The Wanderers remain in top spot after an enthralling end to end match in Western Sydney.
The first half was full of energy and commitment from both teams with tackles flying in. With a bit of a cup tie feel about the first 45 minutes, Nichols was able to get in behind the City defence and coolly pass it past Sorensen to open the scoring and give the Wanderers a one nil lead at the break.
The second 45 minutes really came to life. Bridge and Nichols were linking together superbly, and after Bridge scored twice to give the Wanderers a three nil lead after 65 minutes, the game looked to be all but over.
City had other ideas however, as two goals in a matter of minutes through Novillo and Fornaroli saw the visitors back in the game. However just as City were pushing for the equaliser Caceres, was sent off for a second bookable offence and only minutes later Santalab finished off a fantastic attack to secure the points for the home side. That wasn’t the end of the goals however as Paartalu managed to get a consolation goal in the 93rd minute to wrap up a fantastic top of the table clash.
Western Sydney Wanderers
Andrew Redmayne – 6: Didn’t have too much to do except pick the ball out of the back of the net. He did control his box well when he needed too.
Scott Neville – 6: Solid performance at right back and supported the attack well when needed.
Alberto – 5.5: Struggled to deal with the pace and skill of Novillo on the odd occasion and was caught out a couple of times.
Nikolai Topor-Stanley – 6: Despite his side conceding three goals he was able to deal with Fornaroli quite well.
Scott Jamieson – 6.5: Composed performance from the left back and on a number of occasions he was put under pressure at the back but was able to make the pass so that his side kept possession.
Andreu – 6.5: Was given an early shower after working very hard for 70 minutes. He held his positioning very well and was able to stem the flow of the City midfield.
Dimas – 6: Solid performance from him in the middle of the park.
Mitch Nichols – 9: Was absolutely superb on the night. He was the man that opened the scoring in the first half and had a hand to play for both the other goals.
Dario Vidosic – 7: Arguably Vidosic’s best game in a Wanderers shirt. He worked himself into the ground and was agile and enthusiastic whenever he received the ball.
Josh Sotirio – 6: Was unable to really get too involved in the game as the Wanderers favoured the right-hand side while on the attack but worked very hard
Mark Bridge – 8: Linked up very well with Nichols on a number of occasions throughout the game and was able to get himself a brace.
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Substitutions
Kearyn Baccus – 5: Came on in the middle of the park and was almost instantly overrun with City scoring two quick goals after his substitution.
Romeo Castelen – 6: Relegated to the bench for this match but came on for the final 20 minutes and was able to get an assist.
Brendon Santalab – 6: Came off the bench and scored a tap in. Came on to cause the City backline trouble and work hard in defense and did exactly that.
Melbourne City FC
Thomas Sorensen – 5: Can’t fault him for the first two goals but on the third he came out and was caught in “No man’s land” which allowed Nichols to knock it over him for the assist him.
Michael Zullo – 6: Going forwards he linked with the attack well and looked to be one of City’s most dangerous players in the first half but he was caught out defensively on a number of occasions with Vidosic getting in behind him.
Patrick Kisnorbo – N/A: Forced off with an Achilles injury after only three minutes.
Osama Malik – 5.5: With Kisnorbo going off in the early stages the leadership role was thrust upon the former Reds man on his starting debut. Playing in the middle of the back line, he struggled to help Clisby and Melling position themselves correctly, who were both caught out at times.
Jacob Melling – 4.5: Was caught very flat for the first Wanderers goal and was unable to stop the Western Sydney front three from peppering shots at Sorensen.
Ivan Franjic – 5: Poor performance from the Socceroo as he looked a little lost, possibly struggling to adapt to the new City formation.
Erik Paartalu – 6.5: Solid performance in the middle of the park and was able to get himself on the scoresheet.
Anthony Caceres – 4.5: Very poor from him to get sent off for a second yellow just as City were starting to get back into the game.
Aaron Mooy – 7: Was kept quiet for the majority of the game but in the end assisted all three of the City goals.
Harry Novillo – 7.5: City’s best player on the night and his pace and skill was causing the Wanderers defenders some real headaches.
Bruno Fornaroli – 7: Held the ball up very well at times and scored a superb goal bending it into the top right corner from the edge of the area.
Substitutions
Jack Clisby – 4.5: Subbed on after only three minutes as Kisnorbo was forced off with an injury. He was caught square on occasion which is expected with a new formation and unfamiliar players around him.
Ben Garuccio – 6: Came on and played a more defensive role to Zullo which allowed the City front men to attack with more flow.
Paulo Retre – 5: Struggled to get into the game after he came on.
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