Melbourne Victory
- Lawrence Thomas (gk) – 6
Left with little chance for any of Western’s goals. Raced upfront for a last-minute corner, but the ball wouldn’t quite drop for him.
2. Storm Roux – 3
Poor output on the attacking end. Couldn’t seem to get his crosses into the penalty area, let alone pick out a teammate.
4. James Donachie – 4
Turned into his own net for Western United’s equaliser. Left Broxham in the lurch with a terrible pass, and Broxham’s subsequent lunge could easily have resulted in a second yellow. Could’ve equalised for Victory in the 83rd minute but nodded wide.
14. Thomas Deng – 5.5
Should have brought Victory level at 3-3 from a brilliant Basha delivery, but the ball came off his shoulder and trickled wide. A poor game, but was ultimately let down by a lack of protection from his midfield.
21. Adama Traore – 5
The years and the injuries seem to have taken their toll on Traore, who doesn’t possess anywhere near the same boundless overlapping energy that characterised his first stint in the A-League. Substituted for Brown as the contest drew to a close.
6. Leigh Broxham – 5
Key interception for Victory’s opener. Arguably should have been sent off for a bad challenge just after half time, when he was already on a yellow card. Left for dead by McDonald on several occasions, and could only deflect the former Socceroo’s 51st minute strike into the top corner.
18. Migjen Basha – 6.5
The best performer in the Victory midfield three, but gave away too many free kicks with heavy tackles – some cynical, others clumsy. His delivery from set pieces was excellent, and he could have had two assists from dead balls, one for Deng, and one for Donachie.
22. Kristijan Dobras – 5.5
The much-maligned Austrian import had his best game for the Victory so far… which may not be saying much. Doubled Victory’s lead in the 7th minute, scuffing his shot but still finding the bottom corner. Seemed to spend more time pointlessly arguing with the referee than he did on the ball.
25. Brandon Lauton – 6.5
Pace and energy on the right flank, but lacking precision. Fired in some promising low crosses but couldn’t quite pick out a target. Nearly scored a debut goal but flicked his side-footed volley just over the bar. A promising debut from the youngster.
17. Elvis Kamsoba – 6
Industrious but ultimately couldn’t contribute much outside of a few isolated moments on the counter attack. His decision-making often left much to be desired, trying to force things too impatiently.
11. Ola Toivonen – 7.5
Put Victory ahead with a beautifully-placed finish into the bottom right corner after Broxham’s interception in midfield. Followed it up two minutes later with an assist for Dobras with the outside of his boot in a near identical scenario. Cut an increasingly frustrated figure as the tide turned against Victory, and struggled after turning his ankle in the second half.
Subs:
7. Kenny Athiu – 5
Headed just wide in the 77th minute. Almost picked out by an excellent Poulsen pass but couldn’t bring the ball down.
8. Jakob Poulsen – 5.5
Nearly played in Athiu with a nice ball in behind.
3. Corey Brown – N/A
Not given enough time to merit a rating.
Western United
- Filip Kurto (gk) – 6
No chance for either of Victory’s goals. Played sweeper-keeper in the 82nd minute, running way outside his area to head clear. His main value to his side was as a truly elite time-waster.
6. Connor Chapman – 6
Followed his captain’s example by gifting to ball to Traore, allowing Victory to break quickly for the second goal. Otherwise defensively very solid.
4. Andrew Durante – 5.5
Costly turnover led directly to Victory’s opener, as he tried to force a pass to Diamanti that was never on. Recovered after the horror start and returned to his usual, dependable self.
22. Ersan Gulum – 6.5
Rarely broke out of a jog in the entire 90 minutes, but it’s an indictment on Victory that he didn’t need to. Positionally very sharp and distributed the ball well on his left foot.
19. Joshua Risdon – 6
Touch was off for the majority of the the first half hour. Teed up Berisha’s equaliser with a header at the back post – the exact same combination that bore fruit in Round 1 against Wellington.
8. Panagiotis Kone – 6
Played an unorthodox role, dropping into almost a right-back position to collect the ball while Risdon hugged the touchline very high and wide. A little sluggish compared to the creative stylings of Diamanti and McDonald.
12. Dario Jertec – 7.5
Completely outplayed Dobras in his understated way. The unspectacular metronome at the base of the Western midfield.
23. Alessandro Diamanti – 8
Always lively and looking to make things happen for WU, even when the tide was going against them. Outstanding reaction to a second ball, controlling the ricochet beautifully and half-volleying into the bottom corner. Seened to tire as the game wore on, and was far less influential in the second half.
11. Connor Pain – 6
Picked up a yellow for a two-footed reducer on Kamsoba, after being nutmegged by the Burundi international. Otherwise stuck to his job, and defended his flank diligently.
18. Besart Berisha – 7.5
Practically anonymous early on, but slowly grew into the game, uncharacteristically dropping deep on a several occasions to receive the ball. His presence was key to the equaliser, but it was eventually credited to Donachie as an own goal. Showed off a couple of sharp dribbles in the second half – perhaps the old dog can learn a few new tricks?
10. Scott McDonald – 9
The crafty, intelligent forward was inspired, dropping between the lines to combine with the midfield. Integral in the build up to both goals, particularly his chip to Risdon at the back post. Hit the upright with a brilliant strike from 30 metres out that had the sprawling Lawrence Thomas beaten. Put his side ahead in the 51st minute, twisting and turning away from Broxham and firing past Thomas with the aid of a deflection. Man of the match performance.
Subs:
14. Max Burgess – 6
Only had 10 minutes off the bench, but produced a couple of nice touches. May merit an increased role over the next few weeks.
5. Dylan Pierias – N/A
89th-minute substitute to soak up time.
2. Aaron Calver – N/A
Brought on in stoppage time.
