Indian Player Ratings: Adil Khan and Ashique Kuruniyan impress as Pune emerge victorious
The visitors emerged as the triumphant side with a confident display.
In their last home game this year, Kerala Blasters succumbed to another defeat as a Marcelinho goal in the first half separated the two sides. Kerala Blasters tried hard to score an equaliser but FC Pune City defended tenaciously and held on to their lead.
A goal from @marcelinholeite helped @FCPuneCity keep @KeralaBlasters at bay and script their first ever #HeroISL win in Kochi!More videos: https://t.co/8jtqJIjojH#ISLRecap #LetsFootball #FanBannaPadega #KERPUN pic.twitter.com/8eOgBmaPQf
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) December 7, 2018
Watch: Kerala 0-1 Pune City highlights
Let's take a look at how Indian players from both sides performed.
Kerala Blasters
Dheeraj Singh - 6.0
.@dhee_singh01 saves the day for @KeralaBlasters!Watch it LIVE on @hotstartweets: https://t.co/43qEg877WBJioTV users can watch it LIVE on the app. #HeroISL #ISLMoments #LetsFootball #KERPUN #FanBannaPadega pic.twitter.com/eSQRm6ZjUh
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) December 7, 2018
Watch: The youngster has been developing well this season
Made a brilliant save to deny Marcelinho from scoring a goal, but could not do much to stop the Brazilian from scoring Pune's first and only goal and, incidentally, the winner. Apart from that, made a few good saves.
Sandesh Jhingan - 5.0
Jhingan is a versatile player who can play on a multitude of positions. However, it is better to play him as a central defender and tonight's performance underlined it. Sandesh Jhingan may have the aggression but he doesn't look too threatening as a right-back. Ashique also gave Jhingan a run for his money and Pradyum Reddy revealed that they had planned to exploit Jhingan playing as a right-back.
Anas Edathodika - 5.0
Made his third consecutive start for Kerala Blasters. Marcelinho scored Pune's goal after the ball deflected on Anas Edathodika. An average performance from the Kerala-defender.
Zakeer Mundampara - 5.0
Zakeer was impressive for Kerala against Jamshedpur FC. However, he could not deliver a similar performance. He looked good on some occasions but his performance was flawed, giving away possession.
Sahal Abdul Samad - 7.0
Kerala Blasters' creative force in the midfield, Sahal Abdul Samad delivered another decent performance for the hosts in the midfield. He threaded some beautiful passes throughout the game and was a delight to watch, showing purpose on every move.
Len Doungel - 4.0
Had two opportunities which he should have scored. A disappointing performance from Doungel who scored Kerala's equaliser against Jamshedpur FC. CK Vineeth replaced him at the start of second half.
Holicharan Narzary - 4.0
.@KeralaBlasters' Halicharan Narzary is inches away from an equaliser!Watch it LIVE on @hotstartweets: https://t.co/43qEg877WBJioTV users can watch it LIVE on the app. #HeroISL #ISLMoments #LetsFootball #KERPUN #FanBannaPadega pic.twitter.com/XFIcqDzU4N
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) December 7, 2018
Narzary's performances have been sub-standard
Narzary making it into the starting XI doesn't make sense. His performances have been sub-standard and Kerala Blasters have been suffering from it. Against Pune City FC, he made two efforts from outside the box, which failed to test Kamaljit.
Substitutes
CK Vineeth - 4.0
Luck did not favour @ckvineeth and @KeralaBlasters tonight!#HeroISL #LetsFootball #KERPUN #FanBannaPadega pic.twitter.com/uuzE1TYQ8r
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) December 7, 2018
Watch: The forward has been fluffing his lines throughout the season
Was active throughout the second half and showed intent. Made a shot in the 72nd minute but it was too weak and Kamaljit made a comfortable save. Had another golden opportunity in the 75th minute but his header did not hit the target.
Prasanth K - 3.0
Made some runs down the flanks, but Pune City's defenders dealt with those. Their sturdy defending prevented Kerala Blasters scoring the equaliser.
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FC Pune City
Kamaljit Singh - 7.0
Kamaljit Singh denies @SandeshJhingan in the dying embers of #KERPUN!Watch it LIVE on @hotstartweets: https://t.co/43qEg877WBJioTV users can watch it LIVE on the app. #HeroISL #ISLMoments #LetsFootball #FanBannaPadega pic.twitter.com/98wkeYktn7
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) December 7, 2018
Watch: The custodian was reliable throughout the clash
Kerala Blasters' toothless attackers did not test the goalkeeper much. Kamaljit made some early saves to avoid some potential shots on target. He also made some routine saves to stop Kerala from finding the equaliser.
Nim Dorjee Tamang - 5.0
A decent performance from this full-back. He was found struggling and but did the best he could to prevent Kerala from exploiting that flank.
Sahil Panwar - 6.0
A good performance from Sahil Panwar. He was alert on the left flank and but Kerala Blasters attackers got the better of him on a few occasions, but, fortunately, Kerala Blasters attackers failed to capitalize on opportunities.
Adil Khan - 8.0
Brilliant performance from Adil Khan against Kerala Blasters. Played his defensive midfielder role to perfection as he managed to disturb Kerala Blasters attackers on numerous occasions.
Sarthak Golui - 7.0
Partnered Matt Mills at the heart of the defence and delivered a fantastic display, thwarting Kerala Blasters attackers from wreaking havoc inside the Pune City penalty box.
Ashique Kuruniyan - 8.0
The best performer on the pitch. Posed a constant threat to Kerala Blasters defenders with some marauding runs down the flanks. Kerala Blasters defenders struggled to negate his presence and they paid price for their inability as the Malappuram-born attacker assisted Marcelinho's goal.
Robin Singh - 5.0
Struggled to impose himself in the game and failed to stamp his authority against Kerala Blasters defenders. Got dispossessed on numerous occasions.
Substitutes
[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]Nikhil Poojary - 5.0
On a defensive note, Poojary contributed immensely to the team, stopping Sandesh Jhingan from delivering a few good crosses. He did not do much to help Pune attack but it looked like his primary task was to defend.
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