Melbourne Victory display unity and resilience

Despite last week’s 2-1 win over the Phoenix in Wellington, the Melbourne Victory were still showing signs of another lacklustre performance raising the obvious questions over Ernie Merrick's sacking. Last night however the Victory showed something different - a new element of their game which they have failed to show previously. Team unity and resilience.

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Fans of the game will clearly claim that referee Ben Williams' decision to send off Matthew Foschini ruined the game, thus ending any hope of an entertaining contest. For the Victory however this was a decision that should be considered a godsend.

Following the dismissal, in the second half Melbourne were able to regroup and play as a team united, despite the fact they ‘parked the bus’. This was the best tactical decision Mehmet Durakovic has made all season, although really he had no other choice. The team managed to stick together and remain stubborn defensively for forty-five minutes, frustrating and limiting the champions to long range efforts that hardly troubled debutant goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas.

Previously they have lacked ambition, grit, determination and unity. These are four key elements considered vital in a championship winning team - just have a look at last week’s performance from the Brisbane Roar against Adelaide and you will know exactly what I mean. There is more to a winning side than history and a Socceroos legend.

Had Victory remained with eleven men I have no doubt we would have seen the same old side that has been frustrating the loyal supporters all season. The Roar would have won the game quite comfortably, easily disposing another competitor for the title as they march on to another Hyundai A-League ‘toilet seat’. The ‘Foschini’ decision forced a stubborn response defensively from the home side, showing glimpses of their former selves.

Victory coach Durakovic stated after the game “I couldn’t be any prouder of these boys, they played against the best team in the league and we manage to put in a great effort defensively”. The coach should remind his players and reference this performance whenever possible, as for the first time this season we saw the Melbourne Victory play as a team united.

Coming up for the Victory is a tough away trip to the other Grand Finalists of last season Central Coast Mariners, who have won consecutive games against Perth Glory and the Wellington Phoenix.

To make matters worse, Durakovic will have to do it without their marquee signing Harry Kewell and playmaker Carlos Hernandez who are both on international duty, as well as in-form goalkeeper Ante Covic and Matthew Foschini. If Victory are able to show the same resiliency and unity as they did against the reigning champions, Durakovic will be making his way back to Melbourne with his second win under his belt.