City dominated the first half with their unusual formation. Teams always have a bit of trouble when they come up against two false nines without any time to prepare for it. With the midfield overloaded Adelaide couldn’t find Isias enough and their normal game plan went out the window.

Marco Kurz made a couple of tweaks at half time and Adelaide were a much better side in the second half. Atkinson’s injury put a cloud over the rest of the game. Adelaide pushed hard for a goal beforel suddenly collapsing. 

Melbourne City

Dean Bouzanis 8 – He performed a great save against Daniel Adlung and also snuffed out two one on ones. Without him the result could have been different.

Nathaniel Atkinson 8 – He’s been one of City’s shining lights this season and it was a devastating way for him to leave the pitch tonight. Before then he had been his usual composed and consistent self.

Bart Schenkeveld 6.5 – Got himself a silly yellow card but otherwise defended pretty well. Caught square twice.

Michael Jakobsen 6.5 – Get’s a clean sheet as a central defender but his defence was pierced twice and Adelaide should have done better.

Scott Jamieson 7 – Defended really well and put on some really nice balls.

Osama Malik 7.5 – Kept his position well and won a lot of personal battles. His ability to win header after header helped immensely tonight.