It was arguably Melbourne Victory’s worst performance of the year, yet they have the steely resolve to push forward and escape with a draw. A point in the circumstances was decent reward, but no one in the Victory camp would’ve truly felt satisfied with how they went about their business.
Match Report > Victory pinch comeback draw in poor display
***
GK: Nathan Coe – 6
In truth, the ‘keeper didn’t have to much but again flapped on set pieces.
LB: Daniel Georgievski – 6
A mixed day for the full-back, who at times looked solid, but also tackle-happy, being exposed by opposing full-back David Carney when committing too early for a challenge. Struggled to link up when going forward, too.
CB: Adrian Leijer – 5
A shaky return for Leijer, who was subbed later in the game after a poor pass in defence that led him to giving away a yellow to stop the attack. Seemed to panic when pressed, conceding a few unnecessary corners that put the team under pressure. An underwhelming (or perhaps justly whelming, given his reputation) performance overall.
CB: Leigh Broxham – 6.5
Mr. Versatile looked much more composed than his centre back partner, except for one moment where he dragged Montano down in the box, a shout more deserving of the penalty than the actual penalty Newcastle received.
RB: Scott Galloway – 6
A mixed shift from the youngster before he succumbed to injury. Was rarely beaten in one-on-one situations, though positionally he was dragged in often, leaving Carney with loads of space on the left. Did look comfortable on the ball, except when asked to make a pass to attackers higher up on the pitch.
CM: Mark Milligan – 5.5
You can’t argue with the skipper’s physical influence on the game whether it is in midfield or defence, but he technically was at fault for Jaliens’ goal, caught ball watching and letting the defender float in to the back post from the corner. Distribution let him down a little.
CM: Carl Valeri – 6
Sometimes it’s hard to guage his performance because of his defensive midfield role, more important for positioning and ball winning than ball playing. While Valeri was again tidy, he wasn’t as influential as in past games, highlighted by the inability to dictate play early and help break down Newcastle’s press.
★ LW: Fahid Ben Khalfallah – 7.5 (1 goal, 1 assist) ★
One of Victory’s better performers, having a number of crucial involvements in the game. His goal was accompanied by the clever flick on for Berisha’s goal that caught out the defence, and looked dangerous on the wing with the ball.
AM: Gui Finkler – 5.5
The playmaker was effectively marked out of the game. While his passes were generally neat, he really struggled to make an impact on the contest.
RW: Kosta Barbarouses – 7 (1 assist)
Importantly for Barbarouses this season, even when he’s not having a top game, he’s still making meaningful contributions and troubling opposition defences. Today he showed good poise for his assist, as other players may have sought to volley high from an angle. Could have had another assist earlier with a killer ball to Berisha, whose shot cannoned out off the upright.
ST: Besart Berisha – 6.5 (1 goal)
The desire was once again evident in the striker’s eyes after coming back from injury. The touch and finish for his goal was class, and it really should have been his second goal, as he had Birighitti beaten all ends up in the first half, only for the ball to hit the woodwork.
Sub: Dylan Murnane – 6
Did his job when coming on for an injured Galloway.
Sub: Rashid Mahazi – 6
Could probably start for most other A-league sides, which is testament to Victory’s squad depth this season. Made a few good tackles and passes that may have been insignificant in the game’s wider context, but there’s something about Mahazi that, in my opinion, is deserving of more recognition.
Sub: Archie Thompson – 5.5
Would have liked to make a bigger impact as super-sub.
***
Votes
3. Fahid Ben Khalfallah – 7.5
2. Kosta Barbarouses – 7
1. Besart Berisha – 6.5
TCF Melbourne Medal Running Tally:
24.5 – Besart Berisha (Melbourne Victory)
22.5 – Damien Duff (Melbourne City)
22.5 – Aaron Mooy (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)
7.5 – Fahid Ben Khalfallah (Melbourne Victory)
7.5 – Nathan Coe (Melbourne Victory)
7.5 – Paddy Kisnorbo (Melbourne City)