Here are the match ratings from Melbourne City’s spirited 1-1 draw against Sydney FC which saw star signing David Villa net his first goal in City colours. His second half strike cancelled out Corey Gameiro’s stunning opener that got the better of Andrew Redmayne at his far post.
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GK: Andrew Redmayne – 6
Did ok, but had fairly little to do. A stronger palm on Gameiro’s opener could’ve seen him escape with a clean sheet.
LB: Iain Ramsay – 6
We know what he offers in an attacking sense, plenty of pace and a decent delivery but much like Aziz Behich before him, City have seen enough in the winger’s defensive game to play him further back. Didn’t look out of place and while he was a little rash in the tackle, he did his stocks no harm.
CB: Paddy Kisnorbo – 7.5
Was the better of the two centre backs for City, repelling a large amount of Sydney deliveries away from the penalty area. Would give a liver and I daresay a limb for the cause as the tough as nails defender threw everything at the ball on a number of occasions.
CB: Rob Wielaert – 7
He’s a smart centre back and his distribution was quite tidy all night. Loved his little on the floor header in his own defence, quality.
RB: Ross Archibald – 5
Much like Ramsay, he’s not a natural full-back but the young man is certainly on paper a better defensive prospect than the man on the opposite flank. You wouldn’t have picked it however as he put in a sub-par display in his full debut. Perhaps a bit harsh, but he was well caught out for Sydney’s goal.
CDM: Erik Paartalu – 6
Offers a massive presence physically in the middle of the park but just didn’t do enough for mine to justify a higher rating. Went missing for large chunks of the game, but sometimes that just means you’re doing your job in that holding midfield role.
CM: Aaron Mooy – 8
Was a standout for Melbourne City on his debut for the club. Full of running and energy, especially in that first half where he nearly latched onto James Brown’s early through ball. Set pieces were a bit of a lottery however but he did manage to test Vedran Janjetovic with a wicked bouncing delivery.
CM: Massimo Murdocca – 7
Was the main ball carrier through the midfield for City. Didn’t impact the contest as much as he could’ve but was still industrious lining up on the left of a midfield three.
LW: James Brown (off 48’) – 5.5
Started like a house on fire, having beaten Janetovic in the opening five minutes, but he failed to beat the crossbar as he saw his side footed volley bounce clear. Was in amongst the action for Melbourne in the first 10, but faded quickly and will be remembered as the man who made way for a certain Spaniard’s A-League debut.
ST: Mate Dugandzic (off 73’) – 4.5
A poor game by his standards, Dugandzic was bullied by the bigger bodied Og Monster and Serb Nikola Petkovic. Got the better of Ognenovski once but inexplicably shot wide with only the keeper to beat. His highlight was a sweet volley which forced Janjetovic into a sharp save.
★ RW: Damien Duff – 8.5 (1 assist) ★
The Irishman was our man of the match as he wound back the clock to put in an energetic performance from the right flank. His delivery was ever dangerous and he still had the trickery to get the better of his direct opponent. Delivered a delectable cut back for David Villa’s equaliser.
Sub: David Villa (on 48’, 1 goal) – 7
Those tuning in witnessed a moment of A-League history as the World Cup winning Spanish superstar netted on his debut. Showed a few flashes but his main highlight was of course the manner in which he took the goal. Cleared the feet, touched wide, stroked into the back of the net. Simply divine.
Sub: Marc Marino (on 73’) – n/a
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Votes:
3. Damien Duff – 8.5
2. Aaron Mooy – 8
1. Paddy Kisnorbo – 7.5
TCF Melbourne Medal Running Tally:
9 – Leigh Broxham (Melbourne Victory)
8.5 – Besart Berisha (Melbourne Victory)
8.5 – Damien Duff (Melbourne City)
8 – Aaron Mooy (Melbourne City)
8 – Daniel Georgievski (Melbourne Victory)
7.5 – Paddy Kisnorbo (Melbourne City)