FC Goa gave their faithful fans a royal send off as they won a nine-goal thriller at the Fatorda against Chennaiyin FC. In a repeat of last season’s final, the Gaurs came out on the winning side this time around, exacting some kind of revenge in a season that has been a disappointment for both the teams.
Here is how each player fared on the pitch.
FC Goa
Laxmikant Kattimani (3/10)
After his heroics against Kolkata, Kattimani was pale shadow of himself from the last game. While his defence didn’t help him out any bit, he himself was guilty off some attempts which much to be desired.
Rafael Dumas (3/10)
Another shabby game at the back. Looked out of pace and out of sorts as Dudu and the youngster made him dance to their tunes.
Gregory Arnolin (5/10)
Totally helpless when Anirudh Thapa’s shot ricocheted off of the post for Chennaiyin. Made a goalline clearance, but was a hapless figure at the back for most of the game.
Raju Gaikwad (4/10)
His handball led to John Arne Riise bringing Chennaiyin back into the game from the spot. Whilst he made some nice forays forward, had a nightmare at the back like his other mates in the backline.
Romeo Fernandes (5/10)
Failed to get the better of Jerry on his side of the field. Took a couple of shots but both well wide of the mark.
Mandar Rao Dessai (5/10)
Not the best of games on the wings. Was hauled off at half time for eventual match winner Sahil Tavora.
Trindade Goncalves (7/10)
Was one of the better players for Goa as he linked up play well. Was crisp with his set-piece delivery and had one assist to his name for setting up Rafael Coelho’s second.
Richarlyson Barbosa (7/10)
Should have had an assist to his name of not for Rafael Coelho’s woeful miss. Gave away the foul that eventually led to the stunner from Jerry.
Jofre Mateu Gonzalez (8/10)
One of his better games in the ISL this season, which has otherwise been a misadventure for him. Scored from the spot whilst setting up Rafael Coelho’ s first .
Robin Singh (5.5/10)
Linked up play well. But lacked any kind of enthusiasm and was duly substituted.
Rafael Coelho (8.5/10)
The Brazilian gave the Gaurs a grand farewell as forward literally manhandled the Chennaiyin defence, helping himself to a brace.
Substitutes
Sahil Tavora (8/10)
A brilliant night for the youngster as he proved to be the difference with his brace in the second forty-five.
Sanjay Balmuchu (7/10)
Did well to re-enforce the midfield. Set up Tavora for the eventual winner.
Julio Cesar (6/10)
Popped all over the pitch and helped keeping the ball moving for Goa.
Chennaiyin FC
Karanjit Singh (2.5/10)
Not the best of days for the keeper who was not helped a bit by the defence. Was guilty of failing to handle Rafael’s shot which eventually led to Sahil Tavora scoring. Could have done with his decision making as well.
Abhishek Das (2/10)
An awful game at the back as the likes of Joffre and Rafael ran rings around him.
Eder Monteiro (2/10)
Rafael had the better of him for the majority of the game which finally led to the defending champions conceding 5 on the night.
Bernard Mendy (2.5/10)
Looked as bad as he has done at the back all season. Did make some forays forward, but failed at his primary duties completely.
Jerry Lalrinzuala (4/10)
Showed his potential with a peach of a free-kick. But at the back, just like other mates in the backline, failed to contain the Gaurs.
Siam Hanghal (4.5/10)
Was unlucky to not have his name on the scoresheet as he saw his effort headed off the line by Arnolin. Ln=inked up well while going forward but failed to live with the pace and power of the likes of Joffre.
Thoi Singh (6/10)
Was lively down the right and begged to question again by Materazzi used him so sparingly this season.
Harmanjot Khabra (4/10)
Khabra showed again why his best well past him. Looked woefully off the pace and a pale shadow of the man that helped Chennaiyin to the title last season.
Anirudh Thapa (8/10)
A day to remember for the youngster as he looked a menace for the opposition. His strong and confident play gave the gives Chennaiyin some much-needed hope for the future.
Daniel Lalhlimpuia (7.5/10)
Again showed maturity beyond his years which boasts well for both Bengaluru FC as well as Indian football. Was at the heart of all good moves for Chennaiyin as him getting fouled led to the opener before he set up Thapa for Chennaiyin’s second. Should have had his name on the scoresheet as well if not for a well-positioned Arnolin.
Dudu Omagbemi (7/10)
The Fatorda has always been a happy hunting ground for the forward and he continued his fantastic run. Back at his old stomping ground, the Nigerian scored a goal and looked dangerous every time he was on the ball.
Substitutes
John Arne Riise (6.5/10)
Came on late and scored from the spot to bring Chennaiyin level. Added more zest for the visitors down the left flank.
Raphael Augusto (N/A)
Davide Succi (6/10)
Nearly turned hero for Chennaiyin as he almost pulled in a late equaliser. However, it was not to be as he saw his shot blocked.
