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.