Muscat’s roaring winner was made possible through the impact goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis had at the other end of the field, executing numerous game-saving stops to keep City in the contest as he came into the starting side late for an injured Eugene Galekovic.

Newcastle commanded the game from the start and scored the opener through Andrew Nabbout via a Melbourne defensive error but City had the game level at the break when Ross McCormack converted from the spot.

A change of formation and the addition of Bruce Kamau at half-time swung the game for Melbourne as they took authority in the second half and limited Newcastle’s time on the ball.

NEWCASTLE JETS

Glen Moss (GK) – 6

Didn’t have much to deal with in the first half apart from a few crosses which he generally handled well. He couldn’t do anything about the goals he conceded: a penalty and a thunderbolt.

Ivan Vujica – 6

It took the left-back a few minutes to feel out Nick Fitzgerald down his side of the field, but maintained pace with him thereafter. Never fails in tracking back.

Nigel Boogaard © – 6

Was doing well to keep Melbourne City at bay after an array of counter-attacks in the first half but clumsily gave away the penalty leading to the City equaliser.

Nikola Topor-Stanley – 8

The wizened defender had one of his strongest games in defence. He rarely made a mistake, was alert to everything, covered well and didn’t do much wrong going forward. He’ll be counting his lucky stars after the referee and VAR judged he didn’t foul Bruce Kamau in the box.

Johnny Koutroumbis – 6

Was perfectly average at right-back. The youngster didn’t make too many mistakes, did his best to try and quell a rampant Fitzgerald and made now howlers.