Patrick Kisnorbo might not want to bestow the best forward trio to Melbourne City’s Craig Noone, Jamie Maclaren and Andrew Nabbout, but it’s hard to look past a front-three in such raring-hot form.
Maclaren’s late goal against Western Sydney Wanderers is now his sixth in six games, the best goal-scoring run for City since Ross McCormack in the 2017/18 season. Despite this record, Maclaren was outshone by Noone and Nabbout.
Surprisingly Nabbout’s goal is only his first of his season, simply astonishing considering how prolific and vital he has been for City since joining the club from cross-town rivals Victory.
But for City their x-factor has to be veteran midfielder Craig Noone, who adds a level of class and polish to the smash-and-grab combo of Maclaren and Nabbout.
After their win over Wanderers, City boss Patrick Kisnorbo was quick to praise Noone’s effort over the last few weeks.
“I think Noone has been great, not just today but he’s been great pretty much these last couple of weeks, so it’s critically important he is rewarded for his hard work.”
The versatility the City front three have is one of their most significant assets. Noone and Nabbout’s ability to constantly switch wings and keep opposition defenders guessing is enviable.
Although with such a well-connected squad, both players may be switching a little more than Kisnorbo would like.
“I think tonight they swapped a bit too many times, but sometimes you just let the players feel the pitch, and they can sense it, so I have no problem when they switch sides”.
For City fans, the most exciting aspect of their play must be that all three players have combined for 12 of the City’s 19 assists.
Amongst them they have also scored 17 of City’s 26 goals.
Whereas most fans would see this record and presume City’s front three is the reason for success, Kisnorbo is quick to deflect individual praise on them, instead lavishing praise on the rest of the side and the City process.
“They may be in goal scoring form, you know, but the way the ball gets there, it’s collective; it’s not just those three scoring. It’s everyone because we need to move the ball down, so it’s a collective effort
“They get the accolades because they put the ball in the net, but for me, the most important thing is everyone contributing to get to that position.”
City now sits second on the table with a game in hand over ladder leaders, the Central Coast Mariners, who they defeated earlier in the week.
If Melbourne City and their potent attacking players can continue this form, it may be challenging to stop the Victorian outfit from claiming their first premiership.
Feature Image Credit: Melbourne City
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