Ratings: Diaz-Vazquez combo clicks as Kerala Blasters beat Mumbai City

The Yellow Army punished the Islanders for their indecisiveness as Mourtada Fall saw red.

Kerala Blasters turned up the heat in their game against table-toppers Mumbai City FC by ending their winning run in a 3-0 victory in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 on Sunday. The Tuskers rose to the fifth spot after getting their second win of the campaign, while Mumbai City retained their spot at the summit.

Now, let’s take a look at Khel Now’s player ratings from the Mumbai City FC – Kerala Blasters FC match:

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Mumbai City FC (By Riddhiman Sarkar)

Mohammad Nawaz- 6.5

Pulled off a sensational fingertip save from Vazquez, as he kept Mumbai in the game following a controversial play-on decision from the referee that saw Apuia being brought down in the build-up. Could do nothing about either of the goals from Sahal or Vazquez or turn out Diaz's spot-kick, but made three crucial saves.

Amey Ranawade- 5.5

Vigilant initially but as the game progressed he seemed to falter more and more, losing possession 10 times. Substituted off for Valpuia in the 58th minute.

Mourtada Fall- 5.0

A shaky outing from the captain, as he got booked in the 36th minute and went off in the 49th minute after a second yellow, following some poor decision-making in his challenge on Diaz.

Rahul Bheke- 6.0

Displayed awareness in defence, but was at fault for Kerala's first goal of the night as he allowed Diaz to get away from him and tee up Sahal.

Mandar Rao Dessai- 5.5

Pushed up too high on the left flank and Sahal continuously took advantage of the gap left behind. Not too impressive on the ball either, as he allowed Sahal to capitalize on his inability to mark him and he executed a finish expertly at the near post. Substituted for Mehtab Singh in the 54th minute after winning only one out of his four ground duels.

Apuia Ralte- 6.0

Had to step in more than once to fulfill his defensive duties, as he won three out of his six duels successfully. However, he left Vazquez free on the edge of the box to score a banger.

Ahmed Jahouh- 6.5

Instrumental as always in keeping the gears running for his team, but retreated into a shell following Fall's dismissal. Generated an early chance with a clever short pass from a free-kick to allow Cassinho to get an early shot on target but won 10 out of 12 of his ground duels.

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Vikram Partap Singh- 6.0

Tried his best to run forward and got a good ball into the box on the brink of half-time, which the keeper missed by a mile but nobody could turn it in. Withdrawn in the 72nd minute after managing a total of 26 touches on the ball as Raynier Fernandes came on in his stead.

Cassinho- 6.0

Lacked supply as Kerala closed down quickly and responded well to the threat he posed in the hole between midfield and defense. Had his best pass in the first half gathered by Gill before it made its way to Angulo. Played the second half on the back foot and could only complete one out of his three crosses.

Bipin Singh- 5.5

Had an early attempt cleared brilliantly by Harmanjot Khabra. Wasteful in possession as he attempted four direct take-ons and failed miserably.

Igor Angulo- 6.0

Kept getting clinical touches in the box but only had one shot on target and lost possession thrice, as he had another quiet evening. Substituted off for Ygor Catatau in the 58th minute.

Substitutes

Raynier Fernandes- 6.5

Couldn't get into many attacking positions as he completed 86% of his passes but could not help his team salvage anything.

Ygor Catatau- 6.0

Demonstrated his target man capabilities as he got one shot on target but to no avail.

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Valpuia- 6.0

Fulfilled his defensive duties as he won both of his ground duels and his only aerial duel.

Mehtab Singh- 5.5

Won his only ground duel of the night but was quiet otherwise.

https://youtu.be/FRxUrCHvDx0

Kerala Blasters (by Hari Thoyakkat)

Prabhsukhan Singh Gill- 7.5

Made three saves and a clearance. Almost registered an assist to Alvaro Vazquez. Should improve ball distribution ability.

Harmanjot Singh Khabra- 7.0

Made one interception and two tackles. Won most of the duels which he engaged in. A good shift, considering the fact that he has just returned from an injury layoff.

Marko Leskovic- 8.0

Broke down at least a dozen of Mumbai City's attacks. Impressive passing range and accuracy. A true asset for Kerala Blasters in defence.

Ruivah Hormipam- 7.5

Made his ISL debut for the Yellow Army and did a good job. Supported Leskovic well. Made seven clearances and five tackles.

Jessel Carneiro- 7.0

Another decent outing in the left-back role for the skipper. He really seems to enjoy moving forward, and he is not bad at it either.

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Sahal Abdul Samad- 8.0

Scored a peach of a goal. Can improve passing. Was generally good in other areas like making key runs, dribbling, tracking back and so on.

Jeakson Singh- 7.0

Provided the assist to Alvaro Vazquez, and maintained an 81% passing accuracy throughout the game. The Kerala Blasters youngster also broke down at least three attacking runs by Mumbai City players.

Lalthathanga 'Puitea' Khawlhring- 7.0

Supported Jeakson well in the midfield. The Jeakson-Puitea combination is surely one of KBFC's best partnerships so far this season. Puitea also had a shot on target.

Adrian Luna- 7.0

Was as good as he usually is. Won most of his duels and drew a couple of fouls too, but lost possession a lot more times that he usually does.

Alvaro Vazquez- 8.0

Scored a "Goal of the Season" contender. Linked up well with the likes of Jorge Diaz, Sahal, Jeakson and Luna.

Jorge Pereyra Diaz- 8.5

The best player of the night for the Yellow Army. Assisted Sahal's goal, later scored one himself through a penalty. Made at least four good chances.

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Substitutes

Chencho Gyeltshen- 6.5

Replaced Diaz, did well in attack and completed almost all of the passes he attempted.

Seityasen Singh- 7.0

Impressive in the short time-frame in which he was there on the pitch - especially considering how he's also returning from an injury lay-off.

Prasanth Karuthadathkuni- 6.5

Had a chance in the final minute of the match but he shot too high. Played a role in KBFC's attacks after Diaz and Vazquez got subbed off.

Nishu Kumar- N/A

A last-minute substitution, did not influence the proceedings.

Ayush Adhikari- N/A

Brought in on the last minute, did not influence the proceedings.

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