Three games, six days, three goals scored, zero goals conceded, five points. Whilst it's not exactly the perfect set of numbers, if someone had offered me them before last Sunday's match against Brisbane I may very well have taken them up on the offer. There is however two sets of those numbers that require further comment and it's all to do with goals.
As with formations, let's start from the back and have a look at the most pleasing number of those listed above - zero goals conceded. Having conceded nine goals in their opening five games, questions were beginning to be asked of those responsible for keeping the goals out. Chief amongst the fans' targets being the man between the posts, Michael Petkovic.
He of receding hairline has looked extremely shaky in the opening rounds, especially when it came to corners, but with three consecutive clean sheets you can see the confidence returning to the former Socceroos squad member and those around him, not to mention the wonders it has done for my fantasy team.
Whilst there is still the occasional fumble, his excellent diving save to deny a long range Ufuk Talay effort on Saturday night would have to be the highlight of his recent efforts. Melbourne's success has always been built around a dominant figure in the last line of defence and Petkovic is slowly become that figure, and not a moment too soon.
Also up for some criticism of late was the stalwart of the Melbourne defence, Rodrigo Vargas. With claims that his lack of pace was finally catching up with him ringing in his ears, Vargas rolled back the years against the Fury and he along with Leijer made some crucial interventions that ensured that another clean sheet was achieved. Let's hope we see more of those performances.
There is however one member of our back four who has rightly not come under any criticism and that is Surat Sukha. The Thai international, who looks to have bulked up over the season break, has been one of the most consistent performances in the Victory line-up. Whether being played at either right or left back, Sukha has been rarely beaten all season. Whilst he is not afraid to go forward his defensive duties are never forgotten and in many respects is a Thai version of Matthew Kemp.
Whilst the three consecutive clean sheets is most definitely pleasing, only three goals scored, and all of them in one game, is definitely not something to write home about. Ricardinho, who won fans over with the cheekiest of goals against the Roar, is just not suited playing as a lone striker.
In his short Victory career so far, the Brazilian has looked at his best when he is trying to play off another player. As the lone striker he is too often left isolated and a touch frustrated. Also at 5ft 7in we shouldn't be asking him to compete constantly for headers from goal kicks and long balls in more often than not a futile attempts to win the ball. The sooner we get Kruse and more importantly Thompson back on the pitch, the more likely it is that we are going to see the best of our international marquee.
We may be only eight matches into the season, but it is a matter of concern that Carlos Hernandez has yet to find the back of the net and to be fair it's not from lack of trying. Hernandez is second in the league for shots on target and leads the league in shots off target. Many times last season, the Costa Rican's goals took the pressure of our strikers and it is something we need again this season.
Our next challenge sees us travel north to take on the troubled Newcastle Jets, a team against we traditionally struggle, especially away from home. Three points is a must in the lead up to the first ever Melbourne derby in the A-League.
