REVIEW | Melbourne Victory 3 defeat Adelaide United 2
It was another packed out AAMI Park on Friday evening where 22,334 fans witnessed the Melbourne Victory continue their undefeated run for the season defeating Adelaide United 3-2 in an epic encounter.
It was a frenetic and ill-tempered contest with over 30 fouls being committed and 6 yellow cards being distributed by the final whistle.
Along with the 3 points, the Victory created some history as this win gave them their 5th consecutive home win of the season (first time ever in their history) and they become only the 3rd team ever in the Hyundai A-League to go undefeated for the opening 8 rounds.
With hype and hysteria surrounding the game the entire week, the game promised so much, and oh boy did it deliver. This feisty encounter literally had all you could want in a game of football. The 90 minutes delivered; 5 goals, controversial decisions, a penalty, a touchline bust-up and of course elegant and precise game play.
The game began in a flourish with both teams eager to make their mark, clearly aware of what the win could do for their season. The burst of goals began after 7 minutes, when an unfortunate headed own goal by Nigel Boogaard gave the Victory the first lead of the match – however, the Reds were quick to respond with a devastating ball in by Craig Goodwin from the left flank met by the talented youngster Awer Mabil who finished off nicely.
Although, the Reds found themselves behind soon after, when again an own goal left the defence up in arms and the Victory faithful roaring to their feet. The score read 2-1 with a mere 16 minutes gone.
Yet, the goals were not to stop. Victory soon began to take control of their game, the crowd were being treated to some sublime one touch passing and deft touches by their team – and the flow of the game was swaying towards the blues.
It was another neat piece of play that saw the Victory go ahead 3-1. Daniel Georgievski gathered the ball outside the box, and played an intricate ball through to Ben Khalfallah, who then sent through a crossed ball which found Leigh Broxham’s head who headed home from close range.
Young Socceroo Awer Mabil was looking rather menacing for the Reds within the first half, taunting and provoking his direct opponent along the wings.
Unfortunately for Adelaide, he was hardly assisted with their defence looking shaky and vulnerable as the Victory looked to apply the killer blow.
However, it was a long ball sent in by Marcelo Carrusca which brought the Reds back into the game. His pass found Sergio Cirio in the box who was supposedly fouled by Adrian Leijer providing the Reds with a contentious penalty.
It was the first of many controversial decisions in the game and the 22,000 Victory fans were not impressed with the decision.
Carrusca stepped up to take the penalty, and coolly slotted it past Nathan Coe who in truth had virtually no chance.
Eventually… the players, coaches, spectators and everyone back at home had a chance to catch their breath as Kris Griffiths-Jones called the half to an end with the scores at 3-2
The second half was vastly different to the first. With everyone expecting more goals – it failed to produce any. Nonetheless, that didn’t stop the entertainment from rolling on.
Chances to both sides were aplenty, in particular the Victory who were rather wasteful in front of goal. Another controversial decision saw Besart Berisha brought down in the box, clearly fouled by Nigel Boogaard hut no penalty awarded.
Adelaide began to understand the urgency of the matter as the clock ticked into the final 10 minutes. Although, they were unable to muster up any clear chances besides a few wasted set pieces by Craig Goodwin.
The win boosts the Victory to top of the table whilst the loss leaves the Reds with their first taste of defeat this season.
The Reds will now look ahead to their next fixture where they host the Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday evening, whilst the Victory will have to travel to Gosford to face the Mariners on Friday night.
Final Score: Melbourne Victory 3 – 2 Adelaide United
FTS Man of the Match: Leigh Broxham (Melbourne Victory)
Crowd: 22,334
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