An understrength Adelaide United registered a comprehensive 4-1 win over Melbourne City at Coopers Stadium in a highly entertaining ANZAC Day clash.
Miguel Palanca opened the scoring for the hosts in the 19th minute, after fellow Spaniard Pablo Sanchez danced his way through the box to assist the 27-year-old, who executed his shot on the tightest of angles. Four minutes later, the Reds doubled its advantage as Sergio Cirio’s parried shot fell nicely into the path of the onrushing Sanchez to rifle his effort into the back of the net. Tarek Elrich then made it 3-0 when he decided to go on an individual run from inside his own half – leaving a trail of destruction in his path – to nonchalantly finish past Tando Velaphi and score arguably the goal of the season.
After the interval, Cameron Watson converted his penalty which had to be re-taken following Jonatan Germano’s foul on Craig Goodwin. City then had a penalty of their own which was calmly dispatched by Aaron Mooy on 65 minutes. Both sides ended the match with 10 men after Kew Jaliens and Michael Marrone were brandished with warranted red cards for separate incidents.
Adelaide United
Eugene Galekovic – 6: Was involved in a heart-in-the-mouth situation when he fumbled Germano’s effort, though the Argentine blasted the rebound over the bar. But as the match went on the gloveman made a number of saves.
Michael Marrone – 5: Defended expertly, blocking a number of ominous shots as well as illustrating blistering speed in attack. Nevertheless, was sent off for a poor challenge on Paartalu.
Dylan McGowan – 6.5: Comfortable on the ball when playing out from the back and also headed away a couple of inviting looking crosses.
Tarek Elrich – 9: Another outstanding outing by the versatile full-back who seems to be improving with every match he plays and was rewarded for venturing forward by scoring a phenomenal solo goal.
Craig Goodwin – 7: The 23-year-old was one of the key reasons behind Adelaide’s impressive attacking display, creating openings for his teammates.
Osama Malik – 6.5: Screened the back three aptly and distributed the majority of his passes with pin-point accuracy.
Pablo Sanchez – 8: Grabbed a goal and an assist after only recently re-signing with the club for another season. Incidentally, the goal took his tally to eight for the campaign.
Miguel Palanca – 6.5: The ex-Real Madrid winger gave the ball away on a number of occasions, lacking composure on the ball in the opening 10 minutes. However, the Spaniard put that behind him to score a fabulous goal – his first at the club – on a very tight angle to give the Reds a 1-0 lead.
Bruce Kamau – 6.5: Looked sharp in attacking areas, causing problems for the City defence and made the most of a rare start. However, did yield the penalty which Mooy slotted.
Bruce Djite – 5.5: Was not able to impose himself as he would have liked and missed a guilt-edge opportunity.
Sergio Cirio – 6.5: Was sometimes unplayable when in possession of the ball as the skilful Spaniard had another consistent game.
Substitutes
Cameron Watson – 5.5: Replaced the disappointing Djite and there was no denying him of scoring his first goal for the Reds, after his initial converted penalty had to be re-taken due to encroachment. The subsequent penalty was comfortably dispatched.
Ben Warland – 5.5: Made his debut after coming on for Malik on 69 minutes.
Dylan Smith – 5.5: Also made his A-League debut replacing Palanca on 77 minutes.
Melbourne City
Tando Velaphi – 5: Perhaps should have done better with Palanca’s attempt as well as parry the ball away from the danger zone which allowed Sanchez to emphatically convert.
Kew Jaliens – 3.5: Exposed frequently on the flank and could not match the technical ability of Goodwin, Cirio or Elrich to curtail their involvement. Received his marching orders in the 67th minute after he tripped Goodwin as the last man.
Connor Chapman – 5: Could have closed down Elrich to deny him his first goal for the Reds and also executed a few stray passes.
Patrick Kisnorbo – 5: Like Chapman, the centre-back was virtually non-existent and could not restrict the relentless pressure by the home side.
Jason Hoffman – 5: Isolated on the wing and as a result was beaten frequently by his opponent.
Erik Paartalu – 5: Did little in the match and was overrun by the United midfield.
Jonatan Germano – Missed a clear-cut opportunity on Galekovic’s error and also conceded the penalty.
Aaron Mooy – 6: One of the more involved players for the visitors and should have scored before the interval, but was wasteful. Won the penalty and also took responsibility by taking it and accordingly scoring.
Robert Koren – 5: Had little influence on proceedings as the experienced campaigner failed to make an impact.
Josh Kennedy – 5.5: The Socceroo was starved of service for most of the encounter and did not cause much of a concern for the defence.
Harry Novillo – 5.5: Never gave up and exhibited determination to find a breakthrough, although his shooting game was somewhat off – spraying a simple one-on-one chance.
Substitutes
David Williams – 5: Superseded Kennedy on the 60th minute.
Stefan Mauk – 5.5: Spread the game successfully and got in between the lines, after being brought on for Germano.
Nicholas Symeoy – 5: Substituted on for Harry Novillo.
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