A win over Western United has propelled Melbourne Victory to the top of the A-League Men, just six months after the competition’s best-supported club claimed its first wooden spoon.
Tony Popovic’s men replaced Macarthur at the summit after the Bulls were brought undone by a well-rehearsed Sydney FC side in Campbelltown on Sunday night.
Even without talismanic midfielder Alessandro Diamanti, who was confirmed by Western manager John Aloisi to have tested positive for COVID-19, the visitors had the first say.
Dylan Wenzel-Halls muddled a fast transition with the Victory scrambling back, but Connor Pain squeezed a shot out and it was palmed away by Ivan Kelava.
Not 10 minutes later, a corner from Victory fulcrum Jake Brimmer was kissed into the net by right-back Jason Geria, marking his first goal in 126 A-League Men appearances.
Western would take just two further touches from the kick-off before the hosts doubled their advantage.
Brimmer snapped up a loose pass from 36-year-old Western midfielder Neil Kilkenny, dribbled towards the box and played a 1-2 with Francesco Margiotta.
The Italian striker turned and spat the ball out to Victory captain Josh Brillante, who hammered a low shot to the left of experienced goalkeeper Jamie Young.
Western defender Léo Lacroix, formerly of French side Saint-Étienne, screamed “how? how?” at his teammates, while Young stormed up the ground to demand better.
With just over 20 minutes to go, Lacroix nearly pulled one back as the hosts scrambled to clear the ball from a corner, but his header bounced back off the bar.
In the 87th minute a loose attempt at a clearance from Victory centre-back Roderick Miranda fizzed into the path of Aleksandar Prijović and he volleyed in the visitors’ first.
A nervous eight minutes ensued as Western pressed for a point, but another goal upon a transition followed for Victory signing Nick D’Agostino, who scored a late equaliser against Melbourne City in the previous round.
Marco Rojas took the ball just metres from Kelava’s territory, skipped past Kilkenny, drew Lustica close and laid off for D’Agostino who rifled in the sealer.
“I thought the first half was very good… the second half maybe shows how far we’ve got to go,” Popovic told reporters after the match.
“It’s expected in many respects, it’s a new team. We’re constantly having to chop and change players.”
Pressed to elaborate, Popovic was guarded but alluded to building chemistry in the midfield and breaking down opponents, as opposed to racing away when there’s an offensive transition.
“We tried to play out and at times we gave the ball away, but when we broke the line it was great to watch, and we created opportunities from that.
“The second half for me just shows how much more we can improve.”
Jake Brimmer has been touted as the team’s creative wellspring, and looked more comfortable than ever with experienced midfielders Josh Brillante and Rai Marchán behind him.
“He had a very good pre-season,” Popovic lit up.
“He’s growing with every match, his good moments are getting longer. He was very influential for us in the front third.
“We’re delighted with his progress, and long may that continue.”
Popovic and the Victory next take on Brisbane Roar, one of two teams not to have won a game this season, at home on Sunday January 2.