ISL 2018-19: Kerala Blasters 1-2 Bengaluru FC - Hits and Flops from the game

Bengaluru FC pulled off a hard-fought win over their rivals in Kochi but the game could have gone either way. Kerala Blasters came tantalisingly close to scoring at times but the final finish was lacking. Entitled as the 'Biggest Game of Indian Super League', the 'derby' as some call it did live up to its expectations given the competitiveness on the pitch and the atmosphere in the stands.

Marred with controversial decisions by the referees, electricity shut-down and scuffles, the encounter had everything. Sunil Chhetri put the Blues ahead only to have the lead nulled by a spot-kick from Slavisa Stojanovic. Bengaluru took the lead late in the second half to put the game to bed through a Nikola Krcmarevic's own goal.

We bring to you the hits and flops from the much awaited Southern 'Derby' game :

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#1 Hit: Sunil Chhetri

Sunil Chhetri in action during the game [Image: ISL]

Needless to say, the Bengaluru captain, as usual, was on top form today. Despite facing the axe from the Kerala Blasters fans after scoring a goal from being almost a yard offside, India's top scorer Sunil Chhetri was a menace for the Kerala defence throughout the game.

He combined brilliantly with Miku upfront to create many goal-scoring chances. Chhetri's runs down the left flank in the second-half before latching on to a few brilliant through and chipped balls from Dimas Delgado allowed Miku in the middle to create space for himself to breach the Kerala goal in regular intervals.

Chhetri was with a different role after sustaining a slight knock courtesy a Sandesh Jhingan tackle allowing Miku a more central role which worked pretty well.

#2 Flop: Udanta Singh

Udanta Singh was off-colour [Image: ISL]

Popularly known as the 'Flash' courtesy his sudden outburst of speed down the right flank to swing in the perfect low-crosses and set up Chhetri in the middle both in India and Bengaluru colours, Udanta Singh has not yet lived up to his mark in the ongoing season so far.

Udanta has had 5 matches under his belt now and has not managed to find the back of the net or set up somebody for a goal. His runs down the flank are being easily read by the full-backs, not allowing the Manipuri winger to be on his best form.

Scenes were similar in Kochi as Cyril Kali kept on being a sturdy obstacle for Udanta to overcome on the right. He was substituted in the 60th minute by Cuadrat owing to his poor show on the field, giving way to a much lively and agile Kean Lewis.

#3 Hit: Dimas Delgado

Dimas Delgado warms up before the match [Image: ISL]

The Spaniard was omnipresent in the BFC midfield and put up an incisive performance in the middle of the park. Delgado combined with Erik Paartulu in the centre to play Chhetri and Miku through on goal on a number of occasions.

His defence-splitting passes and intelligent movement off the ball allowed the much-needed coherence to the Blues in the centre and space to exploit. Dimas was the lynchpin of the side and was responsible for making the team tick and he did it with brilliance.

The Blues would be certainly delighted that their midfield maestro is finally fit and firing after a lengthy injury spell. The Spaniard has an 85% pass accuracy in the four games he appeared for the Blues this season, making him one of the most clinical options for Cuadrat to rely on.

The Spaniard was rightfully adjudged the 'Hero of the Match' for his excellent outing.

#4 Flop: CK Vineeth

Vineeth failed to make a mark in the game [Image: ISL]

The southpaw has been misfiring for a while now with just two goals from six games in the season. The 'Derby' day was no different for Vineeth as he failed to outclass a resilient Bengaluru defence.

Vineeth was left stranded upfront seldom receiving any balls from his compatriots in the midfield. His lack of communication with Stojanovic was evident throughout the game.

He came closest to scoring in the 76th minute after Prashanth provided a delightful through ball to send Vineeth clear of his marker on to the goal, but the No.13 failed to kept his composure and put the ball wide of the target with Stojanovic stranded at the far side waiting for the ball.

With no shots on target and no chances created, Vineeth was a disappointment. He has to pull up his socks and breach the opposition defence in regular intervals to stay in the good books of David James as his hunt for an Indian National Team return continues.

#5 Hit: Prasanth Karuthadathkuni

Prasanth (right) was on top form in the game [Image: ISL]

In only his second appearance this season for the Blasters, Prasanth K was on-song in the right flank, wreaking havoc for the Blues defence, especially in the initial minutes of play. With 27 successful passes in 95 minutes, Karuthadathkuni was one of the stand-out Indian performers today for the losing side.

His terrific runs down the was a vexatious factor especially for the left back Nishu Kumar. He created the first big chance of the game right after Chhetri put the visitors into the lead. He skipped past his marker, Kumar, created acres of space for himself and drove in a threatening ball which fell almost perfectly for Stojanovic and Doungel to tap home. But both the yellow shirts fell short of the ball by a mere inch as the chance to equalise right after conceding went begging.

Prashant K was a constant threat throughout the first half but lost some of his touch after the long break in the second half, allowing Nishu Kumar to move out of his defensive half and assist Chhetri and co. upfront instead.