GK: Tando Velaphi – 6.5
An astute performance from the gloveman which consolidates his position as the club’s new number one in goals. Was a bit lucky to be reprieved by his defence when dropping a ball into the path of Michael Thwaite but made up for it with two fantastic saves later on but could do nothing to prevent the goal with the fault laying with his defence.
RB: Rob Wielaert – 6
The Dutch veteran found himself in an unfamiliar role at right-back due to an injury to Jason Hoffman and was not disgraced in his return to the starting line up. Was not troubled by young high flyer Danny De Silva as much as was expected and did his defensive duties without providing too much in attack.
CB: Connor Chapman – 7
Another impressive outing from the youngster who put in a commanding shift at the heart of the back four. Dealt well with the threat of Andy Keogh while also showing an attacking drive with several notable forward runs present in his display. It’s no mere coincidence that the defence has looked more solid since he has featured in it.
CB: Patrick Kisnorbo – 5
A very disappointing game for the skipper who was at fault for Richard Garcia’s goal. Had a good first half but that all unravelled in the second when he lost track of Garcia to allow the former Heart winger to head home an equaliser before losing Dino Djulbic minutes later with the imposing centre back very lucky not to have been at fault for a second, with Tando Velaphi coming to his and the side’s rescue.
LB: Ben Garuccio – 6
Was solid without being spectacular in a maturing performance from the makeshift left-back. Kept an in form Chris Harold relatively quiet and tracked back and forward well throughout the ninety. Has done enough in the past few weeks to suggest that he can make that position his own and follow in the footsteps of Aziz Behich, in being converted from a winger into an effective left-back.
CDM: Erik Paartalu – 6.5
The hero of last week’s derby victory played his part for the team and held possession quite well in the middle of the park. His almost scored his fourth header of the season when he got his head onto an Aaron Mooy corner but ultimately saw his goal-bound header well saved by a superb Vukovic in Perth goals. His turnaround in form in recent weeks has mirrored the side’s as well.
CM: Jacob Melling – 6.5
Another efficient display in midfield for the youngster who is making it very hard for coach John van’t Schip to take him out of the starting line-up with his tireless work rate being a crucial component in their recent surge in form. Put himself out an about in the first half before being replaced by Robert Koren mid-way through the second half.
✮ CM: Aaron Mooy – 8 (1 Goal) ✮
Once-again, the outstanding player on the pitch and not just because of his goal. Was the most mobile player out in a rather lacklustre first half before producing the goods with a neat finish to open the scoring soon after the restart of play. His set-pieces caused the visitors much trouble and on two occasions Glory custodian Vukovic had to produced the goods with two fantastic saves to deny the inspired Mooy from doubling his tally and securing victory for the hosts.
RW: Mate Dugandzic – 5.5
A subdued performance from the winger who struggled to provide the attacking venom required to spark the game up in the first half. He was well marked by Scott Jamieson who also made the City wideman do plenty of running back before he was withdrawn for Damien Duff just prior to the hour mark.
LW: Iain Ramsay – 5.5
Showed glimpses of what he is capable of but too often makes the wrong decision in the attacking third and does not appear to have the confidence of taking his man on in a one-on-one and beating. Seems to rely on his pace too much, making many observe that he is one-dimensional as a player and must show much more in attack to retain his starting place.
ST: David Williams – 7 (1 Assist)
After several below par performances, the striker returned to his best despite failing to find himself in the scoring positions he would have liked. Played his part in the goal, combining well with Mooy in the lead-up and showed attacking energy that was missing from the two starting wingers throughout the game before being replaced by James Brown late on.
Sub: Damien Duff – 6.5 (on 58 for Dugandzic)
The well travelled Irishman marked his returned from injury with a good half hour of football in which he gave his the penetration in attack that was largely missing throughout the game. Did his best to take on players with his return to the side a welcome selection dilemma for van’t Schip.
SUB: Robert Koren – N/A (on 69 for Melling)
SUB: James Brown – N/A (on 82 for Williams)
***
3. Aaron Mooy
2. Connor Chapman
1. David Williams
TCF Melbourne Medal Running Tally:
61.5 – Aaron Mooy (Melbourne City)
37.5 – Fahid Ben Khalfallah (Melbourne Victory)
32.5 – Besart Berisha (Melbourne Victory)
30.5 – Damien Duff (Melbourne City)
30.5 – Kosta Barbarouses (Melbourne Victory)
24.5 – Leigh Broxham (Melbourne Victory)
22 – Connor Chapman (Melbourne City)
21 – Jacob Melling (Melbourne City)
20 – David Williams (Melbourne City)
18 – Archie Thompson (Melbourne Victory)
16 – Mark Milligan (Melbourne Victory)
15.5 – Daniel Georgievski (Melbourne Victory)
15.5 – Adrian Leijer (Melbourne Victory)
15.5 – Dylan Murnane (Melbourne Victory)
15 – David Villa (Melbourne City)
15 – Nathan Coe (Melbourne Victory)
14.5 – Mate Dugandzic (Melbourne City)
14.5 – Paddy Kisnorbo (Melbourne City)
13.5 – Erik Paartalu (Melbourne City)
8.5 – Gui Finkler (Melbourne Victory)
8 – Matthieu Delpierre (Melbourne Victory)
8 – Andrew Redmayne (Melbourne City)