GK: Andrew Redmayne – 6
Was forced into a few vital saves but was accountable for Sydney’s first after he was caught in no-man’s land. Should have done better and got more of hand on the second too.
LB: Aaron Ramsay – 5
There was a lot of space down City’s flanks, particularly along the left side of defence. Always offers a little going forward but was caught out on a number of occasions by Ibini.
CB: Patrick Kisnorbo – 5.5
Looked rushed and uncomfortable for most of the night and was culpable for Janko’s first with some slack marking and unorthodox positioning.
CB: Rob Wielaert – 4.5
Gifted Sydney the winner with a horrid back-pass and struggled to contain Sydney’s defence for much of the night. Was just a bad day at the office for the Dutch man.
RB: Jason Hoffman – 6
Was the pick of Melbourne’s defenders. Did well in both defence and attack and held his own in the air.
CM: Liam Miller – 5
Contributed with some nice touches and passes but conceded possession which lead to the opener. Made way at half time for a tactical change.
CM: Erik Paartalu (1 goal) – 6.5
One of his better games in a white shirt which saw him net his second goal in as many weeks. Didn’t dominate and dictate the midfield like you’d expect to see from the big 28-year-old.
LW: Damien Duff (1 assist) – 8
Positioning was excellent and offered plenty for his side in the final third. Times are tough at City but it’s worth paying your hard earned to see this man do his thing.
★ CAM: Aaron Mooy – 8 ★
Another excellent performance on his return from international duty. Technically was superb and created plenty of headaches for Sydney’s back four with his long deliveries and short passing.
RW: Mate Dugandzic – 6.5
A patchy performance but found himself in some good spots and in-behind Sydney’s defence on a few of occasions.
ST: David Williams – 6.5
Will always offer his side something at some stage but was isolated and tracking deep for much of the night. Squandered a great chance to equalize after the break.
Sub: Jacob Melling (on 46′) – 6.5
Pressed his case for starting berth for next weekend and provided City’s midfield with a much needed spark in the second half.
Sub: James Brown (on 66′) – 6
Solid introduction and could have equalized with a cracking volley.
Sub: Marc Marino (on 77′) – N/A
Had a chance to find the back of the net late in the much but just couldn’t get on the end of a heavy pass.
Votes:
3. Aaron Mooy – 8
2. Damien Duff – 8
1. Erik Paartalu – 6.5
TCF Melbourne Medal Running Tally:
39 – Aaron Mooy (Melbourne City)
30.5 – Damien Duff (Melbourne City)
24.5 – Besart Berisha (Melbourne Victory)
17 – Leigh Broxham (Melbourne Victory)
15.5 – Kosta Barbarouses (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 – Fahid Ben Khalfallah (Melbourne Victory)
15 – Nathan Coe (Melbourne Victory)
14.5 – Mate Dugandzic (Melbourne City)
13.5 – Erik Paartalu (Melbourne City)
9 – Mark Milligan (Melbourne Victory)
8.5 – Gui Finkler (Melbourne Victory)
8.5 – Archie Thompson (Melbourne Victory)
8 – Matthieu Delpierre (Melbourne Victory)
8 – Andrew Redmayne (Melbourne City)
7.5 – Jacob Melling (Melbourne City)
7.5 – Paddy Kisnorbo (Melbourne City)