Indian Player Ratings: Jhingan and Lalruatthara anchor Kerala's win in Pune as Vineeth steals limelight

The striker scored the winner in second half added time to hand his team the vital win.

Kerala Blasters FC pipped FC Pune City 2 – 1 in an entertaining Indian Super League (ISL) encounter at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune on Friday. Jackichand Singh’s strike gave Kerala the lead before Emiliano Alfaro equalised from the spot. It was, however, CK Vineeth, who had the final laugh as he bagged a last-gasp winner for the visitors deep into injury time.

FC Pune City

Vishal Kaith- 5.0

It looked like Vishal lacked energy in the entire course of the game, mainly because of the fact that his accuracy of goal-kicks was below par, which is rare for the young Indian keeper. What's more, a failed clearance almost cost his side a goal. However, he coordinated with his centre-backs very well, Hence ONE could not see any penetration through the centre, which Kerala did in the reverse fixture which was David James’ first fixture back as head coach.

There is debate whether he could have done better as far as the first goal is concerned but the pace of the shot was too much for Vishal to respond to in time.

Gurtej Singh- 7.0

The dark horse of the Stallions was influential in the last game and got on the scoresheet as well. He maintained the consistency in his performance in this game as well. Marking Iain Hume and Vineeth is not an easy job.

Sahil Panwar- 4.0

The left-back’s game proves why one should not play an inexperienced player for the full duration especially in high intensity and end-to-end matches. Sahil played with a lot of intensity and the aim was to keep Jackichand Singh at bay, which was a difficult task.

But, keeping in mind the fact that he played against Jamshedpur FC and committed errors in that game as well, he should have rectified those mistakes. But, unfortunately that didn't happen, as one of his misplaced passes led to the first goal of the match.

Sarthak Goloui- 6.0

The young right-back had a very impressive second half against Jamshedpur, but lacked intensity in this game. If there were any issues in the defensive aspect for Pune it was in the full-back positions. Their lack of experience proved costly as Jackichand along with Vineeth took advantage of the same and started running and dribbling past them and eventually, scoring through their flanks.

Adil Khan- 7.5

Adil looked a bit tired and did not produce the performance he usually shows right from the first whistle. But, as the game progressed he stated to lead the midfield into the attacking third and completed several of his passes into the right areas with the right intent. However, certain shots could have been avoided so as to keep the ball and the team in the game, but defensively he was as always up to the mark. 

Baljit Sahni- 4.5

The return of Baljit proved to be a bit risky as he lacked the pace and intensity in the game. The coach Ranko Popovic mentioned that Sahni is a player that can be played anywhere and one more experiment that he conducted was to play him in the midfield. Adapting to the new role might have been difficult for him indeed. He was eventually replaced by Kean Lewis.

Substitutes

Kean Lewis- 8.0

Cameon in place of the underperforming Sahni in the second half, and buoy, did the lad try hard to deliver. Some blistering runs into the box and a perfect cross which needed just a tap in from Alfaro would have made a perfect day for the returning Mumbai lad. 

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 Kerala Blasters

Shubhashish Roy Chowdhury- 7.5

The goalkeeper rose to the occasion in the first half with a decent save to deny Alfaro the lead, but some unusually bad clearances from the shot-stopper were unconvincing to say the least. The crossbar and the posts definitely helped him as they denied Marcelinho some opportunities to get himself into the Goal of the Week contenders list.

CK Vineeth- 7.0

There is your star-man of the night. Just as the fans started to pack our bags and leave for home after it looked like the end result would be a draw, this man pulled one out of the hat and placed an excellent curler into the top left corner, leaving Vishal Kaith hapless along with the rest of the Pune team.

Apart from that, some unnecessary dribbles could have been avoided and simple passing play would have been better for the striker as the pace and agility was up to the mark.

Jackichand Singh- 7.0

Jackichand had a very good outing at the Balewadi Stadium and lived up to the expectations and the reputation of being a national team regular. The winger’s crosses were pinpoint and on target. Three of those were clear-cut chances in the first half.

However, his long range strike from about 25-30 yards out was the start of a series of wonder shots in the game, where the home team’s wonder strikes hit the woodwork but th away team’s efforts found the net and three points. Sensational display after a very long time.

Lalruatthara- 8.0

He is the reason Pune’s attacking moves did not materialise. He successfully carried out his duties of guarding the right flank which had Diego Carlos and Lewis trying to penetrate into the box. However, unnecessary collisions and fights can be avoided especially when you are having a good day in the office. But,, the surprise sprints and tackles were crucial in keeping the Pune players on the left side on alert. 

Milan Singh- 6.0

If any Indian was not seen much in action, it was Milan Singh. The defensive midfielder did come into receiving positions in order to progress in the attack for Kerala and had a very little margin for error in this game. He had a tight display and a quiet one in a game full of entertainment.

Sandesh Jhingan- 8.0

The Kerala skipper lived up to expectations and reputation of being Stephen Constantine’s regular centre-back. This time the Punjab lad did not fail to impress, as he had a very composed and calm display on the pitch. No acrobatic moves, no nonsense defending, clean tackles and superb hold-up play. Apart from the yellow card incident for which he is suspended for the next game; there was no significant error that he made. A very disciplined performance.

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Prasanth K- 9.0

Prasanth, like Milan, had a quiet game. However, he assisted Jackichand in his movement across the pitch with some fine through passes, which resulted in some chances for the away team. His reading of the play was good and he was decent in his approach in attack.