Indian Player Ratings: Chhetri and Udanta help Blues smash four past hapless Delhi

It was one-way traffic at the Kanteerava as the Blues registered back-to-back wins.

The Blues ensured that they registered maximum points from their first 2 games. An Erik Paartalu brace and goals from Lenny Rodrigues and Miku ensured a 4-1 victory over a Delhi Dynamos side that had pulled off a superb 3-2 win in their opener away to Pune City FC. 

Bengaluru FC

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (7/10)

The towering custodian, Sandhu, was a pillar of his team's goal and did not let a few attempts by the Dynamos faze him. A late penalty put a smear on what would otherwise be a flawless performance. 

Rahul Bheke (7/10)

The full-back was barely troubled by Changte who was influential in the previous game against Pune. Kept his composure even when Chhangte tried to beat him for pace. Moved to the centre of defence when Juanan was replaced by Nobrega. With performances like these from Bheke, it would ensure that Nishu Kumar may endure an extended period on the bench.  

Lenny Rodrigues (7/10)

The Goan kept things tidy in the middle of the pitch and his passing range was there for all to see. He was the metronome that ensured that there was no ebb in the flow of Bengaluru attacks as his distribution found Udanta and Chhetri with enormous regularity which was seen with his 76% passing accuracy which was the best in the Bengaluru ranks. Was on hand to poke home the rebound from Udanta's shot for the Steelmen's third. 

Harmanjot Singh Khabra (7/10)

The versatile midfielder Harmojot Singh Khabra was a bundle of energy as ever on the right flank. His assist from an Edu Garcia free kick allowed towering midfielder Erik Paartalu to open the scoring for the Blues. 

Bengaluru FC 4-1 Delhi Dynamos Recap

Sunil Chhetri (9/10)

Chhetri chance

The Captain was an ever-present nuisance to the Delhi backline as his inward runs and pace out wide were responsible for pulling the Delhi defence out of shape. One of his runs saw him slip Edu Garcia through but the Spaniard's shot was beaten away powerfully by Gomes. His cross-field pass which released Udanta for Bengaluru's third only reminded everyone of his importance to the side. Followed it up with an almost identical cross-field ball for Miku to score his first goal for the club.  

Udanta Singh (8/10)

The man whom the Blues have nicknamed The Flash was singly responsible for giving former Blue Sena Ralte a torrid time on the Delhi right flank. Ensured that there were no attacks that fizzled out from his flank as he chased down every ball with equal vigour throughout and punted in 7 crosses. Latched onto a glorious cross-field pass from Chhetri and it was the rebound from his effort on goal that allowed Lenny to score his team's third. Was replaced by Nishu Kumar as Roca looked to consolidate. 

Substitutes

Nishu Kumar (6/10)

Was brought on by Roca in place of the speedy Udanta as the home side looked to keep things tight at the back. Despite playing on the right flank, he did not lose possession and helped his side towards the finishing line. 

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Delhi Dynamos

Albino Gomes – 7/10

Albino pulls off good save

Could do nothing about his Bengaluru's opener as Paartalu's header was too powerful to be stopped at that close range. However, his positioning and clever reading of the game was one of the reasons for his side being in the game.

Pratik Chowdhary – 5/10

Beaten easily in the air by Paartalu for the Bengaluru opener. Struggled to deal with the movement of Miku and Chhetri and the onrushing runs of Garcia. 

Vinit Rai – 6/10

The youngster was unable to stamp his presence in the middle of the pitch as he was overrun by the quality of Lenny and Paartalu. Failed to track Edu Garcia's runs on most occasions as the Spaniard was seen in attacking positions very often. Was deployed in the centre of a 3-man defence after the break, but it had no effect on his performance. 

Pritam Kotal – 7/10

The India right back was impressive in keeping Bheke and Chhetri quiet on the Delhi right flank. Forced Chhetri to cut inside towards the centre of the park. Was beaten for pace on a few occasions by Chhetri, but was always in control of the situation. An accomplished performance from the fullback. 

Lalhmangaihsanga Ralte – 5/10

Not the performance the former Bengaluru man would have wanted on his return to the city. Was pulled apart by the pace of Udanta and also the bursts forward by Khabra. His fallacies were exposed when Bengaluru scored their third goal as he allowed Udanta to speed past him and take the shot that led to Lenny's goal. 

Lallianzuala Chhangte: 4/10

Poor positioning coupled with woeful passing can sum up Chinglensana’s game. Had he done well, maybe Goa wouldn’t have had a second goal against them.Was hauled off for Seityasen Singh after the home side had scored their third of the night. 

Substitutes

Seityasen Singh 5/10

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Replaced Chhangte just before the hour mark after the visitors had conceded a third goal. Could not inspire his side towards putting the pressure back on their opponents.