Ratings: Defence silver-lining in Mumbai City's draw against Al Jazira

The Islanders are now third in Group B of the AFC Champions League.

Mumbai City ended their clash with Al Jazira in a 0-0 stalemate in the AFC Champions League on Monday. Des Buckingham's side looked to be more compact while defending, but still conceded a few chances to the UAE side. The highlight of the first half was Phurba Lachenpa making an outstanding stretch to deny Bruno Oliveira a goal.

Despite that, Mumbai City could not generate clear-cut chances and tried to stir things up after half-time. Diego Mauricio, and Lallianzuala Chhangte both came close to getting a clear shot on goal, but were spurned by the likes of Ali Khasif and Khalifa Mubarak. The Islanders desperately tried to snatch a goal from set-pieces, but it was not to be for the Indian side as the match ended in a draw.

With that, let us take a look at Khel Now's ratings for the players in this match:

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Phurba Lachenpa - 7.5

Mumbai’s best player in defence as he made quite a few fingertip saves. His block from point-blank range denied Al Jazira their clearest chance on goal.

Rahul Bheke- 6.5

Almost looked like he never went out of the starting XI for his side as he was rampant down the right flank. Combined well with Lallianzuala Chhangte, as he made two interceptions, one tackle and went off for Mehtab in the 89th minute. 

Mourtada Fall - 7.0

The towering Senegalese marshaled the defence to the best of his capabilities, as he made four clearances and three interceptions. Also boasted an 84% passing accuracy as he was precise with his distribution. 

Mehtab Singh - 7.5

Mature decision-making from the centre-back saw him make some visually appealing and clean-tackles. Won all three of his aerial duels and also his only ground duel.

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Mandar Rao Dessai - 6.5

Commendable display from the vice-captain at left-back as he was vigilant down the left wing. Committed only two fouls and won his only aerial duel.  

Ahmed Jahouh - 7.0

Another commendable display in the middle of the park saw him get 109 touches on the ball. Though he played in a ball-winning role, he still managed a 74% passing accuracy that often relieved the pressure on Mumbai City, as they were building-up play or defending offensive moves. Also made two key passes. 

Vinit Rai - 6.0

Looked a little off-pace and unlike his usual self. Not very comfortable while playing out from the back, as he gave the ball straight to Ali Mabkhout on one occasion, but the player's layoff to striker Bruno was luckily off-target. Came off for Brad Inman in the 62nd minute to add more firepower to Mumbai’s attack.

Lallianzuala Chhangte - 6.5

Looked more effective in attack, as he held up more of the ball and executed a few masterful turns while dribbling. Substituted for Raynier Fernandes in the 88th minute.

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Lalengmawia - 6.5

Despite a stalemate, Apuia was bright in the middle of the pitch, as he played more of a box-to-box role than that of an attacking midfielder.

He was the most fouled among the Mumbai City players due to his close control, as he was brought down four times. Ended the game with an 84% passing accuracy and won six out of seven ground duels won.  

Bipin Singh - 6.5

Kept marauding up the left flank in search of an opportunity, but could not create or find any opening. Went off for Vikram Pratap Singh in the 62nd minute, with 23 touches on the ball and an 81% passing accuracy.  

Diego Mauricio- 6.5

Had two genuine chances to get Mumbai in front, but was not clinical enough. The Brazilian striker was more involved in the game with 34 touches, but had only got one clear shot on goal. 

Substitutes 

Brad Inman - 6.5

Fluid in attack as he played in his natural No. 8 role. Played only 27 minutes but made one key pass and completed 80% of his passes. 

Vikram Pratap Singh - 6.5

Played a little less than half an hour and only got on the ball 11 times.

Raynier Fernandes - N/A

The experienced Indian midfielder only got three touches on the ball.

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