Top performers: Melbourne Victory vs Melbourne City

The end of an era?

The final nail in the coffin? The Melbourne Victory slumped to a resounding 0-6 loss against arch-rivals Melbourne City as Victory were dominated from start to finish. A 90 minutes to forget for the Melbourne side, as the proposed Melbourne Victory ‘rebuild’ under the Scottish Brebner faced another horrific mishap, the worst loss for the Vuck in a Melbourne derby in their history.

To add insult to injury, this is Melbourne Victory’s worst loss in the club’s history.

City’s attacking trio dazzled, providing a multitude of openings against the leaky Victory defence. The quality proved too much, effective through transition and on set pieces.

Nonetheless, it was a fiery contest riddled with acrimony as the restricted capacity crowd were treated once more by one of the A-League’s marquee fixtures with off-field drama set to ensue in the coming weeks for the Victory.

Who were the top performers?

Melbourne City

Conor Metcalfe: 9
Appearing tidy in possession, Metcalfe was a reliable and steady performer as he complemented City’s dynamic play style in the first half. His well-driven ball to Maclaren in the 50th minute was unfortunately not capitalised on, yet Metcalfe grabbed one of his own, driving down the left flank and slotting it home with the assistance of the post.

Metcalfe grabbed another from a cross from Maclaren in arguably his best performance for City thus far in his young career.

Andrew Nabbout: 8.5
Playing against Victory in a Melbourne Derby for the first time led to a chorus of boos erupting as he took his first touches, yet he appeared unfazed at the ground of his former home. He received plenty of action in the opening stages, providing much needed open space as he drove into the box past Dalibor Markovic in the tenth minute.

His brilliant form continued through pressing Markovic down on that right side in the 52nd minute where Florin Berenguer slotted home City’s second. His performance can be described as toying with the young Markovic as he provided glimpses of the star he was for the Newcastle Jets all those years ago.

Craig Noone: 8.5
Looking comfortable across the frontline, he was able to capitalise on the mistakes from Victory’s midfield, providing plenty of crosses for the likes of Maclaren. His short corner routine in the 34th minute led to City’s opener, which closed his tidy first half for City.

His second assist came through another corner routine leading to Rostyn Griffiths heading the ball home for the sealer, typifying City’s recent dominance against the Victory league table-wise. A stunning showing from the English veteran.

Jamie Maclaren: 8.5
Despite being gifted a penalty in the fixture’s infancy, his flick-on from City’s well-coordinated corner led to City’s opener. The lethal finisher was as wily as ever leading the City front line, penetrating Max Crocombe’s goal with ease.

(Mike Owen/Getty Images)

Florin Berenguer: 8
His tidy performance in the first half was rewarded with a second-half flick-on goal as he scored another derby goal for the City blues. Looking strong in all facets of the game, he contributed to the demise of Victory’s confidence. Magnificent play from the Frenchman.

Rostyn Griffiths: 8
Despite his early card, his link-up play with the City front line paid dividends as his physical presence contributed to City winning the midfield battle. He launched high in the air, heading the ball from Noone’s cross to deliver City their third of the evening. The veteran delivered again, albeit in a midfield role.

Honourable mentions: The rest of Melbourne City’s XI

Melbourne Victory

Aaron Anderson
The best of the Victory defence in an abysmal evening for the navy blue, Anderson was effective in many areas in clearing the ball, shutting down runs from Maclaren in behind. His efforts, much like the rest of the Victory, weren’t enough in the end.

Honourable mention: Callum McManaman