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The eighth week of ISL 2017 has come to an end and in the five games we witnessed, there were some superb performances from various teams.
NorthEast United recorded their first home win while Delhi Dynamos also ended their losing streak. Bengaluru FC were the only other team to record a win in this round.
In this article, we look at five forwards whose performances stood out among the rest!
Izu Azuka
Izu Azuka ended Jamshedpur’s goal drought at home scoring a brace against Mumbai City FC. It was the first time that Jamshedpur FC had scored twice in a match. The Nigerian has scored 3 out of the 4 goals that Jamshedpur FC have scored.
Azuka appeared sharp from the start of the match and took advantage of a goalmouth scramble to level the score for the home team. Azuka then clinically converted from close range to give Jamshedpur the lead. With Jamshedpur FC struggling for goals Azuka’s form is crucial if they are to make the semifinals of ISL 2017/18.
Marcelinho
After a lean patch, Marcelinho roared back to form with a brilliant hat-trick against NorthEast United. He opened the scoring against Kerala Blasters with a composed finish. The Brazilian displayed pace, movement, clinical finishing and was too hot for the Blasters defence to handle especially in the first half.
This was the first time this season that Marcelinho has scored in consecutive matches. The 31-year old has now scored 6 goals and is the 3rd highest scorer of ISL 2017/18. The FC Pune City captain has also contributed with 4 assists, the joint highest this season, overall contributing with 10 goals so far. Last season’s golden boot winner is hauling himself back into contention for this year’s Golden Boot.
Mark Sifneos
Mark Sifneos scored the equalizer against FC Pune City helping his team, Kerala Blasters, come from behind and draw the match. This was the Dutchman’s 3rd goal of the season which makes him the Blasters' top scorer in ISL 2017/18.
Sifneos impressed with his movement and physicality and was a handful for FC Pune City’s defenders. Despite not starting every match, he has attempted 13 shots so far, only Pekuson has attempted more shots for the Blasters. With the big name forwards Iain Hume and Dimitar Berbatov yet to open their accounts, Kerala’s fans will hope Sifneos continues to find the back of the net.
Sunil Chhetri
Sunil Chhetri scored a brilliant goal, smashing in an unstoppable long ranger which proved to be the winner for Bengaluru FC in a tight match. He was also involved heavily in all of Bengaluru’s good work going forward.
The Indian Team Captain was a genuine threat with his movement and shooting and also set up number of chances for his teammates with his vision and quick thinking. The record Indian goalscorer has so far contributed with five goals and an assist. His increased goal threat in this season can be highlighted by the fact that he has attempted 28 shots, the most by a player in ISL 2017/18.
Jeje Lalpekhlua
Jeje Lalpekhlua scored a brace against Delhi Dynamos which unfortunately due to some sloppy defending by Chennaiyin FC was not enough for the win. The 26-year old has scored 6 goals in his last 4 starts highlighting his poacher’s instinct and awareness in the box with his side winning both of those matches.
With six goals to his name, Jeje is Chennaiyin's top scorer this season and is also the top scoring Indian in ISL 2017/18. He has always worked hard closing down defenders and has also held the ball well allowing teammates to join the attack. The dynamic forward’s form is good news for his team as it has coincided with their good showing.
