Melbourne Derby player ratings

Melbourne’s city-stopping fixture was back for another instalment, and it didn’t let anyone down. The temperature was set to high early on, when the VAR was utilised to disallow a quick Victory goal.

It took just 12 minutes for a goal to come, and it was Victory who took the lead. A somewhat disjointed and makeshift City defence continued to struggle with the Navy Blue’s ever-growing number of attacks, missing defender Bart Schenkeveld through suspension. Some trademark derby flavour was sprinkled on top when tempers reached a boiling point just minutes from half-time.

A simple case of ‘what should we do?’ swamped both sides, with a lack of composure possibly to blame. Victory’s win awarded them the keys to Melbourne, but also closed the gap to City on the table, making the difference just one point. It was an enthralling encounter in all aspects, goals, tackles, drama and one of the best atmospheres in Australian sport.

Melbourne City

Dean Bouzanis - 5

Conceded two goals but didn’t have much else to do. Seemed rushed with some of his distribution, unlike his usual calm and composed self.

Manny Muscat – 5

Part of a makeshift defence that was up and down. Struggled to deal with Leroy George at times.

Michael Jakobsen – 6.5

Held what he could together at the back, a mostly solid game with some fast ball movement into midfield.

Scott Jamieson – 6

Rattled the crossbar with a free-kick and got himself involved in some potentially dangerous City attacks.

Nat Atkinson - 5

Back from a miraculous recovery, the youngster struggled with some of the pace from Victory’s wide men. Was a target point in which the Victory was aiming to hit.

Luke Brattan – 5

Fast ball movement was welcomed by his teammates, but didn’t manage to do much when heading towards goal.

Oliver Bozanic – 3.5

New to the team, potentially still getting used to the way City want to play and it showed, lacking composure and failing to link up with his teammates.

Bruce Kamau - 5.5

Quick movement by City’s winger, but didn’t manage to push towards goal and put Victory’s goal into danger.

Dario Vidosic - 5

Wasn’t involved much at all. Managed to get a few shots at goal, but nothing really threatened the City defence.

Bruno Fornaroli - 7

Scored a penalty that resembled a rugby conversion. Showed his hunger to win but lacked match fitness, back for his first start since injury.

Daniel Arzani– 8

Got caught trying too much and quickly became the centre of attention for the Navy Blues, stopping most attacks Arzani attempted to create, using force mostly.

SUBSTITUTES

Marcin Budzinski – 4

Too slow and indecisive, failing to make chances for City and make an impact.

Harrison Delbridge – N/A

Didn’t have enough time to warrant a rating.

Melbourne Victory

Lawrence Thomas - 6

Solid game. Didn’t have much to do, but defended his goal when he needed to.

Thomas Deng – 5.5

A strong defensive game, but it took him a while to become accustomed to the new role out wide, getting caught chasing his opponents.

James Donachie – 7

Didn’t take any nonsense, cleared most danger and held the defence smartly and strongly.

Rhys Williams – 6

Back in Socceroos contention and tonight’s performance was just as good as his recent. Really well worked ball movement and smart defensive play.

Leigh Broxham - 6

Gave away a silly penalty with a potential brain fade to give away the handball. Made up for his error with a delightful assist for a Leroy George goal.

Matias Sanchez – 6

Changed the direction of Victory’s play really smartly many times to give a new angle to the attack, nearly creating scoring chances many different times.

Terry Antonis – 5

Found it hard to find his teammates up front and didn’t find gaps to move into within the City midfield.

James Troisi – 6

Smart and quick play in every area of the pitch helped Victory move forward with danger.

Kosta Barbarouses - 7

Broke the deadlock and got the Victory on the front foot, showed his pace and skill and tricked the City defenders many times.

Besart Berisha - 6

Awareness was sharp to pick out Barbarouses for the first goal.