Arzani shines as Victory dominates in a behind-closed-doors friendly against North Geelong Warriors.
SUMMARY
It was another dominant performance from Melbourne Victory after defeating North Geelong Warriors 3-0 in a rain-filled behind-closed-doors friendly on Wednesday 20 September.
A brilliant first-45 from Daniel Arzani set up Victory for a commanding half.
Ahmed Taleb got the start in goal and was forced into action early, making a diving save to his left when a Warriors shot from outside the box came his way.
North Geelong saw little possession as Victory ensured the ball remained in the attacking half of the ground.
Bruno Fornaroli saw his first chance at goal come in the 8th minute as he weaved his way into the box, only to have his shot deflected, soaring over the keeper.
Arzani broke the deadlock at the 19-minute mark after a pinpoint through-ball from Fornaroli into the box found the winger in behind the defence.
Arzani continued to cause problems for the Warriors, creating chance after chance.
Eli Adams forced a brilliant save from the North Geelong keeper in the 25th minute after Arzani’s cross found Adams in front of goal.
A back four of Geria, Da Silva, Chapman and Traore gave North Geelong little space and time, ensuring the ball remained in Victory’s attacking half.
A new XI took the pitch for the second half with a heavy mix of youth once again.
The second half saw Victory maintain possession, with the Warriors continuing to struggle as the rain to poured.
Casey Bos doubled Victory’s lead 10 minutes into the half after a through-ball from Stef Nigro found Bos on the left running into a 1-on-1 with the North Geelong keeper.
Academy players Daniel Lazarevski and Alex Lee came off the bench while Owen Mccloskey featured once again.
Lee made an instant impact, providing pace down the left.
Mccloskey found the back of the net for the second friendly in a row after the Warriors keeper failed to control Lazarevski’s shot from inside the box after Lee’s cross.
Another dominant half saw Victory finish with a commanding 3-0 win and once again keep a clean sheet.
