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.

Corey Brown – 5

Put in a rash challenge on Brattan very early on, being booked and walking a tightrope for the rest of the game. He was unable to get forward with as much frequency and quality as Roux.

Raul Baena – 6.5

A positive display from the Spaniard who dictated the Victory midfield well. Nullified the threat of City’s attacking midfielders well and was able to play penetrating passes into the likes of Troisi and Honda, particularly in the second half.

Terry Antonis – 6

Full of running and energy, leading the Victory press for most of the game. However, was unable to be as effective on the ball and Luke Brattan had the last laugh by providing the winning assist in this head to head duel.

Kosta Barbarouses – 5.5

A different role for the Kiwi tonight, which was made more difficult with the absence of Ola Toivonen. Looked to get on the end of second balls in the first half from central areas, before drifting into wider areas and becoming more effective in the second period.

James Troisi – 6.5

The one thing that really impressed me with Troisi’s performance was his defensive effort and work rate, particularly in the first half. As Victory began to dominate in the second, Troisi was able to thrive more in possession, as well as being very unlucky with smacking the post.

Keisuke Honda – 7

Announced himself as the main man in style with a brilliant goal to open the scoring. Honda started the move out wide, before making himself available from about six yards to simply nod in probably the first of many in a Victory shirt. Continued to showcase his quality after the goal, particularly showing his ability to turn defenders with ease and create space for others.

Kenny Athiu – 6

Athiu failed to impose himself for much of the first half, being bullied by Schenkeveld and La Rocca too easily. However, the former NPL star was much better after the break, holding the ball up more often and bringing others into play.

Subs:

Leigh Broxham – N/A

Came on too late to get a rating.

Jai Ingham – N/A

Came on too late to get a rating.

Thomas Deng – N/A

Came on too late to get a rating.

Melbourne City

Eugene Galekovic – 7.5

A sensational masterclass of goalkeeping from the veteran, who made two crucial saves throughout from Antonis early then Honda right at the end. Was able to claim many crosses with relative ease, despite a cluster of bodies in front of him.

Ritchie De Laet – 7

Brought over all of his experience from England into an excellent display. Right from the start, De Laet made himself a creative outlet on the right before showing great reactions to follow in the penalty for City’s equaliser.

Bert Schenkeveld – 6

One of those defenders who is very consistent and you know what you will get from him week in, week out. That was no different here, the Dutchman putting in another solid display, winning many aerial duels as well as covering Delbridge when he was beaten.

Iacopo La Rocca – 6

Playing in his first match for City since January, the Italian was very solid, reading the game very well to make up for his lack of pace. Slowly gave more room to Athiu in the second half, but remained error free all game.

Harrison Delbridge – 5.5

Was asked to play in an unfamiliar role at left-back in Scott Jamieson’s absence, looking out of place throughout. Delbridge wasn’t able to provide an attacking spark although defensively he was very solid.

Luke Brattan – 6.5

Brattan was deployed as the deep-lying playmaker in City’s midfield, but was forced to do much more defensive work then he would’ve wanted. However, he responded by drifting out wide to imprint his playmaking abilities on the match which he did by providing an outstanding assist for McGree’s strike.

Kearyn Baccus – 6

Kept things ticking well for the Citizens in the middle of the park when they had possession. However, I would like to see him take more risks and make more forward runs into the penalty area.

Florin Berenguer – 5

Definitely not the debut the Frenchman was looking for in a City shirt. Despite an excellent record from the spot in France, he never looked confident stepping up for the first half penalty and will be thanking De Laet next week in training for sparing his blushes. Was very much a passenger during his 75 minutes.

Lachlan Wales – 5.5

Seems to be a personal favourite of Warren Joyce’s although he will need to do more to keep his place in the coming weeks. Shows fancy footwork and clever awareness, however he needs to get the ball in more dangerous areas.

Anthony Caceres – 5.5

Much like Wales, he was given license to roam around by Joyce but failed to impose himself. When he was able to get possession, it was down the channels in areas that offered little threat to Victory.

Bruno Fornaroli – 7

Excellent performance by the Uruguayan, showcasing his incredible ability to draws fouls and play with his back to goal. Even got in behind down the channels a couple of times with his pace.

Subs:

Riley McGree – 6.5

OH MY GOODNESS‼ Welcome to the new A-League season, Riley McGree! Off the bench for his City debut and straight into City folklore with a well taken finish, the 19-year-old continues to grow in confidence and looks like he could have another breakout year.

Rostyn Griffiths – 6

Came on to shut up shop and did just that for Warren Joyce, keeping everything tight and compact in the middle.

Anthony Lesiotis – N/A

Came on too late to get a rating.