What an amazing spectacle it was for the 43,000 plus fans that made the trek to Etihad Stadium. There were twists and turns – especially in that first half – but in the end it was an inspired Victory who finished on top of what was arguably the biggest Melbourne Derby to date. Here are the player ratings for the Round 3 Derby
*Melbourne City*
GK: Andrew Redmayne – 5
Didn’t disgrace himself on the night but neither provided any breathtaking or important saves. Five goals is just far too many to be conceding on a stage as big as the Melbourne Derby.
LB: Iain Ramsay – 4
You could question his defensive abilities time and time again throughout the match and it comes as no huge surprise as to why Victory targeted City’s left side of defence. Offered a little going forward with his pace, but just looks out of position at full-back.
CB: Patrick Kisnorbo – 5
Never looked comfortable and struggled to match the pace an intensity of Victory’s forwards. Kept Thompson onside for the fifth too.
CB: Robbie Wielaert – 5 (1 goal)
Saved him a little grace having scored the opener but it’s much the same as his fellow central defensive partner.
RB: Jason Hoffman – 5.5 (1 goal)
Aside from scoring City’s second, he had no impact defensively. Thompson had the better of him for the whole night.
CM: Erik Paartalu – 5
Has struggled for form upon his re-introduction into the A-League. Just doesn’t seem to be adjusting to life in a Melbourne shirt – A mere shadow of his Brisbane days.
CM: Massimo Murdocca – 6.5
Lively and had plenty of possession in the first half but it ends right about there for the central midfielder.
CM: Aaron Mooy – 7.5 (2 assists)
Was absolutely everywhere in the first half and provided his side with two assists. Was best on up until half time and became isolated like many of City’s attacking options.
LW: David Villa – 6
We saw how good he is with the ball at his feet throughout the first half but didn’t get the service and support he needed in the second. Faded away as the game progressed despite moving into a central role.
ST: Mate Dugandzic – 5
Didn’t justify his spot in the starting line-up and may lose out when David Williams returns to full fitness. Largely non-existent during his time on the pitch.
RW: Damien Duff – 7
For me, alongside Mooy, the pair were definitely City’s best players. The Irishman had a great first half, conjuring a number of chances and toiled away in the second.
Sub: James Brown: 4 (on 58′)
Came on to provide some energy but conceded a penalty and hardly touched it.
Sub: Paulo Retre N/A (on 69′)
Sub: Jacob Melling N/A (on 84′)
*Melbourne Victory*
GK: Nathan Coe – 5
Was caught out in for the first two goals, plain and simple. Needs to collect if he’s going to drift so far from home. Did improve as the contest wore on.
RB: Scott Galloway – 7
Had the unenviable task of coming up against David Villa, and he did his stocks no harm. Good decision by Muscat to start him on the right, to help counter Villa’s instinct to cut in.
CB: Adrian Leijer: 7
Again solid, if not spectacular. Couldn’t do too much about the goals but defender valiantly, especially when City piled on the pressure in the first half. Looked much better in general this season.
CB: Matthieu Delpierre – 8
The cool head at the back Victory fans have been crying out for. Just oozes experience as he mops up trouble like it’s water. Was terrific at ground level and won the penalty for Berisha’s hat-trick.
LB: Daniel Georgievski – 6.5
Not as good as his previous performances this season but was still relatively industrious. Matched up against Duff, the contest ended in a 50-50
CM: Carl Valeri – 6
Didn’t impose himself on the contest too much and the pathway through the midfield was way too easy in the first half. Like most of the side, improved in the second.
CM: Mark Milligan – 6.5
See above. Wasn’t enough of a factor in the first half, as Aaron Mooy and co. ran the show. Came to life in the second with a little confidence and slotted in at centre-back well in Leijer’s absence.
AM: Gui Finkler – 7.5 (1 assist)
Was decent throughout, picking out Archie Thompson for his sides first goal in the first half. His passing and touch was much sharper in the second half, where as in the first he looked a little slow on the ball.
LW: Archie Thompson – 8.5 (2 goals)
Like a fine wine, he’s gotten better with age, if his start to the season is to go by anyway. Scored two and was lively throughout.
★ ST: Besart Berisha – 9 (3 goals) ★
The hat-trick hero for Melbourne Victory, what else needs to be said?
RW: Kosta Barbarouses– 8.5 (2 assists)
Arguably the Kiwi’s best game in Victory colours. Barbarouses – who’s often been maligned for his lack of final ball – put those qualms to bed with a pair of assists, one off a saved shot and the second a contender for the best pass of the season to date to find Archie.
Sub: Leigh Broxham N/A (on 69′)
Sub: Fahid Ben Khalfallah N/A (on 75′)
Sub: Rashid Mahazi N/A (on 84′)
***
Votes:
3. Besart Berisha – 9.5
2. Kosta Barbarouses – 8.5
1. Archie Thompson – 8.5
TCF Melbourne Medal Running Tally:
18 – Besart Berisha (Melbourne Victory)
15.5 – Damien Duff (Melbourne City)
15.5 – Daniel Georgievski (Melbourne Victory)
15 – Aaron Mooy (Melbourne City)
9 – Leigh Broxham (Melbourne Victory)
8.5 – Kosta Barbarouses (Melbourne Victory)
8.5 – Archie Thompson (Melbourne Victory)
8 – Matthieu Delpierre (Melbourne Victory)
7.5 – Nathan Coe (Melbourne Victory)
7.5 – Paddy Kisnorbo (Melbourne City)
7 – David Villa (Melbourne City)