Sydney FC 1-1 Melbourne City: David Villa debut goal salvages point for the visitors
New-boy David Villa scored on debut as Melbourne City were forced to settle for a point in their 1-1 draw in the Hyundai A-League against Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium on Saturday evening.
Melbourne City remained in control for much of the match with many chances but it was Sydney FC who opened the scoring. And despite the pressure placed on the defence, the side managed remain intact.
Within the first three minutes of the second half, City brought on David Villa to a mixed reception from the mostly sky blue crowd; the cheers of support from the City fans were almost drowned out by the sarcastic chanting from the Cove “you don’t play for Barca anymore!” Sydney were determined to prove That Villa’s star power had no effect in Sydney.
Sydney FC youngster Corey Gameiro made the first strike against City only minutes later with a stunning strike into the back of Redmayne’s goal.
Sydney FC’s defence was able to neutralise David Villa’s influence for almost all the second half. However, a lapse in defence from Seb Ryall gave the striker a single chance at Sydney’s goal and did not hesitate to masterfully control the ball around Ryall and placing it past Janjetovic it into the bottom corner of the goalpost.
Villa’s goal was able to put City back on even terms with Sydney as well and wake City up from their stall in the second half ensuring an even competition for the remainder of the game.
Sydney’s lack of prominent strikers such as Ibini, Janko and Smeltz was an obvious disadvantage that helped City stay in the match as Terry Antonis rocked the crossbar with a spectacular 30 metre screamer that landed on the feet of inexperienced substitute Max Burgess who fired wide of the posts. If the experienced strikes like Janko or Ibini were on the ball, the final result might well have been very different.
With nine games remaining with City, David Villa has shown the extraordinary potential and talent that has made him a world class player. Villa is single-biggest threat for the clubs in the A-League for the remaining weeks.
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