Key Takeaways: Melbourne City vs Western United | OneFootball

By Neal Symons

Four months away, one night. The A-League Men returned as the reigning champions Western United took on Melbourne City in a Grand Final rematch from last season, with a vastly different outcome to that night in May.

New arrival for Western United James Troisi nearly sought to spoil City’s first home match of the season within seconds of kickoff, forcing an outstanding reflex save from Tom Glover.

Some instrumental work from Leckie, Maclaren and Nabbout briefly the swayed momentum back to the premiers, with a Maclaren tap-in ruled out through a foul within the build-up. With the foul deemed controversial by those within attendance, VAR was consulted leaving fans largely disgusted by the outcome.

Moving into the latter stages of the first half, a Kilkenny set-piece found the head of Leo Lacroix, who’s floated header forced an acrobatic safe from Tom Glover.

The deadlock was ultimately broken as a staunch header from Nabbout saw pandemonium within the box, eventuating in an own-goal to Leo Lacroix.

City continued to pepper Western’s goal, as the half came to a close.

Within the second half, a dreadful defensive error from Leo Lacroix saw Jamie Maclaren in a 1v1, with the Socceroos striker finishing with aplomb to make it two.

With changes aplenty, Western United weren’t able to effectively affect the play despite Milanovic scoring a late goal, with the result firmly in the hands of Melbourne City as they earned their first victory of the campaign.

Key Takeaways:

LACKLUSTRE CROWD KICKS OFF THE SEASON

Rain permitting, the attendance for the season opener between last season’s grand finalists leaves much to be desired, considering the heavy marketing campaign from the APL within the last two weeks.

The APL however wouldn’t be overly concerned considering the marquee fixtures of the Big Blue and F3 derby to follow in tomorrow’s action.

Much has been made of the APL’s desire for attendances to return to pre-covid numbers, yet it is abundantly clear that much work has to be done in order to ensure that cognitive steps are being made to ensure that this can be the case moving forward.

Whilst an official number has yet to be named, it certainly didn’t look outstanding from the outset.

WELCOME TO THE A-LEAGUE, VALON BERISHA

Norway and Kosovo international Valon Berisha was signed by Melbourne City on loan this off-season, from French Ligue 1 side Reims. Boasting an impressive resume at the age of only 29, he has suited up for the likes of Lazio, Fortuna Dusseldorf and RB Salzburg.

Starting in a central-attacking position, he wowed those in attendance with his astute touches, an eye for set-pieces and intelligent footballing IQ.

There’s certainly a lot to like about City’s fresh new toy, yet it remains to be seen if he will be able to deliver in droves as the club looks to repeat their exploits from last season.

VAR DRAMA (AGAIN)

A foul within the build-up for City’s ruled out opener certainly created quite the stir on social media, with many deeming Valon Berisha innocent on the balance of play.

A-League Men Round One, AAMI Park.

Melbourne City 2 (Lacroix O.G 38m, Maclaren 59m

Western United 1 (Milanovic 90+2)

Featured Image: Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images