It was intense, forceful and at times an affair devoid of its pretty nature. Conversely, the scoreless draw in this season’s third edition of the Melbourne derby illustrated the struggling constituents inundated around the rival A-League clubs.
Whilst both outfits have experienced topsy-turvy campaigns, none were able to reap the bragging rights from last Saturday’s contest.
Melbourne Heart were by far the better side, seemingly overrunning its city-neighbour with relative ease in the opening period, before squandering quilt edge chances – most notably, Kristian Sarkies’ blunder in the final minutes, where the former Victory midfielder skied the ball over the bar with only custodian Ante Covic to beat.
It leaves the red and whites on a seven-game winless streak, unable to conjure a win in 2012. Since Heart’s 4-0 demolition of an out-of-sorts Sydney FC in late December, it has only scored a meagre five goals, aspiring to set back the time clock, where it reached the lofty heights of second on the ladder – winning all five fixtures in December, including the 3-2 triumph over its cross-town rival.
Despite a lapse in results, the red half of Melbourne hasn’t displayed a tenuous brand of football, although it ostensibly lacks the killer instinct to finish off teams when the game has been in the balance. This was typified in the club’s 1-0 loss to A-League pacesetter Central Coast Mariners on January 18 at AAMI Park. After controlling large proportions of the play, Heart fell victim to wasteful finishing and consequently conceded a late winner against the run of play.
Sidelined with injury, Brazilian maestro and club captain Fred has been an enormous loss to the club’s midfield organisation and creativity. The playmaker’s influence has been sorely missed, and while a high reliance on individual brilliance is no blueprint prescribed by any coach, John van’t Schip will be eager to get his skipper back on the park this weekend – after training strongly during the week – against the sixth-placed Newcastle Jets at Ausgrid Stadium.
The absence of Heart’s Olyroos trio provided a rare opportunity for young sensation Craig Goodwin to make his entrance onto the A-League scene. With customary left-back Aziz Behich away on national team duties, the youth team defender, signed from last year’s Victorian Premier League Grand Finalist’s Oakleigh Cannons, made a dream debut at senior level.
The 20-year-old didn’t let the sense of occasion get the better of him, featuring prominently in defence, in addition to his blistering runs down the left flank when venturing forward. The South Australian almost capped off a memorable night with a searing strike outside the 18-yard box, however a spectacular save from Covic denied the youngster of a maiden A-League goal. If his inaugural A-League outing is anything to go by, then a bright future beckons for Heart’s latest sensation.
By and large, Heart comprises the ingredients and depth to cause a few headaches in the finals series. Whilst their spot isn’t assured – clinging on to fifth position with a hungry pack preceding it – players in the vein of Fred, Matthew Thompson and Mate Dugandzic will come back to strengthen their charge on a finals assault. Of the seven matches remaining, four are at home, in what will be a taxing project for the A-League’s youngest club.
On the other hand, Melbourne Victory, appear weary and dysfunctional. A two-time A-League champion and three-time Asian Champions League representative, the navy blues set high-benchmarks in the foundational years of the A-League – consistently dominating its opposition on the pitch, while renowned for its stability off the playing field, it was a model that most clubs would attempted to emulate.
Nowadays, the Victory that was so successful in so many ways looks to be a fading light glimmering in the distance – from a non-fiscal perspective.
This campaign has reached little heights, with an abundance of potential not living up to expectations. Melbourne, while victory in name, hasn’t possessed a winning formula, triumphant on only four occasions from 20 matches this season – a paltry return for a team which has the allure of Australia’s most decorated footballer in Harry Kewell.
With a legion of experience on the playing cards, it is the lack of mobility and coherence within the team that has made this outfit a sick version of its former self.
The acquisition of Covic, 36, has been a revelation between the posts – more often than not saving the team’s blushes – although it has become increasingly evident that an injection of fresh blood is required for this club to prosper.
Football is a game of evolution – from technical standards to supporters’ rights – and it’s up to coaches and the supporting staff to keep in tact with the times. Currently, Victory has held on to its old cattle for far too long, and unfortunately for them, it is paying the price.
While it’s never an easy task to dispose of players that have previously won the club high accolades, it is a necessary duty in the modern football era. Several players are beyond 30 years of age – eight in total – and unfortunately for some of them, it will likely be their last hurrah in the Victory colours. A rebuilding process will come into fruition, despite the outcome of the team’s push to participate in the play-offs.
Whilst Victory has one of the more experienced squads in the competition, it would be folly to solely lame the blame on ageing warriors – given the talent still at the club’s disposal.
Confidence seems scarce throughout the team, and mentally, the players appear fragile when defending a lead – on eight occasions this term, Victory has yielded an advantage to not come away with the three points.
The team may be down on morale; however the midfield’s lack of imagination is certainly a major problem. The combination of Leigh Broxham and Grant Brebner – holding midfielders – doesn’t allow the side to penetrate its opposition with vigour, and noticeably leaves the corridor depleted without any real transition from defence to attack.
With playmaker Carlos Hernandez outwardly out of favour and form, the Costa Rican hasn’t been able to provide the impetus he habitually offers. His skill and natural talent have been elements Victory has grown accustomed to over the past few seasons.
Friday night’s meeting with the Mariners will be a stern assignment for Victory, and despite its underwhelming season to date, it can take confidence knowing it is still unbeaten on its home turf and within reach of a top-six berth – three points adrift of the Jets.
Courtesy of Goal Weekly.
Follow Robbie on Twitter @RobertDiFabio.
Robbie Di Fabio
Roar Guru
Thanks for the positive feedback, glad you guys enjoyed it! I guess both Melbourne sides have shown elements of potential on different scales this season, but ultimately have failed to deliver. Victory, with its big name status and successful history since the A-League's inception, would be far more disappointed with the lacklustre performances to date. Although, as Fussball mentioned, there is still hope with seven games remaining. It feels like the never ending saga, however if Victory do hit their straps then it does have talent to dispose of any opposition of its day. As we've witnessed on numerous occasions, players in the calibre of Harry Kewell , Archie Thompson and Carlos Hernandez can alone ignite a resurgence throughout the team, although as mentioned in my piece, the primary problem lies in the midfield and a frail defence – although this was somewhat rectified in last week’s derby. In regards to Heart, winless in seven matches hasn't helped its cause, after sitting second on the table leading at the beginning of 2012. The loss of Olyroos players is a massive hurdle to overcome in the next couple of weeks; however the return of Fred will be an enormous bonus - with their form slump coinciding with his stint on the sidelines. I'm predicting Heart to scrap into the top-six, with possibly Sydney FC making way for either Newcastle Jets or Victory.
Roarchild
Roar Guru
Phew, for a minute there I thought we wouldn't get to talk about Melbourne Victory today :) I quite liked this one though, good article. I think I will be cheering on Magilton's team tonight and hope they take some points of the Mariners.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
A fair and balanced article - well done, Robbie. As you say, MVFC is unbeaten at home - the ONLY team in the HAL to have not lost at home this season. Additionally, despite our poor football, we've been leading 12 out of the 20 games, which means for 12 games MVFC were in a winning position. The fact we've only won managed to win 4 games tells us a story of a team that has the ability to beat the opposition's defence, but has trouble maintaining possession - which is essential to holding on to a lead. In 4 matches this year, MVFC was in a winning position with 10 minutes or less to play. Sure we can talk about "the opposition played better and could have & should have done ... blah blah blah". But, what I've mentioned are actualities - 12 times MVFC were winning, which means 12 times we had control of the game where it matters - on the scoreboard. 7 games to go and, with the HAL ladder very tight this season, a string of wins will see any team - even GCU - storm into Championship contention.