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This was a week for the underdogs with the likes of Kerala Blasters and NorthEast United picking up key wins to get their seasons back on track. NorthEast picked up four points from two away games with the big result being their 1-0 win over Atletico de Kolkata.Zico’s FC Goa also enjoyed a fine week, picking up an away win against Chennai and a point at Pune. Pune City salvaged a point against Goa courtesy of a late goal from marquee man Adrian Mutu.Elsewhere, reigning champions Atletico de Kolkata suffered another home defeat and things now look tough for them. Mumbai and Delhi shared the spoils in the capital. For Mumbai, the hunt for that elusive first away win still goes on.There were some top notch performances this week. Here’s a look at who makes our Team of the Week. We have chosen a 4-4-2 formation this time around.
#1 Goalkeeper
Amrinder Singh
The ATK man was possible the best player on the pitch for the champions in their home game against NorthEast United. The likes of Velez, Silas, Kamara and Simao were a constant threat to the ATK goal and Amrinder did well to keep them at bay.
The men from Guwahati had been awarded a penalty early on and the man from Punjab almost saved the spotkick from Simao. Late on, he saved a shot from point blank range from Dadzie to keep his side in the game.
Unfortunately for him, his efforts weren’t enough to get points for his side. However, his performance does ensure him a place in our Team of the Week.
#2 Defence
Mehrajuddin Wadoo
The man from Kashmir has enjoyed a new lease of life at the right-back position for Chennaiyan FC. He was brilliant in the game against FC Goa as he made some good runs ahead and was adept at preventing the opposition from scoring.
However, luck did not favour him. The referee awarded a penalty for handball by Wadoo and replays showed that the decision could have well gone the other way. The penalty was converted and that put the game to bed. However, credit needs to be given to the Kashmiri for his performance this week.
Andre Bikey
The big defender from NorthEast United occupies one of the centre-back positions in our Team of the Week. He put in a Man of the Match performance at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan against Atletico de Kolkata.
The Cameroonian was a rock at the heart of the defence and did not let anything get past him. Time and again, he sniffed out the danger and dealt with it in the most efficient manner. The team from the north east have always struggled at the back but if Bikey puts in such performances regularly, they will not have much to worry about.
Roger Johnson
Had it not been for the Englishman’s efforts, Pune might well have conceded four or five goals against Kerala. Johnson was brilliant at the back for the men from Pune.
Just before half-time in the game, hosts Kerala had a flurry of chances but were denied each time by Roger Johnson. He was the best Pune player on the pitch and that ensures his place in our Team of the Week.
Saumik Dey
The left-back has been consistent with his performances this season and the game against Pune was no different. In a game where the hosts had a record 32 shots on goal, majority of the crosses came from the left and they were largely due to Saumik Dey’s efforts.
He made some threatening runs ahead and linked up well with Sanchez Watt on a few occasions and truth be told, Pune were having difficulty in dealing with them.
#3 Midfield
Simao Sabrosa
The NorthEast marquee man was a key player for his side this week. He scored moments after coming on from a free-kick against the Delhi Dynamos and also scored the winning goal against the reigning champions.
In the game against Atletico, the Portuguese linked up well with Silas and Kamara. He was a constant threat to the ATK goal and kept the opposition defence busy.
Over the past few weeks, Simao has done well for his side and his presence will be crucial as NorthEast look to qualify for the semis.
Leonardo Moura
The creative Brazilian playmaker quite simply turned the game on its head against Chennai with a brilliant display. He made some defence splitting passes and played a key role in his side earning the second penalty.
He stepped up and converted the spot-kick and thereby helped Goa close the game out against Materazzi’s men. Against Pune, he put in a decent performance but would have liked to have done more for his side.
However, his performance against Chennai ensures his place in our Team of the week.
Mehtab Hossain
The East Bengal man played a key role in Kerala’s 2-0 win over Pune City. He looked comfortable in the role of the holding midfielder, dropped back and helped out his defence when needed and also moved ahead to sharpen the attack.
His passing and his long balls were brilliant. Hossain has been one of the most consistent performers for Terry Phelan’s side and holds the key for his side as they look to make a charge towards the top four.
Sanchez Watt
The former Arsenal man is another of the Kerala players to make our Team of the Week. A lot was expected of this man and looks like he has finally delivered.
Watt was at his best against Pune as he set up Chris Dagnall apart from creating a number of other chances for himself. He eventually scored just after the brake to make it 2-0 for his side.
He was a constant menace for the Pune backline and they had difficulty in dealing with him. Watt was key figure in a game where his side managed a total of 32 shots on and off goal.
#4 Attack
Robin Singh
The Indian striker came on for the Delhi Dynamos in the 70th minute and was a constant threat for the Mumbai defence. Whenever he had the ball at his feet, there was a feeling that a goal was coming.
And that goal eventually came in the dying moments of the game. Robin was helped by some poor defending by the Mumbai backline and he took advantage of that with a neat finish with his left foot from the right side.
With that goal, Robin earned a point for his side and strengthened his side’s position in the league table.
Frederic Piquionne
The former man Portsmouth and West Ham man put in a good performance against the Delhi Dynamos. He scored in the second half to help his side take the lead.
Yet, his good work was actually done in the first half. He worked hard and created quite a number of chances for his team. His work rate was tremendous and that along with his goal gets him a place in our Team of the week.
While Sunil Chhetri has been hogging all the limelight, Piquionne has quietly gone about his business and that makes him an asset.
