Melbourne City cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory against Wellington Phoenix at home to claim top spot with just two rounds remaining.
John van’t Schip’s men were not at their best, however they had more than enough quality to edge themselves past a potential banana skin opponent.
The first half failed to spark into life as City struggled to create a route to goal, only for the imagination of Harry Novillo and Bruno Fornaroli to combine to mesmerising effect.
The dynamic duo played a quick one-two, before the league’s leading marksmen expertly chipped the ball into the path of the on-rushing Novillo to fire past a despairing Glen Moss.
In the 66th minute Fornaroli scored his 21st goal of the season and sealed the points for the home side, despite Moss saving his penalty kick at the first attempt but could not prevent the Uruguayan converting the follow up.
The foreign import then provided an unbelievable moment of class, following superb buildup play from Nick Fitzgerald, to unleash a powerful curling effort from 20 yards and become City’s all-time leading goalscorer and break the record for most goals in a single season.
City have a huge opportunity to seal a top two spot next week away to Perth, while the Phoenix will look to restore some pride next weekend at home to Melbourne Victory.
Here are three major talking points to come out of the match:
Records tumble for Melbourne City
Not only did Melbourne finish the game top of the league for the first time, and make it 10 home matches on the trot without loss, Novillo’s first-half goal was a record 59th strike of the season – the most ever in an A League campaign. And, with the goal Novillo joined Mooy and Fornaroli in double figures for the season, the first time three players from the same A League side had ever reached double figures. Another two more records broken among many this season for City. Fornaroli’s 22nd A-League goal made him the clubs top goalscorer of all-time, a record he took off of club stalwart David Williams, who scored his 21 goals in 101 games.
A Legend remembered well
The City fans were in full voice all night and their impressive tribute to Johan Cryuff on 14 minutes was one of many highlights of their vociferous support throughout the night. We also witnessed a goal worthy of the great Ajax and Barcelona sides he played in. The fans willed their capable conquerors to the summit of the ladder, and will be confident that their class outfit can go all the way this term.
A tale of two keepers
Moss was the far busier keeper tonight, making some extremely important saves early to deny Novillo and Fornaroli. Ultimately he was let down by his defence and conceded three good goals. Thomas Sorenson was barely tested throughout the match, as the toothless Phoenix attackers were blunted once again. One save from Hamish Watson in the second half was his only required contribution, and his clean sheet was almost a formality.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
