With some of Melbourne Victory’s key players on Socceroos duty, the likes of Besart Berisha and Carl Valeri had to rely on service from elsewhere. Unfortunately for them, the absentees were noticeable and Sydney claimed their second straight win against Victory at Etihad.

But how did the players score in our match ratings out of 10? 

MELBOURNE VICTORY

Lawrence Thomas (GK) 6

Stood tall and made a great save in the 26th minute. Distributed the ball well and was unfortunate to see the ball squirm underneath him for the own goal.

Thomas Deng 5

A disastrous own goal and a night to forget for the left-back. Made a handful of big tackles, but looked off the pace at times and clumsily gifted Sydney with all three points.

Rhys Williams 6

Did not do much wrong at the back and won most of his challenges. The defender wandered forward and misplaced a key pass to Berisha with twenty minutes to go – a game-changing moment, had he measured it correctly.

James Donachie 6

Carried the ball out of defence on a number of occasions, which sometimes did more harm than good. The 24-year-old had to thank his counterparts for saving his skin a few times.

Jason Geria 5

Was drawn out of position too easily, leaving a void down the right-hand side. Did well to overlap Ingham when on the attack, but his crossing was certainly below par.

 

Carl Valeri 7

Without James Troisi ahead of him, the Melbourne captain explored different avenues when going forward. He dictated the pace of Victory’s attack when in possession, but some of his passes went astray.

Leigh Broxham 7

As reliable as ever and looked more than comfortable alongside Valeri. Made some huge tackles and covered every blade of grass. Nearly caught the keeper by surprise from a speculative cross in the second half.  

Leroy George 8

Bursting with flair and creativity on his A-League debut. The midfielder always seemed to have an extra second in possession of the ball. The visitors would have breathed a sigh of relief when the Dutchman was substituted at 0-1.

Mitch Austin 6

Found space at times, but failed to deliver any crosses with conviction. He got the better of Sydney’s Wilkshire at times, but his efforts came to nothing. Was rightfully substituted to make way for fresh ideas late on. 

Jai Ingham 7

The 24-year-old made some questionable decisions and could have been more useful to Berisha on the night. However, most of Victory’s efforts were created by the winger thanks to his crafty running behind the Sydney defence.

Besart Berisha 6

Simply wasn’t provided with his usual service and therefore, failed to have any real impact on the game. Was forced to drop into the midfield late in the second half, just to see more of the ball.

Used Substitutes: Christian Theoharous 6, Josh Hope 7.

 

 

SYDNEY FC

Andrew Redmayne (GK) 8

Did not have to pull off too many difficult saves, but claimed and commanded his area with confidence and absolute authority. Most Victory crosses ended up in the hands of the Sydney keeper and he never looked troubled.

Luke Wilkshire 7

Found heaps of space down the flank, which stretched Victory’s defenders. The veteran supplied many inviting crosses to his teammates, before one was accidently converted by Deng.

Jordy Buijs 8

Made a goal-saving tackle early in the first half. Led by example at the back and protected Redmayne at all times. Gave Berisha a headache and looked deadly with the ball at his feet.

Alexander Wilkinson 7

Worked well with Buijs to keep Berisha quiet. Denied the Victory striker by blocking the incoming crosses and rarely gave the ball away.

Paulo Retre 5

Looked suspect at left-back and was the weakest of Sydney’s defenders. Matched by a below-average, Jason Geria, the pair were locked in a stalemate for ninety minutes.

 

Joshua Brillante 8

The unsung dictator behind Sydney’s win. Soaked up the pressure when the visitors were without the ball, but quickly turned defence into attack as soon as possession was won.

Brandon O’Neil 8

Measured and composed throughout. Broke up a number of Victory attacks and started a handful of his own; sometimes with exquisite vision.

Milos Ninkovic 8

Combined well with his teammates in the final third, particularly with Adrian. His quick feet and clever hold-up play gave the Victory defence something to think about.

Adrian Mierzejewski 9

Created all sorts of problems for the host’s defence. Was at the heart of numerous Sydney attacks and rarely failed to find a pass. Should have scored in the first half, but was denied by a strong right hand.

Alex Brosque 7

Exciting to watch, but played in the shadows of Adrian and Ninkovic on this occasion. However, he played his part in an attacking trio which will undoubtedly score and create dozens of goals this season.

Bobo 6

Wasted a couple of chances with some wayward efforts on goal. Should have converted a chance shortly after Sydney broke the deadlock, but headed the ball over the bar from close range.

Used Substitutes: David Carney 6, Sebastian Ryall 6, Matt Simon 6.