Luke Brattan – 6

Admittedly his task was made near-impossible with Malik’s dismissal, but he didn’t play to his potential, and has to expect more from himself then his last few performances have offered.

Osama Malik – 6

What he offers in physicality he then loses in sensibility. Sent off for two very cheap fouls admittedly, but he asked the question and got his answer. It’s doubtful he knows any other way to play.   

Nick Fitzgerald – 6.5

It’s easy to be impressed with Fitzy, he works hard, makes incisive runs and provides opportunities, but he’s still the weak point in Melbourne City’s attack. He can’t covert chances and dallies on the ball when he shouldn’t.

Bruce Kamau – 7

Showed his inexperience at times, straying offside and being careless with the ball but he put in a sterling effort defensively.

Stefan Mauk – 7

Earned a penalty, performed strongly in the first half and was unlucky not to score late on, but was far too cavalier in the final few minutes when given the chance to put the game beyond doubt. Luckily, City didn’t need it tonight, but they will need it eventually.                  

Ross McCormack – 9

The sign of a truly top drawer marquee is their set pieces, and that second goal stacks up with Alessandro Del Piero or Shinji Ono.

Tim Cahill – N/A

It’s hard to fathom that he could come on to a chorus of boos, but such is life in Aussie sport. More troubling then the crowd reception, however, is that a fit Cahill has played less than 30 minutes in two games.

A powerful volley was about all he had time to contribute, but someone has to whisper in Warren Joyce’s ear that the Socceroos need this guy to be fit and firing for November.