Melbourne City sought to succeed on their immensely positive showing following their devastating 5-0 win against Adelaide United last round, while Newcastle were looking to increase the gap between them and City on the ladder.

Newcastle lacked the flair of their attacking play with Dimi Petratos missing (having returned to Newcastle for the birth of his first child) but Patito Rodriguez was more than exceptional in replacing him, providing trickery, whilst lacking the outlets he desired as he moved forward.

The game presented a unique conflict, between that of the silky young starlet Daniel Arzani and the effortless Argentine Rodriguez. Both players seemed to be the focal points of their respective teams attacking plays and were cause for much frustration for both sides in defence.

Both teams played without a recognised striker as Warren Joyce opted to play without a definitive striker, seeking to utilise Vidosic as a false nine, with Ernie Merrick doing the same with Andrew Nabbout. If not for Steven Ugarkovic’s heroics in the final minutes the result would have favoured City and been the ultimate send off for the departing McCormack.

Melbourne City

Dean Bouzanis – 5

Poorly cleared towards Rodriguez and was stumped by Topor-Stanley’s header. Was rarely tested beyond a Nabbout shot.

Manny Muscat – 6.5

Competed with his physicality and battled well to win the ball back, but his passing let him down on occasion.

Harrison Delbridge - 6

A mixed game for the imposing defender, composed at times yet alternatively haphazard in other moments. Fairly denied a goal by the VAR.

Michael Jakobsen – 6

Seemed to face more action in the front end of the pitch than in his defence.

Scott Jamieson – 7

Unlucky to have struck the bar with his free kick and was lively on the left flank throughout the night despite tiring at the end.