The game started slowly before Keisuke Honda announced himself to Australian football with his first goal in a Victory shirt, heading in Storm Roux’s perfectly waited cross.

However, the lead to not last long as City hit back. A controversial penalty was awarded for a foul on Bruno Fornaroli, with new Frenchman Florin Berenguer stepping up.

The initial penalty was saved onto the post by Lawrence Thomas, before new recruit Ritchie De Laet smashed in on the rebound.

The second half was much more one-way traffic, with Kevin Muscat’s men on top.

However, City nabbed a winner against the run of play, with substitute Riley McGree scoring just three minutes after his introduction.

Melbourne Victory

Lawrence Thomas – 6

Besides a brilliant penalty save, he was not worked for most of the game. Also did very well to get a hand on De Laet’s follow up effort.

Storm Roux – 6.5

Slotted straight into Muscat’s system very nicely, combining well with Honda and providing a brilliant cross for the Japanese star’s opener. 

Nick Ansell – 5

Struggled all game to deal with Fornaroli as well as being poor in possession. Along with Niedermeier, the pair were moving the ball far too slowly all night, with neither being able to drive the ball into their more creative midfielders.

Georg Niedermeier – 5

A disappointing performance by the German who struggled to deal with Fornaroli’s back to goal style, as well as having his lack of pace exposed throughout. Was also unable to fill the gaping hole which led to Riley McGree’s winner.