After Melbourne City’s spirited Melbourne Derby comeback on Saturday night, Warren Joyce’s side received praise for their ability to knuckle down and peg back the deficit after conceding early in the second half.
The Age’s Michael Lynch highlighted the “fast and furious first half where City had the best of things, Victory had the better chances and neither side could find a way through,” as the reason why he felt the hosts deserved a share of the spoils from the match.
“Both sides went hammer and tongs like two championship fighters who didn’t like each other and wanted to finish the bout by knockout rather than meander to some safe, proficient and technically adroit points decision.”
Luke Brattan also felt the result was a fair one, speaking to FTBL’s Clement Tito. “We had a couple of good chances and we didn’t put them away and they had a half chance and punished us. It was good to get a goal at the end and we haven’t dropped three points.
“I didn’t think we deserved to lose, so I think there was a bit of justice in the end. It was a good game, it was exciting and a pleasure we didn’t lose it.”
The Herald Sun’s David Davutovic also highlighted the City debut of Michael O’Halloran: “Michael O’Halloran caused Victory’s defence some issues in his 30-minute debut, forcing Victory’s defence quite deep. He threatened to break through several times, but he’ll be better for the run and becomes a vital attacking cog in the absence of Bruno Fornaroli.”
City captain Scott Jamieson told AAP “”It’s up to the football club now and the people above. Hopefully Warren, Bruno and a few of us can maybe sit down and try to work something out for the positive of the football club,”
