Atletico de Kolkata
Debjit Majumder (7/10)
Looked comfortable for most of the game and showed once again, he has been said to be one of the best in the country at the moment. Except for a not-so-confident punch, looked confident with his glovework.
Pritam Kotal (6.5/10)
Not as effective as he was last game. But his overlapping runs diminished mostly due to Javi Lara wandering inside time and again, leaving the right side exposed. Could be held responsible for letting Dessai’s shot to go between his legs which ended up in the net.
Arnab Mondal (7.5/10)
Did really well to squeeze the space in tight areas, especially in the opening minutes as Goa looked dangerous. Had one of his best games this season.
Tiri (6.5/10)
Hasn’t had the best of seasons and that continued. A rash challenge in the middle of field led to a dangerous counter from Goa late in the game. However, came through unscathed. Molina would look for better composure from his experienced foreigner in the middle.
Robert Lalthlamuana (8/10)
The Indian international suddenly woke up and showed once again why he was considered as one of biggest up and coming talent in the country about a decade back. Combined extremely well with Rui Das down the left to give Goa fits down that flank.
Abinash Ruidas (8.5/10)
The best outfield player on the pitch over the whole of the game. The East Bengal-man had his first assist in the ISL as his delightful cross into the box resulted in the opener. He tormented the Gaur’s right flank putting in crosses at will combining brilliantly with Robert. Could and should have had another assist to his but for Belencoso’s poor finishing.
Stephen Pearson (7.5/10)
Scorer of the eventual winner, the Scotsman looked sturdy on the tackle and spry with his movement as he got in dangerous positions. After a blunder in the last game, many questioned Molina’s selection, but he came through with a star-studded performance.
Borja Fernandez (8/10)
One of the best games the Kolkata skipper has played this season. The Spaniard seemed to dance through the midfield at will. Thankfully for Molina, whilst Pearson went barging ahead time and again in search for a goal, Borja stayed back the most time to give his backline some much-needed cover.
Javi Lara (6/10)
While his shots did produce a couple of brilliant saves out of Kattimani, Lara was guilty of coming inside time and again and thus failing to stretch the vulnerable Goa defence. Needs to do better with his set his piece delivery as well.
Helder Postiga (5/10)
Except for a header that crashed against the crossbar and a shot that test Kattimani again in the second half, Kolkata’s marquee player had a frustrating game. His touch betrayed him time and again and the Portuguese could count himself lucky for getting a yellow for a rash tackle in the first half.
Juan Belencoso (6.5/10)
Not much except for the goal. The Kolkata fans don’t have much confidence in him whenever he is on the ball and in front of goal. Could and should have had a second.
Substitutes
Sameehg Doutie (7.5/10)
The South African’s pace down the right was the difference maker in the closing minutes. The winger first created a chance in the 87th minute which saw Pearson shoot only for Kattimani to deny the Scot. Five minutes, later he broke again on 3 on 1 counter which eventually fizzled out when his shot hit both the crossbar and the upright before bouncing out. However, Doutie redeemed himself when a minute later, he led another break and eventually squared it off to Pearson for the winner.
Iain Hume (7/10)
The Canadian had the presence of mind to set off Doutie on the counter to help him create what would eventually be the winner.
Jewel Raja (N/A)
