Melbourne City’s winning streak has come to an end at the hands of Western United after a 2-1 defeat at AAMI Park on Thursday night.
Starting XI
The designated away side for this fixture, City lost captain Scott Jamieson to a calf injury, replaced in the starting line-up by Ben Garuccio, whilst Nuno Reis returned to the starting line up at the expense of Adrian Luna. The in-form Rostyn Griffiths returned to midfield in his place.
PK makes two changes to his starting line-up for this evening's fixture.
Scott Jamieson has suffered a slight calf strain and is replaced by Ben Garuccio, while Nuno Reis comes straight back into the XI after having recovered from a groin injury.#CmonCity | #WUNvMCY | #ALeague pic.twitter.com/rjEMuvsQZJ
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) April 1, 2021
Melbourne started the game with a flurry of chances, ultimately consolidated upon by Craig Noone. The Englishman won the ball in the attacking third and played in Jamie Maclaren who rewarded Noone’s forward run, cutting back for the winger to turn in goal number five for the season.
Good to see Nooney picked up right where he left off last match! ?
? @FOXFOOTBALL#CmonCity | #WUNvMCY | #ALeague pic.twitter.com/wEfrfHL3sL
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) April 1, 2021
City continued to dominate proceedings but were unable to find the back of the net. The best chances fell to Andrew Nabbout who shot wide and headed straight down the throat of Western United keeper Ryan Scott on separate occasions.
City picked up where they left off in the second half, however Western United scored against the run of play as former City man Lachlan Wales was found by an aerial cut back from Besart Berisha and he flicked the ball home for the equaliser.
Five minutes later, Berisha gave Western United the lead as he trapped a powerful cross, turned and finished.
City threw the proverbial kitchen sink at Western United in the final 25 minutes however the back of the net continued to elude them. Amassing a staggering 27 shots for the match with Griffiths, Maclaren, Noone and Garrucio all going frustratingly close to scoring an equaliser.
The Club will travel to Wollongong to take on the Wellington Phoenix for the first time this season and will look to bounce back and close the gap to the top of the table. Kick off 7.10pm Monday April 5.
Tickets for The Melbourne Derby are on sale now from Ticketek.
