A new beginning at their new home saw Mumbai City FC take all three points after a 1-0 win against table toppers NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) at the Mumbai Football Arena in Andheri, Mumbai. NEUFC came into this game with two wins out of two, but could not make it a hat-trick of wins after Diego Forlan’s penalty gave the home side the points after a tight encounter.
Here's a look at how players from both sides fared. (All ratings out of 10)
Mumbai City FC
Roberto Neto: 7
Had more to do in the first half than the second, but was assured, getting behind shots from distance fired in by NEUFC’s attack. Marshalled the defence well.
Lalhmangaihsanga Ralte: 6.5
Was up against Nico Velez. After a slow start, picked up in both departments as the game progressed.
Anwar Ali: 7
Along with his partner Goian, provided steady rearguard action, especially in the frenzied closing moments of the game.
Lucian Goian: 7.5
Was a powerful presence in the heart of Mumbai's defence. Made the key block on an Alfaro shot in the first half that was heading for goal.
Aiborlang Khongjee: 7
Had a long-range effort thwarted by NEUFC’s keeper in the first half, and provided steady support for his attacking unit. With Holicharan Narzary’s introduction in the second half, his defensive workload increased considerably, and barring some rushed tackles, held firm.
Sehnaj Singh: 7
Picked up the Emerging Player of the Match award after an industrious performance, shielding his defence well. Made a last-ditch tackle on Alfaro when he was through on a one-on-one, potential goal scoring opportunity in the first half. It was a 50-50 tackle and could have been called for a penalty, but the ref decided otherwise.
Pronay Halder: 8.5
For the second game running, Halder’s tireless running and tough tackling paid dividends for Mumbai. Was instrumental in pressing the opponents at any given opportunity and was first on the scene to many 50-50 balls. His pressure off the bad pass yielded the penalty after he was brought down in the box by Reagan Singh.
Krisztian Vadocz: 8
The Hungarian was everywhere on the pitch and together with Halder was key in applying pressure on NEUFC when they had the ball. Also drove forward with the ball at his feet, bringing his forwards into play.
Leo Costa: 6
Wasn't very involved in the game with Forlan and Defederico getting more touches. Free-kicks too were off the mark.
Matias Defederico: 7
Showed excellent touch and skill in beating defenders and getting into the attacking third, but end product was not up to scratch.
Diego Forlan: 6.5
Scored the only goal of the game, but looked a little off. Even his penalty wasn't the greatest and his 1-2 plays with Defederico didn't come off.
Substitutes
Otacilio Alves (sub 79’): 6
Looked dangerous and troubled NEUFC with his pace as Mumbai looked to sit back and hit on the counter in the closing stages.
Gerson Vieira (sub 84’): 5
Mainly brought in to add an extra body in midfield. Did that well in his six-plus minutes.
Boithang Haokip (sub 87’): 4
Replaced Forlan with three minutes to go hardly getting a touch.
North East United FC
Subrata Paul: 6
Facing his former team, looked shaky on occasions, especially from set pieces. Had moments of miscommunication with his defenders as well.
Robin Gurung: 6
Had an incident in the first half where he bodychecked Vadocz in the box, but no foul was called. Had an average game overall.
Didier Zokora: 6.5
Looked to be playing with an injury, decided to remove the strapping on his thigh midway through the game and laboured on. Made a few crucial interceptions.
Gustavo Lazzaretti: 5.5
A forgettable performance exacerbated by his role as a key villain in Mumbai's goal as his ridiculous pass back to Reagan Singh under pressure led to the penalty.
Reagan Singh: 6.5
Wasn't helped by his colleague's pass which led to him conceding the penalty, but combined well with Velez up front in what was the more productive of the two flanks for NEUFC.
Rowllin Borges: 5
Employed in the enforcer role, he was out-enforced by Mumbai's trio of Sehnaj/Halder/Vadocz. Gave away too many fouls and was involved in petty altercations.
Seityasen Singh: 6
Was kept in check by the solid Khongjee for much of the match and was substituted early as a result on 59’.
Katsumi Yusa: 6
A not so good game for the man from Japan. Had two very good chances that he spurned. In the first half, skied his shot when put through by Velez with just the keeper to beat and in the second after an Alfaro through ball, opted to take a shot at the near post instead of squaring it to his mates in front of goal.
Koffi Christian N’dri: 6.5
Worked tirelessly and had a few shots on goal from outside the box with his left foot, but they were comfortable for Neto to gather.
Nicolas Velez: 6.5
Drifted in and out of the game. Had some bright moments mixed with some poor ones. Was well below the level we've seen from him previously, but did enough for his team to have scored at least a goal.
Emiliano Alfaro: 7.5
Didn't receive the best service as a result of which he wasn't able to influence the game to his liking, but when he got the ball, he was NEUFC’s biggest threat. Set up his teammates in promising positions and had one attempt on target blocked. Was the best-attacking player on the pitch overall.
Substitutes
Holicharan Narzary (sub 59’): 6.5
Introduced on 59’ for Seityasen, provided a greater threat in attack for the visitors. Helped get Alfaro more into the game.
Jerry Mawihmingthanga (sub 73’): 6
Brought in to shore up the midfield in place of Borges as NEUFC went for the equalizer.
Wellington Priori (sub 82’): 4.5
Was a late sub for Zokora and didn't have much to do as most of the action took place in Mumbai's box.
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