Bengaluru FC vs NorthEast United FC Player Ratings: Ajaraie, Jithin shine as Gurpreet and Bheke disappoint | ISL 2024-25

Honours even between the Blues and the Highlanders in a highly-anticipated encounter.

Gerard Zaragoza’s Bengaluru FC came from behind to rescue a point against NorthEast United FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) during match week 8. The result saw Bengaluru end their clean sheet streak at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium and it was courtesy of the in-form Highlanders striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie. Goals from Alberto Noguera and Ryan Williams were enough to see Bengaluru earn an invaluable point on Friday.

NEUFC head coach Juan Pedro Benali will be proud of his men and their performance away from home. It helped them climb up to the 3rd spot in the ISL standings. While the draw helps Bengaluru keep the top spot, the Blues head coach Gerard Zaragoza will be looking for improvement in the upcoming games.

With that being said, here are the ratings of Indian players from the game.

Bengaluru FC (by Anuj T)

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu – 5

Another shaky performance and was indecisive during NEUFC’s second goal. Another night to forget for India’s undisputed No.1 goalkeeper.

Rahul Bheke – 5

A rare nervy performance from Bheke against NorthEast United. At fault for NEUFC’s second goal but improved in the second half.

Chinglensana Singh – 4.5

Picked up a booking in the 79th minute and didn’t adjust to a change in position. A below-par performance from Sana Singh.

Suresh Singh Wangjham – 5.5

Tireless running and covering work by Suresh against the Highlanders. Filled empty spaces and helped out his defenders all night. Made a sloppy pass in the build-up to NorthEast United’s first goal.

Siva Sakthi N – 5.5

Got substituted in the 46th minute but was lively in attack. However, failed to apply the finishing touches to BFC’s attacking moves.

Mohamed Salah – 6

Got booked early in the game and was a defensive liability. However, Salah produced a sumptuous pass across the 6-yard box for Ryan Williams to bring Bengaluru level. A good performance going forward but leaves room for growth defensively.

Naorem Roshan Singh – 5.5

Played out of position throughout the game. However, did his best to deal with in-form Ajaraie. Had a tough night overall but still put up a good fight defensively.

Substitutes:

Sunil Chhetri – 5.5

Came on for Siva Sakhti N in the 46th minute. While not able to provide the scoring touch, Chhetri was crucial in the build up play leading to BFC’s second goal.

L Fanai – 5

Replaced Salah in the 74th minute. Had a decent attempt at goal but had little to do as a substitute late in the game.

NorthEast United FC (by Parashar Kalita)

Jithin M.S. – 7

Fourth assist of the season for the star boy of Juan Pedro Benali. Zabaco’s long aerial ball bypassed the entire backline. Jithin put pressure on Gurpreet, who failed to clear the ball. It was him who assisted Alaaeddine Ajaraie, who netted it into the empty goal.

He ran down the right wing at a speed of 32.62 km/h in the first half. The question for Jithin M.S. now is: when will he score?

Gurmeet – 6.5

The custodian of the Highlanders conceded in the 10th minute of the match. Alberto Noguera’s powerful right-footed shot from outside the box beat him on his left side. He got a touch on it but could not make the save.

In the 28th minute, Gurmeet was lucky as Édgar Méndez’s shot hit the bar. A top-class save in the 54th minute denied Édgar Méndez with a tip-over. He also saved a low-grounded shot in the 61st minute.

Dinesh Singh – 6.5

The right-back faced a lot of attacks from his side. A mixed day for him. He assisted the first goal. He intercepted a ball and gave an aerial pass to Alaaeddine, who scored the opening goal.

However, his questionable clearance led to BFC’s first equalizer. Dinesh’s headed clearance found Alberto Noguera, who scored for BFC. In the 36th minute, his pressure on Rahul Bheke was crucial, as Bheke could not release a shot.

Asheer Akhtar – 6.5

The centre-back had a solid day. Although the team conceded two goals, the Indian defender made four tackles and six clearances in the game. He also participated in attacks. His header in the 26th minute went off-target, and his shot in the 58th minute was blocked.

Muthu Mayakkannan – 5.5

The defensive midfielder had an average day. With 60% passing accuracy, he made two tackles and one clearance.

Macarton Nickson – 6.5

After coming on as a substitute in two previous games, he made it into the starting eleven for the Highlanders. His first-half highlight was a weak shot in the 35th minute. He had the option to pass to the in-form Ajaraie. His shot in the 60th minute was blocked. He created three chances in the game.

Buanthanglun Samte – 6

The left-back failed to cover substitute Ryan Williams, who scored a tap-in in the 70th minute. In defence, Samte made six clearances, three tackles, and one interception.

Substitutions:

Phalguni Singh – 4

Failed to mark Mohamed Salah, and looked a bit lazy. Salah had assisted the second goal for BFC with a perfect cross.

Parthib Gogoi – NA

Played 19 minutes. Delivered one cross, which found no one and went for a goal kick. Not impactful at all.

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