Melbourne City boss Warren Joyce insisted tactical reasons were behind Bruno Fornaroli’s surprise exclusion from the squad that lost 2-0 away to Brisbane Roar on Saturday night.
City struggled to consistently pose a credible threat Suncorp Stadium as Adam Taggart’s two goals proved the difference.
REPORT: Two-goal Taggart sinks City for first Roar win
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Former Golden Boot winner Fornaroli, who netted against Brisbane in the FFA Cup in August, played no part after losing a place he has automatically held since arriving just over three years ago.
“You look at us, you look at the opposition, you look at the strengths and weaknesses, you look at us training [and] decide how you want to play,” Joyce said in his post-match news conference.
“Then you pick what you think is the best team on the night to go and win a game.
“I thought the endeavour, the effort and the passing was good.
“I thought there was a lot of good play, a lot of positives. Obviously we’ve not got the three points and that’s the disappointing thing.”
Roar reaped the rewards of an in-form forward with Taggart’s brace securing the club’s first victory of the Hyundai A-League season.
FIVE IN FIVE@adamtaggart22 just can't stop scoring!#ALeague #BRIvMCY #FemaleFootballRound
? @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/7pmZ3EjPsJ— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) November 24, 2018
The former Perth Glory man headed in Eric Bautheac’s cross midway through the first half and later rounded off a fine move that included a neat combination with the classy Alex Lopez.
Taggart’s match-winning efforts were particularly impressed given he briefly popped his shoulder of its socket following an innocuous aerial duel with Bart Schenkeveld during the opening 45 minutes.
“I think I dislocated it for about 30 seconds,” the 25-year-old told Fox Sports.
“I’m sure it might be painful tonight to sleep.
“I’m really happy with the win. I thought it was a fantastic performance and a great win in front of the home crowd.
“That’s the standard now. We need to build on that.”
