Indian Player Ratings: Arindam Bhattacharya the hero as ATK hold NorthEast

The match saw both sides miss the few opportunities they had to take the lead.

The Guwahati crowd saw the last piece of ISL action for 2018, as home team NorthEast United played out a 0-0 draw against neighbours ATK on Saturday evening. The Highlanders began on a positive note as always, seeing much of the ball throughout the first half as ATK looked to play out cautiously. Both the sides showed much promise and intent in midfield and the wingers were fueled up to spark the fire.

However, not many opportunities were created by either side in the match. As a result, both shared the honours and most importantly a point each. Khel Now rates the Indian players on the basis of the performance:

 

 

 

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Watch: NorthEast United 0-0 ATK highlights

NorthEast United FC

Pawan Kumar- 6.5

A flurry of chances for @ATKFC to convert, but @NEUtdFC are saved the blushes!Watch it LIVE on @hotstartweets: https://t.co/WW7lVQI7RD JioTV users can watch it LIVE on the app. #HeroISL #ISLMoments #NEUKOL #LetsFootball #FanBannaPadega pic.twitter.com/eu8xUUNA1K

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) December 8, 2018

Kumar managed to survive some real nervy moments

Had very little to do in the first half. Looked very sloppy with his goal-kicks that caused moments of panic in the United backline at times. Made a couple of great saves—one denying Balwant Singh, second, cancelling out Manuel Lanzarote’s clear shot at goal at the beginning of the second half. To sum it up, Kumar managed to survive some real nervy moments.

Reagan Singh- 7.5

The Manipuri right-back looked in stellar form last night. He made numerous successful tackles and interceptions and put in a hard shift. Reagan was able to keep the likes of Hitesh Sharma and Jayesh Rane quiet, as the ATK wingers often swapped flanks. He clocked 78% pass accuracy and registered five tackles, nine clearances and seven blocks.

Rowllin Borges- 7.0

Looked very lively in the early minutes of the match. Played brilliant one-twos with the likes of Jose Leudo and Federico Gallego as NorthEast United enjoyed the lion’s share of possession. The India international displayed nice link-up play upfront, helping his side to build momentum. He was vital in driving the group forward. Completed 86% passes accurately.

Keegan Pereira- 6.5

Almost a sure goal for @ATKFC there, but @keeganpereira21 comes to @NEUtdFC's rescue!Watch it LIVE on @hotstartweets: https://t.co/WW7lVQI7RD JioTV users can watch it LIVE on the app. #HeroISL #ISLMoments #NEUKOL #LetsFootball #FanBannaPadega pic.twitter.com/zXoeRjPDgJ

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) December 8, 2018

Keegan was solid throughout

He came in handy late inside the first half clearing an acute corner. Had a bit of a rusty patch of a few minutes, where he committed rash challenges. But, made up for those odd moments with sharp defensive work in the second half.

Redeem Tlang- 6.5

Started the game brightly. Was involved in build-up play in the early minutes of the first half. The ATK midfield were wary of the alertness and attacking prowess of the creative midfielder from Meghalaya. Couldn’t break free past the likes of Andre Bikey and Gerson Vieira as he would have wanted to. Redeem was subbed off in the 73rd minute.

Lalthathanga Khawlhring- 6.5

Probably ATK had done their homework well to limit the capabilities of this teenage sensation from Mizoram. His attractive forward runs were cut short by sharp interceptions by the ATK defensive midfield. He sweated it out in the initial minutes of the first half, when NEUFC piled up the pressure on the visitors. Juan Cruz Mascia replaced him in the 78th minute.

Substitutions

Gurwinder Singh- 6.0

He was slotted in as a forced substitution in the final seconds of the first half, as Mislav Komorski was forced to come off owing to a slight niggle. The muscular centre-back looked sharp with his clearances in the second half, miscued a few and accounted for three vital tackles.

Nikhil Kadam- 5.5

Came on for Redeem Tlang in the 73rd minute. Looked sharp in sharing passes, but could not coordinate much to create scoring opportunities.

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ATK

Arindam Bhattacharya- 7.0

Was the busier of the two keepers throughout the game, as NEUFC piled on the pressure on the visitors. The ATK defence had to reach out to him, as they were pushed onto the back foot by a high pressing NorthEast United side.

Ankit Mukherjee- 6.0

The ATK right-back wasn’t at his best on Saturday evening. He was slow to recover and get back into position as Puitea and Gallego made him sweat it out. In the offensive zones, he crossed a few balls cutely inside the United box, but had no venom.

Ricky Lallawmawma- 6.5

Showed great agility and ball control inside the opening half. He limited the NEUFC pressing with great interceptions and clearances. However, he was foxed by Gallego and Redeem on a couple of occasions, as the home team tried to break into the ATK box.

Hitesh Sharma- 6.0

Had a pretty average night. Couldn’t hold on to the ball for long and was stolen of possession too easily. He wasn’t much used or didn’t make himself available at the right place at the right time.

Jayesh Rane- 6.5

Tried to display his proactiveness on the ball and switched flanks at times. However, his passes were intercepted by Reagan Singh and Keegan Pereira on numerous occasions. Could not help his side create many opportunities on the night.

Balwant Singh- 6.0

.@Balwant_Singh17 finds himself at the end of a perfect cross, but his last touch disappoints! ????Watch it LIVE on @hotstartweets: https://t.co/WW7lVQI7RDJioTV users can watch it LIVE on the app. #HeroISL #ISLMoments #NEUKOL #LetsFootball #FanBannaPadega pic.twitter.com/UdyvjAB1lr

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) December 8, 2018

The veteran forward had a lacklustre outing

The veteran forward had a lacklustre outing against a possession heavy NorthEast side. The home side’s backline was very watchful of his movements and did very well to keep him at bay. Was subbed off in the 85th minute.

Substitutions

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Komal Thatal NA

The U-17 World Cup prodigy got a taste of the NEUFC side, as he took centre stage replacing Balwant. He tried to create a late blitz, but Reagan was up to the mark with his defensive duties.