Bengaluru FC demolished reigning champions Mumbai City FC to cruise to a 2nd victory in 3 matches. The win is a statement from the Blues that are very much part of the race to the ISL playoffs. With just a single win in their previous 9, Bengaluru FC looked a different side coming into the game.
Danish Farooq (8′) struck early with a piledriving effort to put his team ahead. Following suit, defender Naorem Roshan Singh and forward Prince Ibara linked up for 2 more (23′, 45+5′) to make it 3-0. Both times Roshan played assister as Ibara was clinical to give Bengaluru FC a 3-0 advantage in the first 45 minutes.
The Islanders did have their fair share of opportunities after the break. However, a comeback seemed very unlikely.
Mumbai City FC: Player Ratings
Coach: Des Buckingham
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: P. Lachenpa (5.5/10)
Defenders: M. Rakip (6/10), M. Fall (5.5/10), R. Bheke (6/10), V. Dakshinamurthy (5.5/10)
Midfielders: L. Ralte (6.5/10), V. Rai (6/10)
Forwards: B. Inmam (6/10), Cassinho (6/10), B. Singh (5/10), Y. Catatau (6.5/10)
Substitutes: I. Angulo (6/10), R. Fernandes (5.5/10), A. Ranawade (6.5/10), G. Singh (6/10)
Bengaluru FC: Player Ratings
Coach: Marco Pezzaiuoli
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: G. Singh Sadhu (7.5/10)
Defenders: A. Kuruniyan (7.5/10), Alan (7.5/10), P. Chaudhari (6.5/10), N. R. Singh (9/10)
Midfielders: D. Farooq Bhat (8/10), B. Edgar (7.5/10), S. S. Wangjam (7.5/10)
Forwards: P. Ibara (9/10), C. Silva (8/10), U. Singh (7.5/10)
Substitutes: S. Chhetri (6.5/10), I. Basafa (6/10)
Player of the Match
With a stellar showing tonight, Naorem Roshan convincingly took home the Hero of the Match award. Contributing both in defence and attack, he dinked in a looping ball after wrong-footing Bheke for Prince Ibara to head in his first of the game. Combining with the Congolese forward once more, the two recreated a similar scene as Ibara nodded in his second and Bengaluru’s third of the night.
Besides the 2 assists, he was all over the pitch, swinging in crosses with both feet. By far, Roshan was the most attacking player and created the highest number of opportunities (4) in the match.
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