It was marketed as a showcase for the redeveloped Shepparton Sports Precinct, but Melbourne City's pre-season friendly against Western Sydney was all about showcasing City's young talent, most notably Daniel Arzani.

The plucky central midfielder gave City fans glimpses of his talent last season, but on a warm night in Shepparton he put in an impressive 60 minute display, where he was involved in pretty much everything Melbourne had to offer. 

Minutes after almost assisting Christian Cavallo for City's opener, drawing a strong save from Wanderers keeper John Hall, Arzani was brought down in the Sydney penalty area and coolly converted the resulting spot kick to give City the lead. 

The match stalemated from there, with new City recruits Marcin Budzinski and Marcelo Carrusca getting run outs for the club, while Wanderers' new Spanish duo Raul Llorente and Alvaro Cejudo also combined down the left wing. 

Ultimately however, there was precious little to cheer about for Wanderers fans, who probably had one eye on an FFA Cup semifinal against Adelaide United, and City almost doubled their advantage seven minutes from time, with Bruce Kamau cutting back to Stefan Mauk, whose tame shot couldn't trouble Hall.

The match finished 1-0, but for Western Sydney a much greater challenge, and a chance at an elusive piece of silverware, still awaits.

Melbourne City kick off their A-League campaign on October 6 against Brisbane Roar, while Wanderers face Perth Glory on October 8.