While Melbourne City had all the party supplies on hand to send superstar striker David Villa home amid the fan-fare of a first victory for the year, instead he’ll depart the club winless as his side went down to Adelaide United2-1 at AAMI Park.
It was a case of groundhog day for the hosts, who again surrendered an early lead to lose the contest.
Patrick Kisnorbo’s early headed effort was cancelled by a Bruce Djite header later in the first half, before Marcelo Carrusca slotted home a penalty to win the game after Bruce Kamau was tripped in the box.
City were inches away from opening early when Villa dropped his shoulder, dribbled into the box and crossed to Damian Duff, but Eugene Galekovic was on hand to tip the Irishman’s volley onto the post before the ball was cleared.
The hosts weren’t to be denied moments later as Duff notched up another assist for the season, whipping in a corner kick for Patrick Kisnorbo to head home.
City’s high press on Adelaide’s back three was paying early dividends, with Galekovic having to deny Villa’s stinging left foot shot on the run.
Down the other end, Nigel Boogard had a free header from Marcelo Carrusca’s corner, but the defender failed to make the most of an easy chance.
It took the visitors almost half an hour to find their feet, after which they looked threatening going forward, and an open Marcelo Carrusca was moments away from connecting with Cirios ball across Andrew Redmayne’s goal.
The Reds eventually equalised in the 38th minute when Awer Mabil drifted into the middle, allowing Tarek Elrich to overlap and cross the ball in for an easy Djite header.
The hosts came out in the second half in similar fashion to the first, getting on the front foot and looking to Villa to generate chances.
The Spaniard almost worked his wonders on cue, skipping past three defenders in a counter attack only to again be denied by Galekovic, with David Williams inexplicably skying the follow up shot.
Again it would be Adelaide to pounce when City’s heat died down, as youngster Bruce Kamau dribbled into the box before being taken down by Redmayne.
Adelaide’s very own superstar import Carrusca stepped up to to drill the penalty past the hapless ‘keeper.
A lunging Kamau almost scored his side’s third goal minutes later, miscuing Djites shot turned cross centimetres from goal, but in the end, it wasn’t required as City were consigned to their second straight loss.
The result sees both clubs continue on their respective trajectories, Adelaide United temporary ladder leaders, while City sit in seventh on two points from four games.
City boss John van ‘t Schip was left to rue the missed chances from his players, as well as the mistake for Adelaide’s second goal, but wouldn’t be drawn into using it as an excuse.
“Not good enough again. You can say it’s the same story and we had the better chances overall but in the end it’s 2-1,” van ‘t Schip said.
“I think we had the more clear chances. The second half at 1-1, it was a mistake, there was nothing really going on there. We lose the ball in our own 18-yard box and it’s cost us a penalty.”
Melbourne City 1 (Kisnorbo 8’) defeated by Adelaide United 2 (Djite 38’, Carrusca 80’)
Melbourne City: 1. Andrew REDMAYNE (GK), 2. Rob WIELAERT, 4. Erik PAARTALU, 6. Aaron MOOY, 13. Jonatan GERMANO (19. Ben GARUCCIO), 8. Mass MURDOCCA (18. Paulo RETRE 84’), 11. Damien DUFF, 9. David VILLA, 23. Mate DUGANDZIC (15. David WILLIAMS 58’), 24. Paddy KISNORBO (c), 17. Jason HOFFMAN
Unused Substitutes: 20. Tando VELAPHI (GK), 25. Jacob MELLING
Yellow Cards: Hoffman 54’ Kisnorbo 64’ Redmayne 78’
Red Cards: Nil
Adelaide United: 1. Eugene GALEKOVIC (GK, c), 3. Nigel BOOGAARD, 5. Osama MALIK, 9. Bruce DJITE (4. Dylan MCGOWAN 84’), 8. ISAIAS, 9. Sergio CIRIO, 10. Marcelo CARRUSCA (2. Michael MARRONE 90+2’), 16. Craig GOODWIN, 18. Jimmy JEGGO, 21. Tarek ELRICH, 17. Awer MABIL (24. Bruce KAMAU 72′)
Unused Substitutes: 20. Paul IZZO (GK), 32. Nathan KONSTANDOPOULOS
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil