Melbourne City returned to winning ways with an impressive 4-1 win over Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
It was an electrifying start from City, who were ahead after just 52 seconds when Andreas Kuen netted the opener.
A double from Yonatan Cohen and a late strike from Steven Ugarkovic sealed the points as City made it four wins from four on the road to start the season.
Team News
Head Coach Aurelio Vidmar made three changes to the starting XI that suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to Western Sydney.
Promising young attacker, Arion Sulemani was named to make his starting debut, replacing Medin Memeti in attack.
In defensive midfield, Jimmy Jeggo replaced Zane Schreiber, as a re-shuffle saw Nathaniel Atkinson move to right back in place of Callum Talbot, with Harry Politidis starting on the wing.
Starting XI: 33. Patrick BEACH (GK), 27. Kai TREWIN, 26. Samuel SOUPRAYEN, 16. Aziz BEHICH (C), 8. Jimmy JEGGO, 6. Steven UGARKOVIC, 30. Andreas KUEN, 10. Yonatan COHEN, 13. Nathaniel ATKINSON, 38. Harry POLITIDIS, 20. Arion SULEMANI.
Substitutes: 1. Jamie YOUNG (GK), 19. Zane SCHREIBER, 35. Medin MEMETI, 22. Germán FERREYRA, 46. Ben MAZZEO, 22. Callum TALBOT, 47. Kavian RAHMANI.
What happened?
Looking to bounce back from last week’s disappointment, City couldn’t have asked for a better start to the match.
Andreas Kuen put the visitors ahead inside just 52 seconds after he pinched the ball off Brisbane Roar defender Scott Neville, before driving into the box and firing a low shot into the back of the net.
City didn’t have to wait long to double their advantage, with Kuen again involved.
On the 18th minute mark, a well-executed move down the left flank saw Kuen race away onto Harry Politidis’ touch before cutting the ball back perfectly for Yonatan Cohen, who made no mistake with a clinical finish from inside the box to make it 2-0.
At the half-time break, City were deservedly two goals up and firmly in control of the match.
In one of his best games yet in a City shirt, Kuen was instrumental in attack and the midfielder was once again involved in City’s third. He made a brilliant run through the middle of the pitch, before slipping the ball out into the path of Cohen, who produced a wonderful curling effort to City a commanding 3-0 lead.
Brisbane did manage to pull one back in the 77th minute, after a VAR review resulted in a penalty for the Roar. Nathaniel Atkinson was adjudged to have fouled in the box, and O’Shea stepped up to convert from the spot, giving Brisbane a glimmer of hope at 3-1.
City responded in style, putting the game to bed five minutes later, and ensuring it was merely a consolation goal.
Steven Ugarkovic grabbed his third goal of the season in the 82nd minute, latching onto Ben Mazzeo’s assist. Ugarkovic showed great composure, cheekily slipping the ball through Freke’s legs to make it 4-1 and seal the three points for City.
It was a dominant performance from Vidmar’s side, with Kuen and Cohen particularly impressive throughout, the latter awarded Player of the Match honours.
What’s next?
History awaits as we host Auckland FC at AAMI Park for the first time ever as part of another blockbuster doubleheader. Click here to get your tickets!
