East Bengal
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TP Rehenesh (7.5/10)
Looked commanding in the box and dealt with everything that Bengaluru threw his way in terms of attempts on goal which included a save from point-blank range off the boots of Mandar Rao Desai in the 87th minute. Had no chance with the goal late on.
Robin Gurung (6/10)
Had a quiet day in the office as neither Sunil Chhetri nor Sena Ralte proved to be a real threat down the left for Bengaluru. Had little to offer going forward.
Gurwinder Singh (7/10)
Complemented his much experienced defensive partner and to his credit, kept the Bengaluru attack well in check. Whether it be turning away a wicked cross from Udanta Singh or keeping Vineeth’s run in check, the Punjabi lad will have a lot to take home from this one.
Ivan Bukenya (8.5/10)
Arguably the best player on the ground. The Ugandan looked immense at the back while defending and composed whilst on the ball. It was his brilliant turn and pass that eventually led to Wedson Anselme’s goal.
Robert Lalthlamuana (7.5/10)
Was really up against it today against the nimble-footed Udanta Singh. Whilst the Bengaluru winger did get the better of him a couple of times, the man from Mizoram fought back and denied him time to look up and deliver a good ball into the box. Put in a delightful cross for Robin Singh to score his first of the night.
Nikhil Poojari (6/10)
Was yet again a bundle of energy down the flanks. Morgan seems to love his industrious nature and he yet again justified his inclusion with his running down the right.
Mehtab Hossein (7/10)
A cool and composed game from the usually hot-headed customer. East Bengal’s main man in the middle enjoyed both time as well as space to pick his passes.
Rowlin Borges (7.5/10)
A commanding performance from the Indian international at the middle of the park. Borges was robust in his challenges, brilliant in his reading of the game and kept the visitors ticking along. His brilliant cross from the right eventually led to East Bengal’s third goal.
Chris Payne (6/10)
Should have had his name on the scoresheet when he was played in on goal in the 38th minute. But he saw his weak shot parried away by Arindam. Looked like he still lacked match fitness but showed he is not wet behind the ears. His unselfishness led to East Bengal’s third as he teed up Robin Singh after Borges’ cross had found the Australian unmarked at the far post.
Wedson Anselme (8/10)
Kolkata has its second Haitian superstar in Wedson Anselme. The forward produced a moment of magic in the first half as he ran at the Bengaluru defence with authority and finished off the chance with a curling effort that will take some beating this season. Wedson was all over the Bengaluru defence in the first half as his finesse on the ball and graceful passing had everyone in awe.
Robin Singh (8.5/10)
Chants of “F@#! off Robin” filled the evening air at the Kanteereva Stadium in Bangalore as the match began. But about an hour into the game, there was only man smiling. The forward had returned to the ground that he once called home and how! Two goals in typical Robin Singh fashion sealed the game for East Bengal and it could have been even more if not for some last ditch defending.
Substitutes
David Lalrinmuana (5/10)
East Bengal lost the impetus in the middle after he came into replace Rowlin Borges. Trevor Morgan had looked for some fresh legs to shut up shop in the middle. But young David failed to make an impact on the game.
Narayan Das (5/10)
Das replaced Robert at the hour mark and found the job of containing Udanta a tough one. A better finish from young Daniel and some composure from Udanta Singh and the tale could have been different for both Das as well as East Bengal.
