Melbourne City FC was at its scintillating best last Thursday night in the Club’s 4-2 win over Adelaide United. Here are five things we learned from the entertaining clash at Coopers Stadium.
Bruno at the Double
With five goals in the opening five matches of the Hyundai A-League season, Bruno Fornaroli is already developing a reputation as one of the competition’s most feared strikers.
The Uruguayan was at again at his destructive best, continuing his hot streak in-front of goal with another brace against the Reds to soar to the top of the A-League goal-scoring charts.
Aside from his predatory instincts in front of goal, Fornaroli’s immense strength and quick feet has made him a nightmare for opposition defences to handle, and City will always look a threatening proposition in attack with ‘El Tuna’ leading the line.
Happy as Harry
An explosive winger who dazzles opposition defenders with his vast array of trickery, Head Coach John van’t Schip will be delighted to have talisman Harry Novillo back to full-fitness.
Making his return from a quad injury sustained in the Westfield FFA Cup win over Wellington Phoenix, it was the Novillo-Fornaroli show in the second half as the pair combined for both second-half goals in what is shaping up to be an exciting partnership in the final third.
Providing van’t Schip’s side with boundless energy in attack, Novillo will gain confidence from his impressive showing and will look to carry his momentum into the clash against the Wanderers next Friday.
Psychological win
After a disappointing second half display in the 3-2 loss to Newcastle at AAMI Park last week, City responded in the best possible fashion with a stellar performance against the Reds.
Midfield maestro Aaron Mooy laid the foundations for win with a brilliant first half display, setting up Erik Paartalu for City’s first goal before blasting a superb long-range effort to double the lead, as City shook off their South Australian hoodoo with a first away win in Adelaide in five years.
It was an impressive performance which silenced many critics and proved just how dangerous City can be when at their best.
Sorensen turning back the years
Despite City coasting to a relatively comfortable win at the final whistle, it could have been a much tighter affair were it not for the performance of goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen.
The Danish shot-stopper turned back the years with a string of superb saves to keep the Reds at bay, including an astonishing one-handed save to deny a bullet header from Osama Malik.
It was a commanding performance from Sorensen, whose imposing presence between the posts provides City with a stable foundation in defence.
Wanderers waiting.
Next up for van’t Schip’s side is a stern test against a rejuvenated Western Sydney Wanderers outfit at AAMI Park.
The Wanderers claimed back-to-back wins with an impressive 2-1 away victory against Newcastle Jets on Friday, as goals to Mitch Nichols and Andreu moving Tony Popovic’s side into the Hyundai A-League top six.
Nichols was a constant threat at Hunter Stadium, maintaining his impressive recent form with a well taken winner against the Jets, while Socceroos midfielder Dario Vidosic is slowly returning to his best form since joining the Club at the start of the season.
Despite the Wanderers having a poor record away from home – they have only won two of their last 17 matches on the road – Popovic’s side will be taking a lot of confidence into Friday night’s encounter.
