Bruno Fornaroli scored the decisive goal of the game but City’s central defensive duo from Denmark and Holland were equally key in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Central Coast.
Dutchman Bart Schenkeveld and Michael Jakobsen from Denmark were outstanding in keeping the pacey Mariners at bay and keeping a clean sheet.
What’s more, Jakobsen completed 86 passes in this game, the most by any player.
He also doubled his average number of completed passes per game in this fixture (37.9).
Schenkeveld finished with 83 passes and was arguably player of the match after a dominant display.
SEE THE GOALS AND RELIVE THE GAME HERE
With an elimination final confirmed, City will be confident with Fornaroli continuing his impressive return to form after a long injury layoff.
But perhaps more important is the central defensive duo, who are in top form right now as the club aims to make a grand final and also earn a right to play in the Asian Champions League next year.
MATCH FACTS
- Including tonight, Melbourne City haven’t lost to the Central Coast Mariners in nine matches (W7, D2).
- Melbourne City has now won three games in a row, after failing to win their previous four games before that.
- The Central Coast Mariners have now lost five games in a row, their worst losing streak of the season.
- Melbourne City finished with four times the number of total shots than the Central Coast Mariners (16 to 4).
