Ratings: Jithin, Carlos shine as NorthEast United, FC Goa split points

NorthEast United stunned FC Goa since the latter don’t concede much from open play.

Juan Pedro Benali’s NorthEast United FC ended the year on a positive note as they were able to take a point from their game against the title contenders FC Goa at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday night. FC Goa had a higher ball possession throughout the game but couldn’t get the much-needed winner.

Carlos Martinez gave the visitors an early lead in the 20th minute after his head from within the six-yard box went past the Highlanders’ goalkeeper. The host’s Indian forward Jithin MS got the equalizer soon after in the 26th minute. The score at half-time was NorthEast United FC 1-1 FC Goa, which remained the scoreline till the final whistle of the game.

Let’s have a look at the player ratings for the last game of the ISL 2023-24 season’s first leg.

NorthEast United (By Dipro Mukherjee)

Mirshad Michu – 5

The goalie surely made two saves in the game while conceding one in the 20th minute, but was completely out of rhythm when it came to long balls.

Dinesh Singh – 6.5

The Indian defender was firm on the right flank. He made three clearances throughout the game and blocked a shot too!

Asheer Akhtar – 7

He was one of the key defenders for the Highlanders tonight and was very clinical with his clearances and interceptions. He also blocked two shots.

Michel Zabaco – N/A

The defender was subbed off early in the game due to an injury in the 16th minute.

Buanthanglun Samte – 6

The left-back had a good heat map on the left flank though he didn’t have much involvement in the backline. He made three clearances during the game.

Macarton Louis Nickson – 4.5

The NorthEast United midfielder was completely out of rhythm tonight. He committed two fouls during the game.

Mohammed Ali Bemammer – 6

The Moroccan midfielder was quite effective in terms of holding the midfield. Won all of his five aerial duels.

Gani Nigam – 4.5

The player was shown a yellow card in the 38th minute after he committed a foul on Noah Sadaoui.

Romain Phiippoteaux – 5

The skipper was rarely seen in any action today and was finally subbed off in the 80th minute.

Parthib Gogoi – 7

The top-scorer for Highlanders this season, Parthib was seen penetrating the visitors’ backline. He even tested Arshdeep’s reflexes early into the game.

Jithin MS – 7.5

The Indian foward was the star player for NorthEast United tonight. He got the much-needed equalizer for the hosts in the 26th minute of the game.

Substitutes

Yaser Hamed – 5.5

Subbed in early to replace Zabaco. Did register four clearances during the game.

Phalguni Singh – 5.5

Phalguni was subbed on in the 64th minute. He was good with the ground duels but couldn’t have a lasting impact on the game.

Huidrom Thoi Singh – N/A

Bekey Oram – N/A

Manvir Singh – N/A

FC Goa (By Sonal Fernandes)

Arshdeep Singh – 6

Could not have done much about NorthEast United’s goal but did not have much more to do apart from that on a night where his side controlled possession.

Seriton Fernandes – 6

Could fault him for NorthEast’s first goal. A rare defensive mistake by the reliable full-back.

Odei Onaindia – 7

Could have done better about NorthEast’s goal but overall another good night for the defender.

Sandesh Jhingan – 7

Won 75% of his aerial duels and chipped in eight accurate long balls out of 11 attempted. Another solid night for the India international.

Jay Gupta – 7

Another impressive night for the left-back. Kept the backline tight along with Jhingan, Odei and Seriton.

Carl McHugh – 7

A good night for the midfielder in a competitive performance where he won eight of his 13 aerial duels.

Raynier Fernandes – 7

Constantly made runs up and down to help in attack and cover his defence. A good performance from the midfielder.

Udanta Singh – 7

An impactful night from the winger. Provided constant width.

Brandon Fernandes – 7

The tactic of moving Brandon into the left-wing area helped Noah Sadaoui take up a more advanced and central position.

Noah Sadaoui – 8

He is in such good form at the moment that it’s making the game of the players around him better. His brilliant cross helped Carlos Martinez bag another goal to his tally.

Carlos Martinez – 7

A much-needed goal from open play for the striker. Will surely inspire him in the upcoming Super Cup fixtures

Substitues

Boris Singh – 6

Like-for-like change for Udanta. Provided fresh legs and width.

Paulo Retre – 6

Came on in the final 15-20 minutes and provided his midfield with some much-needed competitiveness.

Muhammed Nemil – 7

An impressive 12 minutes for the winger as he completed all four of his attempted dribbles.

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