Melbourne Victory have continued their unbeaten run at Etihad Stadium, securing a comprehensive 3-0 win over Wellington Phoenix to finish off round four of the A-League.
The reigning champions got off to an ideal start, opening the scoring in the 10th minute. Oliver Bozanic’s tackle in the midfield forced the turnover before Gui Finkler passed it out to Besart Berisha, who broke into the box, beat two Phoenix defenders and slotted the ball past Glen Moss.
READ MORE: How Twitter reacted to Melbourne Victory’s 3-0 win over Wellington Phoenix
Although Victory had the advantage, it was an end-to-end contest with both sides looking likely to score.
Just five minutes after the restart Victory had their second. A cross in from the left wing missed everyone and rolled out to Kosta Barbarouses. The Kiwi dribbled into the box where his effort deflected off Andrew Durante to squeeze between the near post and Moss.
Six minutes later, Victory had their third. Berisha beat the offside trap beautifully to get into a one-on-one with Moss. The Albanian got around Moss but tripped in the process, knocking the ball into the empty net from the turf.
The win means Victory are unbeaten in nine at Etihad Stadium and look in promising form ahead of the FFA Cup final clash on Saturday
Melbourne Victory
Danny Vukovic – 7.5: Some exceptional saves from the goalkeeper, kept the Phoenix out of the match.
Jason Geria – 6.5: A solid shift from the young right back in his first start for season 2015-16.
Matthieu Delpierre – 6: An uncharacteristically shaky start from the tall Frenchman soon turned to his usual composed performance, replaced in the 83rd minute.
Leigh Broxham – 6.5: Solid performance from Victory’s makeshift centreback.
Daniel Georgievski – 6.5: Had a wonderful chance in the first half, managed to keep Krishna quiet in the second half.
Oliver Bozanic – 7.5: Brilliant in the midfield, showed off his class and passing ability.
Carl Valeri – 6.5: A brilliant tackle in the first half kept the Phoenix scoreless.
Gui Finkler – 7: A good performance from the Brazilian, all of Victory’s front four were on-song tonight.
Kosta Barbarouses – 8: Forced the own goal, looked threatening and hungry to score.
Besart Berisha – 8: A brace for the Albanian who just loves scoring at Etihad Stadium.
Fahid Ben Khalfallah – 6: The quietest of the Victory attackers, hopefully not suffering from second season syndrome.
Substitutes
Rashid Mahazi – 6: Came on in the 75th minute, did what he had to do.
Thomas Deng – N/A
George Howard – 6: Replaced Berisha in the 72nd minute, had a good chance on goal.
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