Will Fornaroli's exploits translate into silverware for City?

If Melbourne City are to claim their maiden piece of Hyundai A-League silverware this season, they will undoubtedly do so thanks to striker Bruno Fornaroli.

The Uruguayan has been a revelation in his first campaign in Australia, with his first A-League hat-trick against Sydney FC taking him to 20 goals this term, breaking the competition's record for most goals by a player in a season before finals.

But unlike that Brisbane team that won the championship, City may struggle to end the season with a trophy.

City's defensive issues have been widely reported but it is also their mental fragility that remains a problem.

After two defensive lapses saw City lose 2-1 at Wellington Phoenix last week, John van 't Schip's team again started poorly in a game they were expected to win on Saturday night before eventually prevailing 3-0.

salary cap only underlines the poor record of some A-League marquee players this season.

"He's outstanding," Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold said.

"I don't know how Melbourne City fit him in the cap but you've got to congratulate them because he's top shelf.

"For a little man, he moves well, he reads the game well, he's always in the right place at the right time and he's a great finisher."

Western Sydney Wanderers striker Federico Piovaccari has essentially become irrelevant, having not played since January 16, while Sydney's Filip Holosko again failed to make an impact against City, missing a raft of chances.

City had their own disappointing marquee - the now-departed Robert Koren - in 2015-16, but if Fornaroli is an example of what to expect from the club's recruiting staff from now on, the future looks bright.