After two thrashings of Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix, the high-scoring train of Melbourne City was halted as Melbourne Victory defeated their cross-town rivals 3-0 at AAMI Park.
In what was a horror start for Melbourne City, Melbourne Victory took an early lead in the Melbourne Derby courtesy of Jake Brimmer who converted from 12-yards inside five minutes of play.
An error from Scott Jamieson was pounced on by Nick D’Agostino and the 24-year-old was fouled by City goalkeeper, Tom Glover. Next, up stepped Brimmer who made no mistake from the spot-kick sending Glover the wrong way.
Seven minutes later, things went from bad to worse for Melbourne City as the Victory doubled their lead at AAMI Park through Marco Rojas who produced a beautiful strike on the 13th-minute mark.
The 30-year-old brought the ball down on the edge of the box and his half-volleyed effort flew right into the top-left corner of Glover’s goal to the delight of the Victory fans.
PENALTY @gomvfc!
Glover tries to clear the ball but clatters into D'Agostino.#MelbDerby is live NOW on 10 and Paramount+ pic.twitter.com/q4UPEyShoc— 10 Football (@10FootballAU) April 9, 2022
Again, it was the Kiwi Messi who struck 12 minutes after adding the second for his side. A brilliant ball into the box saw the New Zealander produce a beautiful two-touch finish that rocketed right past Glover for Victory’s third inside half an hour.
Three minutes later, D’Agostino and Folami combined for what could have been Victory’s fourth but D’Agostino’s strike guided just wide of the City net. Geria was next to have his shot fly over the City goal after Folami set the 28-year-old up inside the City box.
The result is an extremely disappointing one for Melbourne City while Melbourne Victory would be extremely delighted which such an impressive performance over the league leaders.
Key Takeaways:
CAN CITY BE CAUGHT?
Melbourne City was heavily beaten on Saturday evening despite many tipping the reigning champions to beat their cross-town rivals and extend their gap to over 11 points.
It was a shock start for City fans after three quick-fire goals from the hosts, Victory allowed Popovic’s side to stun the defending champions.
Now, the question has to be asked, is this just a bump in the road for Patrick Kisnorbo’s side or is it an early warning sign for a disaster waiting to happen?
Luckily though, second-placed Western United was defeated by Wellington Phoenix 4-1 on the same afternoon which keeps City clear of Western by eight points.
VUCK STUN CITY
From the moment Kris Griffith Jones blew his whistle to get the two sides underway at AAMI Park, it was the hosts who looked to get the scoring underway quickly.
Rejuvenated and refreshed, Brimmer got the party started as his penalty paved the way for an all-time Melbourne Derby classic.
Rojas was next to get in on the party when his strike guided past Glover and the 30-year-old doubled his tally for the evening after a brilliant solo strike inside the City box.
Melbourne Victory’s 3-0 defeat of Melbourne City is their first-ever win in the Melbourne Derby since 2019.
VINTAGE ROJAS
It was vintage Marco Rojas on Saturday evening as the Kiwi winger put together an extremely complete performance which helped his side down City 4-0 at home.
Rojas got his name on the scoresheet with a well-placed half-volley that found the top corner from some distance and he looked to double his tally minutes later.
The 28-year-old got on the end of Jason Davidson’s cross and produced a trademark finish that allowed Victory to go three clear inside the first half.
Melbourne Victory doesn’t have long to celebrate their impressive Melbourne Derby victory as the face-off against Brisbane Roar at home on Tuesday evening.
