Matchweek 21 of the ISL 2024-25 season delivered exciting action and crucial results. Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Punjab FC, solidifying their strong position in the league and one step closer to title aspirations. FC Goa edged Odisha FC to a 2-1 victory keeping the second spot on the table.

Mumbai City FC continued their consistent form with a 2-0 win against NorthEast United FC keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Hyderabad FC emerged victorious with a 3-1 triumph over Mohammedan SC. Chennaiyin FC dominated East Bengal FC with a 3-0 win, while Bengaluru FC secured a 3-0 victory against Jamshedpur FC at home, ending their winless streak and moving up to fifth on the table and Odisha FC drew 1-1 against Punjab FC in a hard-fought encounter.

Here is the Team of the Week in a 4-4-2 formation:

Goalkeeper

Phurba Lachenpa (Mumbai City FC)

Phurba Lachenpa delivered an outstanding performance, keeping a clean sheet in Mumbai City FC’s crucial victory against NorthEast United FC. He made four vital saves, including key stops from inside the box. Lachenpa was also effective in organizing the defence and contributed to the team’s buildup play with five entries into the final third. His composure under pressure and consistent shot-stopping secured his spot as the goalkeeper of the week.

Defenders

Mehtab Singh (Mumbai City FC)

Mehtab Singh has been a standout performer for Mumbai City FC this season, consistently delivering impactful displays at the back. Against NorthEast United, he made ten clearances, along with one interception and one block, showcasing his defensive solidity. Mehtab Singh was solid at the back, contributing heavily to Mumbai City FC’s clean sheet. He made 10 clearances and was proactive in progressing the ball, completing 11 progressive carries. Defensively, he was dominant in the air, winning two of his four aerial duels, and showcasing his reliability in both defensive and attacking transitions.

Carlos Delgado (Odisha FC)

Carlos Delgado played a pivotal role in Odisha FC’s defensive structure, making 10 clearances and four interceptions. He also contributed with one crucial block and had 59 touches, ensuring stability at the back. Delgado’s positioning and anticipation were key to neutralizing opposition attacks. Though Odisha FC had one loss and a draw, he was instrumental in keeping the opposition at bay.

Dipendu Biswas (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

Dippendu Biswas has rapidly progressed at Mohun Bagan, becoming a key player and one of the first names on the team sheet. His impressive development has been reflected in his consistent performances. Against Punjab FC, Biswas provided an assist while showcasing defensive solidity. He made nine clearances, three interceptions, one block, and one tackle, effectively shutting down opposition attacks. Additionally, he won the majority of his duels and maintained a passing accuracy of 86%, highlighting his composure and reliability at the back.

Valpuia (Hmingthanmawia Ralte)(Mumbai City FC)

Valpuia was a rock at the back for Mumbai City FC. Mumbai City FC ensured a much-needed victory with a clean sheet to stay in the playoffs race against NorthEastUnited FC. Mumbai City FC secured their place in history as the first Indian Super League (ISL) club to achieve 100 victories in the league and the first ever in Shilling, courtesy of a 2-0 triumph over NorthEast United FC. Hmingthanmawia Ralte demonstrated his playmaking abilities for Mumbai City FC, achieving a 77.1% passing accuracy in the opposition half.

Midfielders

Alberto Noguera (Bengaluru FC)

Alberto Noguera delivered a standout performance this week, scoring a brace to inspire Bengaluru FC to a much-needed victory after a lengthy winless run. He was highly influential in midfield, completing the most passes in the match (43) with an impressive accuracy of 93%. Noguera also created four key chances and dominated the midfield battles, winning four out of five ground duels. Defensively, he contributed with two ball recoveries, one clearance, and one interception, showcasing his all-around influence on the game.

Yoell van Nieff (Mumbai City FC)

Yoell van Nieff controlled the midfield with his ball-winning ability, securing possession 10 times and making five interceptions. He was also influential in duels, winning eight out of 14 contested battles. Van Nieff’s defensive contributions provided the necessary stability for Mumbai City to dominate midfield exchanges.

Irfan Yadwad (Chennaiyin FC)

Irfan Yadwad played a crucial role in Chennaiyin FC's emphatic 3-0 victory over East Bengal FC. Displaying his prowess on the flanks, Yadwad consistently stretched the opposition's defense, creating several attacking opportunities. In the 21st minute, his pinpoint cross found Wilmar Jordan Gil in a prime position, leading to Chennaiyin's second goal. Yadwad's vision and delivery were instrumental in exploiting East Bengal's defensive frailties, helping his team secure a much-needed win and keep their playoff hopes alive. Irfan Yadwad showcased his versatility by contributing both defensively and offensively. He provided an assist and won 13 duels, including seven successful tackles. Yadwad also made six long progressive carries, helping his team transition quickly from defense to attack.

Ramhlunchhunga (Hyderabad FC

Ramhlunchhunga played a pivotal role in Hyderabad FC’s attack, creating two key chances and scoring a goal. He was effective in duels, winning the majority of his ground battles. Ramhlunchhunga was a constant threat on the wing, scoring one goal and completing two successful dribbles. He was effective in one-on-one situations, winning six of his 11 duels. Additionally, he created two chances, demonstrating his creativity and attacking prowess.

Forwards

Allan Paulista (Hyderabad FC)

Allan Paulista delivered a decisive performance, scoring one goal and providing an assist. The Brazilian forward was a constant threat in attack, registering two shots on target and making four touches inside the opposition box. In addition to his offensive contributions, Paulista worked hard defensively, making four ball recoveries and three headed clearances, showcasing his all-around impact on the game.

Jamie Maclaren (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

Jamie Maclaren continued his fine form, scoring twice with an expected goals (xG) value of 1.21. He was clinical in front of goal, hitting the target three times from four shots. Maclaren’s movement and positioning made him a constant threat to the opposition’s defence. He was clinical in front of goal, recording three shots on target and making seven touches inside the opposition box. Maclaren also contributed defensively, making two ball recoveries and two tackles. Impressively, he won all of his ground duels, underlining his effectiveness across the pitch.

Head Coach

Jose Molina (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

Jose Molina masterminded another dominant performance for Mohun Bagan SG, guiding his team to a g 3-0 victory over Punjab FC. His tactical decisions and effective use of substitutions were instrumental in maintaining the team’s momentum and securing valuable points which brings Mohun Bagan SG closer to winning the title.