There were encouraging performances from Melbourne Victory’s Leroy George and James Troisi, but the hosts fell short of an equaliser in the 2-1 defeat at Etihad Stadium.

After two games City are now six points clear of their derby rivals, while Victory have suffered back-to-back defeats.

MELBOURNE VICTORY

Lawrence Thomas (GK) 7

There wasn’t a lot the Victory keeper could have done about the first goal. He later pulled off a sublime save from a McCormack free kick, by pushing the ball over the bar with an outstretched arm.

Leigh Broxham 6

Played his part in a feisty battle with Nick Fitzgerald. Was locked at left-back for most of the game, thanks to the City winger and sometimes lost track of his man.

Rhys Williams 7

City felt Williams was lucky to stay on the field, following a late challenge on Osama Malik. After receiving a yellow card, Williams was consistent at the back and picked his tackles carefully.

James Donachie 6

Carried the ball out of defence with confidence but seemed to run out of ideas as he entered the City half. Defensively sound and kept Ross McCormack relatively quiet.

Jason Geria 7

Looked more threatening than Kosta Barbarouses at times, down the right-hand side. Lacked accuracy on some of his crosses, but stretched the opposition’s defence – creating space for the more central players and Barbarouses himself.

 

Carl Valeri 6

Added some spice to the occasion with a rash challenge on Michael Jakobsen, minutes after the first whistle. Wasted possession too easily and failed to have any real impact on the game. 

Mark Milligan 7

Ran the Victory midfield in the first half, despite playing 120 minutes for Australia during the week. Understandably, he struggled to keep up with the pace and was substituted in the 77th minute, despite his protests.

James Troisi 8

Demonstrated exquisite vision in the build up to Victory’s only goal, by picking out Barbarouses. Asked plenty of questions in the final third and was unlucky not to create another equaliser.

Leroy George 9

Opened his Victory account with a goal from close range and was by far the most exciting player on the pitch. Broke free of City’s defence regularly and was generous with his chances.

Kosta Barbarouses 7

Did not hesitate before delivering a dangerous ball into the box, resulting in George’s equalising goal. Seemed to lose his head after the assist and became inconsistent with his passing and crossing.  

Besart Berisha 6

Another disappointing performance from Berisha. The City defence had the striker’s movement sussed and scarcely let him out of their sight.

Subs:

Mitch Austin 7

Matias Sanchez 6

Jai Ingham 6

 

MELBOURNE CITY

Eugene Galekovic (GK) 6

Dealt well with an awkward, deflected shot in the first half. However, the former Victory goalkeeper will be disappointed with the goal he conceded, which ricocheted off the inside of his left leg.

Manny Muscat 6

Had his work cut out against Victory’s George. Failed to stop numerous crosses and will certainly have better games as the season unfolds.

Iacopo La Rocca 8

Solid at the back with Bart Schenkeveld. Controlled the threat of Berisha and took no chances.

Bart Schenkeveld 8

Resilient and strong in the City defence. Bullied his way out of trouble and rarely put a foot or head wrong.

Scott Jamieson 7

Was outnumbered by Geria and Barbarouses, but did well to keep the duo at bay. Found space ahead of him when in possession of the ball and released Bruce Kamau a handful of times.

 

 

Michael Jakobsen 7

Measured and accurate with his passing. Was heavily involved in the battling and won a fair few of his challenges.

Osama Malik 6

Was the recipient of a heavy tackle from Williams, which prematurely ended his derby experience.

Stefan Mauk 8

Controlled City’s midfield throughout the game, combining with the substituted, Budzinski. Won many battles against the host’s midfielders and was effective with the ball.

Bruce Kamau 7

Evidently the quickest player on the field, Kamau’s pace paid off when he raced away in the 65th minute, latching on to a loose ball. The ball was eventually helped in by Valeri, after Kamau hesitated in front of goal.

Nick Fitzgerald 9

The winger’s cute pass provided Budzinski with the opening goal and his tricky footwork continuously put Victory on the back foot. Was unfortunate not to bag a goal of his own.

Ross McCormack 6

Came close with a free kick from close range, but that was the closest the striker came to opening his account. Allowed Kamau and Fitzgerald to play off him, meaning he was relatively quiet.

Subs:

Tim Cahill 6

Marcin Budzinski 8

On the stroke of half time, the Pole thumped the ball past Thomas at the near post. A great finish considering the angle. City looked like they had ran out of ideas towards the end of the first half, but Budzinski revitalised their creativity in the second.