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'You've gotta stop the shot': Harper blasts slack City

Melbourne City's defence came in for some stinging criticism after Perth Glory raced away with an early lead in their A-League elimination final.

Diego Castro got Perth off to the perfect start by firing the visitors in front in the 16th minute of the clash at AAMI Park.

The Spanish maestro showed superb poise to finish off a slick counter-attacking move, by side-footing into the corner of City's goal with four defenders around him.

Castro somehow managed to score surrounded by defenders. Pic: Fox Sports
Castro somehow managed to score surrounded by defenders. Pic: Fox Sports

But the manner in which the home side's defence allowed the sharp-shooter time and space to get his shot away in the box infuriated Fox Sports commentator Andy Harper.

"No one closes the Spaniard down, I mean there were bodies there but you have to suffocate the space," Harper said.

"It's sudden death semi-final football, you've got three Melbourne City players in the ratings, you've gotta stop the shot."

The goal was Castro's 13th for the season. Pic: Getty
The goal was Castro's 13th for the season. Pic: Getty

"You've gotta block the shot and you can't let a great player like that have time and he's killed them."

Joel Chianese doubled the Glory's lead in the 30th minute to leave City with a mountain to climb in the second half.

The home side threw everything at Perth in the second 45 minutes but couldn't crack the visitors' goal as Glory set up a semi-final showdown with premiers Sydney FC next week.