Two of the best teams in the competition went head-to-head at AAMI Park, but neither could strut their stuff as it ended in a 1-1 draw.

It was an intriguing and heated clash as both sides gave something to remember, especially Vedran Janjetovic, Jaushua Sotirio and Nick Fitzgerald.

With new Head Coach Josep Gombau at the helm, the Wanderers were eager to continue their unbeaten streak and get their much-needed breakthrough win.

However, a smooth City had a perfect record until it was blemished last week, and were fervent to reclaim their consistency.

Sotirio opened the scoring for Western Sydney but the visitors had to settle for yet another draw, as Ross McCormack equalised with a penalty.

Melbourne City

Eugene Galekovic (GK) - 7.5

Tipped out Sotirio’s headed chance for a corner, and made some great saves despite the first goal, which was unstoppable.

Manny Muscat - 6.5

Good interceptions and did a lot of the defensive work.

Bart Schenkeveld - 8

Good stop on Sotirio in the first half, and averted crises defensively. Made a costly error when he passed back to Malik, and should’ve cleared as it ended up a goal.

Overall, had a great game and made up ground as he was mainly in the right position.

Iacopo La Rocca - 7

Cleared danger and was very steady.

Scott Jamieson - 7.5

Started well early with a tidy first touch and was lively in midfield. His accurate tackling made way for City to create, but Sotirio was a bit too quick for him.

Still, great on the ball and worked well with Fitzgerald, but McCormack couldn’t finish.

Osama Malik - 6

Back from suspension, looked strong but made an awful error at the back (along with Schenkeveld) for the first goal.

Stefan Mauk - 4

Didn’t have the best game and was subbed off at half time, hit a great pass to Kamau, but was otherwise sloppy and gave away possession.

Michael Jakobsen - 7

Made some great, tough tackles and surging runs to create for his side in the first half.

Nick Fitzgerald - 8.5

Fantastic for City and was hard to contain due to his immense energy, he had a few solid chances of his own and was the main-man in City’s attack.

Fitzgerald’s in career-best form at the moment and his work rate was undeniable. Extraordinary service for McCormack in the 64th minute and a lovely flick onto Budzinski.

Ross McCormack - 6.5

Quite a frustrating night for the Scotsman, missed a sitter early in the first half as well as several chances later on, and badly needed to get in front of his markers.

However, he converted the spot-kick to equalise, and directed a neat pass for Carrusca’s chance.

Bruce Kamau - 6

A quiet night for the normally influential Kamau, but he did work hard with a nice cross in the 41st minute, and put a few great balls into the area.

Subs

Marcelo Carrusca - 7.5

Great first touch and movement into the perfect spot, where he sent his ball over the bar for his best chance.

Impressive passing into the area, and worked overtime at both ends of the pitch.

Marcin Budzinski – N/A

Great off the ball, and also on the ball as he pounced on it when he could. Didn’t do enough for a fair rating.

Western Sydney Wanderers

Vedran Janjetovic (GK) - 9

What a night for the Wanderers shot-stopper, an excellent right-footed save to deny McCormack in the 10th minute, then denied a Fitzgerald chance, again brilliant with a diving save to knock away McCormack’s free-kick.

He was unlucky with the penalty, but otherwise a stunning performance.

Robert Cornthwaite -7.5

As per usual, the tall defender won aerial duels and was solid for the majority of the game. Had to clean-up for his other defenders at times.

Michael Thwaite - 7

Was solid defensively, especially to put off McCormack. Became aggressive with his runs in the second-half, desperate to get the ball up field.

Brendon Hamill - 6.5

Bit of a heavy touch, and had to be bailed out by Corthwaite, but as the game wore on he began to make up some ground, and put in a better performance.

Raul Llorente - 7.5

Was very silky with the ball, and that was evident when he sent a beautiful ball in to assist Sotirio.

Unfortunately, he gave away the game-changing penalty, which dampened his performance.

Roly Bonevacia - 8

Started off quiet but woke up as soon as he played a classy ball through to Riera in the 23rd minute.

Nice combination with the rest of the forwards and Mark Bridge. Put in some great work defensively too.

Kearyn Baccus - 6

Gave away a free kick on the edge of the 18-yard-box early in the game, and was saved by his defenders many times. A few great tackles in the second half.

Mark Bridge - 7

Worked hard defensively and won midfield battles. Made a positive run in the 18th minute but the pass onto Oriol Riera was a touch too heavy.

Jumpei Kusukami - 6.5

Lively and linked-up well with Llorente thanks to some great interplay. Couldn’t serve up hot chances for Riera or Sotirio.

Oriol Riera - 7.5

Couldn’t get himself on the scoresheet (due somewhat to a lack of service) but played a big part in creating the goal.

Won the ball off Malik to set-up the goal, and also had great vision to find Sotirio on another occasion. Did look frustrated and annoyed when he was subbed off.

Jaushua Sotirio - 8.5

Fantastic selection by Gombau as the youngster proved himself once again. His pace and desire to win the ball is outstanding.

A nicely hit goal was his highlight, as well as a good headed chance in the 24th minute.

He had another great chance, but hesitated and slowed down, which allowed City to thwart him.

Subs

Brendan Santalab N/A

Had that light in his eyes when he went full pelt in the penalty area and looked to score, but ended up a bit reckless in his challenge on City’s defenders.

Didn’t do much more to warrant a fair rating.

Alvaro Cejudo – 7.5

An injured thumb and bandage didn’t stop the Spaniard from making an impact off the bench.

Brilliant vision to find Sotirio in the 64th minute with a through ball. He was very clever with his passes and the way he created chances.