The penultimate Matchweek of the Indian Super League (ISL) showcased intense battles, with as many as four teams playing twice during the week.

Chennaiyin FC maintained their winning run from the previous week and bagged two more wins in their pursuit of the Playoff race. Akin to the Marina Machans, FC Goa too worked hard to secure two wins to keep their hopes alive for a direct qualification to the semi-final.

NorthEast United FC won one and lost the other to see their playoff hopes ending, while Jamshedpur FC suffered defeats in both their matches in Matchweek 21, concluding their Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 season, finishing 11th in the table.


Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured a vital win on the road against Punjab FC, while Mumbai City FC also edged past Odisha FC in a closely-fought encounter to move closer to the League Shield. East Bengal FC pipped Bengaluru FC in the other fixture.

As the final Matchweek of the season is already underway, let's revisit the standout performers in our handpicked Team of Matchweek 21. Notably, players from Chennaiyin FC and FC Goa dominate the lineup, structured in a 3-4-3 formation.

Goalkeeper

Debjit Majumder

After his heroics against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in Matchweek 20, continued his brilliance between the sticks once again to help his side maintain winning runs. In the clash against Jamshedpur FC, Majumder made four crucial saves, while recording three more saves against NorthEast United FC in the following match.

The Chennaiyin FC custodian have made it to the Team of the Week for the second consecutive week.

Defenders

Ankit Mukherjee

The role of the full-backs has always been vital for Owen Coyle’s side, and both Mukherjee and Sangwan have done their roles brilliantly in recent games. After his goal against Odisha FC earlier last month, Mukherjee came to the forefront once again, netting the winning goal against NorthEast United in stoppage time.

The right-back has also effectively done his defensive duties, contributing to restricting the opposition to just one goal in both their matches.

Asheer Akhtar

The centre-back playing in his debut season in the ISL, has impressed many, and he continued to show his maturity during their 2-0 victory over Kerala Blasters FC and in the following match against Chennaiyin FC.

Akhtar recorded seven interceptions against the Blasters, the joint-highest such tally by a player in a single game in the ongoing season (also Provat Lakra against FC Goa on 9 April 2024).

Aakash Sangwan

Since his return from injury, Sangwan has shown his attacking instincts as a full-back with which he surprised many last season. Sangwan played a vital role in taking the set-pieces in the NorthEast United FC game after Rafael Crivellaro was subbed off.

The left-back curled in directly from the corner kick, becoming the third Chennaiyin FC player to score an Olympic goal in the ISL.

Midfielders

Noah Sadaoui

The Moroccan came in as a substitute against Hyderabad FC in the second half and completed his hat-trick within 729 seconds. Sadaoui scored his three goals from an expected goals (xG) tally of 1.03; his xG differential of 1.97 is the second highest by any player in a single game this season (Daniel Chima - 2.49).

He continued his impressive form against Jamshedpur FC, scoring one and assisting another for Carlos Martinez. With his strike against the Men of Steel, he has now reached double digits in his goal-scoring tally.

Lallianzuala Chhangte

The Indian international continued his attacking returns and displayed another terrific performance against Odisha FC in Matchweek 21. He completed five dribbles against the Kalinga Warriors, the highest such tally by any player in a single game this matchday.

The winger provided an assist for the opening goal for Jorge Pereyra Diaz while scoring the winning goal for the side after Diego Mauricio levelled the scoreline.

Saul Crespo

After his two goals against Kerala Blasters FC in the previous week, the Spanish midfielder once again proved his worth for the side. Crespo calmly converted from the spot to give his side the initial lead against Bengaluru FC, after Naorem Mahesh Singh was brought down inside the penalty box.

Brandon Fernandes (Captain)

The FC Goa captain played a pivotal role in their 4-0 win over Hyderabad FC. Although he didn’t find the back of the net himself, Fernandes picked up two assists from an expected assist tally of 0.39, recording the highest differential between assists and expected assists in a single game against Thangboi Singto’s side (+1.61 xA value).

Forwards

Jithin MS

Jithin extended his impressive form by scoring in both of NorthEast United FC’s fixtures in Matchweek 21. After scoring the solitary goal against Mumbai City FC, the winger demonstrated his clinical finishing ability once again. With these recent goals, Jithin has now found the back of the net four times this season and also has three assists to his name.

Mohammad Yasir

Yasir played an instrumental role in both of FC Goa’s wins in MW 21. Similarly to Fernandes, Yasir recorded two assists against Hyderabad FC and also fulfilled his defensive responsibilities effectively. In the subsequent match against Jamshedpur FC, he had decent gameplay.

Rahim Ali

The Indian striker came on as a substitute in both of Chennaiyin FC’s matches in Matchweek 21 and played a handy cameo in both games. Ali scored the winning goal against Jamshedpur FC just minutes after he was brought on, and once again, in the subsequent game against NorthEast United FC, he set up Mukherjee for the winning goal in stoppage time.

Head Coach: Owen Coyle

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2023-2024