Subrata Paul and Souvik Chakrabarti help Jamshedpur seal vital away win against ATK

The Bengal Tigers suffered a second successive home defeat as the Men of Steel continue to mount a late dash for the playoffs.

The defending champions ATK are having a really hard time coping with the expectations of millions and the quality of the Indian Super League this season. The Kolkata franchise went head-to-head with league newcomers Jamshedpur FC last night, a game they lost 1-0.

Although. a bit dull in attack, the game saw some brilliant defensive play with Indian and foreign players on both sides coming together to deliver a showdown. Let’s take a look at how the Indian players did last night.

ATK

Debjit Majumder- 6.5

Athough, he was in very good form last night, Majumder was once again forced to take the heat for the failing ATK defence. In his time on the pitch against Jamshedpur, the shot-stopper faced seven shots on goal, out of which he saved six. Majumder displayed phenomenal aerial skills as he made nine catches and denied the opposition many times in the game.

However, ATK were penalised with a penalty-kick in the second half as Hitesh Sharma’s rash challenge on Trindade Goncalves did not go unnoticed by the referee, which lead to Majumder conceding a goal in the process.

Debjit pulled off a remarkable save off Wellington's shot

Keegan Pereira- 6.0

The full-back had a busy time last night against the Jamshedpur vanguard. One of the highest touchers of the ball on the field, Pereira registered a 69% pass completion rate against the Men of Steel. However, his forward runs did not go so well as he only created a single chance in the entire match, which unfortunately was denied by the opposition goalkeeper.

But, he made five important blocks in the game along with four clearances, which gave his side the fighting chance late in the game.

Ashutosh Mehta- 5.5

One of the weakest links in the wide areas. Mehta registered a 47% pass completion rate, yet could not create a single chance for the attackers last night. He contributed two crosses and a free-kick to his side, which came out to be unsuccessful. However, his six clearances, two blocks and an interception displayed the better part of his performance, allowing ATK to survive till late in the evening.

Rupert Nongrum- 5.0

Tasked with distribution and breaking up play, Nongrum did average at best against the visitors last night. He registered 74% passing accuracy against Jamshedpur, which however did not stop the raging forwards from trying. The former Shillong Lajong player clearly lost the battle of wit and physicality and looked like he was troubled with fatigue as he was substituted by Ronald Singh in the second half.

Hitesh Sharma- 4.0

Although, an inexperienced young talent, but, the less said about Sharma the better. His inadequate mentality got the better of him against Jamshedpur as his foul on Golcalves forced the referee to award a penalty to the visitors.

While consistency has been an issue for the midfielder this season, keeping his calm has been more of a problem for his side as he was substituted on the 72nd minute by Bipin Singh. However, Sharma created a chance in the game but got unlucky as it lacked the end product which could have got his side a point.

Robin Singh- 4.0

Many wondered about Robin’s role in the Kolkata franchise after the draft but could not reach a conclusion. Singh was marked closely by the opposition defenders and could not use the gaps in the Jamshedpur defence, missing a sitter in the process. The 27-year-old created nothing short of a mess upfront, making three fouls instead of converting a single chance which was fed to him. Despite his performance, he was preferred on the pitch for the full duration of the match which left ATK virtually toothless in the game.

Jayesh Rane- 6.0

Although, it was a collectively disappointing result for the defending champions, Rane produced a relatively performance. The former Aizawl FC forward kept his feet on the ball for a minimal amount of time, not allowing the opposition to make interceptions yet made some daring runs into the opposition’s half. He registered three crosses, created a chance and shot once on target, all of which were neutralized in the process.

Substitutes

Bipin Singh- 5.5

Came on for Hitesh Sharma in the 72nd minute. Although, Bipin tried to contribute his side with his pace and passing accuracy, he was kept in check constantly which limited him in the game. Singh tried to link up with the forwards, but the game was already lost by the time he came on.

Ronald Singh- NA

Came on for Rupert Nongrum in the 83rd minute. Could not make any difference to the game except adding some freshness in the middle of the park.

Komal Thatal- NA

Came on for Jayesh Rane in the 90th minute. Did not make any impact in the match.

Also Read

Efficient Jamshedpur edge sorry ATK to continue late playoff charge

Westwood worried by injuries to key players, Coppell pleased to seize 'opportunity'

I-League GW 10 Preview: East Bengal host Minerva, Arrows in decisive week for title tilt

Jamshedpur FC

Subrata Paul - 7.5/10

The Spiderman had a special outing last night as the Jamshedpur custodian stood firm against many ATK attacks. He faced four shots, all of which were saved by the Tata Football Academy graduate. The veteran goalkeeper also made six catches, two clearances and a punch, all of which contributed massively in Jamshedpur keeping a clean sheet against the defending champions.

Watch: ATK Vs Jamshedpur FC highlights

Yumnam Raju- 7.0

The full-back had a spectacular time against ATK last night, where he was limited in going forward but gave more attention towards defending against the hosts’ wide players. Tasked with absolute defending, its safe to say Raju lived up to the hype as he registered two important blocks as well as two tackles and clearances against ATK.

Anas Edathodika- 7.0

One of the best centre-backs in the country at the moment, Edathodika was instrumental in Jamshedpur’s win. The former Delhi Dynamos and Mohun Bagan defender went toe-to-toe against the likes of Robin Singh, Martin Paterson and came out victorious in the end. A ball-playing defender, Edathodika registered a staggering 70% passing accuracy as well as taking three free-kicks, making eight clearances and a block.

Souvik Chakrabarti- 8.0

It was yet another instrumental display by the Bengali midfielder. Chakrabarti’s vision helped him to rotate passes from the centre of the park as he registered a 66% pass completion rate and created a chance. His defensive work was applauded as well as he made four very important clearances, which otherwise could have put Jamshedpur out of the driver’s seat.

Bikash Jairu- 7.5

The former East Bengal and ATK forward was another integral part of Steve Coppell’s plan to outsmart the opposition on the pitch. Jairu’s pace on the wings helped the Men of Steel to operate in the wide areas with ease which resulted in the wide player delivering three pinpoint crosses in the heart of the ATK defence. T

he 35-year-old’s dribbling skills also came in handy against the ATK defenders, who failed to contain him completely, creating gaps in the process. Jairu created two chances against the hosts, as well as registering a 68% pass completion rate which put him as one of the relentless players last night.

Jerry Mawinmingthanga- 7.5/10

[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

Jerry showed a lot of confidence to make this attempt

The young attacker has been making all the right noises since the start of the season and he did not fail to do so against ATK as well. Jerry was tasked with storming the front to create a supply line to the striker and other forwards. In his time on the field, the #10 created a chance, made five crosses, three free-kicks, three interceptions and a block. During the entire game, Jerry kept being a thorn in the side of the ATK defence, one they could not contend with.