After last week’s display it was already the End of Days for Manny Muscat and Iacopo La Rocca’s time in the starting line-up, with City switching to a back three which included Osama Malik, Bart Schenkeveld and Michael Jakobsen. Nick Fitzgerald and Scott Jamieson to provide the width up and down

For Glory it was the lack of attacking power that concerned them and whether they could make a Deep Impact without Castro, Taggart and the supporting crew. Add to that the five games in the opening eight rounds that Glory was on the road and they’d clocked up more miles than Mad Max.

So, who did their best impression of The Terminator, and who was more like an extra from World War Z?

MELBOURNE CITY

Eugene Galekovic – 5 - Couldn’t do much for any of Glory’s goals. Had a better week than last but six goals in two games is a concern for the men in front of him.

Bart Schenkeveld – 6.5 - Frustrating night for the Dutchman. Tried to motivate his team-mates from the back but couldn’t do much from deep.

Osama Malik – 5.5 - Didn’t quite find his rhythm and was unceremoniously given a straight red card after a VAR Review by the referee, which also resulted in a penalty that put Glory back into the lead.

Michael Jakobsen – 6 - Copped a knee to the back from his own keeper in the first half but didn’t effect his physicality. Changed positions a few times and even received the ball on the edge of the box a few times. Has had better games.

Bruce Kamau – 6 - Was lively early on and given plenty of ball down the left. Won the free kick that led to McCormack’s lovely free kick. Substituted again early in the second half.

Luke Brattan – 8.5 - His cameo last week was enough to earn him a start and he had some good touches to compliment his range of passing prowess. Controlled the tempo almost single handedly in the second half until Glory’s third goal killed off any chance for a result. Very good in a beaten and disorganized side.

Stefan Mauk – 6 - Struggled to have an impact in the game aside from helping Luke Brattan press Glory in the second half to fairly good effect. Given an early rest after 78mins.

Scott Jamieson – 7.5 - Played the role of a true wing back and got forward even when City were reduced to 10. Got up and down throughout the night and effort was definitely there.

Nick Fitzgerald – 6.5 - Trialed as a right-sided wing back and the tactic didn’t do Warren Joyce’s side any favours despite his efforts. Looked much more comfortable in the second half when changes were made to allow him to move forward without fear.

Marcin Budzinski– 4 - Not certain he, his team-mates, or his coach really know what to do with him. Looks disinterested and is nowhere near the player the Melburnians were expecting when he was signed as a marquee. 

Ross McCormack – 6.5 - Can score a free-kick! In fact his equalizer was his third for the season and an impressive strike, clearing the wall by centimetres. Not too many chances tonight on his return and withdrawn in favour of Tim Cahill after 70mins.

Substitutes

Manny Muscat – 6 - Given 40 minutes but can be forgiven for not really putting in a performance of note, after he was switched from right back, to centre half, to what looked like a number 10 role at times. Confused? So were we.

Tim Cahill – 6 - The talisman tried to influence the game and was busy but only really had one sight on goal late in injury time.

Neil Kilkenny – 6 - 78th minute sub and again failed to make an impact from the bench. Surely would be better suited to starting.

PERTH GLORY

Liam Reddy – 7 - McCormack too good on the dead-ball and he did well to get across but was never stopping it. Wasn’t really tested after that which is rare for this fixture for Liam Reddy.

Shane Lowry – 7 - dealt with any aerial attempts from the opposition and stood tall throughout.

Alex Grant – 7 - gave the needless foul away that led to McCormack’s equalizer but along with Lowry wasn’t tested too much.

Jeremy Walker – 6 - Didn’t have a lot to do and gave the ball away needlessly when he did get involved.

Joseph Mills – 6 - Stuck to the left for most of the night and helped contain a busy Melbourne City outfit in the second half.

Jacob Italiano – 7.5 - bursting run forward in the lead up to Glory’s opener and showed great confidence in his young A-League career. Was the victim of a studs up challenge from Malik which won his side a penalty and the lead.

Brandon Wilson – 6.5 - Worked hard with Xavi Torres even when City were reduced. He did a lot of work off the ball but didn’t close down when needed and allowed the opposition to hold possession, putting unnecessary pressure on his team.

Xavi Torres – 7.5 - Seems to be getting better with every week and distributed the ball well through the lines. Coolly slotted home a first-half penalty to put the Glory up 2-1. Has taken on set-piece duties in Castro’s absence and looks like Diego will have to wrestle them back. Sat back a bit in a second half but City couldn’t break the lines.

Chris Harold – 6 - looked to get involved down the right especially after space opened up with Malik’s dismissal. Withdrawn on 68mins when Perth’s numerical advantage seemed to have disappeared.

Andy Keogh – 6 - sent a warning shot over the bar early on with a lovely half volley before teeing up Mitch Nichols for his team’s first. Injured himself and was subbed on the half hour

Mitch Nichols – 8 - Had acres of space in front of him when Keogh laid it off for him. He took the invitation with a furious strike that copped a deflection on the way through but always goal bound. Was his side’s main threat after Keogh’s injury and when given the ball was his usual opportunistic self. Ran himself ragged and was substituted late.

Substitutes

Joseph Knowles – 6.5 - Got a chance on the half hour after Keogh’s injury. Given the task of closing down and being a nuisance for most of the night.

Mitch Mallia – 7 - Given about 25 minutes by Kenny Lowe to try and get Perth going again after a lull. A great pick up from Kenny Lowe and he burst away late in the game to seal the three points for the boys from the West for his second A-league goal and first for his newest employers.

Jake Brimmer – N/A - Late substitute and not enough time to rate fairly.