Arthur Diles has reflected on the key moments which cost Melbourne Victory in their defeat to Newcastle Jets on Friday night.
His side lost 5-2 in an Isuzu UTE A-League contest full of attacking opportunity at McDonald Jones Stadium, and on another day could have had more to show for their efforts away from home.
As well as netting through Denis Genreau and Keegan Jelacic, both of whom in doing so opened their accounts for the Club, Victory recorded a further 15 goal attempts in the Round 2 fixture, but ultimately came up short as a hat-trick from Alex Batolado and finishes from Ben Gibson and Oscar Fryer gave the Jets all three points.
Speaking during his post-match press conference, Diles provided a chronological review of the game against Newcastle.
“We started the game quite well. The first 15 minutes, we were in a great position. We had the territory, we had a couple of half-chances that we didn’t capitalise on. And then we concede two quick goals, and one of them is a fantastic goal from outside the box.
“We come back, it’s 2-1, and we get ourselves back in the game, and look to finish the half strong. And then right on half-time, we concede, which is not nice, but again, we have a job to do in the second half. And we start well again, we come back into the game at 3-2.
“I think we have all the momentum and we’re building. They’re the moments you have got to capitalise and keep going. In the end, we concede another goal from outside the box, and that’s the story of the night.”
As well as scoring Victory’s first of the match, Genreau provided the assist for Jelacic’s goal, and conducted the majority of the visitor’s brightest moments in the final third.
This noteworthy display followed a player of the match showing on opening night against Auckland FC, which put the A-League on alert.
And his latest performance, backed up by high praise from Diles, suggests there is even more to come.
“He was excellent. The goal and the assist. Just constantly dangerous, constantly a threat.
“That’s only his second 90 minutes in 12 months or so, and he’s going to get a lot better, and he’s already showing his qualities, and he’s only 60-70%.
“He’s got a big ceiling and a lot to look forward to in the coming months.”
Watch Diles’ full post-match press conference below.
