A dynamic, at times even game culminated with the Victory convincingly winning 3-0 against the hapless Wanderers.

Aggression typified Victory’s game, with both teams playing with dynamism in the first half. Both teams were culpable of sloppiness and unnecessary challenges in the first half. With Victory pressing at a high-tempo from the offset, they maintained their high standards in the second half, taking advantage of a Wanderers defence missing Robbie Cornthwaite.

Victory will be relishing the three points with Kosta Barbarouses turning in a sublime performance with two well taken goals.

Western Sydney Wanderers

Vedran Janjetovic – 5

Composed and astute with his reflex saves, keeping the Wanderers in the game in the early stages. Beyond that, he was unable to do much about the Victory’s goals.

Josh Risdon – 5.5

Inconsistent crossing and whilst he kept George at bay for a majority, he was largely unable to influence proceedings.

Michael Thwaite – 6.5

Intercepted with diligence and challenged wholeheartedly, was clearly frustrated throughout by the lack of clinical play by his team

Jack Clisby – 5

Clisby came in to the line-up as a de-facto Centre-Back (having played there previously for Perth Glory) and generally adapted to his role but it is clear Clisby is not a centre back.

Raul Llorente – 6

A tireless performance in which he provided an important outlet on the left and was determined in his reactions, yet he could not maintain Barbarouses.

Chris Herd – 6

Anchored the midfield well in diminishing the effect of Antonis and never gave up in his defensive efforts. Poor passing lowers his final grading.

Roly Bonevacia – 4

Lacked the composure of his midfield partner Carrusca with poor touches and decision making, definitely not up to his substantially superior standards.

Marcelo Carrusca – 8

Consistent in his effective decision making when passing in the final third. His fantastic footwork was exemplified in a moment of magic where he utilised a ‘Maradona spin’ to get through a tight situation. Subbed off due to a lack of match fitness

Steven Lustica – 5.5

A lack of pace appears to be one of the Wanderers’ key problems and despite Lustica’s energetic display, he was largely ineffective.

Mark Bridge – 5

The captain started the game off the pace and continued that way throughout. An unnecessary yellow card early on conveyed his lack of poise.

Oriol Riera – 6.5

Linked up effectively when dropping deep to create and was determined in throwing himself in to challenges. Was unlucky to hit the crossbar on the stroke of half time.

Substitutes 

Lachlan Scott – 5

Replaced Lustica in a wide position and was kept relatively quiet.

Kearyn Baccus – 6

Provided a fluidity in moving the ball through the midfield, but could not provide a substantial enough influence.

Brendon Santalab – 6

Came on when his team was tiring and thus could not affect the game.

Melbourne Victory

Matt Acton – 8.5

After being rarely tested in the first half Acton well and truly stepped up in the second half with some intelligent keeping to maintain a deserved clean sheet. Whilst the plaudits will go to Barbarouses, Acton has done huge amount to stake a claim at the number one spot.

Jason Geria – 6

Never seemed to settle in the game and rarely moved forward where he is a typically fantastic outlet.

Rhys Williams – 6.5

Typically composed but considering his experience, his challenges were brash and unneeded.

Leigh Broxham – 8

Mr “Melbourne Victory” himself, Broxham was up for every header and challenge and lead from the back with a cool head.

Stefan Nigro – 7

Linked up imperiously with Leroy George and responded well to the Wanderers efforts down the right side.

Carl Valeri – 6

Won the ball well and did his job effectively, whilst being unspectacular.

Mark Milligan – 6.5

Played with combative intensity in his role to rework the ball to the attack. His impressive lofted pass to Leroy George was achieved after several frustrated attempts.

Terry Antonis – 5

It was a matter of whether he could replace James Troisi and insufficient decision making meant he was lacking throughout. Potentially would have found greater success in dropping deep, rather than sitting so high.

Leroy George – 7

Inconsistent in his passing until his well worked improvisation set up Berisha for his goal. Appeared to tire despite his reluctance to be substituted.

Kosta Barbarouses – 9

Having barely received the ball for a majority of the first half he took Berisha’s pass with anticipation and scored with a well taken finish. The inform winger then continued to be a nuisance to the Wanderers defence. His venomous drive in added time was simply exquisite.

Besart Berisha – 7

He demonstrated his composure when playing through Barbarouses and finished well from George’s selfless ball but beyond that, Berisha had other chances to bury the game that were not taken well. It cannot be said that’s he’s definitely silenced the recent criticisms against him.

Substitutions

Thomas Deng – 6

It was impressive to see him on the pitch despite appearing for the Australia Under 23s a mere day before. Brought defensive solidity at left back.

Christian Theoharous – 6

Replaced Leroy George and stretched the tired Wanderers defence.

Jai Ingham – 6.5

Lively and earned an assist from his purposeful running.