Formation change made the difference

A half time substitution and a formation change for Melbourne City was all they needed to get the three points tonight.

Lauren Barnes entered the field in the 46th minute and immediately made a difference. Barnes experience provided strength, leadership composure to Melbourne. The three at the back formation allowed more width for City, creating more chances and more space for the wingbacks to get high. City seemed more comfortable and confident with the changed formation.

With Barnes coming on and with a changed formation, City were able to score a goal in the 61st minute. Steph Catley took a free kick which rebounded off the post and fell to the head of Rebekah Stott, who made no mistake of touching it into the back of the net.

Perth remain 8th on the ladder after tonight’s defeat, whilst City go four points clear at the top of the table.

61'| GOOOOOOOOALLLLLL!
Catley's free kick from just outside the box comes off the bar but Simon is there to follow it up and heads towards goal before Stott gets on the end of it to help it over the line! 1-0#MCYvPER #WLeague pic.twitter.com/Hznz1LUjN6

— Melbourne City FC 🏙️ (@MelbourneCity) December 19, 2019 ">

 

A scoreless first half

The first 45 minutes flew by without a goal for either side - a rather unexpected score line for a game with such heavy favourites.

Although Melbourne City undoubtedly had more possession, more passes completed and more chances on goal, they certainly weren’t at their usual best.

Ellie Carpenter expressed her frustration at half time. Carpenter said her side’s first half performance wasn’t good enough, and that they were going to have to lift the bar in the second 45 minutes.

Plus, you’ve got to give credit to Perth. After a shaky start, Perth settled and defended well against the table toppers. They denied Melbourne City of most chances in the first half.

The underdogs kept the score to 0-0 in the first 45 minutes and didn’t go without their own chances either.

Kat Jukic launched a rocket of a shot in the 25th minute, and only moments later Morgan Andrews blasted a powerful shot that went agonizingly wide – almost causing the upset of the season so far.

WE ARE HERE FOR THE UPSET OF THE SEASON FORZA GLORY #MCYvPER https://t.co/bHJh1d2Vmn

— The Ladies League (@LadiesALeague) December 19, 2019 ">

 

Pressure on Perth

First place Melbourne City didn’t make it easy for the Western Australians.

From the first minute of the match they were pressing high – and they relentlessly kept the pressure on throughout the whole match.

The statistics of the game were telling. Melbourne City had 70% possession, and ten more shots on goal than Perth. In the first half, City had completed 223 passes in the first half to Perth’s 85.

City also had Ellie Carpenter racking up the kilometres, with numerous through balls finding her feet in space out wide ready for her to cross the ball into the middle.

Although Perth put up a good fight, in the end it’s another loss on the board. It’s been said before, but I’ll say it again – Perth are really struggling without the strike power of Sam Kerr up front.

Our fantasy #WLeague points from #MCYvPER are now live! 🥳 Congratulations to our player of the match (and winning goal scorer) @stotty_13! 🏅 Special mention to @stephcatley who also had a stunning game, with 19 points and one of the best free kicks of the season! 😍#ShePlaysDub pic.twitter.com/e3wwgysVDY

— ShePlays Fantasy League (@sheplays_au) December 19, 2019 ">