Melbourne Victory progressed through to the grand final after a 3-0 win against rivals Melbourne City at Etihad Stadium.
Goals to Besart Berisha, Kosta Barbarouses and Archie Thompson saw the Victory secure bragging rights in front of over 50,000 fans.
Berisha opened the scoring within 20 minutes of kick-off. Leigh Broxham’s overlapping run allowed Barbarouses to play the ball through to him. His cross was met by a diving Berisha with City goalkeeper Tando Velaphi left helpless.
Victory were 2-0 up on the half-hour mark. Fahid Ben Khalfallah’s in-swinging cross found an unmarked Barbarouses in the centre of the box. The Kiwi international volleyed the ball into the net with spectacular control.
City were not without chances and could have been a goal or two ahead if not for their lack of clinical finishing in front of goal and some super saves from Lawrence Thomas and injuries to David Williams, Aaron Mooy and Harry Novillo all within the opening hour of the match.
Substitute Thompson was able to seal the result in the 87th minute. Gui Finkler’s cross found the head of Berisha. Velaphi was able to save his shot but Thompson was there to tap in the rebound.
Formations
Both teams lined up in 4-2-3-1 formations. Victory made only one change with Khalfallah resuming his role out wide in place of Thompson; the latter being relegated to the bench. Broxham retained his spot at right-back, with Daniel Georgievski on the opposite flank. Nick Ansell and Matthieu Delpierre continued their centre back pairing.
Melbourne Victory XI (4-2-3-1): Thomas (GK); Broxham, Delpierre, Ansell, Georgievski; Milligan, Valeri; Khalfallah, Finkler, Barbarouses; Berisha.
Kew Jaliens was the big inclusion for City. The defender returned after serving a one-week suspension for his red card against Adelaide in the final game of the regular season. He and Jonatan Germano were City’s full-backs for the match, despite neither being a natural in this position. Josh Kennedy continued to lead the line, hoping to add to another finals goal to his tally.
Melbourne City XI (4-2-3-1): Velaphi (GK); Jaliens, Kisnorbo, Chapman, Germano; Mooy, Paartalu; Novillo, Koren, Williams; Kennedy.
City were wasteful
When reviewing the statistics from this match, the score line does not properly reflect how close the match was, and just how competitive City actually were. City shaded the Victory in chances created, crosses, take-ons and interceptions.
They also had more shots on goal than the Victory. However, these shots, as shown below, were rarely on target.
Of City’s 17 shots on goal, only four required Thomas to make a save. The remaining 13 were either blocked or well wide of the goal.
In comparison, the Victory’s 14 shots on goal included six on target, three of which were converted into goals. As seen below, only two of Victory’s shots were off target, with four blocked shots and four attempts requiring action from Velaphi.
A victory out wide
The wide areas of the pitch across the park have been a source of great success for one side of Melbourne and plenty of trouble for the other.
Victory’s wing players going forward, Barbarouses and Khalfallah, were electric down the flanks, particularly the former.
As shown by the heat map, Barbarouses was constantly busy down the right-hand side of the pitch and from this position was able to score a goal, register three shots and put in three crosses.
On the other hand, City’s wide, defensive players have been the topic of discussion for large parts of the season.
Despite Germano and Jaliens being a midfielder and central defender, respectively, both played well with nine intercepts and six clearances between them.
However, up against one of the most potent attacks in the league, City’s full-backs were outplayed on more than a few occasions.
Battle of the big men – Kennedy vs Delpierre
It was highlighted as one of the key match-ups in this game and Delpierre was able to contain Kennedy, limiting his ability to have an impact on this match.
City created of plenty of chances for Kennedy to attack, with the team having 26 crossing opportunities.
However, as seen above, only three of the crosses were successful. This kind of service ruled out the possibility of using Kennedy’s height as a weapon – particularly when Kennedy’s aerial duel success rate for the match was sitting at 90%.
The Frenchman had a solid game in the centre of defences with 100% of tackles won, nine clearances and not a single foul committed.
His level-headedness has brought a stability and calmness to the Victory backline which is perfect for finals situations.
Melbourne Victory Conclusion
Victory backed up winning the Premiers Plate with a complete performance against their cross-town rivals. The team was on song across the park and showed, once again, why they have been widely considered the best team in the league all season. The club will not be content unless this campaign includes both trophies on offer in the league. Next week’s grand final against Sydney FC will have so much more riding on it than just the championship, with bragging rights in one of the league’s original rivalries up for grabs, as well as the renewal of hostilities between these clubs in a grand final setting.
Melbourne City Conclusion
Statistically speaking, City had plenty of opportunities to not only stay competitive in this match, but win. Ultimately, this finals series has been indicative of the club’s whole season, brilliant one week, frustratingly average the next. This inconsistency has plagued what was touted as the club’s breakout season especially in lieu of the City Football Group take over. Although there is a lot that needs to change for City, the positives which have emerged from this season shouldn’t be overlooked. The beginnings of a strong, consistent City side are present.
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