It was a battle in which Melbourne City were strong favourites to win, but a double from Mariners striker Mitch Duke undid an in-form City outfit. Here are the match ratings from Sunday’s game.
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GK: Tando Velaphi (sent off 60) – 4.5
A disastrous day for the recently installed number one goalkeeper as he conceded twice in the first half before being sent off for a badly-timed challenged on Mitch Duke which ended any chance of a City comeback. His distribution was also poor throughout the game.
RB: Rob Wielaert – 5.5
His third straight start at right-back in the absence of the injured Jason Hoffman was not convincing with the second goal coming down his side of the pitch. Reverted to his normal-centre back position in the second half where he was more comfortable and solid.
CB: Ross Archibald – 5
Looked nervous from the onset, and was partly at fault for the first goal. He butchered his clearance in the lead up to the second and was promptly hauled off at half-time after a disappointing starting debut in his natural position after two previous starts at right-back.
CB: Patrick Kisnorbo – 4.5
A horrid outing from the skipper who was at fault for the first goal, being caught off guard as Duke slotted home. He was then slow to react for Duke’s second of the afternoon. Had difficulties dealing with the physical presence of Travis Major in the second half in one of his worst displays in City colours.
LB: Ben Garuccio – 5.5
Crucially gave up possession in the lead up to Velaphi’s red card in an overly underwhelming display over the course of the afternoon. Did not provide much in attack until the end when a good run forward resulted in a good chance for James Brown.
CM: Erik Paartalu – 5.5
Struggled in a rather flat performance where he never cemented a dominating presence in midfield. Could have done much better when challenging to get the ball of Richard Vernes, with his half-hearted attempt doing little to prevent the Hungarian from eventually finding Duke to slot home.
CM: Robert Koren – 6.5
Was one of City’s best, especially going forward where he was at the heart of everything decent the side managed to produce in attack. Went close when forcing Reddy into making a decent save before minutes later setting Mooy up with a perfect ball in. Surprisingly taken out of the game upon Velaphi’s dismissal.
✮ AM: Aaron Mooy – 7 ✮
Once again was City’s best player and on another day could have easily had a more pivotal impact on the game. Heroically got himself in the way of a goal bound shot from Anthony Caceres to prevent it from being 3-0 before Reddy denied his header from going into the back of the net to pull one back. Was City’s best player in the second half but his teammates largely disappointed him.
RW: Damien Duff – 6
Showed plenty of flair and energy on the right wing, causing Josh Rose some trouble throughout the match. Despite some great lead up work, the Irishman would be disappointed with his end product at times, however he was one of his teams better players during the ninety.
ST: David Williams – 5.5
Combined well with the likes of Koren and Mooy at times but overall was far too quiet for his own liking. Never really troubled either Bosnar or Anderson at the back with his inability to get himself in good goalscoring opportunities concerning to say the least.
LW: Mate Dugandzic – 5
Quiet is an understatement for his performance with the winger never really getting himself in the positions required to unsettle the Mariners. Appears low on confidence and was duly substituted in the 53rd minute.
SUB: Jonatan Germano – 6 (on for Archibald 46′)
Back in the side from injury in what was his first performance since October and featured at right-back. Did quite well in stabilising the defence in the second period.
SUB: James Brown – 5.5 (on for Dugandzic 53′)
Came on for the lacklustre Dugandzic and despite his enthusiasm did not create much. Got himself a chance late on but failed to trouble Reddy as his initial shot was blocked before an unsuccessful second effort.
SUB: Andrew Redmayne – 6 (on for Koren 60′)
The former first choice keeper came on after Velaphi’s send off and did well of what was asked of him, in particular getting his fingertips on Bosnar’s fierce shot.
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Votes
3. Aaron Mooy
2. Robert Koren
1. Damien Duff
TCF Melbourne Medal Running Tally:
77 – Aaron Mooy (Melbourne City)
45.5 – Damien Duff (Melbourne City)
45 – Fahid Ben Khalfallah (Melbourne Victory)
39 – Besart Berisha (Melbourne Victory)
38 – Leigh Broxham (Melbourne Victory)
30.5 – Kosta Barbarouses (Melbourne Victory)
22 – Connor Chapman (Melbourne City)
21 – Jacob Melling (Melbourne City)
20 – David Williams (Melbourne City)
18 – Archie Thompson (Melbourne Victory)
16 – Robert Koren (Melbourne City)
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)
7 – Nick Ansell (Melbourne Victory)
7 – Carl Valeri (Melbourne Victory)