Melbourne City now A-League ‘benchmark’ says Milicic

Jamie Maclaren has yet again stamped his claim as the A-League’s most prolific striker leading Melbourne City to a 3-0 romp over Macarthur FC.

Melbourne City’s Jamie Maclaren beats Macarthur FC goalkeeper Adam Federici at AAMI Park. Picture: Getty Images.

Melbourne City have been labelled the “benchmark” of the competition after a 3-0 drubbing of Macarthur on Friday night.

Jamie Maclaren was at his ever-prolific best scoring a double while Craig Noone’s stunning effort rounded out a 12 minute first-half blitz which led City to a fourth straight win.

The Bulls were unable to test a disciplined back-four while struggling to curtail City’s attack.

Macarthur coach Ante Milicic described City as the team to beat right now and the best team in the A-League right now.

“I could watch the game as many times as I want but I know what I saw,” Milicic said.

“A team with that hunger to score, to win, their fitness, their mobility and their rotations it’s difficult for most teams in the A-League to keep up with the benchmark. To be perfectly honest and with no disrespect to every other team in the A-League but you know the way I analyse the upcoming opponents and I see Melbourne City’s last three games – we knew this will be a difficult game for us and proved to be just that.”

Watch Every Match of The 2020/21 A-League Season Live & On-Demand on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

Milicic also said City were physically superior to their side taking advantage of playing more regular football throughout a disrupted 2020.

“Physically they were at a different level than us,” Milicic said.

“These teams have been playing since June-July so they’ve been together obviously they have fantastic facilities and resources and they run a good program.

“We are nowhere near that at the moment but at the same time I go back to our squad … but the majority of the last real football they played was pre-COVID.”

Despite the win, Melbourne City coach Patrick Kisnorbo said his side took their foot off the gas in the second half but was pleased with how they saw the result out.

“I thought we were okay in the first half,” Kisnorbo said. “Second half we dropped away a bit, it was a bit too transitional for my liking but credit is due, I thought the players managed that situation as the second half went along.”

Since returning from injury, Andrew Nabbout has helped City’s attack go to another level as they have won four from four.

Nabbout was yet again at his blistering best and was integral in providing service for fellow attackers Maclaren and Noone.

“Since he’s come back he has shown a load of great qualities,” Kisnorbo said. “He is great to work with, he wants to learn, he wants to improve and having players like that in your squad makes things easier.”

NCA Newswire