An interesting game, for two reasons. Firstly, Brisbane actually dictated large periods of the contest, but by then City were already two goals up and could afford to sit back and absorb the pressure. Secondly, City seemed liberated by David Villa’s absence, able to play to the structure they worked on before his late arrival before season’s start.
Match Report > City’s desperation prevails over Brisbane
***
GK: Andrew Redmayne – 8
Often maligned, but certainly earned the plaudits today. Pulled off crucial saves at crucial times, ensuring Brisbane couldn’t find a way back into the contest. Couldn’t do anything to prevent the goal.
RB: Jason Hoffman – 6.5
An industrious performance by the converted right back, who looked confident in the position and made a number of forays forward. Was caught out at a key moment by Broich and Stefanutto, but Redmayne was on hand to deny Lustica’s resulting shot.
CB:Robbie Wielaert – 6.5
The veteran showed all his experience to help his side keep the Roar at the bay, though could have perhaps closed down some players quicker to prevent shots on target.
CB: Patrick Kisnorbo – 7
A commanding performance from the leader, who organised his defensive line well and won important challenges with his physicality.
LB: Iain Ramsey – 6.5
A more assured performance by the unnatural left-back, who didn’t look as overwhelmed as he has in previous games.
CM:Erik Paaralu – 7 (1 assist)
This was the game where Paartalu finally looked like he was settling into the City team. A clever ball into space for Dugandzic’s goal, the defensive midfielder also screened the back four well, providing support when Brisbane came knocking.
CM: Paulo Retre – 6
An interesting call to start Retre. While he wasn’t outstanding compared to the likes of Mooy, Brattan and Paartalu, he didn’t look overawed either, tidy in possession and working tirelessly before being substituted early in the second half for Melling.
★ CM: Aaron Mooy – 8.5 ★
A top performance from the recently called-up Socceroo, who certainly justified Ange’s selection (at club level, at least). While there are no goals or assists to his name, he assisted assists by winning balls and playing piecing killer through-balls. Was also cruelly denied by the crossbar late in the contest to cap off a man of the match performance.
LW: Mate Dugandzic – 7.5 (1 assist, 1 goal)
Didn’t have an outstanding game in reality, though you can’t take away his goal and assist (but perhaps Jamie Young should have done much better to deny his left-foot strike). His early involvements were crucial to secure the win.
ST: David Williams – 7 (1 goal)
An energetic performance by Williams. The early goal did wonders for the sometimes enigmatic forward’s confidence, who hassled Brisbane’s back four and linked well with Dugandzic, before both were subbed in the second half.
RW: Damian Duff – 6
Actually initially forgot to include Duff’s name in this write-up, suggesting he may have been anonymous for chunks of the contest. Wasn’t as prolific as he has been in previous contests, but still a worthy contribution in City’s front third.
Sub: Jacob Melling – 6 (on 59′)
Was lively when introduced into the game, forcing Young into a great save on the near post.
Sub: James Brown – 6.5 (on 69′, 1 assist)
The impact sub made an impact, played through by a brilliant Mooy through ball to whip in the assist for Marino’s sealer.
Sub: Marc Marino – 6.5 (on 75′, 1 goal)
Well done to the youngster, who settled City’s nerves after Brisbane seemed destined to nab an equaliser. Has been banging in goals in the youth league, and credit to John van ‘t Schip for giving the youngster a go.
***
Votes
3. Aaron Mooy – 8.5
2. Andrew Redmayne – 8
1. Mate Dugandzic – 7.5
TCF Melbourne Medal Running Tally:
31 – Aaron Mooy (Melbourne City)
24.5 – Besart Berisha (Melbourne Victory)
22.5 – Damien Duff (Melbourne City)
15.5 – Kosta Barbarouses (Melbourne Victory)
15.5 – Daniel Georgievski (Melbourne Victory)
15 – David Villa (Melbourne City)
9 – Leigh Broxham (Melbourne Victory)
9 – Mark Milligan (Melbourne Victory)
8.5 – Gui Finkler (Melbourne Victory)
8.5 – Archie Thompson (Melbourne Victory)
8 – Matthieu Delpierre (Melbourne Victory)
8 – Dylan Murnane (Melbourne Victory)
8 – Andrew Redmayne (Melbourne City)
7.5 – Fahid Ben Khalfallah (Melbourne Victory)
7.5 – Nathan Coe (Melbourne Victory)
7.5 – Mate Dugandzic (Melbourne City)
7.5 – Paddy Kisnorbo (Melbourne City)