Melbourne Victory got off to the best possible start in the A-League, launching an early siege on the Wanderers goal to end up 4-1 winners. Three goals fell in the first half an hour to the hosts, with new signings Matthieu Delpierre and Besart Berisha both amongst the goals.
Leigh Broxham struck a beauty for the third before Mark Bridge pulled one back. Mr. Victory himself Archie Thompson slotted home the fourth in the second half to round off a good day at the office.
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We’ve also started the tally for The Corner Flag Melbourne player of the year, which will be based on a 3-2-1 system for both Melbourne teams combined. The running tally can be found below.
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GK: Nathan Coe – 7
Looked confident, more so than last season. Ever reliable on the ball, and played a number of delicate passes to retain possession from the back. One save in particular off Brendan Santalab from point-blank was a highlight. Alas, could’ve done better with the Wanderers only goal, which he got a hand on.
LB: Daniel Georgievski – 8
Fantastic league debut from the Macedonian international, who was defensively astute across the whole 90 minutes. Did go to ground a little too easily in the first few moments as he found himself on the receiving end of a few questionable tackles, but he held his own and completely shut down the Wanderers right wing.
CB: Matthieu Delpierre – 7.5 (1 goal)
His job was made all the more easier with Georgievski tucked in next to him. The Frenchman – all 6’4” of him – got a header on nearly everything that came his way and of course endeared himself to the home support in the best way possible, by scoring the first goal of the year. Was somewhat culpable for the Wanderers goal, caught on the turn by a breaking Mark Bridge.
CB: Adrian Leijer – 6.5
No doubt he looks a better prospect than last year, given the improvement that’s come around him. With Delpierre next to him and Valeri in front, he has plenty more experience to rely on. He was vocal throughout and made a couple of nice tackles to whip the ball off the feet of the WSW players.
RB: Jason Geria – 6
An improvement, that’s what we’ll go with here. Still doesn’t fill me with confidence when pushed up into more advanced positions but did his defensive duties to an acceptable standard. Linked-up decently with Barbarouses in the first-half. Hopefully this is the year where he kicks on with his career.
★ CM: Leigh Broxham – 9 (1 goal) ★
Our star man. The stand-in captain was everywhere on the pitch, popped up with a goal and continued to tackle hard despite earning himself an early yellow card. He broke up the play, and didn’t allow the pace of Appiah-Kubi, Bridge, Saba and co. the time or space to stretch the defence. A fine performance.
CM: Carl Valeri – 7.5
A calming figure in the middle of the park, Valeri’s first league outing for the Victory ended in three points. He and Broxham quite easily won the midfield battle, and his assurance in possession allowed his partner the freedom to roam the pitch.
AM: Gui Finkler – 7.5 (1 assist)
The architect was responsible for the first goal; his pinpoint set-piece found the boot of Matthieu Delpierre for the opener. His link-up was good and he played in the front three on a number of occasions. Aside from the first, his set pieces were a bit down on his usual lofty standards.
LW: Archie Thompson – 7.5 (1 goal)
A return to the form of old, Thompson silenced the small number of critics who questioned his spot in the starting line-up, capping a lively performance with a well taken goal. After 10 seasons in the A-League, he still has his trademark pace which caused plenty of trouble on the flank.
ST: Besart Berisha – 8.5 (1 goal, 1 assist)
Was fantastic in his first game in blue, quickly earning the love of the Victory support as he netted a penalty before celebrating with the South End. He tracked back hard, blocking a goal bound effort at the near post as well as his energetic shift as the focal point of the Melbourne attack. He set up Archie Thompson for his second half goal and earned the penalty which he slotted home himself.
RW: Kosta Barbarouses – 7.5 (1 assist)
Was Melbourne’s best player in the first half before fading in the second. He linked up well with those around him in a display full of flair, direct running, and incisive passing. His blocked shot at the near post fell nicely for Broxham to slot home.
Substitutes:
Connor Pain (on 63’) – 4.5
Ran hard on the left flank but didn’t leave any lasting impression on the contest. He’ll benefit from the change of system however, with a target man in the form of Berisha now there to aim for. In for a big season based on his pre-season form.
Fahid Ben Khalfallah (on 72’) – 5.5
Looks like he could have a real impact on this side in season 2014-15, based on his 20 minute cameo against the Wanderers. Lining up on the right of midfield, Kalfallah was full of tricks, and wasn’t afraid to back his own ability.
Rashid Mahazi (on 87’) – n/a
TCF Melbourne Medal:
3. Leigh Broxham – 9
2. Besart Berisha – 8.5
1. Daniel Georgievski – 8