The two Melbourne sides have yet again played out another pulsating derby match as the Victory came from behind twice to level the match before being denied the match winner in the most dramatic of circumstances.
Here is a lineup of the best players on the night.
Did we miss anyone?
Thomas Sorensen – Goalkeeper – Melbourne City
Sorensen gets the nod over Danny Vukovic as the veteran shot stopper produced a number of key saves to keep his side level in the latter stages of the matches as the Victory stormed home. The 39-year-old kept out the Victory on a number of occasions, with a number of smart saves. There was not much he could do about the second goal after initially making a good save off Kosta Barbarouses’ initial attempt before being dinked by Fahid Ben Khafallah.
Jason Geria – Full-back – Melbourne Victory
The young full-back continued his solid form since returning from Olyroo duty in arguably his club’s biggest match to date this season. Geria was strong in the tackle throughout the night, dealing with the threat provided by the Melbourne City left side of Ben Garuccio and Jack Clisby as the pair continued to run at a rattled Melbourne defence. Geria continued to link up well with Kosta Barbarouses going forward, continuing their strong combination. The 22-year-old made a nuisance of himself going forward which would have pleased coach Kevin Muscat.
Alex Wilkinson – Centre-back – Melbourne City
Handed his debut for the club at the heart of the defence. Wilkinson’s experience was vital on the big stage as City twice gave up the lead in the 2-2 draw with their cross-town rivals. Lined up alongside Patrick Kisnorbo, the pair’s experience was vital as they dealt well with the threat of Besart Berisha, keeping him quiet in a game where the Albanian usually shines. The Socceroo was taken off with 25 minutes to go, and Wilkinson will only get better as his match fitness improves.
Patrick Kisnorbo – Centre-back – Melbourne City
A strong performance from the Melbourne City skipper as his side shared the points with the Victory on Saturday evening. The veteran defender was key in keeping Besart Berisha quiet for majority of the night in a major plus for City to take out of the match. The former Leeds United man stood tall when his side needed him most, marshalling the troops in the final 35 minutes of the match when City came under the pump from the Victory.
Ivan Franjic – Full-back – Melbourne City
The former Brisbane Roar man did not lose his battle with Victory winger Khafallah nor did he win in an even contest between the pair. Franjic did not seem to be his usual self when he looked to become involved in a number of City attacks, although his overlapping runs ensured he made the Tunisian winger accountable defensively. He kept Khafallah quiet for most of the night, except for the goal.
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Osama Malik – Defensive-midfield – Melbourne City
The January acquisition from Adelaide United produced his strongest performance in a Melbourne City shirt to date, deployed in the holding midfield role. Malik proved to be in the right place at the right time on a number of occasions on Saturday night as he was key to snuffing out a number of attacking threats from the Victory. The 25-year-old made a number of decisive headed clearances which were key in stopping the opposition from finding the back of the net yet again.
Leigh Broxham – Defensive-midfield – Melbourne Victory
Deployed into his more natural position in the centre of the park, Broxham started the match slowly but had more of an impact as the game progressed. Broxham’s true impact came after half time when he found more time and space on the ball as his side settled into its tempo and rhythm. The stand-in skipper was his usual self, strong in the tackle despite being quite small to play in the holding midfield position.
Aaron Mooy – Attacking-midfield – Melbourne City
Yet another outstanding performance from the Socceroos midfielder as he continues to produce outstanding performances week after week. Mooy grabbed himself two more assists from his side’s two goals in the opening half with a well weighted lay-off to Bruno Fornaroli after a superb counter-attack. His second assist got exactly what it deserved, a goal at the end of it following his superb free kick. The former Western Sydney man showed his true range of passing throughout the game and is almost well and truly on his way to the Johnny Warren Medal at season’s end.
Gui Finkler – Attacking-midfield – Melbourne Victory
Finkler was at the centre of the controversy last night after he was disallowed a second goal after the ball was deemed not to have crossed the line, though replays confirmed the ball clearly had crossed the line. Finkler grabbed himself a goal in comical circumstances as the ball managed to deflect off the Brazilian’s back and into the back of the net, giving his side the equaliser only a couple of minutes after the match had resumed following half time. The 30-year-old looked dangerous throughout the night and stood up when his side needed him.
Kosta Barbarouses – Striker – Melbourne Victory
Alongside Finkler, the New Zealand international appeared the most likely to create something for the reigning champions in the 2-2 draw. Barbarouses produced a lively performance as he continued to run at the City defence for much of the night whenever he got the ball at his feet. The Victory winger played a major role in helping to create his side’s first goal. Ben Garuccio will be having nightmares about the Victory flyer who had a dreaded time against the pacey winger.
Bruno Fornaroli – Striker – Melbourne City
Is there anything this man cannot do at this moment in time? Fornaroli produced yet another scintillating performance as he was the main man behind his side’s performance. The Golden Boot leader extended his lead atop those standings with a double; nearest rival Besart Berisha was unable to find the back of the net. The Uruguayan started off the counter-attack for the opening goal of the match with a cheeky rabona before cooling slotting home over a rushing Danny Vukovic. Got the slightest of touches for the second goal off Mooy’s free kick.
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