Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat believes better finishing could have avoided the dramatic finale which led to his side’s 2-1 win over Adelaide United.
Victory took the lead on 20 minutes at Coopers Stadium on Saturday night through Besart Berisha before Tarek Elrich equalised for the Reds in the 68th minute.
The home side hit the upright twice in the closing stages before Marco Rojas netted in the 93rd minute to give Victory all three points.
Muscat felt Victory should have added a second goal before the break.
“I thought in the first half we were very good value,” he said.
“We got our lead and had some opportunities to go and get a second.
“We could have come in with a greater advantage in the first half.”
Victory looked dangerous in transition and often created a numerical advantage on the counter, especially in the opening 45 minutes.
United also enjoyed a host of chances but were repeatedly thwarted after a standout performance from Melbourne shot stopper Lawrence Thomas.
“It was end to end and both teams were really having a go at each other,” Muscat said.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the football game tonight, it was a great contest with some very good football played (and) with some goals.”
Adelaide United coach Guillermo Amor said despite a second consecutive injury-time defeat at home, his side turned in an impressive performance.
There were positives for the Reds including teenagers Jordan O’Doherty and Riley McGree who were introduced in the second half and looked lively.
Fellow substitute Danny Choi almost snatched a winner late on for United in his A-League debut when he hit the post in the final minutes.
“I liked the game today,” Amor said.
“Our team played fantastic and today it’s impossible to say bad things.
“The attitude of the players, the control in moments for me was very good.
“We have a very good team, sensational players.”
Rob McLean
Guest
It's always been the Victory way. Muscat's been there since the start.
Muchos
Guest
Baro should have been sent off about ten minutes from the end and Bozanic was very lucky as well with his repeated professional fouls. You can't seriously have 30 fouls given and no one sent off, that doesn't make sense. Apart from that the ref was pretty good and a great game. AU definitely created more chances but squandered way too many, and need to improve if they are going to challenge again for silverware. I think if I was Muscat, given the players facilities etc that he has, should be very worried about his job - very lucky to snatch that late win and very far from a convincing display by his team.
Ian
Guest
Oh yeah........against Brisbane. McKay given a yellow for jumping in the air which led to the send off playing a man down.
AZ_RBB
Guest
For some Championship is what they like to watch. The all running, frantic football. Over the last few years thanks to the ALeague I've started to appreciate football where the players have a bit more space but the defensive structure is still strong. If there's a bit of tempo like there was on Saturday then it's a bonus.
Savic
Guest
Victorys tactic against AU for the last few years has been to go in real hard right from the start, this isn't some new reaction.
punter
Guest
We saw that comparison when the best credential EPL side took on the best credential side in La Liga in the champions league last week.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Absolutely they do. The comparisons to La Liga, Bundesliga and Serie A are constant. Feels like it comes up every European matchday and during international tournaments. Comparing yourself against other leagues is actually one of the most enjoyable aspects of being a football fan. I love seeing how the ACL teams play against us. What we do well and what they do better.
Swanny
Guest
I was thinking that quality of game was good European standard. Terrific .. Better then the English championship crap dished up lately
Franko
Guest
Sorry, and last nights game? Was it 30 MV fouls ?
Stevo
Roar Rookie
My point is that sometimes we come across as trying to sound too hard to be relevant. I'm sure no EPL fan worries about comparing their games.
World Football.
Guest
Love the aleague.?
c
Guest
is that you fuss
AZ_RBB
Guest
Yeah pretty much. Doesn't make our league any more relevant. But it's a recognition of the quality on show.
Fussball IUL
Roar Rookie
Fouls 2016/17 1) Brisbane 20 - 11 MVFC (Brisbane had player sent off) 2) MVFC 14 - 16 MCY (In the opening minute Cahill elbows Baro in the head & Baro has to leave the pitch with blood streaming from his face. Cahill doesn't even get a caution) So yeah. MVFC decided we're not going to take this rubbish any more & went in hard. Hope they do the same for the next 24 matches. Ansell got elbowed in the head by Guardiola. Nothing given.
c
Roar Rookie
the style that mvfc play is a reflection of the style their manager played in the past
Nemesis
Guest
It's hugely different. AZ_RBB is comparing the quality of an A-League football match last night with overseas football matches. He's not comparing it to NFL, or MLB, or Tour de France. It's comparing domestic club football with domestic club football.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Do we have to say these things? It's no different to AFL types or others trying to compare their local game with OS sporting leagues just to feel important or relevant. And you know how we get 'stuck' into those bloggers :) It was a good game last night and it had the fans and neutrals glued to the very end. That's all we need.
AZ_RBB
Guest
I'm going to go as far as to say that last night's game wouldn't have looked out of place in some of the top leagues in the world.
pete4
Guest
Absolute cracker last night! Incredible match really thought AU did enough to get the 3 points but will be hurting after losing again at the death for 2nd week in a-row