Ross McCormack scores brace as Melbourne City beat Perth Glory

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:36 am

Melbourne City starlet Daniel Arzani was public enemy No. 1 as Ross McCormack scored a double to guide his team to a 2-0 victory over Perth Glory at nib Stadium.

Arzani set up both of McCormack's goals in the opening half as City cruised to their second A-League win on the trot, keeping them within striking distance of second-placed Newcastle.

However, the news is looking grim for seventh-placed Glory, who have now lost three straight games and conceded 11 goals in the process.

City goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis was barely troubled throughout Tuesday's match. The crowd even chanted "we had a shot" when Xavi Torres unleashed a long-range strike in the 62nd minute for a rare Glory effort on target.

McCormack got the ball rolling in the ninth minute by curling in a free kick after Arzani was brought down just outside the box. Arzani, making the first start of his fledgling career, befuddled several defenders before being cut down.

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Glory goalkeeper Liam Reddy should have saved McCormack's strike after getting both hands to the ball, but he misjudged the flight.

Arzani's fancy feet continued to cause Glory's defence all sorts of problems. City were awarded a penalty in the 36th minute when Arzani was brought down after squeezing in between Glory defenders Jeremy Walker and Andreu with a sweet move.

Glory players fumed at the penalty call, adamant Arzani had taken a dive.

The 8,016-strong crowd joined in on the act after seeing a replay on the big screen, booing Arzani relentlessly from that point on.

McCormack buried the penalty, and Arzani bore the consequences as Glory players started unleashing a series of heavy tackles on the youngster.

But the tough treatment failed to deter the Iranian-born midfielder, who continued to attack after half-time until he was subbed off to a chorus of boos in the 65th minute.

Arzani also assisted McCormack's goals in last week's 2-1 win over Wellington. McCormack, who is on loan from Aston Villa, now has 12 goals from 14 games at Melbourne City.