Ratings: Vincy Barretto shines in Chennaiyin FC's draw with East Bengal

An own goal from Ayush Adhikari handed East Bengal a lead in the first half.

After a brief hiatus, the Indian Super League (ISL) resumed with a match held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai. The highly anticipated encounter featured Chennaiyin FC and East Bengal. 

With both teams in search of a crucial victory, the match commenced amidst a substantial crowd supporting the home team. In the 29th minute of play, an unfortunate own goal by Ayush Adhikari granted East Bengal the essential advantage in the game.

The match remained in East Bengal’s favor until Ninthoinganba Meetei scored the equalizer in the 86th minute of play, which ultimately resulted in a draw. 

Chennaiyin FC (By Gourav Samal)

Debjit Majumdar – 7

Debjit made several impressive saves during the match, however, there were instances where he appeared less precise and failed to maintain proper attention on the ball.

Ryan Edwards – 6.5

Ryan was cautioned with a yellow card during the match, yet he exhibited remarkable defensive prowess in thwarting the relentless attacks launched by East Bengal. But he received another yellow in the 90+6 minutes of play and was sent off the field.

Bikash Yumnam – 6.5

Bikash performed admirably in the defensive position, particularly during the first half of the match when East Bengal displayed a more aggressive approach in their attacking strategies.

Ankit Mukherjee – 7

Ankit frequently relinquished possession during his attempts at passing the ball, yet he effectively governed the left wing of Chennaiyin FC, showcasing his exceptional abilities.

Ajith Kumar – 6

Ajith struggled with his passing abilities and committed several mistakes during the initial half of the game. As a result, he was substituted by Sachu Siby in the second half.

Rafael Crivellaro – 7

Crivellaro displayed a commendable performance, exuding confidence as he navigated towards the defensive line and exhibited remarkable efficiency in managing the match’s demands. He also assisted Ninthoinganba in scoring the equalizer.

Ayush Adhikari – 6.5

Although Ayush’s own goal initially gave East Bengal the lead in the game, it must be acknowledged that, apart from this unfortunate mistake, his performance on the field was exceptional.

Christian Battocchio – 6.5

Battocchio performed admirably throughout the match, although he struggled to showcase his full potential in the first half. However, he managed to elevate his performance significantly in the second half.

Jordan Murray – 6

Jordan squandered a straightforward opportunity to secure the opening goal in the 14th minute of the match. Moreover, he was substituted at the commencement of the second half of the game.

Farukh Choudhary – 7

Farukh’s performance on the field was highly commendable. He displayed great determination to create opportunities for the team, particularly during the latter half of the game.

Vincy Barretto – 7.5

Barretto emerged as the standout player during the latter half of the game. Continuously, he endeavored to generate opportunities for the team through his exceptional delivery of crosses.

Substitutes 

Irfan Yadwad – 6

Irfan failed to capitalize on two prime opportunities to score a goal, where a mere touch separated him from finding the back of the net.

Lazar Cirkovic – 6.5

Lazar entered the field at the beginning of the second half and vigorously contributed to the team’s attacking efforts with his well-rested legs throughout the game. 

Ninthoinganba Meetei – 7.5

Ninthoinganba substituted Farukh in the 59th minute of the game. He successfully netted the tying goal during the 86th minute of play.

Jiteshwor Singh – 6

Jiteshwor was substituted for Ayush in the midst of the game, but unfortunately, he was unable to maintain the strategic framework established by Ayush during his time on the field. 

Sachu Siby – 5

Sachu was substituted for Ajith Kumar in the 67th minute of the match. While Sachu was on the field, East Bengal had fewer offensive opportunities compared to Chennaiyin FC, resulting in less evaluation of his performance.

East Bengal FC (by Uttiyo Sarkar)

Prabhsukhan Gill – 6.5

Prabhsukhan was calm and composed in his goal and read the moves perfectly to make clutch saves. He came up with a few impressive stops to deny the hosts, but unable to stop Ninthoi’s attempt from going in.

Harmanjot Khabra – 5.5

Khabra was given a lot of trouble by Vincy and struggle to really stop his quick movement down the left. Won a few key duels, but too aggressive at times and had little attacking threat.

Lalchungnunga – 6.5

Lalchungnunga surveyed the threat impressively to maintain a compact defensive line. Made a few crucial clearances and didn’t allow the Chennaiyin players much space in the box.  

Hijazi Maher – 7.0

Maher held together a solid defensive line for his side and brought more assurances to his backline. Won quite a few key duels and popped up with impressive blocks to frustrate the opponents. Came close to scoring but saw his set-piece headers go wide.

Pardo – 4.5

Pardo played at the heart of a back-three and marshalled his teammates well, making four clearances. But then undid his good work by sloppily giving the ball away in his half and sparking the move leading to the equalizer.  

Mandar Rao Dessai – 7.0

Mandar did a great job in restricting Chennaiyin’s movement from down his side and made two tackles, three interceptions and two clearances. Moved things forward nicely too and saw one shot thwarted in the second half.

Sauvik Chakrabarti – 7.5

Sauvik was a really hard-working figure in the midfield and covered a lot of ground to stop Chennaiyin FC throughout the match. He made four tackles and won six duels to stop Chennaiyin’s flow through the central areas.

Saul Crespo – 6.5

A proactive figure in midfield, winning the ball back a number of times and moving things along smoothly. Played a nice flick to send Vishnu forward for the own goal.

Naorem Mahesh Singh – 7.0

Mahesh was a menacing figure in the wings and caused a lot of trouble with his impressive delivery. He created four scoring chances with his superb crosses but was unlucky not to get any assist.

PV Vishnu – 7.0

Vishnu justified his start over Nandha and was troublesome with his runs down the left. Made a great run into the box before his pass was diverted onto the goal for the opener and had a goalbound shot blocked early on too.

Cleiton Silva – 5.5

Cleiton looked quite content with trying to build up chances for his teammates than scoring. He won a few key duels, but couldn’t trouble the goalkeeper at all.

Substitutes

Nandhakumar Sekar – 5.0

Nandha wasn’t really able to create anything major or test the goalkeeper in the last 30 minutes or so.

Ajay Chhetri – 5.5

Chhetri was disciplined in midfield but wasn’t really able to influence anything major in either half.

Javier Siverio – 5.0

Siverio failed to really amplify East Bengal’s attacking threat or be involved in any major chance.

Mohammad Rakip – N/R

Rakip was quite proactive at the right side and tried hard to restrict Chennaiyin’s movement down that side. 

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