Indian Player Ratings: Doungel and Thapa shine as NorthEast United stun Chennaiyin

The striker was the hero of the night as he became the first Indian to score a hat-trick this season.

NorthEast United carved out a memorable win over Chennaiyin FC in an Indian Super League match plated at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium giving their loyal fans a lot to cheer about and also in the process extract sweet revenge for their 0-3 loss when the two sides met earlier in the season. The Marina Machans dominated possession but the home team took their chances well and produced one of the upsets of the season.

Here’s how the Indian players on both sides rated in the match

NorthEast United

TP Rehenesh - 7.0

Not much was asked today of the Highlanders goalie, having to only deal with a few attempts that were straight at him. Did well in commanding his area when Chennaiyin FC piled on the numbers in the box in the last quarter of the match. Couldn’t do anything about the goal, a thunderous shot from close range.

Nirmal Chettri - 7.0

Didn’t offer much going forward and also came out second best a few times against the likes of Gregory Nelson and Jerry but was otherwise, defensively solid making a couple of vital clearances and blocks.

Reagan Singh - 8.0

A really positive performance from the Manipuri full-back after a string of inconsistent ones, got stuck in to his job and didn’t allow the Marina Machans much joy along his flank. Made 5 important clearances and it was dangerous long ball into the box that led to the Highlanders first goal.

Rowlin Borges - 6.0

Gave the ball away clumsily a few times and also the final ball was lacking, lucky to escape without a card. To his credit, did well to win the ball a few times in midfield, also linked up play well at times.

Holicharan Narzary - 6.5

Wasn’t much effective in building up play, turning over possession frequently. His stats from the game are pretty average, just 57% passing accuracy and 21 passes and 30 touches, but showed he can be a dangerous customer in the final third; creating 3 goalscoring chances including the assist for Len’s 3rd goal. Performed his defensive duties well.

Seminlen Doungel - 9.5

Doungel was the Hero of the match with his Hatrick against Marina Machans

Len brought the good omens of his marriage with him and singlehandedly decided the result of the game with a superb hat-trick becoming the 1st Indian to do so this season. The Manipuri speedster put in a robust performance and the runs he made to get to the end of deliveries for his 2nd and 3rd goals were simply fantastic. Was more than willing in tracking back and helping out teammate Nirmal Chettri in defence.

Substitutes

Robert Lalthlamuana - NA

Not on long enough to get a rating

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Chennaiyin FC

Karanjit Singh - 5.5

Was at fault for the first for the 1st goal when he spilled Danilo Lopes’ shot into the path of the free Len Doungel. Couldn’t do anything about the other two goals, not helped in any way by the defence in front of him.

Karanjit kept the visitors in the game with his extraordinary saves

Jerry Lalrinzuala - 6.0

Looked bright with the ball at his feet, moving forward well with menace, whipping in 5 dangerous crosses into the box, also defended well for most of the game. However all this good work was undone, as he allowed Len to peel away from him to score his 2nd and 3rd goals.

Dhanpal Ganesh - 7.0

The rising star of Chennaiyin FC put in a hardworking shift in the middle of the park dealing with the brute physical strengths of Danilo Lopes and Marcinho with varying degrees of success. Finished the game with a passing accuracy of 84% as he was involved a lot in his team building up play from the back.

Anirudh Thapa - 8.0

The youngster scored a stunner against the Highlanders

The 20-year-old was rushed the starting line- up after Bikramjit Singh picked up an injury while warming up. The youngster was composed on the ball in the middle of the park and helped his team keep possession for long stretches of the match. Slotted in at right back after Sereno went off and did well. Scored with a superbly struck half-volley that gave Rehenesh no chance.

Thoi Singh - 6.0

Tried hard and linked up play well, but couldn’t do anything decisive in getting past the  NEUFC defence. Brought off after the hour mark.

Jeje Lalpekhlua - 5.5

A low headed shot on target by Jeje

Had an off day, like Thoi tried hard to force the issue, but couldn’t have much impact. The physical presence of the NEUFC central defensive duo of Jose Goncalves and Sambinha effectively nullified the Mizo Sniper’s threat in the box.

Substitutes

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Mohammed Rafi - 4.0

Brought on to add fresh legs to mount a rescue mission for Chennaiyin, but didn’t have any impact.