AAMI Park played host to a match that had huge ramifications for both teams in the lead up to finals football.

Whilst Melbourne are closer to assuring a place in the top four come end of the season, the Wanderers were pushed down to seventh place as a result of Brisbane Roar’s tight win over the Central Coast Mariners, leaving them with a deciding game against Brisbane next week.

In the opening exchanges it was the Wanderers who started off on the front foot, intensely chasing Victory all around the pitch. The match was fiercely contested from the offset, with neither team having time on the ball. Quick movement and urgency on the ball typified both teams’ efforts.

It was Victory’s star man, Leroy George, adept in a dead ball situation, whom changed the game with a deflected free kick finding its way past a stranded Vedran Janjetovic.

Doubts of the Wanderers’ lack of chemistry with their manager were arguably subsided as they celebrated with the enigmatic Spaniard Gombau following Cejudo’s magical finish.

 

A red card to Michael Thwaite at the end of the first half resulted in a Melbourne penalty, a moment which was delayed by utter confusion due to an additional red card being handed to Kosta Barbarouses for a stamp on the foot of Keanu Baccus.

The second half began as 10 Vs 10 on the pitch but the final result favoured the Victory who ran out 3-1 winners, the major separation between the sides being Victory’s superior finishing on the night, most prominently through Thomas Deng who unleashed one of the strikes of the season.

Melbourne Victory

Lawrence Thomas  — 6

Stayed measured against the Wanderers’ opening barrage of intensity but was caught out by a fantastic chip from Cejudo. Anticipated the Wanderers’ ventures forward well for the remainder of the match.

Thomas Deng  — 7

Found it tough contending with the combinations of Llorente and Cejudo as the Wanderers came out ruthlessly in executing their high pressure game. Came in to the match as the Victory upped their game. His finest moment of the match came when he scored without a doubt one of the goals of the season, as Antonis picked him out unmarked resulting in a first time scorching volley past Janjetovic.

Jamie Donachie —  6.5        

Turned over the ball poorly at times as the Wanderers heaped pressure on him in the first half. Entrenched himself in the fixture to prevent the Wanderers from manufacturing a way back in to the match.

Rhys Williams  — 7.5

Contested intelligently as the Wanderers tried to play the ball in to Riera, keeping the Spanish marquee quiet for much of the night.

Leigh Broxham  — 5

Outplayed by the skilful Ikonomidis throughout the night, but was never deterred to venture forward.

Carl Valeri  — 6

Stripped of the ball too easily at times, but nothing can be said against his commitment in working to win the ball back for Victory.

Terry Antonis  — 7

Sought to create goal scoring chances throughout the match, which came to fruition vehemently when he set up Deng for his thunderous volley.

Kosta Barbarouses  — 4

Appeared the most likely to score for Victory in the opening period and may have if he stayed on the field. Ill-discipline that you would think to see on a school yard and not a senior game earned him a red card.

James Troisi  — 6

Always looked to play through his wingers, creating a few excellent chances with some perfectly timed passes. Did well with the lack of time he had on the ball in the middle of the park.

Leroy George  — 7

A cracking free kick hit (aided by a deflection off of Hamill) sparked a fantastic outing for the classy Dutchman. If Victory let him go, it will be unfortunate for not only them but the league as a whole.

Besart Berisha  — 6

If his eyes were anything to go by, he was never missing that penalty. Attempted to conjure opportunities for his team but found his efforts stunted by Wanderers defence.

SUBSTITUTES

Christian Theoharous — 6

Replaced George with twenty minutes to go and brought with him pace to further stress the Wanderers defence.

Jai Ingham  — 5

Struggled to get in to the match when he came on.

Matias Sanchez  — 6

Provided solid defensive work when he came on.

Western Sydney Wanderers

Vedran Janjetovic  — 5

Stood up well against Barbarouses in the early parts of the much. Was unlucky to see George’s free kick deflect in. Could not do much

Photo by Sam Anfield

Josh Risdon  — 6

Recovered well to his credit on many occasions, especially in rectifying his own mistakes. Tracked back throughout the match despite playing midweek against Colombia for the Socceroos. Earned his ninth yellow of the season, the most in the league.

Brendan Hamill  — 5

Imposed himself strongly against Berisha but grappled to contend with the stronger Victory side that came out in the second half without Thwaite alongside him. Was genuinely unlucky to see George’s free kick deflect off of him.

Michael Thwaite  — 4

His rating, for the first half at least, seems unfair, as he moved to intercept the ball wholeheartedly and impede Melbourne constantly in the first half. However, a needless mistake leading up to Victory’s corner was made worse by his second yellow for bringing down Rhys Williams during said corner, giving Victory an immediate chance to reclaim a dominance on the match.

Raul Llorente  — 5

Aggressive and wily going forward, causing problems for the Victory in their box. At fault for Deng’s goal as he left him wide open.

Keanu Baccus  — 5

Seemed unable to deal with Victory as his team went down to 10, opting to foul as he saw no other option.

Kearyn Baccus  — 6

Despite some off passing and shooting, the older Baccus was key to the Wanderers’ intense efforts against the Victory, winning the ball in midfield and distributing to his attackers.

Steven Lustica  — 6

Highly energetic and dynamic in the time he had on the pitch. Brought off to allow the Wanderers to retain their defensive structure.

Alvaro Cejudo  —  7     

Displayed a great work ethic to intercept the ball on numerous occasions, defending from the front with desire. Elegant in his passing and ball movement for most of the much. His sensational chipped effort sailed over Lawrence Thomas would have been the goal of the match had Deng not had his say.

Photo by Sam Anfield

Chris Ikonomidis  — 6

His exquisite flair and technical ability was on full display against Victory. Even as his team went down to ten men he attempted to fashion some sort of a threat.

Oriel Riera  — 5

Constantly positioned to receive the ball, but found the quality of the pass too low or the Victory defence too weary.

SUBSTITUTES

Jack Clisby  — 5

Brought on to replace Michael Thwaite, to which he added little in defensive clarity.

Jaushua Sotirio  — 6.5

Offered pace and direct running when he came on, which aided the Wanderers’ attempts to comeback. Assisted Risdon defensively and could have had a goal.

Marcelo Carrusca  — 5

Seemed off the pace when he arrived to the match late on as his team were down 3-1.