Michael Jakobsen - 5

Melbourne City are better off with Michael Jakobsen in central defence. If there was one thing Michael Valkanis got right, it was that. The former City assistant constantly lauded the impact of “one of the best defenders in the league.” In midfield he struggled against the Baccus Brothers pressing. 

Osama Malik - 5

Malik managed a better game in midfield than Jakobsen but neither were flash. Malik managed better control of his passing but still couldn’t stifle the Wanderers midfield. 

Luke Brattan - 5.5

The dynamism that City needed in midfield but still City struggled using Brattan as their creative outlet through the centre of the park. In this instance they dearly missed a player like Stefan Mauk. Brattan still caused some danger for the Wanderers defence with his close control.

Nick Fitzgerald - 6.5

Deployed out on the left Fitzgerald had a wonderful game up against Josh Risdon, giving the Socceroo a run for his money on the right. A secondary assist for the games opener, spreading wide for Atkinson’s cross. Again he was involved in the build up to winning City’s penalty. 

Bruce Kamau - 4.5

Rather anonymous in the first half and was struggling to have an impact on the match. Seems low on confidence, not taking on players like he used to at the beginning of the season. 

Ross McCormack - 6.5

Great positioning on the back post to open the scoring, adjusting his body to ensure the ball didn’t sky over the cross bar. Failed to convert form the spot to bring the scores level before half-time. Scuppered yet another clear cut chance in the second half hesitating in the box before his shot was blocked. Should’ve brought the game back to the Wanderers. 

SUBS

Daniel Arzani - 6

Replaced Ross McCormack with twenty minutes remaining and was straight into the action with two shots on goal. Melbourne City would have been better off starting the creative Arzani in midfield.