The referee initially showed the Victory defender a yellow card for a foul on Kaludjerovic, who appeared to be through on goal. However, after reviewing the video replay, Williams was shown a red card, changing the dynamics of the game.

Despite taking the lead through Kosta Barbarouses’ brilliant solo effort, Melbourne Victory’s defence failed to withstand Wellington’s persistent attempts on goal.

Eventually, a Lawrence Thomas howler and a Mark Milligan own goal gave Wellington all three points. 

Wellington Phoenix

Lewis Italiano – 5.5

Rule number one of being a goalkeeper: never be beaten at your near post. Italiano fell to his right-hand side before the ball had even left the boot of Kosta Barbarouses, which meant he was unable to stop the brilliant solo effort.

Dylan Fox – 7.5

Swamped Besart Berisha whenever the Victory striker was anywhere near the ball and it worked. Fox’s mission of keeping Berisha silent succeeded and the defender nearly snatched a goal of his own in the process.

Daniel Mullen – 6.5

A couple of long throw-ins from Mullen put Wellington on the front foot very early in the first half. The 28-year-old was often found in space on the right flank, where he delivered a number of inviting crosses for his teammates.

Andrew Durante – 6

A solid performance from Wellington’s leader, who also played a part in keeping Berisha absent.

Marco Rossi – N/A

Forced off early with injury. Did not see enough of the ball to receive a fair rating. 

Thomas Doyle – 5.5

Kosta Barbarouses was a constant threat for Melbourne Victory, who found a way in via Doyle’s line of defence. Doyle was left spinning, as the Victory winger created the opening goal and the defender failed to protect his goalkeeper in the build-up. 

Michael McGlinchey – 5.5

Picked up a yellow card in the first half following two consecutive fouls, the latter on Matias Sanchez. Struggled to make an impact on the game and made way at half-time for debutant, Matija Ljujic.

Goran Paracki – 6.5

Paracki found a lot of freedom and time in the midfield and was able to dictate the pace of the game at times. The Croat was happy to protect the defence, while his fellow midfielders supplied the strikers.

Matthew Ridenton – 7

Two shots inside the first 5 minutes showed the level of intent Ridenton played with from the first whistle. Was unfortunate not to have opened the scoring in the 15th minute, when the ball cannoned off the post, following a shot from outside the penalty area.

Roy Krishna – 7.5

Constantly looked to exploit the lack of pace in the Victory defence. Often played off the back of Leigh Broxham, who had his work cut out at right back. Thanks to a Thomas error, the Wellington striker scored the easiest goal of his career, but he’ll take it nonetheless.

Andrija Kaludjerovic – 6.5

Made less of an impact as Krishna and ended the game without a goal, despite claiming the winner. Might have scored in the opening five minutes, if he wasn’t fouled by Rhys Williams who was subsequently sent off.

SUBS:

Nathan Burns – 7

Entered the field in the first half, due to a tactical substitution and immediately made an impact. Whether trying his luck on goal or looking to supply the strikers, Burns’ role in the match was positive throughout. However… how did he miss that chance from point-blank range?

Matija Ljujic – 6

The debutant was gifted with a free header inside the penalty area, but placed the ball to the wrong side of the post. An average cameo to begin his A-league career. 

Melbourne Victory

Lawrence Thomas – 5

Far from Thomas’ finest performance in the A-League. The Victory keeper denied Doyle from claiming goal of the season, after the defender tried his luck from 40 yards out. Thomas was later nominated for mistake of the season, as the ball squirmed through his legs and into the path of Roy Krishna, who equalised.

Jason Geria – 5.5

Despite a very sloppy start to the game, Geria eventually found his feet and did his part to stop the crosses and defend the penalty area. The right back gave the ball away too easily at times, turning attack into defence. 

Dino Djulbic – 6

Lost his defensive partner early on and had to form an unfamiliar connection with Mark Milligan. Djulbic stood tall when up against it and was rarely at fault for any defensive errors.

Rhys Williams – 2

Was rightfully sent off after the referee reviewed his initial decision using the VAR.

Leigh Broxham – 6.5

Some clumsy footwork and a couple of cynical fouls from Broxham, put the visiting side under pressure in the first half. All would have been forgiven when Broxham dived into action; heroically preventing Krishna from finishing into an empty net.

Mark Milligan – 6.5

Do not be fooled by the fact that Milligan scored the Phoenix winner. There wasn’t a lot the visiting captain could have done as the ball rebounded into the net. Milligan dug deep throughout the match proving himself as a natural leader.

Matias Sanchez – 5

Sanchez certainly looked out of his depth when running the central midfield on his own and who could blame him. The Phoenix midfielders outnumbered the Argentine, who was left chasing tails. 

Kosta Barbarouses – 7.5

Victory’s only threat in the first half – running at the Phoenix defence and finding space behind the last man. Just before half-time, he had Doyle on the back foot, found some space and beat Italiano at his near post.

James Troisi – 6

Looked to combine with Leroy George, but on this occasion the duos partnership failed to prevail. The attacking midfielder should have been more selfish in front of goal, when given the opportunity.

Leroy George – 5.5

An uncharacteristic performance from George who did not play with his usual flair and dynamic attacking prowess. The Dutchman looked to get behind the defence on occasions, but couldn’t get on the end of any attempted passes.

Besart Berisha – 4.5

The Victory striker was screaming for a penalty when he was brought down inside the box late in the second half. But that was to be his only highlight of the match. Victory’s talisman remained in the shadows of the Phoenix defenders, who gave him no time or space.

SUBS:

Terry Antonis – 5

Not the cameo Antonis was looking for as he replaced an overrun Sanchez. A tough second performance for the midfielder.

Stefan Nigro – N/A

Did not see enough of the ball to receive a fair rating.