Despite a less than perfect performance, Melbourne Victory returned to the A-League winners circle with a 1-0 win against the Jets earlier this afternoon.
Fahid Ben Khalfallah was the man who netted the winner late in the second-half after a brilliant counter-attack that was led by Kosta Barbarouses. The Tunisian slotted past a helpless Mark Birighitti to give the Victory the points and end what had been a five-match winless run.
Newcastle continue to struggle after what was the fifth game in succession where they have failed to hit the target. Scott Miller has a lot of work to do in the January window if he is to save the season.
Outside90’s Shaun Dyas takes a look at the best individual performances at both ends of the pitch.
Newcastle Jets
Mark Birighitti – 7: Again impressive for the home side, keeping them in the game with a series of crucial saves. It is worrying to think where the Jets would be without him.
Jason Hoffman – 6: Played well and kept Archie Thompson mostly in check. He did go into the book for a crude challenge on Leigh Broxham.
Nigel Boogaard – 6: The skipper was Mr. Reliable again. Never really lets his side down.
Daniel Mullen – 6: Another solid effort alongside Boogaard and the two are the first choice option at centre-back.
Nick Cowburn – 7: Hard to believe he is still technically on a youth league contract. Deserves more as he continues to deliver.
Cameron Watson – 7: One of his better performances since he arrived in Newcastle. Passing was crisp and safe, which is not always the case.
Mateo Poljak – 5: Not great, not terrible. The usual shift from the ex-Wanderer. Does need to show more when the Jets are in possession.
Ben Kantarovski – 6: Playing in the No. 10 role again due to Leonardo’s absence. Was decent, but probably is not what is required in such a crucial position.
Enver Alivodic – 7: A return to form for the Serbian. Linked up well with Milos Trifunovic and they should have put the Jets ahead in the first-half.
Ryan Kitto – 7: Another impressive display from the young man picked up from the South Australian Premier League.
Milos Trifunovic – 6: A better effort from the Serbian, but he has to be more clinical if the Jets are to break their goal scoring duck anytime soon.
Substitutes
Mitch Cooper – N/A: Came on too late. No rating.
Radovan Pavicevic – 5: Tried his hardest but was well contained when he came on.
Braedyn Crowley – 6: Promising moments from the youngster, but never really threatened. Will be better when his body matures as he gets shrugged off the ball too easily.
Melbourne Victory
Danny Vukovic – 6: Solid but rarely tested. Did everything required of him
Jason Geria – 7: Overlapped well and tested the opposition defence when he had the opportunity. The Jets seldom threatened down his side.
Thomas Deng – 8: A real find for the Victory. Forming an impressive partnership with Matthieu Delpierre.
Matthieu Delpierre – 7: Leads at the back for the Victory. Safe as houses and is close to the best centre-back in the A-League.
Daniel Georgievski – 6: Composed defensively but did not really offer anything in the front third. Had one shot that was hit meekly at Birighitti. Should have done better.
Leigh Broxham – 7: Another wholehearted effort from the Victory captain. Probably deserves more credit than he gets.
Oliver Bozanic – 6: Pretty quiet in this one. Seems to be lacking a bit of confidence and penetration with his passing. Did improve in the second-half, but Muscat would expect much better.
Fahid Ben Khalfallah – 6: Another who seems to be lacking in belief. Went into the book early and it seemed to affect the remainder of his match, even though he did hit the back of the net.
Kosta Barbarouses – 7: Always dangerous for the Victory. Has been one of their better players in their winless run.
Archie Thompson – 6: Played well until he was taken-off midway through the second-half. Evergreen again from the Victory legend.
Besart Berisha – 5: His usual angry self. Has not been the same player this seasons and needs to lift if the Victory wants to defend their title.
Substitutes
Connor Pain – 6: Was dangerous when he came on for Thompson. A clever decision by his manager Muscat.
Rashid Mahazi – 7: Never turned the ball over when he came on. Another player who adds great depth to the Victory.
Jesse Makarounas – N/A: Came on too late to have an impact.
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