Melbourne Victory have spoiled Sydney FC’s return to the newly rebuilt Allianz Stadium, inflicting a 3-2 defeat on their rivals to begin their A-League Men campaign with a bang.
Chris Ikonomidis proved the difference for Tony Popovic’s side, scoring his first Victory ALM goal and setting up Josh Brillante’s late winner in a positive second-half cameo on a rain-soaked Saturday night.
New Victory signing Nani showed a glimpse of his ability by assisting Ikonomidis in what was an encouraging first start for his side in front of a 21, 840-strong crowd.
Victory conceded first to a goal from Sydney debutant Robert Mak but when Nick D’Agostino levelled in the 30th minute they clicked into life.
“We scored three away goals against a tough opponent, it’s a big win,” said Popovic.
“He (Ikonomidis) had a great pre-season and he’s recovered from that issue with his knee.
“He came on and made the impact we know he can and that will give him belief not just in his ability but in his body.”
Sydney coach Steve Corica was left to rue a missed opportunity as Victory wrecked the Sky Blues’ return to Moore Park.
Sydney, who missed the finals for the first time in six years, had promised a revamped tactical approach and certainly looked threatening in the final third.
Mak grabbed the club’s first goal at the new ground and he and English import Joe Lolley, who looked lively cutting in from the right, both pointed to a more positive future.
“I thought both of them were exciting to watch and there was a good end-product from Robbie,” Corica said.
“Joe had a couple of good efforts as well, he took players on and got balls into the box. They were both very good.”
But there were issues at the back which will leave Corica concerned.
Those worries will be compounded because captain Alex Wilkinson looks set to join Jack Rodwell on the sideline with a groin injury.
“It obviously wouldn’t be great to have them both out,” Corica said.
“One’s bad enough but I thought Rhyan Grant was great at the back.
“Again it was just those little moments, we just need to fix the defence up.”
Wilkinson didn’t return after halftime with the scores 1-1 and the conditions didn’t help proceedings.
The ground became heavier as the second half wore on with footballs and players going where they shouldn’t.
There was a collective gasp when referee Chris Beath collided with Grant but thankfully both got up unscathed.
Nani set up Ikonomidis at the back post in the 67th minute and even though Sydney equalised through defender James Donachie, Victory were able to force victory.
Ikonomidis stretched the Sydney defence before crossing for Brillante to fire past Redmayne and send the travelling Victory fans into a frenzy.
Sydney’s fans also hurled projectiles at Victory goalkeeper Paul Izzo as he sought to waste time late in the game.
© AAP
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