Indian Player Ratings: Arindam Bhattacharya the hero as ATK trounce Chennaiyin

The hosts' custodian made several saves to help his side to a well-fought win.

ATK picked up their first win at home IN the Indian Super League (ISL) season by defeating defending champions Chennaiyin FC 2-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium on Friday. Kalu Uche and John Johnson scored in the first half, while Carlos Salom scored his first goal for Chennaiyin to pull one back for the visitors. However, ATK defended well and earned three points on the day. Here are our Indian player ratings:

 

 

 

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Watch: ATK 2-1 Chennaiyin FC highlights

ATK

Arindam Bhattacharya- 7.0

The ATK #1 did not have much to do and was helpless in saving Salom’s thunderous header. Showed good confidence in collecting the ball and made some decent saves. Showed impressive alertness in the second half to make a terrific save off Gregory Nelson in the latter period and a strong parry off Isaac thereafter. Picked up a silly booking, but it was a solid showing from the former Bengaluru FC keeper.

Aiborlang Khongjee- 6.5

Khongjee managed to contain Chennaiyin’s threat through his wing pretty well. He kept both Jerry Lalrinzuala and Isaac at bay and held a strong steady when it came to marking his man. Made two crucial tackles and clearances to keep Chennaiyin’s left wing quiet. A much-improved performance as compared to recent games at home for him.

Ricky Lallawmawma- 6.5

Ricky had to work hard to keep up with the ever-mobile Thoi Singh. While he did well to keep him at bay, he couldn’t do enough to stop Franciso Fernandes’ cross for the goal. However, he produced a much better showing in the second half, making four tackles and a couple of important blocks and interceptions. Another promising outing from the left-back.

Pronay Halder- 5.5

Pronoy seemed to be struggling against Chennaiyin’s packed midfield and battled to steal the ball away from their midfielders. Earned a frustrating yellow card in the first half and looked agitated after being beaten by his opposition midfielders. Was calmer in the second 45, but it was a lacklustre showing from the India international.

Komal Thatal- 6.0

Komal gave another bright performance for ATK. In his first home match of the season, he seemed to be a spark in attack and terrorized Chennaiyin’s defence with his movement. Made some dazzling runs at times and earned the free-kick which led to ATK’s second.

Balwant Singh- 6.0

Balwant was full of energy on the left wing again. He did his hold-up play pretty well and showed nice link-up play with Manuel Lanzarote. Created a great goalscoring chance for himself in the first half, but his shot went straight at opposing keeper Karanjit Singh. Grew tired in the second half and was substituted late on.

Substitutions

Jayesh Rane- 6.0

Replaced Komal Thatal on the hour mark and looked bright going forward. Showed impressive skill in dancing past Chennaiyin’s defence and creating a chance in the late minutes, but ATK couldn’t score from it.  

Hitesh Sharma- 6.0

The youngster provided the legs for ATK to go on the counter-attack. Made some impressive runs in the final third, but was unable to do anything noteworthy.

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Chennaiyin FC

Karanjit Singh- 6.5

Karanjit’s game started poorly when his weak clearance allowed ATK to catch his defence napping and score the first goal. However, after that, he made some excellent saves, especially two in the first half, when he kept out Uche and Balwant to keep his side in the game. Redeemed himself with a  strong showing after the early error.

Jerry Lalrinzuala- 6.0

Jerry struggled against Komal’s pace at times and was troubled by the youngster. While he did well to stop the winger from creating a big chance, he did allow Khongjee to put in an easy cross on the half hour mark. Was ineffective going forward as well. Improved defensively in the second half, but was easily ooutsmarted by Jayesh Rane later on.

Anirudh Thapa- 6.0

Thapa was deployed in a quite defensive role and struggled to keep Lanzarote quiet. He couldn’t track the ATK captain’s movement at times and was outwitted. Thapa’s distribution was fine, but he couldn’t create much from deep. Was relatively silent in the second half, but prevented ATK from breaking through the middle.

Isaac Vanmalsawma- 5.5

Isaac kept the ball moving in the final third and moved around the attack pretty well. However, he couldn’t really create much for his side and was isolated on the wings. Allowed Johnson to easily tower over him to score the second goal. Didn’t improve much in the second half and only had a powerful shot straight at Arindam.

Thoi Singh- 5.5

Thoi couldn’t really do much in terms of creation and couldn’t manage to display the foxy nature he did against NorthEast United. Struggled against ATK’s rigid defence and was left frustrated after being unable to get on the end of a goalscoring situation. Improved in the second half and put in a great cross to find Nelson’s header that was saved well, but it was a relatively poor display from him.

Francisco Fernandes- 6.5

Fernandes did a great job in containing Balwant on the flank and didn’t let him go through into the box. Provided a great assist with a fantastic cross to find Salom for his first goal, but was unluckily substituted in the first half after sustaining an injury.

Substitutions

Laldinliana R-6.0

Replaced the injured Francisco in the first half and did well to hold his own against Balwant. Lalrinliana also seemed bright going forward and got himself into some promising positions on the right, but couldn’t put in any dangerous balls.

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Jeje Lalpekhlua- NA

Came on in the dying minutes and was unable to get the equalizer for Chennaiyin.