With the likes of Tim Cahill, Ross McCormack and Bruce Kamau on one side, and Bobo, Alex Brosque and Milos Ninkovic on the other – fans were hoping for an attacking game with plenty of shots and goals.

In truth, it never reached great heights but what can be described as a professional performance from Sydney FC, saw them take the 3 points back to Sydney and return to the summit.

Who did what – and how? Well, I’m glad you asked.

Melbourne City

Eugene Galekovic – 6

Wasn’t challenged too much but unlike last week where he was exceptional, he was slow to shift focus after the deep cross from Michael Zullo, which ended in an unmarked Luke Wilkshire putting it into the back of the net.

Manny Muscat – 7

The often criticized right back worked hard and put in a decent shift. Had an ongoing battle with Zullo and was not at fault for him getting the cross away. Withdrawn in the 75th minute as City were chasing an equalizer.

Bart Schenkeveld – 7

The number of quality Dutch centre halves to grace the A-League continues. Confident on the ball, great distribution, and always in the right position. Doesn’t back down from anything and you would be forgiven for comparisons with Pascal Bosschaart, Patrick Zwaanswijk and the man on the other side tonight, Jordy Buijs.

Michael Jakobsen – 6

Wherever you put Michael Jakobsen, he will do a job. Tonight unfortunately, he did his job for all but around 6 seconds when he allowed Wilkshire to sneak into the box unmarked and finish in the opposite corner. Football's a cruel game sometimes.

Iacopo La Rocca – 6

Played the under-study to Schenkeveld and held off Bobo when needed. Solid, without being impressive.

 

Luke Brattan – 6

Working on full fitness and had his first start since impressing in Round 1. He niggled and broke down Sydney’s midfield but needs to find the form of years gone past for City to really do something this season.

Tim Cahill – 5

Australia holds its collective breath as Cahill awaits the results of scans on his rolled ankle, which meant an early shower, and probably a few ice packs. Did not have time to contribute anything of significance aside from a few hefty challenges, one of which led to the injury.

Stefan Mauk – 6

Closed down well and intercepted some of Sydney FC’s build up play. Gave away a lot of fouls along with Brattan, which would have been a part of Warren Joyce’s plan. Had to contribute to more phases of play tonight to make a difference.

Michael Zullo and Luke Brattan

Nick Fitzgerald – 8

Is starting to find the consistency that the football public has been waiting for. The frequent starts have certainly aided this. He broke the lines and used his pace well. Would have had the opening goal but for a brilliant Andrew Redmayne save. Shifted to right back in an interesting switch to allow Marcelo Carrusca to enter the fray further up field.

Ross McCormack – 6

Back to earth for the Scotsman. Was kept reasonably quiet but got into some good positions early on.

Bruce Kamau – 7

His light continues to shine brighter and like Fitzgerald, is turning in more and more consistent football. Got out of tight areas all night, lacked a killer ball but the Melburnians sang his praises and rightly so. If Australia do make the World Cup, anyone for a bolter?

Marcin Budzinski – 6

Came on for the injured Cahill, with some fancy footwork early. Was largely anonymous in the 2nd half aside from some nice cross field passes. The reason why their marquee man continues to be on the bench may have become a bit clearer though, with the Pole failing to inject himself into too much hard work.

Marcelo Carrusca – 4

Few touches and his lack of football showed, with those he did get being largely ineffective and off-target.

Neil Kilkenny – 5

Not really seen as an impact player and failed to provide any spark for City in his short time on the pitch.

 

SYDNEY FC

Andrew Redmayne – 8

A second clean sheet in a row for Redmayne and a contender for save of the season off a Fitzgerald pile driver close to half time. His defenders bailed him out late on but overall made the important save when he needed too.

Michael Zullo – 9

Had an intriguing battle with City right back Muscat, including copping an “accidental” practice throw to the face. Charged up and down to pitch and broke free more often than not. Provided a beautiful deep cross to his other fullback, who finished well and gave him the assist. In the absence of Rhyan Grant it’s clear Zullo has been given the orders to fill his work rate, albeit on the other side of the pitch which creates natural variation to Sydney’s all conquering 2016/17 campaign.

Alex Wilkinson – 7

Solid as ever. Some key clearances and interceptions and just gets the job done time and time again. Every team wanting to challenge for higher honours needs a Wilkinson.

Jordy Buijs – 8

His marauding runs through the middle never fail to lift the tempo and is yet to be caught out with any counter attacks. Great distribution and like Wilkinson, did his job. Took route one on several occasions when he probably could have played it on the carpet but that adds to his no fuss approach. Key header to deny City late.

Luke Wilkshire – 7

City targeted Sydney’s right edges and Wilkshire was found wanting a few times by Fitzgerald and Jakobsen in the first half. As the game opened up in the 2nd half he lost his markers a few times and on one of those occasions side footed a first-time shot into the side netting. It was his first league goal in nine years.

 

Brandon O’Neill – 7 

Harrowed and harassed his way around the defensive half and, in the 2nd, really pushed forward and controlled the tempo of Sydney FC’s attack. As Sydney held possession a lot of the time he was an important cog in moving the ball on quickly and forward.

Josh Brillante – 8 

Brillante has been one of Sydney’s best over the opening month of the season and his work rate is second to none. Intelligent and quick ball movement. Along with O’Neill contributes to phase after phase, wins 50/50 balls so often they should change it to 70/30 balls when either player is involved.

David Carney – 6

Got a reprieve and another start for the Sky Blues due to Adrian Mierzejewski not travelling with the team. Got into a few good positions in the first half and switched up with Ninkovic and Brosque to create variation. How he survived without a booking is anyone’s guess.

Alex Brosque – 6

Did what Alex Brosque does, distract the defence to open up space for the Bobo’s and Ninkovic’s. Didn’t have too many chances on the ball.

Milos Ninkovic – 7

Was nullified most of the night with City doing a great job in closing the space when he did get the ball and put multiple defenders on the task. Still had some quality touches and went deep into the defensive half searching for the ball, and importantly dragging defenders with him.

Bobo – 7

Held up play expertly as he has done on a consistent basis for Coach Graham Arnold’s side. Had few chances but like Brosque, did his job well and allowed the Sydney midfield to both feed him and feed off him.

SUBS

Matt Simon – 6

Limited time of the pitch but did put in a searching cross for his team mates to attack.

Paulo Retre – N/A