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The Highlanders hosted Mumbai City FC at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Guwahati, as both teams went for 3 points right from the start. With 7 points from 6 games, Mumbai City had a mediocre league so far. Whereas, NorthEast United FC had a poor start with just 3 points in 5 games.
The match had the fire right from the start as Marcinho danced forward with the ball only to hit the far post. Marcinho again created a great scoring opportunity in the 24th minute as he slipped the ball to Doungel but the winger missed the sitter. The goal finally came on the other side though, as Balwant tucked the ball past an advancing Ravi Kumar.
The striker from Punjab added another goal in the second half after Rowllin Borges lost the ball just outside his box, to give Mumbai their third victory of ISL 2017.
On that note, let's take a look at how the players performed during the match.
NorthEast United FC
Ravi Kumar (5/10 ) :
The custodian had a poor game as he mistakenly rushed out of his box, something that Balwant Singh capitalized on.
Nirmal Chhetri (7/10 ) :
The Sikkim-born defender always had his counterpart Everton Santos in control. He made 3 interceptions and 1 tackle.
Sambinha (7/10 ) :
The centre-back had a convincing game as he continuously overlooked the threat from Balwant Singh. His clearances were effective, and his tackles were clinical.
Jose Goncalves (6/10 ) :
Captaining the team in a home fixture is always a tough job as Goncalves experienced the heat of the responsibility. He was repeatedly beaten by Thiago Santos.
Reagan Singh (6/10 ) :
The left-back had another ordinary game as Sanju Pradhan continuously ran at him. He was beaten for pace a couple of times and also lost physical challenges.
Rowllin Borges (5/10 ) :
The India international midfielder continued his poor form as he failed to make a mark in the game. There were no interceptions from the defensive midfielder and the lack of pace is a major disadvantage of his game.
Martin Diaz (5/10 ) :
It was disheartening to see the player who gave his everything get substituted as early as 39th minute due to injury. Until that, however, he did keep the Mumbai midfielders occupied
Seminlen Doungel (5/10) :
Playing as a right winger, he failed to make any threat through his flank against his counterpart Abinash Ruidas. He also continued his habit of missing opportunities as he managed to win only 6 out of 18 duels.
Marcinho (8/10):
The attacking midfielder continued to be the real threat for opponent's defence as he displayed his skills in the midfield. His runs were good, his passes were accurate and only the finishing was missing.
Holicharan Narzary (7/10) :
The Assam-born left winger didn't shy away from challenges against his counterpart Davinder Singh. That left flank of NEUFC continued to pose threat for the Mumbai defence.
Luiz Paez (7/10):
The centre-forward looked threatening but was well managed by Mumbai City's centre-backs. He was never allowed a chance to run away with a goal. In spite of the heavy marking, he made two successive dribbles.
Mumbai City FC
Amrinder Singh (8/10):
The former Bengaluru FC custodian had an impressive match as he made 3 quality saves to keep NEUFC away from a goal. 52 percent of his passes were accurate and it only added to his impressive day.
Abhinas Ruidas (8/10 ) :
Usually a right winger, he was deployed as a Right back by Mumbai City FC coach Alexandre Guimaraes. He took the challenge and didn't disappoint his manager as he made 10 clearance and 6 tackles.
Raju Gaikwad (8/10 ) :
He kept NEUFC forwards at bay as he made 6 clearance and 2 blocks. His interceptions were equally efficient.
Lucian Goian ( 7/10 ) :
Captain of the side didn't have the best of his days. 34yr old showed restlessness as he made several mistakes. The Romanian Centre Back managed to win only 10 of 20 duels.
Davinder Singh (7/10 ) :
The India U23 player had a tough game as Holicharan Narzary continued to pose threat through the left flank. However, he was up to the challenge, as he kept Narzary in check.
Everton Santos ( 6/10 ) :
The Brazilian winger had Nirmal Chhetri on his toes. But this was far away from his best game. The 31-year-old managed only 1 shot on target though he had a passing accuracy of 80 peercent .
Gerson Viera (8/10):
Gerson was deployed as a defensive midfielder to release Emana of his defensive duties. He managed to perform his role perfectly as he made 6 clearance and 2 blocks.
Achilie Emana (9/10 ):
The No.10 was without a doubt the best player in the game as he continued his great form. The 35-year-old assisted both the goals and also made many key passes.
Sanju Pradhan (6/10 ) :
Playing against one of his former teams of the past, the 28-year-old winger kept trying his best but fell second to Abhinash Ruidas. Sanju Pradhan managed only 1 cross through his wing.
Balwant Singh ( 9/10 ) :
The 31-year-old showed why he's a key member of Stephen Constantine's set up as he scored a brace. He had 3 shots on target and showed his defensive presence as well making 2 clearances.
Thiago Santos (7/10 ) :
The 22-year-old centre-forward had a relatively poor game as he managed only 1 shot on target. His runs were short of venom and his eye for a goal was missing.
