Incredible end to end action between Melbourne City and Newcastle Jets made for an exciting Round 11 clash.

Newcastle, from the offset, looked to break with speed and take advantage of City’s patient build up play.

Following the dismissal of Ronny Vargas, the Jets maintained their approach to the game but lost some of their pace and trickery as the Venezuelan was sent off after earning two yellow cards.

For all their good pressure, the Jets had eighteen shots, but two on target, which is not to praise Melbourne City, as the side were both unlucky and wasteful at times in front of goal.

Melbourne City

Eugene Galekovic — 6

A lapse. A brain fade. Whatever you want to call it, it was one awful moment in a brilliant individual season that the City custodian will want to forget immediately.

Made an incredible reflex save against Jason Hoffman following City’s struggle to clear the ball following a cross.

Ritchie De Laet — 7.5

While not the highest profile or most exceptional marquee, De Laet is a clear class above and demonstrates that every week. Strong in a tackle and a great athlete.

Bart Schenkeveld — 7

Untroubled in defence, with Delbridge beginning to match the Dutchman’s quality, leaving Schenkeveld with less of a challenge than he’s become accustomed to when mopping up for his side.

Harrison Delbridge — 8

Assured defensive work and just an overall strong performance. Had a late effort fall just short of the spectacular, to his frustration.

Scott Jamieson — 8

The former Socceroo made some brilliant driving runs from defence, presenting himself as a fantastic option down his flank. Was critical to Brattan’s goal as he teed up Wales following an exquisite movement outside the box.

As City’s captain, it was clear for all to see the left back understandably frustrated by the end as City failed to capitalise on their chances well enough.

Osama Malik — 7

Shifted in to the starting eleven following a pre-game injury to Rostyn Griffiths and was effective in his role. Playing in a Marouane Fellaini style role, Malik was a domineering aerial and physical presence.

Kearyn Baccus — 6.5

Distributed some seemingly simple passes with ill-discipline. Recovered the ball well to launch City’s attacks.

Luke Brattan — 8

Keeps his team ticking and is the crux of City’s possession play, as demonstrated in a moment where he ordered Schenkeveld away from a free kick to restart City’s build up. Measured his goal well, taking a touch and blasting past Italiano. Linked with Western Sydney Wanderers.

Nathaniel Atkinson — 7

In a similar fashion to Malik, Atkinson was brought in to the eleven after the lineup was announced. Playing ahead of Vidosic in a right wing role, Atkinson was a perpetual nuisance, breaking in behind and causing problems for the Newcastle defence.

Riley McGree — 8.5

Had an early sighter at goal go just wide of the post in an attempt to rectify his side’s disastrous beginning. Dispatched his penalty with ease, sending Italiano in the wrong direction, but kept up the theme of just missing from open play, striking the post late on.

One of City’s most dangerous on the day, involved all the way through with some lovely touches.

Lachlan Wales — 6

Under-utilised playing as a target man of sorts, despite earning an assist for Brattan’s brilliant strike. Displayed some nice interchanging passes but was kept largely isolated and unsighted.

Substitutes

Curtis Good — 6

Still attempting to break in to the City first eleven, following years of tumultuous injury troubles, the central defender steadied the City defence when it needed doing so.

Ramy Najjarine — 6

Clearly has potential, just needs a better string of minutes.

Connor Metcalfe — 5

Should have played with less trepidation when he was given some rare minutes on the pitch.

NEWCASTLE JETS

Lewis Italiano — 6

Nothing can be held against him for either of City’s goals. Untroubled for the most part.

Johnny Koutroumbis — 6

A lot of City’s best work came down his side, which at first glance does not reflect well on Koutroumbis, although the young defender can be credited with being sturdy in the face of City’s attacks. Left his side open far too often.

Nikolai Topor-Stanley — 7

His ball over the top of the City backline caused more trouble than was arguably expected of it, bouncing and then taking a beckoning touch off the head of Galekovic for O’Donovan to score.

Nigel Boogard — 7

An unrelenting performance in the Newcastle backline, but could not do much to prevent City’s goals.

Daniel Georgievski — 7.5

Following a clash with De Laet, the former Victory man immediately made up with the City marquee with the clear knowledge of a fifth yellow card looming if he was to react. Unlucky to see his finish glance off the post just after his clash with De Laet.

Overloaded by the directness of both De Laet and Atkinson in the beginning, but to his credit eventually took control and forced City to switch their best work to the opposite flank.

Matthew Ridenton — 7.5

Involved all over the pitch, performing his box to box duties with great aplomb and discipline. Haggled at the City players, never backing down in any 50-50 challenge.

Steven Ugarkovic — 7

Swept up for his side with ease, maintaining a good performance throughout the ninety minutes. Saw a late volley fly just too high of the goal.

Jason Hoffman — 6

Not much positive or negative in the utility’s performance against his former side. Energetic and often seemed let down by his team’s lack of composure when he was open in space.

Ronald Vargas — 1

Completely unintentional in giving away the penalty to City and despite the ref understanding his lack of intention, the midfielder’s reaction was enough to ensure he was deservedly sent off following a second yellow card.

Dimitri Petratos — 7

Exhibited patches of quality, but was mainly consigned to lobbing the ball forward to no avail. Showed incredible impetus to provide relief in defence, tracking back and putting pressure on the City midfield.

Roy O’Donovan — 6

The ideal opportunity presented itself as Topor-Stanley’s ball over the top of the City defence eluded Galekovic and left O’Donovan free to give the Jets the lead. Beyond his goal, the Irishman did not have many opportunities to create a notable moment.

Substitutes

Jair — 5

Appears disinterested when given a chance in a Newcastle shirt, as shown by some poor touches.

Lachlan Jackson — 5

Played some loose passes when coming on and did little to reshape the contest.

Kaine Sheppard — N/A

Brought on way too late in a contest that was crying out for a player of his stature to give Newcastle what would have been a deserved equaliser.