Indian Player Ratings: Lenny Rodrigues continues stellar form as Sarthak Golui shines for Pune
(Courtesy : ISL Media)
The Blues, having made it to the playoffs of the ISL found it difficult to take another three points at home against a resilient Stallions side.
Albert Roca brought back a strong starting 11 against Ranko Popovic's FC Pune City side, but could only see his team draw this encounter at the Sri Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. Sarthak Golui gave the visitors a shock lead before in-form striker Miku levelled things for the home side.
Watch: Bengaluru FC 1-1 FC Pune City highlights
Here’s how the Indian players fared in the game last night.
Bengaluru FC
Watch: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu makes a tackle to stop Diego Carlos
Despite conceding the goal, the custodian was on hand to deny the visitors from scoring a second with some good positioning in front of goal.
Rahul Bheke- 6.5
The versatile defender was beaten for pace on the right flank, but kept his composure and bombed forward at times to support Udanta.
Subhashish Bose- 5.5
Was not his usual composed self at left-back as he allowed Sarthak to ghost into the box for the Pune opener. Replaced by Nishu Kumar 15 minutes after the break as Roca went for a greater attacking outlet.
Lenny Rodrigues- 7.5
The Goan midfielder was imperious in the middle of the park as he continued his form from the FC Goa game. Snuffed out attacks in the middle of the park and his passing range was on full display as he provided the Blues stability in the middle of the pitch. Replaced by Haokip in the second half as Roca went for broke.
Udanta Singh- 6.5
The Flash made a return to the 11 today and was a livewire down the his wing in the first half. Tailed off as the game wore on and was unable to have his usual impact on Bengaluru's right flank. Replaced by Alwyn George 15 minutes after the break.
Sunil Chhetri- 6.5
Was full of enterprise down the left flank and was desperately unlucky not to win a penalty when his chip was blocked by Baljit Sahni's outstretched hand. Tried to make things happen but could not influence proceedings like he normally does.
Substitutions
Nishu Kumar- 6.0
Provided a much-needed surge on the left flank as Roca chased the game. Linked well with Chhetri. Left his flank open at times in the quest to burst forward into the final third, but that was a consequence that Roca was willing to accept in the search for an equaliser.
Sembhoi Haokip- 6.5
Part of an attacking change by Roca which paid dividends as it was his ball into the box that was volleyed in by Miku to send the home fans into relieved raptures. Linked well with the attacking quartet as he is becoming an increasingly reliant option up front for the Blues.
Alwyn George- 6.0
Replaced Udanta and provided fresh legs to the cause of chasing the game. Kept things moving nicely on the right flank and was a key cog in the Bengaluru equaliser.
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FC Pune City
Vishal Kaith- 6.5
Watch: Vishal Kaith makes a tricky save against Bengaluru FC
Pulled off some one-handed saves to keep his side in the hunt. Had a few nervy moments when he fluffed some routine crosses, but a day he would feel good about at length.
Baljit Sahni- 5.5
Pulled off a spectacular goal-line clearance to prevent the ball from reaching a Bengaluru player for a certain tap in. Was extremely fortunate to not concede a certain penalty in the second half when he deliberately raised his left arm to block a Chhetri cross.
Gurtej Singh- 5.5
An uncomfortable outing for the centre half as he was dragged out of position on more than one occasion by Miku, Dovale and Dimas. Replaced by Rohit Kumar just after the break.
Sahil Panwar- 6.0
Had the tough task of keeping up with the pacy Udanta and the overlap of Bheke. Was able to track the winger's runs on most occasions but waned in the second half as Bengaluru took advantage of this to equalise.
Adil Khan- 7.0
The 29-year old was a colossus in midfield as he kept his side's shape in midfield intact with his intelligent reading of the game. Was on hand to check Dimas' runs into the box and put out fires regularly in the middle of the pitch.
Sarthak Golui- 7.5
Watch: Sarthak Golui scores against Bengaluru FC
Made an enterprising run into the Bengaluru box and got his reward as a cross from the left flank was not dealt with properly and fell to him for the winger to score smartly. Kept his cool throughout the game as he went toe-to-toe with Chhetri. Popovic would be proud of this performance.
Substitutions
[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]Rohit Kumar- 6.0
Replaced a nervy Gurtej Singh in the second half, but could not improve on his colleague's performance in the centre of the Pune defence. Lost his marker as Miku ghosted in for the equaliser in the second half.
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