Ratings: Luna, Khabra excel as Kerala Blasters beat Odisha FC

The Yellow Army climbed to the top of the ISL table once again following the victory on Wednesday night.

It was a case of yet another night ending with a new leader in the 2021-22 Indian Super League (ISL) standings. Kerala Blasters romped home to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Odisha FC at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Vasco on Wednesday.

Nishu Kumar (28th) and Harmanjot Khabra (40th) netted first-half goals to keep the Kerala juggernaut rolling. Kerala now have 20 points from 11 games while Odisha, who remain in eighth place, have 13 in their kitty from 10 matches.

Let's find out how did the players from both side performed on Wednesday night.

Odisha FC (by Ujyant Ramesh)

Arshdeep Singh (GK) - 6.5

Made some good efforts in the first 10 minutes, coming off his line to clear and make saves off Sahal Abdul Samad and Adrian Luna's efforts. Registered four saves in the game.

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Hendry Antonay - 5.5

Was a weak link on the right flank, losing several duels (4) and opening up a lot of space for Jorge Pereyra Diaz and Adrian Luna for their runs and shots from that side thereafter.

Hector Rodas - 7.0

Tried a tap in via Javi Hernandez's free kick in the 36th minute but he found 'keeper Prabhsukhan Gill right in front of him. Defensively, he was Odisha's best player yet again, making six clearances overall and winning multiple duels both inside and out of the box.

Victor Mongil - 6.5

Made 45 accurate passes; the highest for his side and played a vital role in setting up Odisha's attacking opportunities. Also had a chance off a set piece in the 67th minute but shot it beyond the far post.

Lalruatthara - 5.5

Played just 45 minutes against Kerala Blasters before being substituted by Thoiba Singh at halftime. While he was present, it almost felt like he was being exploited by the Blasters' attack on his side, similar to Antonay on the right. Felt like he buckled under the pressure with crosses constantly being whipped in from next to him; none of which he could intercept.

Jerry Mawihmingthanga - 7.0

Made some runs into the box, particularly in the second half alongside Thoiba Singh. Tried his luck with shots directly or by playing it to Javi but in vain.

Issac Vanmalsawma - 7.0

Formed a good midfield pairing with Jerry. He performed some important defensive duties with his multiple duels and recoveries, dispossessing some important threats.

Sahil Panwar - 6.0

Made the highest recoveries amongst his peers in the defensive line (8). 

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Liridon Krasniqi - 5.5

Had probably one of his worst games for the Juggernauts on Wednesday night. Lost four duels and didn't register even a single shot, after which he was substituted by Jonathas de Jesus at halftime.

Javi Hernandez - 7.5

Took a wonderful strike in the 26th minute by turning and trying his luck instantly but was denied by a fine low save by Prabhsukhan Gill. Apart from that, Javi was on set-piece duty, delivering curlers but couldn't find the back of the net. Also won the most duels in the game (8) and was yet again the Juggernauts' best attacking performer.

Nandhakumar Sekar - 6.5

Delivered an impressive cross to Jerry in the 53rd minute in what looked like his best attempt in attack for the game. However, it was a bit overpowered for Jerry as he marginally missed a header to convert it.

Substitutes

Jonathas de Jesus - 7.5

Replaced Liridon Krasniqi at half time. Had instantaneous impact and changed Odisha’s dynamic since his arrival. Tried his luck with a high knee just minutes after coming on but shot it above the crossbar. He was also denied by a brilliant diving save from Gill in the 62nd minute.

Thoiba Singh Moirangthem - 7.0

Was his side's second substitution at half time, replacing Lalruatthara. Was active right from the get go, making runs up front and forming a good duo with Jerry – creating opportunities for Jonathas and Javi.

Paul Ramfangzauva - 6.0

Replaced Issac in the 72nd minute. However, he was brilliant in his passing as he registered a 100% passing accuracy.

Sebastian Thangmuansang - 6.5

Came on in place of Hendry Antonay in the 74th minute. As a result, was finally given some game time and he performed decently by winning a few duels and attempting a good tackle in the time he had.

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Kerala Blasters (by Hari Thoyakkat)

Prabhsukhan Singh Gill (GK) - 8.0

Solid goal-keeping by the youngster. Notable moments include a brilliant diving save off a goal-bound shot by Jonathas de Jesus.

Harmanjot Khabra - 8.0

Scored his first-ever ISL goal. One of the best players for Kerala Blasters on the night, was a regular threat for Odisha FC with his constant forward runs. Contributed well defensively too as he registered three clearances, one interception and one tackle.

Ruivah Hormipam - 7.0

Another good shift by the Kerala Blasters youngster. Outshined Sipovic, his partner in defence. Made seven clearances, two interceptions and two tackles.

Enes Sipovic - 7.0

A bit rusty in general, but that is probably because of his return from an injury lay-off. Was good in the first-half but fatigue got the better of him in the second-half.

Nishu Kumar - 8.0

Scored his first goal of the season, in his first start. Replaced an injured Jessel Carneiro in left-back in terms of both attack and defence and promises to become a regular starter in that position.

Sahal Abdul Samad - 7.0

Another decent shift by the Indian international. Should improve his finishing and passing vision in the final third.

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Jeakson Singh - 7.0

Neat defensive work except for the one or two occasions when he committed unnecessary fouls. Attempted 50 passes and completed 45 of those - a brilliant 90% success rate on that front.

Lalthathanga ‘Puitea’ Khawlhring - 6.5

Not at his usual best, but still did enough to control play in the midfield. Completed 87% of his passes.

Adrian Luna - 8.5

The best player on the pitch once again for Kerala Blasters. Contributed well in attack and defence and successfully kept the Odisha FC defence on their toes.

Jorge Pereyra Diaz - 7.0

Got some good scoring opportunities, thanks to his positional awareness, but couldn't make the most out of those chances. Was booked needlessly at the end.

Alvaro Vazquez - 7.0

Was all over the pitch - in attack, in midfield, even won some balls in defence. Took some good shots too but couldn't put his name on the scoresheet. Fizzled out as the game progressed into the second half.

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Substitutes

Prasanth Karuthadathkuni - 6.5

An able replacement for Sahal Abdul Samad, but lacked finishing.

Ayush Adhikari - 6.0

Crisp with his passing and had the right attacking intent to keep Odisha FC on their toes in the final minutes.

Givson Singh - N/A

A last-minute substitution, did not impact the result.

Chencho Gyeltshen - N/A

Came on just before the final whistle, couldn't influence the proceedings.

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