night as he couldn’t create the impact that he is so well known for. Made several runs, but lacked the quality to find the players in the box, and when presented with a chance in front of the goal, Parthib couldn’t find the back of the net. 

Jihthin MS - 7.5

Was amongst the brightest spark in Northeast’s attack tonight, and made several impressive runs down the flanks. His passing was also sharp, and constantly on the hunt for the attackers in space.

Ibson Melo - 7

Wasn’t very involved in the game and only had 28 touches of the ball. Made no real threat to Jamshedpur’s goal, and couldn’t even help in the buildup. Redeemed himself perfectly by providing the ball that led to Northeast being awarded a penalty, and then converting the penalty to make it 2-1.

Substitutions

Konsam Phalguni Singh - 7

Phalguni came on in the 70th minute, and facilitated some decent attacking play for Northeast. 

Hira Mondol - 6.5

Created a few chances late into the game

Redeem Talang - 7

Operated from the right flanks, and contributed in Northeast’s late turnaround.

Jamshedpur FC (By: Analoy Majumder)

TP Rehenesh: 6.5

Against North East, TP Rehenesh gave a consistent effort under the post. Rehenesh made a couple of good saves but conceded two goals in the added time which resulted in another defeat for the Red Miners.

Dinpuia: 7.0

Dinpuia played well defensively tonight, won many duels against NEUFC strikers and made a couple key tackles in the final third.

Pratik Chaudhari: 7.0

Pratik Chaudhuri gave good defensive support to EL Sinho and Dinpuia and made some important blockings in the final third and denied the NEUFC strikers from scoring.

EL Sinho: 8.0

EL Sinho was the main defender for Jamshedpur FC today with 3 ground duels and 20 successful passes. Made some excellent tackles in front of goal. Won many duels against the attackers, and his tackles and interceptions were well timed.

Ricky Lallawmawma: 7.0

Ricky played a strong offensive and defensive game. The Mizo tried to assemble a potent striker-midfielder combination by adding more ingenuity in the midfield.

Provat Lakra: 7.0

Provat Lakra’s heat map against NEUFC was quite impressive as he completed few successful passes and attained a total of few important blocking and tackles. Won many ground duels against Phalguni and other NEUFC players.

Nongdamba: 6.5

Nongdamba was active in the sides today, made some good runs through the midfield and paired well with his teammates. Taken off after half time.

Rei Tachikawa: 7.0

Today, Rei produced scoring chances for the Red Miners in the offensive third, but he was unable to capitalize on them. The playmaker won four ground battles in the midfield and was a constant threat in the attacking section.

Alen Stevanovic: 8.0

Delivered good midfield command and earned a penalty for the Red Miners and also created many goal scoring chances. The midfielder won duels and regained possession resulting in a number of strong tackles and a couple critical interceptions.

Nikhil Barla: 6.5

Fulfilled the role of a team player quite well tonight. Made some important interceptions and did not allow much space to the North East United FC’s attackers.

Daniel Chima Chukwu: 7.5

Chukwu scored the only goal for JFC tonight after Stevanovic earned a spot kick. Exhibited notable performance in the offensive zone and gave his squad crucial attacking support.

Substitutes

Len Doungel: 6.5

Only a few minutes before the stoppage time, Len replaced captain Stevanovic. He aided the club both offensively and defensively by bringing more activity to the right channel.

Ritwik: 6.5

Ritwik did a great job after coming on in the second half. He emerged victorious from a couple midfield skirmishes and gave Chukwu and Stevanovic valuable offensive assistance.