A Bruno Fornaroli double sealed the victory for City in a result which takes it level on points with table-topping Sydney, who has a game in hand. 

Fornaroli is in prolific goal-scoring form for Melbourne, with the double taking his tally to four in his last three league games. 

His first goal came via a delightful curled strike from the edge of the box, before he added another early in the second half with a cheeky penalty. 

A bullet header from Sergi Guardiola in the 64th minute gave Adelaide hope, atoning for the handball which resulted in Fornaroli's spot-kick, but City hung on for the victory. 

Adelaide, which has seen Ryan Kitto head against the bar in the first half, has just one point from its opening four A-League games, and could go bottom if other results go against it on matchday four.