Melbourne City made it three wins from three at AAMI Park on Sunday afternoon, overcoming a determined Wellington Phoenix side to secure a 2-0 victory in a crucial clash in the race for Finals.
Goals in either half from Aziz Behich and Marcus Younis proved the difference, as City were made to work hard throughout but ultimately showed our quality at both ends of the pitch to bank another important three points.
Team News
Aurelio Vidmar made four changes to the starting XI following Tuesday night’s win over Central Coast, welcoming back several key contributors.
Patrick Beach returned in goal after missing the previous two matches with a quad niggle, while Samuel Souprayen came into defence. Further forward, Marcus Younis returned from suspension and Andrew Nabbout was handed a starting role in attack.
Starting XI: 1. Patrick BEACH (GK), 13. Nathaniel ATKINSON, 22. Germán FERREYRA, 26. Samuel SOUPRAYEN, 16. Aziz BEHICH (C), 19. Zane SCHREIBER, 30. Andreas KUEN, 14. Daniel ARZANI, 28. Marcus YOUNIS, 11. Elbasan RASHANI, 15. Andrew NABBOUT.
Substitutes: 40. James NIEUWENHUIZEN (GK), 2. Harrison DELBRIDGE, 7. Mathew LECKIE, 17. Max CAPUTO, 35. Medin MEMETI, 36. Harry SHILLINGTON, 47. Kavian RAHMANI.
What happened?
City made a composed start to the contest, controlling possession and territory through the opening stages while looking to settle into a rhythm.
An early moment of intrigue came in the 10th minute when City appealed strongly for a handball inside the penalty area, though the referee waved away the claims. Despite enjoying the better of the ball, clear-cut chances were at a premium in what was a relatively measured first half.
City’s midfield unit did well to dictate play, while the defensive structure remained solid whenever Wellington looked to push forward. The breakthrough eventually came through skipper Aziz Behich, who opened the scoring in the first half to give City a deserved lead heading into the break.
The visitors responded after half time, lifting their intensity and applying sustained pressure through a series of set pieces. City’s defence, led by Germán Ferreyra and Souprayen, stood tall during this period, dealing well with the aerial threat and ensuring the lead remained intact.
As the game opened up, City began to look increasingly dangerous in transition. Younis went close in the 67th minute, doing well to control a cross at the back post before sending his effort just wide.
Vidmar turned to his bench shortly after, introducing Max Caputo and Kavian Rahmani in the 72nd minute – changes that would help inject fresh energy into the attack.
Just four minutes later, City found the decisive second goal. Zane Schreiber won possession in midfield before Andreas Kuen drove forward, drawing defenders and threading a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Younis.
The winger made no mistake, producing a clinical first-time finish past the onrushing goalkeeper to double the advantage.
Moments later, the AAMI Park crowd rose to its feet as Mathew Leckie made his long-awaited return, entering the contest in the 83rd minute to a warm reception after his extended spell on the sidelines.
City nearly added a third in a chaotic passage of play soon after, with Caputo denied by a sharp save before Younis’ acrobatic follow-up effort was brilliantly cleared off the line.
While Wellington saw more of the ball in the second half, City consistently looked the more threatening side, creating the better chances and remaining dangerous on the counter. Kuen came close to extending the margin late on, but the two-goal cushion proved more than enough as City saw out the result in professional fashion.
What’s next?
After three consecutive home fixtures, City will now hit the road for the next challenge, travelling to face Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium next Saturday evening.
The team will then return to AAMI Park the following Sunday for the final home game of the season against Adelaide. Click here to get your tickets!
