Perhaps Victory would have taken a draw before the game, but were definitely disappointed not to win after the game, spurning a number of chances in the first half to take the lead.
Match Report > Scoreless Big Blue no big bore
***
GK: Nathan Coe – 7.5
A composed performance by the ‘keeper, who pulled off a few top saves in the second half. Was also better supported by his team-mates on set pieces, flapping less.
RB: Rashid Mahazi – 7
A very assured performance by the midfielder in his first game as a fullback. Was proactive in reading the game and his distribution was consistent. The potential weak link in the team due to positional unfamiliarity was unfazed all game, not letting the likes of Brosque or Ibini get the better of him.
CB: Adrian Leijer – 7.5
A good aerial game by Leijer, who helped keep Sydney’s big men at bay. Looked less panicked than last week against the Jets, and more commanding in a makeshift back four.
CB: Leigh Broxham – 7
Another spirited performance by the stand-in captain, who was nipping at the heels of the Sydney forwards.
LB: Dylan Murnane – 7.5
Another solid performance by the young-left back, who is growing into a seriously good fullback. Made lots of interceptions and linked well going forward.
DM: Carl Valeri – 7
Becoming a top signing for the Victory. Read the game expertly, providing defensive support when required, and for the most part his passing was crisp, providing a good bridge between Victory’s backline and forwards.
DM: Jesse Makarounas – 6.5
A role carrying more responsibility for the usual attacking midfielder, Makarounas had to adapt to playing deeper. For the most part he was tidy and technically good on the ball, without having a huge impact. A solid shift overall.
AM: Gui Finkler – 7
A subtle genius. His little flicks and one-twos found players in space and behind the defence, though his influence waned in the second half. A surprising sub for Nabbout, however.
LW: Ben Khalfallah – 5.5
A frustrating night for the usually more clinical Tunisian, whose night started off poorly when he teed up an offside Berisha for a goal he should have buried himself. Then he didn’t tee up Berisha another time, and played a few misplaced crosses after that. Dangerous, but misfiring.
RW: Archie Thompson – 6.5
Not even Peter denied Jesus as many times as Janjetovic denied Thompson. His diagonal runs were timed (surprisingly) to perfection, and his first half performance was deserving of a goal, if not for the efforts of Sydney’s custodian. Struggled in the second as Graham Arnold tweaked his tactics.
ST: Besart Berisha – 5.5
A frustrating night for the striker, whose veins seemed close to bursting at some of the referee’s calls. Often dropped deep to get involved in the play but was ultimately left frustrated by a relisient Ognenovski.
Sub: Andrew Nabbout (on 78′) – N/A
The late sub had one good involvement, getting in behind Sydney’s defence with a burst of pace, but his delivery to Berisha was dealt with by Ognenovski.
Sub: Kieran Dover (on 90+3′) – N/A
A debut minute for the 17-year-old from Dandenong Thunder.
***
Votes:
3. Adrian Leijer – 7.5
2. Nathan Coe – 7.5
1. Dylan Murnane – 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)
15.5 – Dylan Murnane (Melbourne Victory)
15 – David Villa (Melbourne City)
15 – Nathan Coe (Melbourne Victory)
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 – Andrew Redmayne (Melbourne City)
7.5 – Fahid Ben Khalfallah (Melbourne Victory)
7.5 – Mate Dugandzic (Melbourne City)
7.5 – Paddy Kisnorbo (Melbourne City)
7.5 – Adrian Leijer – 7.5