Mumbai City FC rang in the new year in the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) with a 2-0 win over Kerala Blasters FC on Saturday. Their dominant performances ensured that three players from the Islanders make it to Gameweek 9’s team of the week. Meanwhile, wins for Jamshedpur FC, FC Goa and SC East Bengal, and a resilient defensive performance from both ATK Mohun Bagan and Chennaiyin FC meant that players from all five teams featured in the team of the week for Gameweek 9. Let’s see who all earned the distinction.   

Arindam Bhattacharja

Featuring in the team of the week for the second time running, ATK Mohun Bagan custodian Arindam Bhattacharja made a number of crucial saves to keep the scoreline at 0-0 against Chennaiyin FC. Arindam saved all seven of the shots that he faced and also made three catches and five punches for the Mariners.

Stephen Eze

Like Arindam featuring for the second time running, Stephen Eze scored the winner against Bengaluru FC to help Jamshedpur FC move into the top four heading into the new year. The Nigerian defender kept the Bengaluru attack under control with eight clearances, two blocks and five successful interceptions.

Pritam Kotal

India international Pritam Kotal helped ATK Mohun Bagan continue their strong defensive run in a goalless draw against Chennaiyin. All five of Kotal’s tackles were successful and his four interceptions were spot on as well. He also made three clearances and two blocks for the Mariners.    

Enes Sipovic

Featuring for the first time this season in the team of the week, Enes Sipovic was responsible for keeping Roy Krishna at bay during Chennaiyin’s goalless draw against ATK Mohun Bagan. The Bosnian defender made 12 clearances and one successful tackle and had a passing accuracy of 80% as well.

Mourtada Fall

Returning to the team of the week, the Senegalese defender helped his goalkeeper to a clean sheet and made some important blocks to keep the Kerala Blasters players at bay. Mumbai City’s Mourtada Fall made 12 clearances and six blocks while having a strong passing accuracy of 72% as well.

Ahmed Jahouh

The Moroccan midfielder was at his best and assisted Hugo Boumous’ goal and the Islanders’ second on the night against Kerala Blasters FC. Ahmed Jahouh created three chances for Sergio Lobera’s team and defensively he made five clearances, four successful interceptions, and two successful tackles as well.

Rowllin Borges

Rowllin Borges was a defensive lynchpin in the midfield for the Islanders and helped his side keep a clean sheet against Kerala Blasters. He had three successful tackles and as many successful interceptions in addition to his four blocks and two clearances.

Anthony Pilkington

The midfielder played a big role in SC East Bengal winning their first game of the season when they beat Odisha FC. Pilkington scored with his only shot on target. He created one chance besides effecting four tackles.             

Matti Steinmann

Featuring in the team of the week for the second time running, Matti Steinmann provided one assist against Odisha FC. His performance defensively was particularly impressive as he effected four successful tackles and four clearances for Robbie Fowler’s team.

Aridane Santana

Hyderabad’s FC Aridane Santana was in fine form against FC Goa and scored his fifth goal of the season. The striker had three of his four shots on target while making one successful tackle, one successful interception as well as one block.  

Igor Angulo

Featuring for the second gameweek running, the Spaniard was in the right place at the right time to score FC Goa’s winner against Hyderabad FC. Igor Angulo netted the winner in injury time and was even involved on the defensive front, making one successful tackle and three clearances for the Gaurs.