Melbourne Victory ended Saturday night on top of the A-League Men’s ladder thanks to a comprehensive 3-0 win against Sydney FC at AAMI Park.
Victory came into the game searching for a second consecutive win which would propel them to the top of the table.
Tony Popovic’s team showed their intent from the first whistle, quickly establishing a foothold in the contest.
Victory’s strong start was rewarded when they took the lead in the 20th minute thanks to a clinical finish from Daniel Arzani.
Bruno Fornaroli provided the assist, with Arzani scoring his first goal for the club on a massive occasion.
Sydney FC struggled to contain the Victory attack in the immediate aftermath of the opening goal.
Just minutes later, the hosts had doubled their lead as Zinédine Machach executed a superb chip finish over the goalkeeper having been played in behind the Sydney defence by Jake Brimmer.
The quick-fire double put Popovic’s team in a commanding position, as they saw out the remainder of the half with their lead intact.
Victory picked up right where they left off in the second half, as they quickly reasserted control of the game.
The inevitable finally occurred in the 57th minute, as Bruno Fornaroli added his name to the scoresheet.
A twelfth goal of the season for Fornaroli which all but secured the three points for Victory on the night.
The hosts remained largely unthreatened for the remainder of the contest, although Sydney did come close to pulling one back when they hit the post as the game neared its conclusion.
Popovic made use of his bench as the second half continued, including giving a first appearance of the season to club legend Leigh Broxham.
Ultimately, Victory would run out comprehensive 3-0 winners.
Top of the table at the end of the night, Victory head into next week’s derby against Melbourne City in red-hot form.
Next Match
Melbourne City v Melbourne Victory
Date: Saturday 23 December
Time: 7:45pm (AEDT)
Location: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Tickets: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/Show.aspx?sh=VICTOR1024&utm_medium=banner&utm_source=article&utm_campaign=VICTOR1024
