Melbourne City claimed an electrifying, somewhat controversial, 3-2 win over the Western Sydney Wanderers earlier tonight.
Observers were treated to a true showcase of A-League talent from the outset, both sides showing that every aspect of their game is deadly.
A pin-point Harry Novillo free-kick gave the hosts a 7th minute lead, curling just inside the far-post past the diving hands of Andrew Redmayne. A second goal from Bruno Fornaroli gave John van’t Schip’s side somewhat of a buffer, yet the Wanderers never looked disheartened and reduced the deficit just before the half-hour mark when Mitch Nichols’ drive went underneath Thomas Sorensen.
The end-to-end battle continued into the second-half, although City’s attacking momentum was cut down as time went on and their hard work was let down when Aaron Hughes turned the ball into his own net.
After a brilliant contest, it was unfortunate that the latter stages will be mared in controversy after referee Jarred Gillett disallowed a Mark Bridge goal which followed on from a quickly taken set piece. It may have proved to be the most important moment in the game, as Novillo notched up his second goal of the match just five minutes from the final whistle.
The referee’s decision left many observers fuming again over the state of A-League officiating, taking the spotlight away from what was a brilliant performance at both ends of the pitch.
Here are the best reactions to come from Twitter after the match:
@MelbourneCity #MCYvWSW Best fricken win of the year!!! ⚽️⚽️⚽️ Super @novillo_harry What a GAME !!!!!!!!!!!
— SO_TornAsunder (@SO_TornAsunder) January 9, 2016
What a stunning win by @MelbourneCity! So proud of our boys and our crowd! #Together #MCYvWSW
— Ric Freeman (@ric_freeman) January 9, 2016
Fabulous game. We are contenders! @MelbourneCity #MCYvWSW
— Jock 380 (@Jock380) January 9, 2016
Wanderers should've got something from that (not even considering disallowed goal), but credit to City for taking chances. Big win. #MCYvWSW
— Justin Civitillo (@JC_Kazama) January 9, 2016
https://twitter.com/nasyabahfen/status/685773039322071040
Huge win!!! and so proud of the team really fighting to the end. #realdeal #MCYvWSW @MelbourneCity @novillo_harry @BFornaroli
— Willy (@Knuttydutch) January 9, 2016
https://twitter.com/WiseAled/status/685772067183017985
Do we need another fan boycott before the @ffa does something about @league referees #mcyvwsw
— Boutros Zalloua (@bootyz333) January 9, 2016
Redmayne & Gillett best on ground for City. #MCYvWSW
— Rowan de Groen (@StuffedShoulder) January 9, 2016
https://twitter.com/WiseAled/status/685773970415566848
Still can't believe it, your refs @FFA costed us the game & 3 points #MCYvWSW
— Jess (@jessica_khouryy) January 9, 2016
Two amazing & gripping @ALeague games so far this weekend. I hope the world is seeing what a great product we have. #CCMvMVC #MCYvWSW
— Luke Foley (@LukeAFoley) January 9, 2016
https://twitter.com/WiseAled/status/685772918383484930
Five goals, open play, a comeback, a twist in the tale and a match-altering referee error. What more do you want? #MCYvWSW
— Chris (@cweaver1983) January 9, 2016
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